Born, bred & currently residing in the Whitsundays, my interest in horses started early – I was taking lessons at the riding school just down the road from my family home by the age of 6 and was absolutely hooked. I have competed at both Pony Club and EA events, representing Zone 22 at State Show Jumping & Equitation at the age of 13 & taking out the grand champion or runner up at almost each event.
I had a short break from riding when I hit my teens and struggled with severe mental health problems and suffered through a DV relationship until I finally escaped it at the age of 18. I purchased my first horse after my 6-year break at the age of 19 and have been slowly but surely working towards my goal of competing in top level Show Jumping ever since.
I find as an “alternative” equestrian, I am judged very quickly from appearance alone at many of the competitions and clinics I attend. I would love to see more alternative equestrians like me in the media and modelling for companies, I believe the equestrian world is becoming more and more inclusive and accepting, although it is still slow to catch on in some parts of the world. If I can encourage more equestrians that don’t quite fit in to what’s considered “normal” to be themselves and not feel pressured to hide who they are whether it’s tattoos, brightly coloured hair, LBGTQIA+ or even who they are as a person in fear of being judged, it will outweigh any ribbon won at any competition in my riding career.
Ruby
