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Five Minutes With... Julia Hargreaves

Published on Thursday, July 26, 2012 in Five Minutes With Horsezone

Julia and Vedor in action at Sydney World Cup 2011

 

Julia walking the course at Bonheiden with Georgie Harvey and Suzie Willis in 2011

 

Champion Young Rider at Tempo in 2006 riding Courchevel

 

Riding Vedor to their win at Sydney 2011 World Cup Qualifier

 

Julia and Courchevel at Sale in 2006

When all eyes are on London for the 2012 Olympics, showjumper Julia Hargreaves will be saddling up for her first Olympic games and she couldn't be happier!

Hailing from a horsey family, 26 year old Julia has always had a passion for riding and has worked hard to become one of Australia's top showjumpers. She rides/trains six days a week and last year she moved to Europe to work with Jan Tops and Edwina Tops-Alexander, in order to further advance her skills.

Julia's dedication and determination has paid off as she has been chosen to represent Australia with her wonderful horse Vedor, at the biggest event of them all.

With the Olympics almost upon us, Horsezone caught up with Julia to find out more about this ambitious young rider...

Julia, congratulations on your selection on the Australian Team! When did you first dream of becoming an Olympic equestrian?

I was involved with horses from a young age, and I knew then that I was always going to ride.  I had pretty much zero interest in anything else!! 

What plans did you set in place to help make your dream a reality?

Since I am a very driven character, and I chose only one thing to commit my life to, I just went with that! I have been incredibly lucky to have the support I've had throughout my career. It doesn't feel like I made some huge plan to get here, I think because every decision I make every day has been about my riding and my horses. Of course, the Olympics were the ultimate goal though!

How did you feel when you first found out you were on the Team?

I was shocked!! Everyone else knew except me. When I came out of the ring in Bourg-En-Bresse after completing the Grand Prix (with a result I wasn't too pleased with), Peter Cooke met me at the gate with a smirk on his face.  I said .."so, what does that mean?" He responded, "it means you had 9 faults".   I said..."yes, but what does that mean?!"  Peter said, "You're on the team!"  My heart stopped for a moment.  I think I hadn't smiled in about five weeks… but I made up for it then!  The feeling was total relief.  I think that the actual selection process is the most stressful part of the whole thing.  It was an amazing feeling, and I could finally breathe again... and sleep... and eat... and smile!

Equestrian is the only Olympic sport where an animal is classed as an athlete, what do you look for when purchasing a horse?

Hmm, everyone has a different preference.  I myself look for something tall and athletic, with a lot of scope.  I'm sure this will change eventually, but I'm still not very experienced at this level, so I need something that will look after me when I make a mistake. So the little, sharp and over careful ones don't suit me. I freak out... then they freak out... then I freak out some more!  I have been lucky to have some great horses/teachers in my life, so I've taken little pieces from each of them, and look for that. 

Tell us a bit about Vedor?

I bought Vedor along with my parents and Katie Harvey when he was seven years old. I went to Europe and knew exactly what I wanted.  I had spent a few days trying lots of horses, but when Vedor turned up I watched him unload off the truck and I knew he was the one.  He's a funny horse.  In the ring he is a complete professional, he makes me feel very safe. But I'm pretty sure he has ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder).  But, this is why he so good at his job, we are only in the ring for a short time, so all his concentration is put into that moment.  He's a loveable guy, but is picky about who his friends are.  If he doesn't know or like you, then he will be quite arrogant towards you.

What have you be doing in the lead up to the Olympics? 

I haven't changed anything really, just kept doing what we always do.  Seems to be working!

What are you most looking forward to about London?

Obviously riding into that arena for my country! But, I wont deny it, walking in the opening ceremony will be pretty special... eating breakfast amongst the best athletes in the world... and the flight home on the athletes' plane and then seeing my parents and friends at the airport!

Is there a particular song you like to listen to before a big competition?

There's a few really, they all seem to be from soccer things... Waka Waka by Shakira and Wavin Flag by K'Naan.

Top tips for young riders keen to follow in your footsteps?

Don't think you need to have natural talent or ability to make it to the top.  I don't remember many junior and young rider classes I actually managed to finish! All you need is the drive and the ambition.

Thank you so much for your time Julia and all the absolute best during the Olympics - we'll all be cheering for you and Vedor!

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