Five Minutes With... Champion Young Rider of Sydney Royal - James Arkins

 

James, riding Dreamtime Invader, on the way to winning Champion Young Rider at Sydney Royal Show (photo: Julie Wilson)

Horsezone's Georgia Fasher, caught up with showjumper James Arkins after his recent success at Sydney Royal, where he joined the ranks of Australia's best young showjumpers in years past, by being crowned Champion Young Rider of the Show. 

James will be competing at Copabella Classic this weekend and Sydney's Weekend of World Cups on 6 - 8 May and we're looking forward to seeing his performances at these events.

Here we find out more about this promising young rider...

James, how old were you when you first started riding, how did you become involved with showjumping and what do you love about it?

I started riding stereotypically late, at the age of 12.  I think I became involved with showjumping and love it because of the adrenaline you get out of it!  Also my first horse (Dreamtime Invader) was not very good at dressage, so that ruled out dressage and eventing as my main sports, besides I wasn't very patient!

Have you tried any other horse sports?

I have certainly had a go at many other horse sports, including polocrosse, sporting, racing (track riding) and hacking, as well as dressage and eventing, which I still do a bit of...

Do you have a favourite horse?

My favourite horse that I own is Todd (Dreamtime Invader). I have owned him since I was 13 and we have grown together. My favourite horse internationally is Shutterfly (owned and ridden by German rider Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum), at 18 he is still extremely competitive on the world stage.

After having such success at the Sydney Royal what are you looking forward to about the weekend of World Cups?

I did have a fantastic Show at Sydney Royal. My main focus now is to manage my horse, keep him happy and hopefully continue our success. I also will be competing three other horses there, so I need to start preparing them. I have one, my 14.3hh pony 'Cocamo' entered in the eventing, so I am looking forward to that! It should be a lot of fun!  

What's been your proudest moment in showjumping so far?

I would have to say being Champion Young Rider at Sydney Royal this year. It is the first year I have competed there and to go out and win, was just fantastic.

... And your goals for the short and long term future?

Short term goals - to keep building my business and reputation as a rider. Possibly having my first World Cup start towards the end of this year. Long term, I would love to compete internationally on the world stage and ultimately at the Olympic Games.

Who is your sporting icon?

Vicki Roycroft. She is an amazing lady, who works so hard and is so passionate about the sport. I am so lucky to have her on my support team.

What would you be doing if you weren't involved with horses?

I am very artistic and would most probably follow something in that direction.

One last question, would you rather be a big or little dog? (the question was actually meant to be 'own' a big or little dog, but we like James interpretation and answer much better!)

A big dog. I'd like to be able to run free on a farm or something. Wouldn't like having to be dependent on my owner coming home from work to look after me.

Thanks so much for your time, James, congratulations on your success at Sydney and best of luck for Copabella and the Weekend of World Cups.