Five Minutes With... Lauren Balcomb

21 year old Lauren Balcomb is based in Duffys Forest, on the northern beaches of NSW where she trains horses and competes successfully in eventing, showjumping and dressage. 

When I have time I love competing in Dressage, particularly in the Young Horse classes. I really love bringing the young horses on, it can be challenging, but also very satisfying.

I also try and showjump as much as time permits.

When I  was at Pony Club, I also loved sporting and mounted games. It was pure fun . I had the most fantastic, handy stock horse called Jack, who could do it all and took us to State Titles on numerous occassions. He even ended up doing some low-level eventing.

I have always wanted to ride track work. My coach Jenny Bennet used to ride for David Payne and has taken me out there to watch.  When I have more time on my hands ill give it a go!  It must be part of the young horse and adrenalin thing that appeals to me. Just really appreciate the Thoroughbred as an athlete also.

Winning Adelaide CCI** in 2008 as a junior on Kootamootoo, and also representing my country in 2009 (second place individual) and 2010 in the Young Rider Trans Tasman Team.

There have been those special ponies/horses, through my early years, that prepared me well for my first serious eventer.  It is probably no surprise that Kootamootoo (aka Kootie) is my favourite. We have now been together for such a long time. We bought him off Boyd Martin as a four year old and I began riding him when he was five.  I have been so lucky to have had such an amazing horse so early in my career, he is a tough one to match!  Thanks Boyd for breeding such a special individual!!

It would be amazing to own Grafenstolz. He is the full package! Competing at the highest levels in Eventing, Showjumping and Dressage.   The Trakheners are so athletic and tough, despite often getting a harsh wrap, they definitely have much to offer to the sport.  We have been lucky enough to have had a foal by him in 2010 which was awarded Elite Foal status in the Ace assessment, and we have another one on the way this year ET to Fantasia (also Trakhener bred and currently competing 1*).

Obviously a horse that can move, is careful and athletic.  It must also be brave and forward thinking.  Most importantly it has to have a trainable temperament and a big heart...

My coach, Jenny, who has been involved in my training and education for over ten years.  Pippa Funnell, I have been reading her autobiography recently which I have found very inspirational. She is  someone who has faced many challenges and despite everything has maintained her focus and worked hard to achieve her goals. I would

 love to get the chance to meet her one day!

 

One top training tip for eventers?

Patience is a virtue - all that is good will come in time. It takes time to produce good horses for this sport so you can't over-face them or bring them along to quickly. They need to be well-schooled, confident, brave and sound at the end of the day, to make it to an elite level. 

Ultra, at desperate times it is shampoo in a bottle!  Licorice treats for the horses, they love them!!

To keep training and bringing on our young horses to the best of my ability. To continue to turn our business into a successful breeding and competition yard. Like everyone who makes this sport their life, of course I would love to compete overseas in the near future and get the chance to represent my country again. 

 

 

How do you relax?

Playing with my dog, Juicy, and listening to music.  When I have a weekend off from competing I love catching up with my friends, going out dancing, and also going to the beach.

Making a lot more money and probably very bored!!

Little! Anything thats small enough to sleep on the bed and cuddle...

Ranvet, my parents (Ray and Julie), my coaches Jenny Bennett, Tim Boland and Vicky Brydon. Our wonderful staff who are there for the hard yards. We have amazing specialists, vets, farriers, etc. that have so much heart for the well-being of our horses. We have been really fortunate.  There are so many people who make our sport fantastic, always endeavouring to make it better and keep it moving forward. You can't not recognise all the amazing volunteers who give up their weekends and more to make the competitions as successful as they can be.  Without them, there would be no events... so many thanks.

 

Thanks so much for your time Lauren and we look forward to seeing more of you, the wonderful Kootamootoo and your young horses in the future!

 

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