The 17-year-old will head to Horsley Park in Sydney with her horse Phoenix tomorrow for the Championships, which will bring together some of the best dressage riders from around the country.

It is a significant step forward for Isabella, who only began competing two years ago. She credits her passion for riding as part of what led her to take the activity more seriously.

“I joined the local dressage club and began getting really good scores,” she said.

“We started applying for bigger competitions and getting accepted.”

Strong performances at the Eurobodalla Dressage Association competitions and the Moruya Pony Club events meant Isabella soon found herself competing at a state level as part of the NSW Pony Club, as well as at the National Youth Dressage Championships which were held earlier this year.

At the Novice level, she is competing in one of the more precise forms of dressage, where aspects such as rhythm and balance are judged acutely. Isabella said this was when the understanding between herself and Phoenix became more pronounced.

“You have to get to a certain level of communication before you can compete at this level,” she said.

“If you are not able to communicate effectively with your horse about what you want them to do, then you are not going to do very well at all.

“I’ve really enjoyed establishing the bonds with Phoenix that allow us to compete the way we do.” 

Key to Bella’s progress within dressage has been the tutelage of Hetty Munda.

It wasn’t long after Isabella started riding Phoenix that she approached Hetty at a Moruya Pony Club meeting and asked for assistance with her training. She has since gone on to occupy a mentor role for Isabella, guiding her through the many ins and outs of dressage.

Mrs Munda said the development of Isabella and Phoenix had been a unique project to be a part of.

“The horse was not specifically bred for dressage, so he’s really had to start from scratch,” she said.

“Bella’s determination was one of the main reasons I got involved. Her attitude has been fantastic the whole way through.”