Jessica Brown and Elysian Fields Oceanus. Image by Simon Scully Photography.
Some own Maseratis, others Mazdas. There are those who drive a Corniche while the rest make do with a clapped-out Corolla. Likewise, the big picture of show jumping is one of extremes, and Jess Brown has witnessed the sport at all levels.
Since she was born, Jess had been exposed to show jumping, so it was not surprising she made it her career. Her mother, Cathy, a former showjumper, is a knowledgeable breeder; and her father, Rod, is a sporting legend.
An Australian international and Olympian, Rod made his mark on the world stage with horses like Slinky, Spectre, Spirit – and the famous Mr Burns who’d been rescued from a Sydney knackery. A long-time friend and former business partner of George Sanna (another legend), Rod is a mentor, team coach, breeder and trainer.
Jess with her father Rod Brown on EBS Spectre in Poland, 1991.Image supplied.
The family business, Equus Australia, is based in Kulnura on the NSW Central Coast.
“The sport was never pushed on me but was there for me to do – I loved it from the start,” says 36-year-old Jess. “I applied for uni but it really wasn’t what I wanted.” She rode for a year after finishing school – and kept on riding.
During her early years she suffered from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. “It affected my knee, and I had several arthroscopies.” But it never affected her will to jump.
“When Jess was a very young rider, she’d only take notice of her mother,” recalls Rod. “Then when she jumped a bit bigger, she’d listen to me.”
Her father was a classical, stylish rider back in a time when many of the Australians approached obstacles with their seats above the saddle and legs out to the end of the stirrups. This was an era when shows still featured “the high jump”. “That was a specialist thing. You had to have a half-mad horse – one which couldn’t necessarily show jump!”
Jess riding the imported stallion Higgins, who is still with the Brown family aged 26.
Young Jess progressed through the levels riding her fair share of ordinary and/or difficult ponies and horses. With patience and determination, she learnt how to bring out the best in them.
HIGGINS IMPORTED
In 2008 her father imported Higgins from Germany, a Hanoverian stallion by Heraldik. “I bought him for Jess, and they had a successful partnership competing from Young Rider classes to Grand Prix,” explains Rod. “Unfortunately, an injury forced him to retire from competition. He’s now 26 and is still with us at Kulnura.” Heraldik is one of those rare stallions whose progeny has competed at Olympic level in all three disciplines.
Jess’ equestrian knowledge was widened by a trip to Canada, then later to Europe. “I was in a good stable in Canada for five months and went to good shows. Many of the riders were very similar to the ones here but there were lots at an extremely high standard who were jumping bigger tracks, and many more advanced horses.”
In 2015 she was based in Germany for three months prior to the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona where she was riding Casco. She had been runner-up in the Australian World Cup League and was on the ‘Gold’ squad ahead of the Rio Olympics.
Jess with Casco and her father, Rod. Image by Christine Johnson.
“Dad loved his canter
and he was clearly
a talented jumper.”
THE CASCO PARTNERSHIP
Casco was eight when the Browns bought him in Europe. “He was fussy in the mouth as a result of whips, spurs and running reins,” says Jess. “Dad loved his canter and he was clearly a talented jumper.” Over time she and the grey Holsteiner established a great partnership.
The track they rode in Barcelona was confronting, to say the least. Rod recalls when he walked the course prior to the final. “Bloody hell, it’s huge, it’s bigger than the Olympic Games,” he told his wife – but not his daughter!
Jess and Casco on their way to winning the CSI1* World Cup qualifier at Equitana in 2014. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.
An international equestrian journalist noted Jess’ performance: “It’s a big moment for the 25-year-old who left Australian shores earlier this year bound for Europe where she’s been gaining experience in Germany and the Netherlands. Before departing Jess enjoyed success on the Australian World Cup circuit, most notably winning the Equestrian Grand Final at Equitana and a host of other minor placings including second at the Boneo CSI1*-W and third at this season’s Sydney Royal CSI2*-W.
“Jessica Brown has been a sensational find this week. Almost unknown before riding into the ring yesterday with her lovely grey gelding Casco, she once again looked like a very elegant pony clubber as she popped around the track for just four faults with the greatest of ease.”
Jess told Spanish reporters at the time: “I’m very proud and excited. Yesterday didn’t quite go to plan but it was the first big competition ever for myself and my horse.”
International competition is no stranger to today’s top jumping riders. Most are the offspring of billionaires; one horse could cost millions and they have five of them, they travel in private jets and have a retinue of grooms, sponsors and assistants. Entry fees are in the thousands. But just being good at show jumping isn’t going to get you on the world stage.
“In Australia we do
have some good
up-and-coming horses.”
Jess competing with Casco at the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, 2015. Image supplied.
“In Australia we do have some good up-and-coming horses,” notes Rod, citing Oaks Sport Horses as an example, several of which are winning and placing at major overseas events. (Once a small operation headed by Alice Cameron at The Oaks in the Macarthur region south of Sydney, Oaks Sport Horses now has a base in the Netherlands run by Alice’s daughter, Hilary Scott).
“In the last two years we’ve got some of them going here at Kulnura and then sent them to Hilary,” explains Jess from her house at Equus which she shares with husband, Rod McQueen. “We’ve known each other since we were junior riders. He used to be a plumber but now teaches full time; he also commentates at shows.”
“We’ve known each
other since we were
junior riders….”
Rod works a lot with young riders. “I can do it all day,” he beams. “I really enjoy it.” Clearly he is blessed with patience and goodwill! Unsurprisingly, he is a great fan of his wife’s riding skills. “Horses undergo a transformation when she’s on them – she makes it look so easy.”
ALLAN STEPS UP
Jess’s current mount is Elysian Fields Oceanus, aka Allan, who was purchased as a six-year-old. “He’s now nine,” explains Cathy, “and has recently stepped up to Grand Prix level and planning to start in World Cups this year. A fun fact is he’s sired by Higgins, who, as mentioned earlier, is still with us here.”
Jess with her husband, Rod McQueen. Image by Simon Scully Photography.
What Rod Brown would like to see are more venues to display the talent that exists in Australia. “Our sport has improved out of sight compared to 20 years ago. Young riders ride beautifully now – we need more showgrounds. At present Stonewall is the best, and it’s beautiful to look at.”
Jess and Elysian Fields Oceanus, aka Allan. Image by Simon Scully Photography.
Krissy Harris, the director of this magnificent facility at Mangrove Mountain two hours’ north of The Oaks, has been a friend of the Browns for over 40 years. “Cathy and Rod are a fabulous team. Lovely people with a huge passion for show jumping who give more to the sport than they take,” says Krissy.
“Jess is in the same mould – looking for perfection in her riding and training. She had to work hard to become the rider she is today even with Rod as her father and super coach. And it’s not just about riding. Jess manages the stables at Kulnura and her knowledge and ability to run a team from feeding and watering to World Cup competition is important.
“She’s also giving back by being on committees – she’s president of the Central Coast Showjumping Club – and takes an active role in trying to better our sport. Normally committees are made up of old folks like me and it’s good to see the younger generation taking responsibility.
“Her attitude of ‘never give up’ is inspirational for young riders trying to make it up the ladder.” EQ
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