The 2019 Trans-Tasman Endurance Competition is almost here!

As a professional and fulltime endurance rider, 21-year-old Tahlia Franke has travelled the world competing and training in endurance

© Sarah Sullivan Photography

By Rebecca Radny

The aspiration to represent your country is one that is held by many equestrians throughout Australia. Four Australian riders have been selected for the opportunity to fulfil this ambition for the 2019 Trans-Tasman Endurance Competition at Waiouru in New Zealand’s North Island. To be held over 29 November to 1 December, the Trans-Tasman is a team event held annually and the host alternates between Australia and New Zealand each year. Riders from New Zealand and Australia will compete in either CEI 80km* or CEI 120km** events in an attempt to win the coveted silver plate team trophy. Over 25 Australian riders vied for a spot on the teams list, which ultimately comprises of Tahlia Franke (the youth rider for the team), Marty Bryson, Sorsha Stuart-Rokvic and Jessie-Lee Herman along with Sonya Ryan as the Chef d’Equipe. Alison Noble is selected as a travelling reserve.

As a professional and full time endurance rider, Tahlia Franke (21) has travelled the world competing and training in endurance. “I have completed thousands of kilometres in competition outside of Australia,” Tahlia explains, “Though my ultimate aim has always been to wear the Australian uniform”. However, Tahlia acknowledges one of the key challenges with the Trans-Tasman event: competing on borrowed horses. The Australian riders will be matched with horses leased by the host country, which brings a whole new level of anticipation to the event. “I have competed on 80 different horses so it’s a challenge I’m up for,” Tahlia reflects, “However, it’s always harder to compete competitively against riders on their own horses.”

Sorsha Stuart Rokvic represented Australia at the 2017 Trans-Tasman event, and is also representing Australia this year

© Sarah Sullivan Photography

Marty Bryson (49) has ridden around Australia and is ready to experience international competition. “I feel this is the ultimate privilege…representing my country and being a part of the Australian Equestrian Team is such an incredible honour!” Marty exclaims. Having been surrounded by horses her whole life, Marty has recently begun to realise her aspirations to compete internationally. “I stepped out of endurance for a few years to marry, have a family and build our current farm. I have now been competing consistently since 2012 and, boy, have I learnt a heap along the way,” explains Marty. Marty is backed by her supportive husband, Paul, and their children Daisy, Kurt and Will, who will be holding the fort in Australia whilst Marty is in New Zealand. Martin Mizzi has been nominated as Marty’s “strapper” (endurance for “groom”!) and the pair look forward to working alongside each other in this event.

Sorsha Stuart-Rokvic (23) has achieved amazing milestones in endurance thus far. Since representing Australia in the 2017 Trans-Tasman event, Sorsha is keen to back up her fantastic second place effort in the CEI 80km* event. “It gives you a great sense of pride wearing the Australian uniform and being a part of the Australian Team,” describes Sorsha, “Representing Australia in the Trans-Tasman has been my goal since I began this sport in 2011. It makes it even more exciting being held in New Zealand- riding in another country is such a special experience”. Sorsha’s biggest supporter is her mum, who will be strapping for her daughter at this international event.

Jessie-Lee Herman (27) is thrilled to be selected to represent Australia for the first time. “If you had told me in 2013 when I started out in this sport I would be representing Australia, there is no way I would have believed it,” marvels Jessie-Lee, “It is a huge honour, which still seems very surreal.” Jessie-Lee is looking forward to the challenge of meeting her new horse and working alongside her Australian team members.

Jessie-Lee Herman is thrilled to be selected to represent Australia for the first time

The youngest member of the team is Alison Noble (15). Alison is the travelling reserve for the team and is eager to experience the endurance culture in New Zealand. “This will be my first time overseas and I can’t wait to see another country,” Alison states, “I will learn so much from this experience.”