Eliza Spiers. Image: M&T Equine Photography.

Barastoc Junior Squad: Meet Eliza Spiers

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 junior eventer Eliza Spiers…

“My name is Eliza Spiers, and I am a junior eventer from South Australia, and I am so proud to be sponsored by Barastoc Horse! I have already loved every single minute of being a part of the Barastoc Junior Squad, it is an amazing opportunity to learn about everything to do with equine diets, to performance, and meeting amazing people and making connections with so many different people from a range of disciplines.

“Barastoc has provided us with such amazing opportunities, such as this one! I am so proud to represent Barastoc, the team is so supportive and encouraging, making it easier for me to achieve my goals. My favourite things about the Barastoc Junior Squad are how much knowledge and advice we have been provided with, to help our horses and ourselves perform at peak condition and feel amazing.

“I absolutely love catching up with the team through monthly zoom meetings, where we discuss a range of different topics, such as diets, recovery, competing, training, and so much more. All my horses, including the breakers, youngsters, competition horse and broodmares, are all fed Barastoc feeds, and I could not be happier with the results, I highly recommend Barastoc feeds. Barastoc’s Diet Analysis has provided me with so much knowledgeable information, to help find the best fitting feed for my horses, to ensure they are looking and feeling their best.

“I currently have two competition horses, and one young horse who are all amazing and I am so lucky to be able to own them. Ellie and Bea are both eventing ponies, who are so both so versatile and are willing to give anything a go. They both have such a funny personality and are so fun to spend time with, I love riding them both.

“My goals for this year are to compete at the Australian Interschool National Championships, held in Werribee, with Bea, and to just keep getting to know each other as a team.

“I am currently starting to work with my young horse, Blissy, and train her to hopefully become an eventer! I love how chill and willing she is towards her work already.

“I would love to compete in a few more show jumping competitions with Ellie, and just enjoy my time with her. Although I would love to reach these goals, I also just want to have fun and build my relationship with my ponies, which I believe is most important.”