Location: Tatton, NSW
YOB: 2006
Horse’s Name: BP High Society
Height: 15.2hh
Colour: Chestnut
Breed: Arabian Warmblood
Discipline: Show Jumping
What do you love most about your horse? Spider is my main man who always tries his best in everything he does and never gives up. He is the most gentle horse I have met and would never hurt a fly. I love it when he runs up to me neighing, with or without food, and his personality is so kind. Spider jumps like a superstar and fly's around every jump course, always putting in 110%. I particularly love his nuzzles and his cuddles.
Funny habits, how does your horse make you smile? Spider is the most jealous horse I have ever known, he doesn't want to miss out on anything or for me to be with any of the other horses! If I go up to the arena or pat one of our other horses everyone knows about. He prances around the paddock with his tail up as high as he can get it, crying out for hours, he is a funny little fella. He thinks he is so cool when he does it, and it really is hilarious - this is when you can see the Arabian part of him.
Horse’s Name: Foxhall Miranda
Height: 14hh
Colour: Bay
Breed: Riding Pony
Discipline: Show Jumping
What do you love most about your horse? I love Miranda so much and she has been a part of my life for 5 years now. We have such a strong connection and bond like no other. She will always have a spot in my heart and the best thing about her is she will do anything and everything for me. I love jumping her around the courses as she has the speed of a lightning strike and turns on a dime. The feeling of the wind against my face, her strides beneath me and the crowd cheering out our names is honestly the best. Whenever I get the incorrect strides towards a jump Miranda will always try her best to clear the fence and she also teaches me things about myself each and every day. It isn't always about competing and training hard, and I love hoping off the bus after school and going to jump on Miranda's back without anything on and laying there, listening to music and watching the sky change.
Funny habits, how does your horse make you smile? Miranda is the funniest horse ever! She will come up to you randomly and start licking you or she will follow you around the paddock. Even when I clean up her paddock she will come up, watch and then sleep next to the bucket. I can also make Miranda smile and she makes me laugh so hard as she will keep her lip up and smile for so long. Miranda LOVES Mum's hand cream, and ever so gently licks it off her hands - I think Mum secretly likes her doing it! Miranda also enjoys anything I am eating, particularly corn chips. I will go to catch her from the paddock to ride her, and I sometimes have them with me, and she will try and steal them from me. Of course I end up giving her most of my food 🙄😂.
What do you love most about horses? Horses are the most beautiful creates on this earth. They always try their hardest to do what you ask and if they don't you are more than likely asking the wrong thing. It is never the horses fault! You can create the most unbelievable bonds that can last a lifetime, and I love that they are great listeners who don't tell anyone your secrets. When I am galloping through the paddock with my hair blowing in the wind, hearing their hooves hit the ground, I feel a sense of freedom and power. Hearing the horses neigh out to me in the paddock and follow me around makes me feel so happy, wanted and loved. They are so gentle with their owners and the way they soar over the jumps is magnificent. From my experience, the love you give to a horse they return tenfold.
Do you have an idol in the Equine World? Edwina Tops Alexander is definitely my equestrian idol. I love the passion and determination she has for show jumping, and like her parents, mine also didn’t come from an equestrian background. This hasn’t stopped her riding all over the world and representing Australia, something that I would love to achieve one day.
Who is your biggest supporter? All of my family are always supporting and helping me with everything, but my number one, biggest supporter is my Dad! He does everything for me and has watched every single round from day dot. You can always hear my Dad on the sidelines cheering me on and videoing - sometimes you can hear him through the video encouraging me to keep going 🤭🥰. I am always competing the two of my horses at shows and they are always in separate rings, meaning they clash sometimes. Dad is the one who you will see running back to tack up my other horse so I have enough time to warm up my next horse. He is the one who will get up early in the fog or cold Winter mornings to help me walk the course and make up a game plan! He is a quiet and loving supporter who is always positive, helping me be a better rider and person than I was the day before. I can always hear him saying, 'Indi, work hard, have fun and keep chasing your dreams.'
Describe your favourite horse memory? One of my favourite memories was this year at a show in Albury. Spider and I did our first competitive 1.15m to 1.20m show jumping round, and it was amazing! It was the best feeling soaring over each jump, like it was nothing to him - we were truly flying. Even in the videos you can hear my excitement, as I came out of the ring, while hugging him around his neck, with a huge smile on my face. Everyone was clapping and cheering, and I felt like I was on top of the world. I hope to make many more memories like this with my Spider man!
What are your ambitions or dreams with your current horses? My main goal is to continue to develop and grow as a rider and show jumper. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new and strive to be better than I was yesterday. I am working hard to take both of my horses to State and represent NSW on the National Show jumping Team. I am also really looking forward to competing at Willinga Park as a Junior, I can't wait to see the facilities and compete with Australia's finest show jumpers. Next year, I dream of competing at the Royals, what an amazing experience that will be! In the meantime, I will continue to build a stronger connection with both Miranda and Spider, as they both hold a big spot in my heart.
Where do you see yourself riding in 5 years? By that stage I will have finished High School, so I hope to see myself jumping competitively over 1.30m. I hope to be overseas and working in the equestrian field, before returning to Australia to study Veterinary Science. I would love to be competing internationally, and spending my days living what I love and trying hard to make my dream is a reality.
Why do you want to be part of the Barastoc Junior Squad? It would be a dream come true to be selected as a member of the Barastoc Junior Squad. Being part of the Barastoc family is exactly that, being a family member. The support and encouragement provided is irreplaceable. The way each team member supports each other, sends birthday wishes, provides encouragement and cheers each other on will stay with me forever. I have met many great people from my short journey with Barastoc, and when I pull on my 'Sponsored by Barastoc' shirt and pop on my Barastoc hat, a feeling of pride washes over me. Spotting another Barastoc member at a competition, you automatically know that you can start a conversation with them, this is so empowering and as a younger competitor it really has been confidence building for me. Representing an Australian company makes me feel proud, especially one which is backed by a dedicated team. I have learned so much from Trish and Alex, both display qualities that I admire, and both lead by example, a quality which I have taken on board. I have been pushed out of my comfort zone and because of this I have developed many leadership qualities, which I have transferred into other areas of my life. I absolutely love being part of a team, because together we have been able do great things, things that I could never have been able to do alone. Making a positive impact is so important. Barastoc is passionate about supporting young riders, like myself. I feed off this passion, and in turn support and try to inspire younger and older people to ride and pursue their dreams, just like me! I love that Barastoc are horse people too, they are passionate about supporting other's passion, and horses always come first. All of which aligns directly with my ethos. Being a part of the Barastoc family was one of the best things that has happened to me, and because of this I would love to be able to continue this partnership, and be a part of the family again!
How do you think being a member of the Barastoc Junior Squad will help your riding? Barastoc’s comprehensive range of products and experienced staff have my teams nutritional needs covered. With my horses being in tip top shape and feeling great, my riding will naturally improve, and there will be less down time with injured team mates. Being a member of the Barastoc Junior Squad I know that advice with my horse's nutritional needs will only be a phone call or message away. Having support and encouragement behind me whilst I do what I love, instinctively empowers you as a rider - if you feel great, you ride better! When you feel supported and valued, this in-turn supports a positive mindset, and with this your potential is limitless. Mindset is so powerful, and being a member of the Barastoc Junior Squad will encourage and drive this aspect of my riding. The ability to collaborate is such an important quality, being surrounded with like-minded and passionate riders is like a mirror. You are who you associate with, and when you have the opportunity to associate with riders with the same passion, and who are backed by such an important Australian brand, your potential as a rider and person in general is endless. Being a member of the Barastoc Junior Squad is something I absolutely aspire to be a part of.
Which Barastoc Ambassador would you most like to meet? I would like to meet Russel Johnstone because he is a successful Australian show jumper! He has trained with some amazing riders, both in Australia and Overseas, and has coached many to great success. I have heard Russel speak many times, and he comes across as very down to earth and approachable. I would love to meet Russel and have a lesson or two with him! His positive mindset is quite empowering.
Have you fed Barastoc to your horses in the past? If so, what products did you use? Barastoc feeds are a staple in our stables, and we like to use Calm Performer, Complete Performer and Groom to keep our horses super shiny and performing at their peak. Look at Miranda and Spider’s coats, they are testament to these products! Occy is a limonitic horse and he gets fed Speedi-Beet every day, which has helped him gain his weight back and make him stronger. We also use Barastoc for a chickens and steamed barley for our pet pig, Marshmallow - nothing but the best for our menagerie of animals.