Rebel Morrow Bound for Australian International 3DE

By: Meryn Cooper (zebramezmedia)

Morrow on her way to fifth place in the CCI3*at the Goulburn State Championships (Photo: Barb McDermott)

Athens Olympian Rebel Morrow has just qualified for the 4* class at the Australian International three day event in November. It’s a big step for the athlete, who now has the World Equestrian Games and Olympic selection in her sights.  She believes her mount Hillgrove Enviable (Enny) has what it takes to make the games but first the pair has to get through the Adelaide event.

No eventer would argue if you said their sport is filled with highs and lows, and Rebel Morrow has certainly experienced the full gamut of the rollercoaster ride. She’s achieved what many riders only dream about, representing her country.

“My Olympic experience was simply amazing. To represent my country and become an Olympian was the most incredible buzz, something I can highly recommend. It’s something that I would like to do again,” Morrow said.

Morrow was the highest placed Australian eventer at Athens. But shortly after returning home she experienced the lows the sport can offer.  Her Olympic horse Oakley Groover (Groover) suffered an injury and never recovered. He was put to rest mid-way though this year.

“It was heartbreaking, absolutely heartbreaking. I felt as though a big part of me had gone, but I have the most amazing memories of our partnership.”   

Now Morrow hopes she’s on her way back. It’s taken her eight years but she believes she’s got a horse that possesses the X-factor.

“I knew from the first time I saw her being ridden by one of my students, Peter Palmer, up at Burpengary where I was teaching. As soon as I saw the mare, you could just tell”.

And after a sterling round at the Goulburn State Championships where the pair placed fifth in the CCI 3*, they qualified for 4* at Adelaide.

 “Last time I went 4* was in 2005. So I’m feeling super excited, super nervous and there’s going to be a lot of emotion there for me just because last time I rode at it was with Groover. I just want to get out there and have a hell of a good run.”

And despite a long time out from competing 4*, Morrow still has her sights firmly set on a place at Adelaide.

“I’d be happy with winning, I’d be over the moon with winning!" she laughs, "Seriously, if I could just finish on a personal best in all three phases I’d be super happy, no matter what ribbon I get. I’ll be over the moon for both of us. But this is the mare's first time at that level, so I’ve just got to do my personal best.

I love the ribbons and I love the rugs even more, I’d love a victory lap with my hands in the air, absolutely that’s what I’d love the most. But as long as I’m part of that victory lap I’m still going to have a massive smile on my face.”

How Morrow performs at the Australian International Three day Event will have a bearing on her chances for the World Equestrian Games in 2014.

“It means a lot. If I get a very good place in Adelaide I will be knocking on the doors to go on the Elite Squad. I’ll be making a phone call. Up until now they know I’m out there but I haven’t been consistent in my riding at that level. But if I can show I can do a super round at Adelaide, then it’s a different story. And I’d love another Olympics, if I’m not too old!”

For now Morrow has a lot of work to do. She’ll be working closely with coaches Stuart Tinney and Ron Patterson. There’s a 4* dressage test to be learned, cross country training that needs refining and fitness work.

“I have started my gallops later than most, whereas everyone else has been galloping for the last couple of months. This horse doesn’t need that. If I galloped her like everyone else’s horse I wouldn’t be able to ride her in the dressage. You need to know what engine you’re sitting on and I know I’m sitting on a V8.

“She’s a hurdle in herself. She’s a fiery redhead I have a lot to battle with. She’s full of passion and fire, but that’s what makes her a hell of a jumper. She would run to the end of time, if I wanted her to keep on galloping she just would. I know that she has the endurance in her.”

The Australian International runs from the 14-17 November.

Quick Links

• To follow Rebel’s journey go to www.facebook.com/RebelMorrowEventing
• Visit the Australian International 3DE website www.australian3de.com.au