Gemma Creighton to Represent Australia in Bangkok

Queensland’s Gemma Creighton will represent Australia at the International Show Jumping Competition for Young Riders, held from February 21-24 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Gemma, 19 successfully joins the Young Riders team consisting of three showjumpers aged between 16 and 21, after stiff competition from her contemporaries.

“I’m thrilled to have been selected for this competition and to once again have the opportunity to represent my country at an international level,” said Creighton.

Gemma is also looking forward to experiencing an event in Thailand.

“The equestrian world is very different in every country so I am really looking forward to seeing how they do it in Bangkok. There is always something new to learn from every experience, which can help my future performance,” said Creighton. 

Despite owning a string of horses at her home in Helidon near Toowoomba, all riders at the event will compete on borrowed horses. But Gemma isn’t phased that she won’t be riding her own horse.

“It does make it more difficult but I am used to riding a number of different client and event horses each day, so it doesn’t really worry me anymore.

“My approach on unknown horses for a single event is to work with them not against them, so that I can get the best performance possible in the short time I have,” says Creighton.

Gemma has a strong track record in competing at an international level on borrowed horses.

She was on the 9 QLD vs. NZ young rider teams and competed in Malaysia three times, and in Mauritius on the Australian junior team, all on borrowed horses.

Gemma's long term goal is to follow in the footsteps of her father and coach, Guy Creighton who has represented Australia at two Olympics. Guy is a regular coach throughout South-East Queensland.

Gemma’s equestrian talent continues to shine and she was recently selected as a finalist at Equestrian Queensland’s annual Awards Night this month.

By: Jacqueline Dearle