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 Lauren Inwood…
I’m 17 years old and have been riding my entire life. My mum actually rode while pregnant with me, however I got my first pony when I was three, named Angel, and I’ve been competing ever since. I’ve tried a wide variety of disciplines, however my top two have got to be showing and mounted games. Showing is more of a recent thing for my pony and I, however we have been enjoying the journey and are super excited to be competing at Royal Adelaide for the first time in September.
As a family we have over ten horses, however my main two competition horses are Dee and Percy. Percy, who’s a 14hh, seven-year-old mixed breed, has been in my life for the past three years now and Dee, a nine-year-old Welsh C, is a newer member; we only purchased her eight months ago.
Favourite memories
I have had many amazing memories made with horses, however my favourite has definitely been travelling to New Zealand with the under 18 Australian team for mounted games. To be able to travel while competing with horses was absolutely incredible. Although we didn’t get to bring our own horses to ride, we were given some incredible games ponies to ride. We placed third in the pairs and team competition.
Big goals
My personal goals for this year are to continue my liberty training with Percy, have a safe and fun competition at my first Royal Show, and expand my training business, L.I Horsemanship, into a bigger client base, and be able to help more horses and owners.
Aspirational riders
My mum has always been a constant in my riding journey and will always be the person I look up to. The way she is always working incredibly hard for both myself, my brother and this property, is such an inspiration.
Yvet Blokesch is a rider I look up to. The way she connects with every horse she interacts with, her kind and calm approach to training — I just absolutely adore watching her and aspire to be just like her with horses.
Dream horse
Gem, my third pony, will always hold a special place in my heart and if I could ride any horse past or present she would be the one. She’s 26 years old this year and has been in my life since I was nine years old. Although she doesn’t do a lot these days, I’ll always remember and look back on all the incredible times we had.
Supported by Barastoc
The Barastoc Junior Squad has been an amazing opportunity for myself to learn and grow as an equestrian, to be able to talk and interact with professionals in the industry — it overall has just been an amazing opportunity to progress.
My horses love Barastoc too; they look absolutely fantastic all year round on the Complete Performer and Low Cal Cruiser; both perfect options for the good doers while still being highly palatable.
Find out more about the Barastoc Junior Squad; 2026/27 Junior Squad applications are opening soon.
