Gemma Alexander. Image: Julie Ferrari.
GLOBAL AMATEUR SHOWJUMPING TOUR – MEXICO – 15-18 JUNE 2023
By Julie Ferrari
Four Australian riders competed in the Global Amateur Showjumping Tour held at Quintas Equestrian Centre near Puebla in Mexico from 15 -18 June 2023. This was the first time the event has been held since 2019 and had over 500 entries. The event is a 2* FEI event which included international riders on borrowed mounts and local riders on their own horses.
Each of the borrowed horses are drawn from a hat and the international riders were given 3 days of training prior to the event to form a partnership with their drawn horse.
Lyla Ferrari and Harley McNaughton, Image: Julie Ferrari.
Two of the Australian riders competed in the Global Amateur championship with a starting height of 1.20m. The competition was run over 3 days, with penalties from the first two days, carrying into the final.
Young Rider, Tori Glass from Kyabram, Victoria was the first Australian rider out. She could not have jumped more confidently in the first round, being the highest placed international rider in the Amateurs on Day 1. Unfortunately their campaign came to an abrupt halt with her horse needing to retire on the second day. Not to let this get her down- the stable who supplied the borrowed horse, gave up their own ride in the competition to allow Tori to go around the finals non-competively on another talented horse.
Tori Glass. Image: Julie Ferrari.
The second Australian rider in Amateurs, Gemma Alexander from WA, had an amazing event – saving the best for last. In round 1 Gemma took out a jump wing with her foot. Day 2, beautiful and clear but 1 time penalty kept them from the placings. In the final, it all came together and overall they were awarded highest placed international Amateur rider on a borrowed horse.
Lyla Ferrari. Image: Julie Ferrari.
The other two Australian riders competed in the Childrens championship for riders 15 years and under. The starting height for Childrens was 1.10m.
Harley McNaugton, from Pakenham VIC was the youngest international competitor at 13 years old. He proved his resilience getting better with every ride. On the last day he really had a crack and was the 2nd fastest time, but unfortunately had 2 down.
Lyla Ferrari, from Table Top NSW had a rail in both the first and second rounds. They had a lovely clear round in the final, and overall for the championship they were awarded highest placed international children’s rider on a borrowed horse.
Each of the riders had a life changing experience to compete at this level in an international competition. They recognise that this would not have been possible without amazing sponsors, supporters, friends and family. It was definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity for these four riders!
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