Alison Rowland is the 2012 Be the Influence Equestrian Grand Final Jumping Champion

Alison Rowland and Bickley Brook Bella Photo: Michelle Terlato (EQ Life)

Alison Rowland of Western Australia has won the Jumping title at this year’s Be the Influence Equestrian Grand Final.

A veteran of the Australian World Cup circuit, Alison and her 10 year old mare Bickley Brook Bella were outstanding In front of the packed Grand Pavilion at EQUITANA Melbourne.

The combination impressed from the beginning and took an early lead over the 16 strong field after they were the only combination to produce a clear first round. They returned to the arena a short time later and went clear for a second time to claim the title.  

Despite losing a contact lens midway through the first round, Alison was able to remain composed and finished the round without incurring any penalties.

“It’s not the first time that it’s happened but fortunately she was able to keep her eyes on it and she knows what she’s doing,” Alison said. 

The two round competition tested Australia’s World Cup horses and riders but the West Australian combination didn’t fault under pressure. In just her first season competing at World Cup level, Bickley Brook Bella has already won three World Cup qualifiers.

“Under the lights she was being even more careful than usual but it’s easy when you’ve got an easy horse to ride and she is easy, she’s just the nicest horse.”

“This is a great outcome, it was a tough course and we want to take her overseas next year and try and make the team for the World Equestrian Games so it’s good to get an indication of whether she’s good enough.”

The Be the Influence Equestrian Grand Final continues Friday and will see Australia’s best event riders battle it out for the Exhibition Eventing title.

Story: Equestrian Australia

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