very proud Uncle

[Ded Driver]

so very proud of my niece.
yesterday her & her horse took out WA's most prestigious jumping event. She has worked long & hard to reach this, the highest grade, coming 1st in the Grand Prix class for Equestrian in the Park, on the Swan River foreshore in Perth, competing against WA's best, a couple of interstate riders, & 2 international riders.
This event combines formal show jumping with some of a cross country course, all brought together for 21 jumps. They even dug a pit for a 3 part water jump (typical cross-country jump)
These events are judged on a combination of faults (rails knocked down, horse refuses or runs out), & closest to a pre-determined optimum time, but for this event the rider is not allowed to wear a watch or stopwatch to check their pace.
needless to say, she's on cloud 9 at the moment!

 

[7.62marksman]

:trophy: :trophy: :trophy: :trophy: :trophy: :trophy: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

 

[nucopia]

Well done to your Niece DD
You must be very proud of her achievement..
Is she eyeing the Tokyo Olympics ?

 

[Ded Driver]

no, she isn't aiming for Olympics (yet)
this is one of only a couple of events of this type at this grade (A+++ or '3 star') in Oz.
She would ideally need to go to Europe & compete for a year to get to the Olympics (selection is very stiff), & that is hugely expensive.
The Olympics doesn't have this style jumping/eventing hybrid, but is pure Showjumping, & she is more interested in regular eventing which combines, Dressage, Showjumping & Cross-Country. Olympic riders are usually specialist Showjumpers.
We are hoping she will give the Adelaide event another shot next year. She has been to that one once 3yrs ago. Her & horse are much more experienced now, but its a big trip.

 

[nucopia]

I can understand that.

It cost me a small fortune when my son and daughter were training and competing full time over seas.
Its a hard life , eat sleep train repeat, the athlete has to be 100% commitment and determined.
Its not easy.. but it has its rewards.