Main image: Thaisa Erwin and Hialita B, image by FEI/Benjamin Clark.
Inside Paris | Presented by International Horse Breeders
The Australian jumping team combinations are preparing to compete in Monday’s Individual Qualifier at the Paris Olympics.
All three horses passed the second inspection, and the draw is now out. Hilary Scott and Oaks Milky Way will be the first out at #18, followed by Thaisa Erwin with Hialita B at #41, and Edwina Tops-Alexander and Fellow Castlefield at #67.
The Australians were 15th in the Team Qualifier last Thursday, while Great Britain claimed the gold in Friday’s Team Final ahead of the USA and France.
Across the Qualifier and Final, there were only four combinations that produce two clear rounds without any time penalties: Karl Cook and Caracole De La Roque (USA), Kim Emmen and Imagine (The Netherlands), Philipp Weishaupt and Zineday (Germany), and Daniel Coyle and Legacy (Ireland). The Individual competition is set to be thrilling viewing once again, with the Qualifier beginning at 2pm CEST, 10pm AEST.
Martin Gostelow reflects on the Australian Show Jumping Performance
As we come to the conclusion of the Team Jumping competition with Team GB taking the top honours, it’s time to take a moment to reflect on the Australian show jumping team’s performance. While the results weren’t what we hoped for, with the goal of a top ten finish slipping out of reach in Round 1, there’s still much to appreciate about our team’s efforts.
The aim into the Games was to emulate or surpass our previous stellar performances at the Olympics, where we have placed seventh on two occasions. Though it wasn’t to be this time, we can’t be too critical of our debutantes. Our Team riders rode some really smart lines, and we weren’t too slow, which has been a concern in the past. The time was tight but fair, and many agreed the course was tough, yet manageable.
We saw 14 clears out of 58 riders, which aligns with what you’d expect from a high-calibre competition. When we look at who jumped clear, it was the teams and individuals we had our eyes on for medal positions. Their experience and the level of their horses stood out, underscoring the gap we still need to bridge as a Nation to compete at the absolute highest level on a consistent basis.
Edwina Tops-Alexander: The Quintessential Competitor
Let’s talk about Edwina Tops-Alexander, competing in her record breaking fifth Olympics. Her round started a bit sticky, with her horse a little behind the leg, but she grew into it and delivered a solid four-fault round. She used all her grit and determination, hallmarks of her as an elite athlete, to stay on task and bring the job home. Edwina and Fellow Castlefield’s performance was a massive positive and bodes well for her chances in the individual competition.
Edwina Tops-Alexander and Fellow Castlefield. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.
The Rising Stars: Learning and Growing
Our other two riders Thaisa Erwin and Hilary Scott, both on mares, faced their own set of challenges. These mares are notoriously delicate rides, requiring patience and ultra skilful, sympathetic aids from the saddle. The modern show jumping course demands that horse and rider are comfortable with the challenges presented from maximum speed, height, and width. With everything on curved lines, light cups, and light poles, any slight deviation to the plan on-course can lead to faults. Both our debutants rode with conviction, on pace and with supremely professional attitude.
Modern Showjumpers need the finesse of dressage, the boldness of cross-country, and the agility to handle technical tracks at pace. At 400 meters per minute, the time allowed is the new normal for FEI competitions, but it’s certainly a significant demand on both horse and rider to get the balance right.
Hilary Scott and Oaks Milky Way. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.
Gaining Experience: The Path Forward
It’s clear that while our girls are experienced and based in Europe and the US respectively, there’s still a need for more exposure at the five-star level. High-performance managers must focus on how we can compete more regularly with other nations, not just in terms of height but also gaining valuable team experience.
Edwina, our dependable anchor, showcased why she is dubbed the Queen of Show Jumping in Australia. Her partnership with Jan Tops, a master of preparation, ensures she peaks at the right time. Edwina’s performance last night re-affirmed her status as a crucial pillar of our team.
All three ladies have made significant personal sacrifices on the journey to becoming top riders in our sport – whilst that might be a common theme for many professional Athletes in a variety of pursuits, I do feel our Governing bodies need to provide a better level of pathway for our top Australian riders.
Yes, financial support is vital and medals provide funding. How to achieve medals is the question ? We have a growing level of interest in Australasia and the Middle East for our sport – we need Nation Cup Teams competing in NZ, Hong Kong, Doha, Tokyo etc as a matter of urgency- privately sponsored teams may be an alternative to explore ?
With a greater level of 5 * Team experience within our rider ranks, I back our girls and boys to take on anyone in the World.
Amber Fuller: The X Factor
Looking ahead to the individual rounds, travelling reserve Amber Fuller could still find herself on the start list. Her recent performances, including a third place in the 1.50m at the Rotterdam CSIO5*, highlight her capabilities. Amber’s experience on the Middle Eastern circuit, with strong showings in Doha, and her participation in the Global Champions Tour, mark her as a serious contender.
With the individual competition approaching, management will possibly have to make tough decisions. Amber Fuller’s ever improving partnership with Nopal Van Tallaert and specifically their recent successes might just earn her a spot, with substitutions allowed up to 2 hours out, providing another exciting dimension to Australia’s presence in the individual rounds.
Amber Fuller and Nopal Van Tallaert at CHIO Rotterdam, 2024. Image by DigiShots.
A Step Forward
While this wasn’t the result we aimed for, the journey of our Australian team is filled with valuable lessons and promising signs. Our debutantes have shown that they can compete at this level, and with continued experience and exposure, they’ll only get better. As we gear up for the individual rounds, there’s every reason to be optimistic about our riders’ future in international show jumping. Let’s cheer them on and look forward to the exciting prospects ahead.
