Yass High student Isobel Kelly said it’s simple why she loves the sport of showjumping.
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“Everyone is equal in showjumping. Boys compete against girls and there are no limits,” she told the Tribune.
“I like how it’s just you and the horse as well.”
That love of the sport has helped spur the 14-year-old on to Germany to participate in the country’s Young Riders Tour.
Kelly is a member of Yass Pony Club, ACT Showjumping Club, Sydney Showjumping Club, Jumping NSW and EA (Equestrian Australia) NSW Branch. But it will be her trip to Europe in June that is set to stand out on her resume.
Along with other young riders from across the world, Kelly will tour Germany and stop at major horse shows and events, visit world class stables and studs and ride and train at Germany’s most famous riding centre.
During the trip students are required to pass tests in showjumping, dressage and theory for the Federation Equestrian International medal qualification.
In what will be her first overseas venture, Kelly will jet out on June 27 and return on July 21, and she will travel in a group with an age range of between 13 and 25.
Kelly said she couldn’t be more excited.
“I can’t wait to go over there. I love the sport of showjumping and for every rider, Europe is where you want to be. Showjumping in Germany is really huge at the moment.”
Kelly began riding when she was young, starting on Shetland ponies, then moving to ponies and today she rides a gelding called ‘Jaffa in a box’ and a thoroughbred mare called ‘Mrs Gidget’.
“I won’t be able to ride any of my horses over there, but we will be given horses to ride and it will be good to ride a few European horses. Some of the best horses are from Europe.”
In the lead-up to the trip Kelly will participate in shows around the region and, working in with her year nine studies, she will enter as many competitions as possible.
Kelly was in the Gunning Show at the weekend, and over the last few months has been to multiple events up and down the south coast. She also has her eyes firmly set on the Yass Show which will come up in three weekend’s time.
Kelly’s mum, Andrea said her and her husband Geoff are completely behind their daughter in her pursuit of her dream.
“We are totally committed to Isobel’s equestrian pursuits. We are there to support her on this trip to Germany, taking on extra work and fund-raising for her.”
On Saturday, the Kelly family is holding a saddlery sale to raise funds for her trip. It will take place from 8am at 12 Grand Junction Road.