Launched in 2016, the Barastoc Junior Squad aims to teach, inspire and guide young equine enthusiasts. The squad program assists young riders in gaining the experience needed to support a commercial sponsorship in adulthood, if it is desired or needed, as well as provide a solid understanding of feeding their horses. Each year Barastoc welcomes 20-30 new young riders to be part of the team.
Here, we catch up with current Barastoc Junior Squad member Ella Forbes…
I’m 19 years old and have been riding for twelve years, with eight years of competition experience. Horses have always been a huge part of my life, and through them I’ve been lucky enough to experience everything from dressage and combined training to showjumping and eventing.
For most of my riding career, I considered myself a dressage rider. However, that changed when I started riding my current competition horse, Aztec Eagle Star, better known as “Smooch”. Through him I discovered a love for jumping and eventing, and now I enjoy the challenge of various disciplines. There’s something incredibly rewarding about developing a horse across dressage, showjumping and cross-country, which is why combined training and eventing have become my favourite disciplines.
I currently have two horses. Smooch is a ten-year-old Andalusian x Paint gelding who joined our family in 2022. Originally bred for working equitation, he has become my partner in crime and has taught me more than any horse I have ever ridden. Earlier this year, we also welcomed Belrock Vitale, or “Savvy”, a four-year-old Warmblood bred for dressage and eventing. He is at the beginning of his journey, and I am excited to watch him develop over the coming years.
Big goals
Looking ahead, my goals are to continue stepping up the levels and gaining more experience across all disciplines. With Savvy, I hope to compete in young horse classes and carefully develop him for the future. With Smooch, my goal is to continue enjoying the journey together while becoming more established at Elementary level dressage and continuing to improve in eventing and combined training.
Favourite memories
One of my proudest memories with Smooch was winning the PCQ State Novice 80cm Combined Training Championship in 2025. We had faced plenty of challenges leading up to that point, and achieving that result together felt incredibly rewarding. We have learned so much from each other over the years, so winning a state rug together was a very special moment and one I will never forget.
Aspirational riders
Two riders I really look up to are Laura Collett and Ros Canter. Both have shown incredible resilience throughout their careers and consistently demonstrate outstanding horsemanship. I admire the partnerships they build with their horses and the way they always put their horses first while still achieving success at the highest levels of the sport.
Dream horse
If I could ride any horse, past or present, it would have to be London 52. Watching his partnership with Laura Collett has been incredibly inspiring, and his athleticism, trainability and consistency at the top level of eventing make him a horse I would love to experience riding.
Supported by Barastoc
One of the things I love most about being part of the Barastoc Junior Squad is the support network. Trish is always willing to help and offer advice, and the opportunities to learn from guest presenters and experienced riders are invaluable. Being surrounded by like-minded young riders who are all passionate about their horses makes it a really special group to be part of.
At home, both Smooch and Savvy are fed a diet that includes Barastoc Low GI Cubes, Speedi-Beet and Competitor, and they certainly look forward to feed time every day.
I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the Barastoc Junior Squad and am excited to continue learning, developing my horses and enjoying the journey ahead. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for both Smooch and Savvy!
Find out more about the Barastoc Junior Squad; 2026/27 Junior Squad applications are opening soon.
