Jumping for Joy

Tuross Head teenager Lucy Evans will have the best seat in the house next Thursday when she lines up in the showjumping section astride her horse Joy.

It will be the second consecutive year the 16-year-old has competed at the Sydney Showground, and she can’t wait to once again soak up the atmosphere of the event.

“I like the feeling of being accepted to take part in such a prestigious event,” she said.

“Competing against all the other showjumping kids in such a big stadium is a really good experience.”

The St Peter’s student is coming into the show on the back of a solid performance at last weekend’s Equifest in Clarendon.

Competing across four days, Lucy began in the Young Rider category, before entering the 1.35 metre event the following day. 

After a couple of faults, she went down to the 1.25 metre event, which she won.

On the final day, Lucy took part in the Young Rider Grand Prix where, despite knocking a couple of poles down, was still “happy with the overall performance”.

Lucy is no stranger to competing at big events, having been part of the NSW Junior Showjumping squad that participated in the Australian Championships at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre last year.

Not only does she aim to take part in this year’s championships in September, but she will take her talents over to Europe in the middle of the year for the Friendship Games in Germany.

In what will be her first time competing internationally, Lucy will be paired with a German rider and have the opportunity to train with some of Europe’s best coaches to familiarise herself with the horse she has been given for the event.

“It’s really exciting to be invited to take part in the games,” Lucy said.

“I’ve been overseas quite a bit, but I’ve never represented Australia at international competition, so I’m really looking forward to it.

“We are staying on for another week after the competition finishes, so it will be nice to look around.”