Introducing some of the young guns who will be competing in the Oceania Young Rider competition at Melbourne International Horse Trials – find out more about New Zealand's Jessica Woods and Australia's Michaela Martindale
Jessica Woods Photo courtesy Takethemoment.com
Jessica is based in Ohaupo, Waikato having lived there for 12 years on the family equestrian facility “Little Valley Farm.” She has been riding for ten years and has competed in show hunter and show jumping before specialising in eventing.
Jessica is a full time rider with six horses in work and educates many other young horses. She previously worked at Cambridge Equine Hospital as a vet nurse until her riding commitments took over.
Highlights of her riding achievements to date include winning the CCI** at Taupo 3 Day Event in 2013, and finishing third in her first CNC*** with Defies Logic. She also won the Young Rider Series in 2011/12.
This is Jessica’s first time representing New Zealand in a team environment and competing in Australia. She has been to Werribee three years ago as a spectator when Clarke Johnstone competed and visited Brisbane and Sydney.
Jessica had six weeks based at Andrew Nicholson’s yard in 2012. This was a valuable learning opportunity for Jessica. She travelled to events in England and Germany, a highlight being the Luhmuhlen 4****
Jessica’s horse, Defies Logic, is known as Trev, and is a 10 year old thoroughbred. The combination has been together for two years.
Michaela Martindale
About Michaela:
I have been riding since I was 5years old and competing since I was 9. I got my first ‘serious competition horse’, Mellene Park Sky Show, at 13 years old and I have never looked back, although sometimes I wish I chose a cheaper sport! At the 2013 Equestrian Australia WA awards night I was awarded with the Sheila Cooke Memorial Trophy, which was a huge honour for me. I currently live in Lake Clifton, WA, which is approximately two hours south of Perth.
Best performances:
Together we have achieved 2nd at Wooroloo CIC2* 2013, 3rd at Wooroloo CNC2* 2014, 13th overall at AI3DE 2013 CCI2* as well as finishing 3rd in the Dublin Young Rider Championships and being part of the winning Young Rider State Team (Western Australia). We are a member on the Western Australian Eventing Young Rider squad as well as the National Development Squad for 18-25 years.
Her Horse:
Kinnordy Gatow, better known as ‘Gus’ is a 10 year old, brown, warmblood gelding by Gymnastik Star.
Michaela says “I purchased him as a 1* eventer in 2012 from David Bryant and we have progressed together since. He is a super cool ‘dude’ (most the time) and probably the funniest and most confidence building horse I’ve had for cross country and show jumping, he has a way of just making it all feel so easy...if only he felt that easy in a dressage arena! He definitely has his quirks!
Being a member of the Young Rider Oceania Championships really is a dream come true and I cannot wait to ‘ride for my country’!!”
