Australia may not travel with the numbers of Europe or the Gulf nations when it comes to endurance riding, but their athletes carry stories of grit and ambition. Seventeen-year-old Poppy Kettlewell, riding the rising 15-year-old Australian-bred grey gelding OSO Irazu, will make her first championship start at this year’s event.
Poppy is joined by 17-year-old Eadie McWilliam and another 15-year-old Australian-bred grey gelding, Larntainey Silver Treasure – a partnership that finished inside the top 20 at the last FEI Endurance World Championship. Larntainey Silver Treasure is by Silver Conquest out of Abrock Gemma and is owned by Australians Penny and Peter Toft.
Poppy Kettlewell: From pony club loops to the world stage
When Poppy Kettlewell canters out of the start line at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors in Buftea, Romania on 20 September 2025, it will mark the realisation of a dream she has carried since she was a little girl. Riding the 15-year-old homebred gelding OSO Irazu, Poppy will represent Australia at her first ever Championship – a remarkable milestone in a journey that has already spanned thousands of kilometres, countless hours in the saddle, and an unwavering passion for Endurance.
Early beginnings on a white pony
Endurance has been woven into Poppy’s life from the start. Her very first taste of the sport came in 2015, at just eight years old, when she rode a 5km on her little white pony, Cherry, who, remarkably, is still happy on a farm at the age of 35. Two years later, she tackled her first qualifier, an 80km on her paint pony Jess. That ride, Poppy recalls, “really sparked my love for the sport.”
The trajectory was steep. At only 10 years old, she completed her first 160km on the horse of every child’s dreams, OSO Nicholas. “He taught me so much and naturally led us to take on the 160km challenge together,” Poppy says. “I had a real passion for Endurance riding and had watched many other team members complete these rides. Both my mum and the team knew it was my turn, and I was motivated by the excitement of the challenge and the opportunity to learn and grow alongside Nicholas.”
Growing up at OSO Arabians
Life on the family’s OSO Arabian Stud in New South Wales has been both an education and an inspiration. “Oso has given me the opportunity to work with many different types of horses,” Poppy explains. “I’ve been able to build strong connections with them and always been surrounded by incredible horse people who’ve mentored me. It’s also taught me invaluable teamwork skills.”
No influence has been greater than that of her mother, Amanda Kettlewell, the stud’s long-time Equine Stud Manager. “Mum has been an absolute rock,” Poppy says. “She’s allowed me incredible opportunities, taught me countless lessons, and been there every step of the way – from feeding me during rides to training my horses when I’m at school. I could never repay her.”
Amanda, watching her daughter step onto the world stage, admits: “She’s not just following in my footsteps, she’s going beyond them. She’s doing everything she dreamed of. I had a sense she would reach this point ever since I saw her standing on the beaches of Normandy back in 2014 at the FEI Endurance World Championship.”
OSO Irazu: the dopey gelding with a big heart
Poppy’s partner for Buftea is a horse she has known since birth. “Irazu has always been special to us,” she says fondly. “When he was competing in Australia, he was this big, slightly dopey gelding who was always the first to wander over in the paddock. He still has that huge personality – always whinnying when he sees us, arguing if you ask him to slow down, and he’s happiest with a carrot in front of him.”
Despite his gentle quirks, Irazu brings serious credentials. Based in Europe since 2018, he has already competed at two senior FEI Endurance World Championships under British athlete, Rebecca Pinder. Poppy herself first rode him earlier this year in Spain, where they quickly clicked. “From that first ride, it felt like we understood each other straight away. He’s quick to pick up my cues, and I trust his pace. He’s smart, kind, and has become a true partner.”
Together, the pair completed their qualifying rides at Tordera and Ademuz earlier this year. “It honestly felt like a dream,” Poppy reflects. “We set the goal knowing it would be tough, especially with Year 12 on top of it. But everything went perfectly, and to be selected for the team felt like all the hard work had paid off.”
Training in Europe vs Australia
Since June, Irazu has been in the care of French trainer Franck Laousse, where he enjoys rolling paddocks, sand gallops, and immaculate facilities on the Swiss-French border. “It’s similar country to where he was born in Australia, and he’s thrived,” Poppy says.
The contrast between Australia and Europe has been striking. “At home, the tracks are tougher – hillier, rougher footing, and sometimes you can go 40km without seeing your crew. In Europe, the surfaces are better maintained, and I really enjoy the frequent crew points.”
Balancing all this with her final year of school has been no small task. “It’s been a mammoth juggle,” she admits. “I see time with the horses as my break, and often, I prefer their company to people’s!”
The road to Buftea
Now, all focus is on Romania. “The excitement outweighs the nerves at the moment,” Poppy admits. “I’m lucky to be on such an experienced horse with a supportive team around me.”
Logistics have been eased by Irazu already being based in France, but the journey is still significant. “It’s a big ask for the horse and the team, but nothing compared to what it would’ve been from Australia,” she notes. “Finding your feet in Europe can be tricky, but with an amazing team around you, it comes quickly.”
That team includes her family, Irazu’s trainers, and the support of Equestrian Australia. “While I may be the one out on course, this has been a true team effort” she says.
Representing her country carries deep meaning. “It’s been a dream since I was six, standing on the beach in Normandy and watching the World Championships. To now wear the Australian shirt is a dream come true.”
Career highlights already
With nearly 7,000km of competition behind her, Poppy has achieved remarkable milestones for her age. Chief among them was her junior victory at the 2024 Tom Quilty 160km aboard OSO Enigma. “The day went perfectly,” she recalls. “Crossing the line as first junior and tenth overall, then presenting for Best Condition the next day – it was incredibly rewarding.”
Her list of 160km completions is already long, but several stand out: her CEI3* ride on OSO Surprise at the Australian Championships and her tough but valuable lessons at the 2025 Quilty. “It’s hard to pick just one,” she says. “Each has shaped me.”
Looking to the future
While Buftea is her immediate focus, Poppy is already thinking ahead. “A big goal is to campaign more OSO horses in Europe. I’d love to move there long-term, compete at senior FEI Endurance World Championships, and learn as much as I can.”
Inspiring others is equally important. “Even though FEI opportunities in Australia can feel limited, I believe we can build strong youth teams if we keep supporting each other. If my journey shows younger riders these goals are possible, then I’m helping strengthen the sport’s future.”
Her advice to aspiring Endurance riders is simple but heartfelt: “Grab every opportunity you can, listen and learn, stay positive even when things don’t go your way, and never lose sight of your goals.”
Ready for the start line
When Poppy and Irazu line up in Buftea, they’ll carry with them not only the green and gold of Australia, but the spirit of OSO Arabians, the dedication of her family, and the countless lessons learned over thousands of kilometres. From that first 5km on a little white pony to the world stage, Poppy’s journey has been anything but ordinary – and at just 18, it feels like she’s only just getting started.
Source: FEI press release by Bella Fricker
