In the Saddle With... Evie Buller - Equestrian Grand Final Jumping Competitor

Evie and Yalambi's Landor competing in the Olympic Cup at the 2012 New Zealand Horse of the Year Show

Accomplished young showjumper Evie Buller has been having a great year! In lead up to the Be The Influence Equestrian Grand Final, Jo Johnson caught up with Evie who will be competing in the Showjumping Equestrian Grand Final, to find out more about one Australia's best up and coming riders...

You've been having a fantastic year Evie, tell us about some of your successes?

Thank you! Yalambi's Landor and I have stepped up this year for our first season of Grand Prix competition and have had a dream run. In March, we travelled to New Zealand where we won a 1* Grand Prix and then came second in a 3* Grand Prix. We also competed at the New Zealand Horse of the Year Show in Hastings, with much success there including a 3rd place in the Ladies Championship, a 3rd place in the Silver Fern Stakes 150cm - and in this particular class the Trans Tasman teams event was run alongside, which we helped Australia win - and we also gained a 3rd place in the prestigious Olympic Cup. Upon our return home, we had success in Section Two at Sydney Royal Easter Show. We also competed in our first World Cup Qualifier there, and finished in a very thrilling 2nd place! We had much success on the Queensland run as well, placing second in the Gatton World Cup Qualifier and then having a fantastic win at the Brisbane "Ekka" World Cup. We also gained and 8th place at both Caboolture and Melbourne World Cups'. Just recently, at our last show, Landor and I won two classes and came second in the other at the NSW State Championships in Tamworth.

Great work! What do you love most about showjumping?

It's an equal playing ground for everyone - how you perform is based purely on what you do in the ring and not on any individual person's judgement. I love the thrill of showjumping as well, and how rewarding it is when a plan you have for a horse comes together. 

Evie and Yalambi's Landor on their way to winning the Ekka World Cup Qualifier (photo: JMS Photography)

Have you competed in the Equestrian Grand Final Showjumping at Equitana before?

No I haven't - I have always seemed to be in the wrong state to compete in this class! But I'm definitely looking forward to making a debut this year.

What are you most looking forward to about competing at Equitana?

Equitana looks like it's always a lovely arena, with big knowledgeable crowds, a big atmosphere and good coverage!

What are you doing to get Yalambi's Landor in peak form leading up to Equitana?

He had a short break after Melbourne Royal Show at the start of October, and since then I have been working on getting him as fit as possible and concentrating on our flat work. We competed at the NSW Titles at the end of October and he was fantastic there. Then we only have Shepparton and then Equitana. So we should have a good preparation. 

What are you looking forward to most about Equitana, besides competing?

I've heard the shopping there is great, so I'm definitely looking forward to some retail therapy!

What are your plans after Equitana on the competition front?

I will compete at Sale World Cup and SIEC World Cup this year, and then I intend to take Landor and a younger horse to Europe in February, to gain experience at a higher level and aim to get to the World Equestrian Games in Normandy 2014.

Who in the sport of showjumping has inspired you?

In the sport of showjumping I have to say Edwina (Tops-Alexander) is a huge inspiration. Her determination and dedication to get to the top, and win, is second to none!  On a more personal level, my parents Chris and Estelle are fantastic mentors who have been very supportive of me for a long time, through the ups and the downs. 

2012 Ekka World Cup winners! (Photo: JMS Photography)

A hot tip for young showjumpers wanting to succeed?

Work hard and always be striving higher!

What other horse sports do you enjoy besides showjumping?

I enjoy watching Driving competitions - it's so different to what I do and it really fascinates me. 

Is there a horse sport you'd love to try?

I'd love to have an attempt at Vaulting one day. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Spending time with family and friends.

Something people mightn't know about you?

I call home a locality in the south west of Western Australia called Bokal.

Favourite movie?

Green Lantern. I just love that movie!

What are you listening to right now?

Don't You Worry Child by Swedish House Mafia 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully running a successful business here in Australia, helping others pursue their show jumping careers!

Thank you so much for your time Evie! We look forward to catching up with you at EQUITANA and wish you all the best for the Equestrian Grand Final.

The Be the Influence Equestrian Grand Final will see some of equestrian sports finest, challenged by a host of young rising stars, when world class riders gather to compete in this premier multidiscipline event, which will feature dressage, jumping and exhibition eventing.

Visit the Horsezone stand (site #216 in the Grand Hall) at EQUITANA and meet paralympic gold medallist, Joann Formosa and go into the draws for great daily prizes! READ MORE

Quick Links

• Find out more about the Be The Influence Equestrian Grand Final
• Read more about Evie's Ekka World Cup win
• View showjumping horses for sale on Horsezone