Thea Horsley and Kelecyn Supernatural.
© Geoff McLean/Gone Riding Media
By Equestrian Life
Young Australian event rider Thea Horsley has made the trip to the UK with her horse Kelecyn Supernatural to gain experience on the international eventing circuit. She is about to line up at her first event on foreign soil at Barbury International Horse Trials, which begins tomorrow!
Equestrian Life caught up with Thea to find out a little bit more about her plans and how she feels about lining up for her first event in the UK…
You’re now in the UK preparing for Barbury International Horse Trials where you’ll compete in the CCI4*-S with Kelecyn Supernatural – how did this trip come about?
I completed my first CCI4*-L at the end of 2018 and decided to aim to compete at 5* level. I came over to the UK because I wanted to experience the eventing scene over here so I contacted Sam (Griffiths) who fortunately had a position available.
Is this your first overseas equestrian venture?
Yes! I was very nervous coming over with my horse at first, but he has settled in well and I’m now excited to get into it.
How long are planning to stay, and what do you hope to learn and achieve whilst in Europe?
I’m not sure at the moment! Currently I’m thinking of staying until the end of next year having completed a 5* event. I am based with Sam Griffiths as a rider and in the short time I have been here I have already had lots of opportunities and have learnt so much.
You will be competing alongside Aussies such as Sam Griffiths and Kevin McNab, who have been living and competing in the UK for many years now. How does it feel?
Surreal! I have been watching these guys event on the TV for years and now to be competing at the same event, let alone in the same class, is really cool.
Best of luck Thea, we look forward to following your progress!
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