Jan Pike's Journey with Pinky the Wonder Horse Continues!

Competing in the Freestyle

In torrential rain Jan and Pinky achieved a personal best

Jan Pike recently had a fantastic time at the first Paralympic Nomination Event in Tamworth, where she achieved personal best dressage scores, with her wonderful equine partner Pinky, of 73.7% and 73.3%.

Jan was thrilled with the event saying, "Pinky as we all know is amazing, but after this competition no one could have any doubts as to his ability. In under a year my wonderful ex-racehorse has gone from galloping down the straight to dancing with me in the Para Equestrian dressage arena. This was only our second competition together. He was amazing, against an assortment of huge Warmbloods my small, slight of statue horse made his mark. On day two of competition he achieved the second highest percentage overall. Pinky and I were competing against many long standing horse and rider combinations. I began riding Pinky in November last year so our partnership is still growing."

"We had many challenges to overcome during the event but Pinky came through them all with a spirit and determination to match the mighty Phar Lap. For instance, on the day he scored his highest percentage, it had teemed all the previous night and was still pouring when we went out to ride. Never once did he lose focus or become distracted, we were both soaked at the end of our ride. Lucky for me Pinky knew the test as my glasses needed windshield wipers by the conclusion.  The next day we entered the Indoor Arena to begin our Freestyle and as we came in a Fire Alarm siren sounded. Pinky continued unfazed not even blinking an eyelid. For me, unfortunately it was a different story! I have an implant in my brain that controls muscle spasm and it is super sensitive to certain sound pitches. Yep, the siren was one of them - it was like an explosion in my head similar to getting an instant migraine.  As we made our way around the outside of the Arena this amazing horse just kept carrying me and caring for me without any sign of tension. Finally the Fire Brigade arrived and extinguished the alarm. Pinky and I danced through our test and scored our second personal best. Many of the Judges complimented me after the competition on my wonderful horse and our obvious connection."

"I cannot begin to express how proud I am and how much I love my Pinky. He has obviously changed his vocation mid field and will always be my winner!"

A huge congratulations to Jan and the wonderful Pinky on their achievements.

Be sure to come along and watch Pinky strut his stuff at EQUITANA on 10 and 11 November! Jan is looking forward to this event, saying, "Catherine Shelley is not only my Coach but is also Pinky’s owner and rider. The display will begin with Catherine introducing Pinky and I riding our freestyle. Then Cara, who also owns and rides our boy, will demonstrate his versatility by taking him through a showjumping round."

What a wonderful ambassador Pinky is for ex-racehorses!

If you're keen to help Jan and Pinky on their road to London 2012, please email Jan at gpik0206@bigpond.net.au or call 0416 525 192.

Quick Link

• To find out more about Jan and Pinky, read 'Five Minutes With... Jan Pike'.
• If you are interested in sponsoring Jan and Pinky find out more information here.
• Visit the EQUITANA website for tickets.