Every month, HW receives hundreds of terrific e-mails, stories and letters from our readers (and their horses)! We always love to hear how individual horses have touched the lives of our readers in some way…HW readers can send their ‘horsing around’ stories to mail@horsewyse.com.au - and even though we can’t publish them all, Emma & Starbuck still love to read them!

22 HorSEWySE horsewyse.com.au

Madi Sinderberry, Milly Fisher and Jessie Rice-Ward were chosen for the Australian team along with Chef d’Equipe (coach and team manager) Stephen Dingwall after applying through Equestrian Australia.The event took place in Hongcheon at the Daemyung Resort, which boasts the world’s fourth largest water park, a ski resort and the Vivaldi Park Riding Club. In attendance were some of the world’s top young riders from China, Ireland, Hong Kong, Japan, USA, New Zealand, South Korea and Malaysia. They competed in individual and team showjumping rounds on borrowed ponies, all strictly 14.2hh or under.There was no expense spared to make the event as spectacular as possible, with new arenas built specifically for the competition and German course builder Klause Wilhelm Holle brought over to design the courses as well as international judges and timekeepers.Australia’s team members Madi, Milly and Jessie share a passion for showjumping and all compete regularly in EA, FEI, World Cup and pony club events. They also all knew each other before the event as they live in New South Wales and often compete against each other. But sharing a plane ride, hotel room and an incredible experience has only brought them closer together. The team spent their first day in South Korea exploring the capital city, Seoul, visiting temples and trying different types of food.They then travelled through mountains and farmland to Hongcheon where they got to know their fellow competitors. The girls met their borrowed ponies the day before competition, where they had fifteen minutes to ride and get to know each other then ten minutes in the warm up arena on competition day.

The pressure was on to get to know their ponies’ as quickly as possible!Their Chef d’Equipe Stephen has been a rider, coach and trainerand Cavalier Performance Horses for the past thirteen years, and knew he wanted to apply for the borrowed pony event as soon as he heard about it. He saw it as a great opportunity as a coach and help out some young riders. “The hospitality of our hosts was amazing. We had such a great time” Stephen said. He also had high praise for the girls who he said were very team orientated and focused on getting the best result they could. He loved working with the team and said “I am very confident we will see them at elite levels in this country and quite possible abroad.”Team member Milly currently lives in the Hunter Valley with three horses, Vivianne, Gracey and The Radish who she competes in showjumping events at an impressive 1.20m.

One of her favourite Australian competitions is the Bega Showjumping Cup which she says is “the most fun show every year”. She was thrilled to get her spot on the team after an impressive clear round at the Greater Western Sydney Show and another rider pulling out of the team. Milly’s borrowed pony was a seven year old 13.3hh paint mare called Moran. Although she was a sweet pony, Milly had a difficult ride on her hands as Moran was very nervous. The first round saw them eliminated on jump three, their second round had them eliminated on jump eight, but the highlight of Milly’s trip was their final round which saw them jump clear, a huge improvement for Moran! She said the trip was incredible, and made many new friends and great memories. In

In May this year, three very lucky, talented young riders (and one coach) took part in a three day

showjumping competition in South Korea. By Christie Harrison

Borrowed Pony

An amazing experience and opportunity

Madi Sinderberry

Jessie rice-Ward

L-r Millie, Jessie, Madi with Chef d’Equipe,

Stephen Dingwell on their borrowed ponies

horsewyse.com.au HorSEWySE 23

the future she wouldlike to “keep competing at show jumping and head overseas to work for a top jumping stable when I leave school”.Jessie, who once attended Pony Club, now competes two to four times a month in EA, FEI and World Cup showjumping events on her five horses, Bonaventure, Kiwi Guard, Gypsie Queen, Cutawang Cruiser and JFKShe was surprised when she found out she had been selected for the Australian Team and said it was “one of the best feelings I’ve ever had.” Despite two long ten hour flights, Jessie said the experience was definitely worth it. She found all the competitors easy to get along with and made some lifelong friends. Her borrowed pony was a 14hh Chestnut Riding Pony called Wandoo or ‘Wonny’ who she

enjoyed riding. The highlight for her was placing in the top 10 and the experience of riding a different pony in some amazing arenas.In the future she wants to ride p ro f e s s i ona l l y and breed young horses to train.Madi was the third

member of the team. She competes in EA showjumping with her three main riding horses, Oaks Kosmo, Fernhill Zinzan and Easy Dash. When she found out she had a place on the team she was overwhelmed with questions and said that the “time just couldn’t go fast enough leading up to the trip.” Her pony was a black/brown mare. She didn’t know much about her as the owner did not speak much English, but through sign language worked out the best way to ride her, and that she liked to spook! After starting out worried about approaching fences, Madi slowly gained her pony’s trust and she made a huge improvement! Madi’s highlight was winning the individual section. She said her dad’s favourite moment was the look on her face when she had finished eating what she thought was a big meal full of mushroom sauce, which he then told her was actually full of sea snails! She loved the other competitors and said they all spent a lot of time playing table tennis and bonding. It was also great for the girls to find out about horse riding in other countries and comparing their lifestyles.In the future Madi wants to continue

competing and would also like to coach.The girls all did a fantastic job, with Australia placing 5th overall. In the individual results, Milly placed 16th, Jessie 13th and Madi in 1st place. The team had a fantastic time and felt privileged to be chosen to represent Australia, and thankful to South Korea for the opportunity to do so! These talented young riders will no doubt be making a name for themselves in the future, so keep an eye out!

Jessie jumping on her borrowed pony Wandoo or

Wonny

The girls were so grateful for the care and coaching

of their Chef d’Equipe, Stephen Dingwell.

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