Jade Wallenburg. Image by DKA Photography.

Barastoc Junior Squad: Meet Jade Wallenburg

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 show jumper Jade Wallenburg …

“Hello my name is Jade Wallenburg and I am a show jump rider proudly sponsored by Barastoc. Being a part of the ‘Barastoc Junior Squad’ has been an eye-opening experience for me as I’ve made many new friends in a range of disciplines while also obtaining the knowledge of what it takes to become a true sponsored rider.

“Barastoc has put in an enormous amount of effort for not only the 2023 Junior sponsored riders but all Junior equestrians as a whole! I have mostly enjoyed the aspect of meeting new people, learning from many highly respected ways, and gaining new knowledge in our monthly room chats. Most importantly I’ve learnt a lot through the Barastoc diet analysis, and it has advised me the ideal feed for my horses. All my horses are currently thriving off the Barastoc supplement and the “Competitor” feed.

“This is my 17.1hh chestnut thoroughbred gelding, Mistral Masterclass, and his paddock name is Archie. He is currently competing around the 1m-1.05m mark with plans to go higher in the future; my goal this year is to compete consistently around 105cm-110cm courses with him.

“I look up to many trainers and riders, but two are Rowan Willis and Henrik von Eckermann, two of the elite riders. I look up to these riders as they are consistently training and know what it takes to win.

“My biggest equine supporters are my parents and sisters, as they are always in my corner whether that be towing me around the countryside, waking up early in the mornings, funding my horses or helping me feed and ride.

“My best advice to the equestrian community would be to believe in yourself, never let anyone drag you down and always have fun.”