IT had been 12 years since a horse prepared entirely in the southern hemisphere represented New Zealand at a major championship – until last year’s World Championships.
Not since Clarke Johnstone and Orient Express landed world team bronze in 2010 had a rider managed to beat the British-based pairs to a selection spot, but in September 2022, Monica Spencer and Artist made the trip to Pratoni and helped their nation to another team bronze.
“It was a big thing for that to happen and something I’m really proud of, that I could prepare a horse to that level from down here without being among the best in the world,” reflects Monica. “We just kept striving to keep those scores down and you’re always trying to measure yourself against the best, without competing alongside them.”
The 36-year-old says the fact that her main coach, 2013 Badminton winner Jock Paget, has extensive experience in Britain was instrumental.
“He did his stint over there and knew the standard, brought that back here and then was always pushing us to be at the level,” she says.
New Zealand also hadn’t won a medal since 2012 until Pratoni.
“It was an honour to be a contributing score to a bronze medal and I do believe that it is the start of a new era for New Zealand and there is lots more to come,” adds Monica.
With that worlds result followed by seventh at Maryland CCI5* this autumn, it seems clear now that there is more to come for Monica as well as New Zealand. But five years ago, top-level sport was not on this talented, self-effacing rider’s radar.
Denne historien er fra December 07, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra December 07, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
