We catch up with Australia’s leading showjumper Edwina Tops-Alexander to talk about the Paris Olympics and her star horse, Fellow Castlefield, at Doha’s CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines 2024.
We’re sipping cappuccinos at the Hermès café ringside at the state-of-the-art Longines Arena in Doha, Qatar, watching the world’s best showjumpers compete. Held over three days, CHI Al Shaqab is an annual showcase of who’s who in showjumping and dressage, so it’s not surprising that four-time Australian Olympian Edwina Tops-Alexander is a regular fixture.
During a short break from competition, she told us about her preparation and hopes for the Paris Olympics in July, the progress of her top horses, and plans to expand her jewellery business.
Edwina Tops-Alexander with her Olympic hopeful, Fellow Castlefield. Image by Lukasz Kowalski.
EQ LIFE: It’s exciting to see so many Aussie showjumpers competing at Doha’s Al Shaqab this year – yourself, Amber Fuller, Jamie Kermond, and Amelia Douglass.
EDWINA: Yes, it’s fantastic. I have been here many times and suggested it; it’s a good place to build new horses up.
Amber’s horse [Nopal Van Tallaert] is jumping unbelievably. We sold Nopal as a six-year-old to the Douglass family of Chatham Park, so it has been nice to see the development of that horse and it’s looking like one of the best around at the moment, consistently jumping clear round after clear round after clear round.
And it’s been great for Amelia to get the experience at this level with her horse, Quel Filou 16, who was bought by Stal Tops. She has handled the pressure over here very well and has had a very successful tour, competing against the world’s best and placing in the CSI3* LGCT Grand Prix in Doha.
EQ LIFE: The 2024 Olympics is just around the corner. Last time we met, you talked about taking Fellow Castlefield and Corelli De Mies to compete in Paris. Is that still the plan?
EDWINA: Yes, and Fellow will probably be my number one pick.
Edwina and Fellow Castlefield in Doha. Image by Lukasz Kowalski
“He is a funny horse…
he has a lot of energy.”
EQ LIFE: Tell us about Fellow and how you are preparing him for the Olympics.
EDWINA: I’ve had him for nearly three years. I’ve been doing two classes each show to build the stamina, the fitness, and to get him on this level for the season.
He is a funny horse because he doesn’t look like he has a lot of blood, but he does; he has a lot of energy and just contains it inside. It’s a real balancing act because you need to have him a little fresh for power, but if he is too fresh he gets a bit sharp and is not focused enough. He’s a horse for which I’ve had to learn to pace myself, to try to guide him, to give him the time on the fence and do as little as possible – although when he’s tired, I’ve had to ride him completely differently. It’s about knowing him really well, knowing how he’s feeling, how the warm-up is. I always say it’s so important to know the horse well.
EQ LIFE: You have twice finished in the individual top 10 at the Olympics [placing 9th at Hong Kong in 2008 and again at Rio 2016, riding Cevo Itot Du Chateau and Lintea Tequila respectively]. Is it going to be a hat-trick in Paris?
EDWINA: I would like to finish better than that, to be honest! Let’s see. We always try our best.
Edwina with Lintea Tequila at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Image by Eric Knoll.
EQ LIFE: The Australian showjumping team’s qualification for the Olympics was very strong. Are you feeling confident?
EDWINA: To be honest, I am not really thinking about it. I am just trying to keep doing what I’m doing, making sure I have a good program for [Fellow], keeping him fit. He is a horse where too little is not good for him and too much is also not good.
EQ LIFE: How is Corelli progressing?
EDWINA: In general, he’s good and in good shape; he tries his hardest every time he goes into the ring. He really wants to be careful, and he has his own style of jumping. He’s been a good horse for me to be able to balance with Fellow.
Edwina and Corelli De Mies. Image by Lukasz Kowalski.
Corelli De Mies showing of his own style in Doha. Image by Lukasz Kowalski.
EQ LIFE: You recently celebrated the first anniversary of your brand, TOTI Fine Jewelry, for which part proceeds go towards an equine therapy foundation for children and adults with disabilities. How is the business going?
EDWINA: It’s always hard to know how something like this is going to go, but I had a good feeling about the brand and we have had a very successful year. It has been a lot of work, much more work than I expected, and trying to combine this with everything else has been a juggling act. And there’s been a lot of learning experiences along the way – things to do and not to do!
One of the things I really enjoy about TOTI is the stories and meanings behind the items, and the fact that we have had a foundation attached to the brand from the very beginning. The jewellery is equestrian-inspired, but I’ve tried to make it subtle and suitable for everyday wear. I’m talking to a few companies that are interested in stocking the brand.
EQ LIFE: Do you plan to expand the brand beyond jewellery?
EDWINA: Yes, we have started on accessories and I’m busy with samples. Everything is made in Italy – we are working with a really good quality luxury company that we have worked with before on other projects. I don’t think I will be looking into [producing] clothing, though.
Edwina is focused on making another Olympic team,this time with Fellow Castlefield. Image by Lukasz Kowalski.
EQ LIFE: Apart from campaigning for the Olympics, what are your upcoming plans?
EDWINA: Mainly the Longines Global Champions Tour. I will probably do a few small shows and then go to Miami and Mexico. I’m just pacing myself.
Dawn Gibson-Fawcett was flown to Doha by Qatar Airways as a guest of CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines 2024, staying at the Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha. CHI Al Shaqab, which features top-level international showjumping, dressage and para-dressage, is the headline annual event for Al Shaqab equestrian centre, a member of Qatar Foundation.
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