Zoe Grant. Image supplied.

Barastoc Junior Squad: Meet Zoe Grant

In August 2016, Barastoc launched the Barastoc Junior Squad program to riding enthusiasts aged 13 – 18 who are passionate about riding.

The Barastoc Junior Squad aims to teach, inspire and guide young equine enthusiasts. The squad program assists young riders in gaining the experience needed to support a commercial sponsorship in adulthood, if it is desired or needed, as well as provide a solid understanding of feeding their horses. Each year Barastoc welcomes 20-30 new young riders to be part of the team.

Here, we catch up with young NSW show jumper Zoe Grant…

“My name is Zoe Grant and I’m a Junior show jumper from the Far South Coast of New South Wales. I have three main competitive horses that I’ve currently been competing up to 1.30m: Snowy River Billy Jim, Snowy River Billy Joe and Georgie’s Girl.

“I love my relationship with my horses because they are genuinely my best friends, as well as the thrill and happiness they give me when we jump together. I also enjoy the quiet moments with these animals; the trail rides, sitting in the paddock with them, and learning new things together. I love every moment of hard work that is put into my sport.

“One of my main goals for the year was to compete at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, which I did a few weeks ago with Jim, competing in the Junior show jumping section. I’d also really like to jump in some more Junior championships and get some experience in a few Young Rider classes this year.

“My family has bred most of our horses and trained them all from young, so getting to achieve my goals with these horses is very special and only makes the smile on my face bigger when finishing a jump round on any one of them.”

“This year I’ve also had the opportunity to be sponsored by Barastoc as a part of the Junior Squad, which has been an amazing experience. I’ve loved meeting new people from many disciplines of riding and being able to come together while learning great things from idolised people all over the equine industry through our monthly room chats.

“I’m so grateful for the support Barastoc has given me this year. I think this squad is an awesome way for a brand like Barastoc to grow as well as greatly help the future of our sport.”