Grace Kay Doing it all at the Sydney CDI

Grace Kay on Celerity Park Faberge

 

Out of all the equestrian disciplines, Showjumping would have to be one of the most exciting to watch. Even if you're not 'Horsey' it gets you sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to see if the horse will manage to clear a number of jumps placed in a relatively small arena. It only takes the slightest touch for the painted poles to tumble!

The Sydney CDI has had Showjumping as part of its program before and were pleased to announce that it will return this year in the form of Young Horse Jumping competitions for 4,5,6 and 7 year old horses.  

As a spectator, I always have huge admiration for those riders that have the skills to compete at a high level in two equestrian disciplines - Heath Ryan has represented Australia in Dressage and Eventing at an International level, Deon Stokes is a big achiever in Eventing and Dressage as well, Megan Bryant and Judy Clarke also fall into this category.

At the 2013 Sydney CDI, there is only one rider that will be competing in both the dressage and the jumping and on the same horse. Grace Kay from the Hunter Valley will be competing on Celerity Park Faberge (bred by Sonia and Barry McDonald) in the 5 YO Young Horse Dressage Class and the 5 YO Young Horse Jumping Class. Grace will also be jumping in the 4 YO class on one of Claire Seidl's (an accomplished Australian FEI competitor) horses, TS Whip It.

I always find it interesting how sometimes we think that riders seem to appear out of no-where. If the truth be known, they have usually been working hard for many years to get to that level. Grace is no different. " I have been riding for about 15 years (Grace is now 18). I did a lot of eventing and jumping when I was very young before moving to dressage and training under Kim Peterson for many years to come. I was 6 when I went to my first Young Rider (YR) championships, 8 when I won my first state YR competition and 10 when I won my first National YR title."

When I first contacted Grace to do an article, she had that wonderful enthusiasm that most eighteen year olds have. This enthusiasm needs to be nurtured to ensure young riders, such as Grace, have the best chance to live their dreams. The Sydney CDI and Equestrian Australia are quite aware of this and do their utmost to guide these talented riders along the lengthy road of success.

Since her earlier days, Grace has gone on to place in numerous open dressage classes at a National level. In regards to jumping, she has only been back in that saddle for about a year and has already made the National future Squad for Show Jumping with Celerity Park Faberge - stable name, Fab.

Grace is deservedly proud of her achievements "We came 4th in the 5yo YH class at the Summer Showjumping classic and 5th overall in the 5yo Young jumping horse at Dressage and Jumping with the Stars. Whilst down in Melbourne, Greg Best (a world class Showjumping judge) said that Fab was the best horse he had seen in the whole competition and he would take him home which was very exciting to hear!"

Grace currently concentrates on both disciplines equally but is quite aware that the dressage training has helped her and Fab achieve the results to date. " I have no doubt that Fab's super quick transition into jumping is due to the dressage training I do with him, he is naturally very talented but by doing all the Dressage work he is able to hold himself on a course very easily, lengthen and shorten his stride for any combination effortlessly and he has the suppleness and rhythm that make any line achievable. I think the strength and abilities that the horses gain from dressage training allows them to enter any discipline, I have always believed that Dressage should be the basis of any training." Sounds like Grace has also got a good head on her shoulders!

Now that Grace has had a good taste of Showjumping she tries to include a bit of jumping in her training schedule, even with her dressage horses. "I think it's great for their mental health to get out of the dressage arena." To ensure she is on the right track, she has Miguel Tavora as her dressage trainer and Gail Hunter for her jumping.

I also discovered Grace has a good sense of humour. "I think the hardest thing about Dressage is being technically correct, looking effortless and smiling at the same time! Where as, the hardest thing about jumping for me is jumping all the jumps in the right order!"

Although it wonderful seeing all the top horse and rider combinations (old favourites) at the Sydney CDI, it's also great to see champions in the making.

Now that Show Jumping is back on he program, there's no excuse not to bring along your 'non horsey' friends. As we all know, Showjumping is black and white. The jump stays up or it doesn't - pretty easy for anyone to follow. Also, there's nothing like seeing a horse flying through the air with a rider on top and in Grace's case probably with a smile from ear to ear.

The Young Horse Jumping classes for 4,5,6 and 7 year old horses will take place on Saturday, 4 May.

Head to the Sydney CDI - Where All the Stars Gather - Be Part of It!

www.sydneycdi.com

By: Scott Pollock

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