Having come from a background in elite cycling, my return to equestrian sport as an adult was both exciting and, at times, unexpectedly isolating. What struck me most was how siloed the coaching structure felt. In cycling, my coach supported far more than just physical training – he guided my nutrition, sleep, and recovery, implemented a periodised training program, shaped my mindset, and helped map out my competition strategy. We travelled together, trained together, and functioned as a cohesive team, along with my other team members. In dressage, I initially found none of that. That was until the concept of the Amateur Owner Rider (AOR) program in Victoria began to take shape.
While traditional coaching still centres largely on the physical training of the horse, the AOR program has introduced something far more holistic to amateur riders: access to key performance elements within an environment that is supportive, inclusive, and genuinely encouraging. It has created a “village” around riders: a network that fosters not only technical improvement, but also confidence, connection, and belief. Because belief matters. Too often, amateur riders limit themselves with the idea that competing at major events is reserved for professionals. That mindset quietly erodes ambition and, ultimately, joy. But being an amateur does not mean we are incapable of excellence. It does not mean we cannot step into the same arenas, ride down the same centrelines, and challenge the same standards.
My own experience at a recent Victorian AOR Development Camp brought this into sharp focus. I had the opportunity to work with a trainer I hadn’t met before. When I shared my goal of competing at PSI Dressage and Jumping with the Stars with my recently started four-year-old, I expected cautious realism. Instead, I was met with genuine encouragement. Not only did she support the goal, but she pushed me to produce higher quality work from my young horse and, more importantly, helped me believe that we could do more than just participate. We could be competitive!
That belief carried forward. Fast forward to March 19 and 20 this year, where we delivered personal best scores across both days at DJWTS. We placed 14th in the first round – just 1.4% off the top ten – and went on to finish fourth in the consolation round, again achieving a personal best.
But this result was not achieved in isolation. It was the product of a village. An AOR rider and close friend, Alice, who bred my horse, Wonderland Formidable Love (Leroy). Myself, an AOR rider committed to developing him. Another AOR rider and dear friend, Carmen, who kept me focused yet calm on competition days. And a wider community of AOR riders who showed up – in person and online – offering encouragement, support, and celebration every step of the way.
This is the power of the AOR program in Victoria. It is more than a training initiative. It is a cultural shift. One that challenges limiting beliefs, builds genuine community, and proves that amateur riders, when supported, can achieve extraordinary things.
