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In the Saddle With... John Twomey - Equestrian Grand Final Exhibition Eventing Competitor

Published on Monday, November 12, 2012 in 2012 Equitana

John competing with Wade Equine Highly Recommended

 

 

 

John and wife Caroline

Eventer John Twomey is really looking forward to the Equestrian Grand Final Exhibition Eventing! John is on fire after winning his last three 3* events with super horse, Wade Equine Highly Recommended (aka HR) and they are in top form heading into EQUITANA. Jo Johnson caught up with John to find out more...

Do you enjoy Exhibition Eventing as much as standard Eventing and if so, why?

Yes. I like that it is all over in about two hours and not three days! Also it is a great opportunity to expose the horses to a big atmosphere.

What is the main difference between Exhibition Eventing and standard Eventing from a competitor's point of view?

The skill set is the same but for Exhibition Eventing the horse would not have to be nearly as fit.

Does Exhibition Eventing suit different horses to standard Eventing?

Not really, however, there is a great deal of atmosphere for the Exhibition Eventing so a horse with a level head is preferable

This is a great spectator sport and wonderful for promoting the sport of Eventing, do you think it will grow in popularity?

I hope so. The crowd seems to get involved and as mentioned, it is a good to get the horses out where there is a big atmosphere.

What are you doing to get your horse in peak form leading up to Equitana? Tell us a bit about him...

He has to be in top form as we will be doing Adelaide 4* the following weekend! Wade Equine Highly Recommended has had a great season having won the last three 3*’s he has contested. We bought “HR”, as he is known to his friends and family, while based in NZ as a 5 yo after he won the New Zealand Young Event Horse Championship. He then won back to back National 1 and 3DE titles at both 1* and then 2*. He is by Brilliant Invader x Diversity/Distelfink. He was bred by a friend of ours Sarah Milne who still retains a small interest in the horse and has keenly followed his Aussie exploits.

Have you been to Equitana before?

Yes, last year, but just as a spectator.

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

Catching up with friends from other disciplines who we don’t see that often and some retail therapy.

What are your plans after Equitana on the competition front?

Adelaide 4* and then a very big rest!

A hot tip for up and coming eventers?

A good coach/mentor will fast track your progress in the sport and help you avoid the pitfalls.

What other horse sports do you enjoy besides eventing?

Showjumping and dressage. I also occasionally get out with polo friends for a stick and ball.

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

Equine Sky Diving sounds like fun. I am sure HR would be up for it. He is afraid of nothing!

How do you enjoy spending your spare time?

With good food and wine, at the beach in summer and snowboarding in winter.

Something people might not know about you?

The only thing I don’t eat is yoghurt!

Thank you so much for your time John. We wish you all the best for the Equestrian Grand Final and look forward to watching the Exhibition Eventing action!

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

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