Based in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, Somerfield is juggling final preparations, sponsor pickups and last-minute logistics as she readies not one, but two horses for the Adelaide Equestrian Festival (16-19 April).
“It’s all the last-minute running around,” she laughs. “Parcels, gear, papers, sponsors… just ticking everything off before we hit the road.”
Last year marked a major milestone for Somerfield, who finished an impressive fourth at Adelaide with Finch Farm Carpentaria (Calgary x Ego Casey), known fondly as Finch, in her first-ever CCI5*L event.
“It was crazy,” she says. “To even go down that centreline was a dream of mine. Then to finish, to jump clear, and to end up in the top four… those are moments you might never get again. I just tried to enjoy every second of it.”
From underdog to five-star
At the heart of Somerfield’s story is her remarkable partnership with Finch – a horse she describes affectionately as anything but straightforward.
“I got him at the start of 2020,” she explains. “He came from Deb Oliver, who basically said, ‘I’ve got this horse – you can have it for a dollar, if anyone can make something of him it’s you.’”
Finch was – and still is – quite difficult. “He is chronically horse shy and a really challenging horse to manage and work with,” explains Somerfield.
But where others saw complications, Somerfield saw potential.
“COVID hit and suddenly I had the time to work with him properly. And now we are here. It’s been the coolest journey – a real underdog story.”
Finch’s quirks are well known on the eventing circuit. Warm-ups often happen away from the crowds, careful management is required in stables and competition environments, and routine is everything.
“I can’t put him in a normal warm-up with other horses,” she explains. “But the eventing community is amazing – everyone gives him space and helps make it work.”
And while the management can be complex, the reward is undeniable.
“When he goes down the centreline or into the start box, he loves it! The more electric the atmosphere, the better he is. He just gives me everything.”
An emotional finish
That connection was on full display at Adelaide last year.
“I was hysterical crossing the finish line,” Somerfield admits. “It took so much to get there. To finally do it – it was overwhelming.”
The result was not only a personal breakthrough, but a reflection of years spent producing horses to the level.
“I’ve produced a lot of four-star horses, but to actually get one to five-star – to have the soundness, the qualifications, everything come together – it’s a long journey. That was my first and I have loved every minute.”
Back for more
Now, Somerfield returns to Adelaide with a different mindset – one shaped by experience.
“Last year was quite chaotic,” she says. “I’d messed up my qualifications and had to travel to Victoria for a competition 10 days out to tick qualifications. This year has been much more methodical. I know what’s required now.”
Her preparation has included runs at Sydney and Tamworth, alongside months of fitness work. “I’ve been galloping since January, working on our lines, our jumping… just building everything steadily.”
Alongside Finch, she’ll also contest the CCI4*S with APH New Sensation (Sandhills Sensation x Jive Magic) – a horse she describes as another unlikely success story.
“He didn’t have the best reputation as an event horse when I got him, but he’s turned into something phenomenal,” she says. “He’s won at Melbourne, placed at Tamworth, and he’s going to Adelaide in really good form.”
With an eye on the future, Somerfield hopes the gelding will step up to five-star next year. “To potentially have both horses there at that level would be incredible.”
“There’s nothing like Adelaide”
While results are always a goal, Somerfield is quick to emphasise perspective. “I’d love to improve, of course,” she says. “But it’s still such an honour just to be there again. Our time at this level is short, so I just want to enjoy it.”
And there’s nowhere quite like Adelaide to do just that.
“There’s no other event like it,” she says. “You’re right in the heart of the city – people can just walk in off the street and watch top-level sport. With the shops in walking distances, masterclasses and the best eventing competition in Australia, there’s something for everyone! My family and clients all come because it’s such an experience.”
With the truck set to roll out early in the week and two horses ready to take on the challenge, Somerfield is embracing everything the five-star has to offer – chaos, pressure, and all.
“I thought doing it once might make it less overwhelming,” she says. “But it doesn’t. It still feels just as special. And honestly, that’s why we do it.”
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