Lamoza Velisha and Call Me Cooley. Image by Lisa Grund Photography.
At nineteen years of age, Lamoza Velisha is preparing to represent Australia for the first time at an international championship. Partnered with Call Me Cooley, she is currently on her way to Millstreet in Ireland for the inaugural FEI Eventing World Championship for U25.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be selected to represent Australia at my first international championship,” says Lamoza Velisha. “I’m incredibly proud to have qualified.”
Lamoza will be joined in Millstreet by another Australian combination: European-based Brooke Dougall and My Locky.
“I’m really looking forward to catching up with Brooke and building our little Australian team. We met years ago when we were both young riders, so it feels like a real full-circle moment to now be representing Australia together on the world stage.”
Lamoza and Call Me Cooley – aka ‘Pash’ – along with Charlize Scott who will be the duo’s groom for the Championship, left Australia on 7 July and travelled with IRT to the UK, where they’ll be based with the Faulkners – Pash’s former owners – just down the road from New Zealand eventer Jesse Campbell.
“We are incredibly lucky to be staying with the Faulkners; they have become like family to us over the last few years. They’ve always been there for us, so knowing they’re close by heading into such a big event is really special,” explains Lamoza.
Lamoza and Call Me Cooley winning the CCI2*-S at Tonimbuk Horse Trials in 2025. Image by Tazzie Eggins.
Lamoza says she’s been fortunate with the level of support offered by many in the UK, from the Faulkners to Jesse Campbell, fellow Aussie Hannah Klep and many others. “As a young rider travelling overseas for the first time, it really means a lot.”
After a “whirlwind” week in the UK, it’ll then be on to Ireland via ferry where the inaugural FEI Eventing World Championship for U25 awaits.
MEMORABLE MELBOURNE
While Millstreet is set to be Lamoza’s biggest assignment to date, it will certainly take a bit to top her career highlight of claiming the CCI4*-S with Pash at this year’s Melbourne International Three-Day Event – a competition that holds a special place in her heart.
“Melbourne isn’t just another event to me; it’s my home event. I’ve been volunteering there since I was a little kid and just love being part of the event. To then come back and win the CCI4*-S is something I’ll never forget,” smiles Lamoza.
Talking through the event, she says it all began with a good dressage test. “Pash can be quite spicy, and having the cross country fences set up beside the dressage arena definitely didn’t help keep him relaxed! But he held it together and tried so hard for me.”
Lamoza describes cross country day as “so much fun”, and it certainly looked as though Pash agreed. “Pash absolutely comes alive out there and gives me so much confidence. Around the Rose Garden, I felt the ground wasn’t quite as good as it had been earlier on course, so I made the decision to steady him and look after him rather than chase the clock. We picked up a little bit of time, but for me that was the right decision. I’m new at this height so I wanted a calm, safe round.”
Lamoza and Call Me Cooley on course in the CCI4*-S at Melbourne International Three-Day Event this year. Image by Click Capture.
This clear and considered thinking on course is something Lamoza has developed over time as a rider, and she credits her jump coach Yona Lloyd with helping to instil that mindset.
“I’ve always been a naturally fast cross-country rider. When I was younger, if the optimum time was 5 minutes 18 seconds, I wanted to ride 5 minutes 18 seconds! Yona completely changed the way I think; he taught me that the goal isn’t to chase the clock. The goal is to ride to the conditions, ride to the horse underneath you, and ride accurately. If you do that well, the time usually takes care of itself.”
It proved to be the right methodology, and by the final day the combination were well in contention.
“To then jump a clear showjumping round and finish on top was an incredible feeling. Having my coaches, Karen [Blythe] and Yona [Lloyd], there alongside my family made it even more special. They’re the people who have been with me through all the ups and downs, so to celebrate a win like that together at my home event was something I’ll always treasure.”
Lamoza and Call Me Cooley on their victory lap after winning the CCI4*-S at Melbourne International Three-Day Event. Image by Click Capture.
IMPACTFUL COACHES
“I was really lucky growing up because I had some amazing coaches,” reflects Lamoza, explaining that her mother always felt that learning from a variety of people was important.
In the early days, Lamoza’s dressage coach was Jason Dins. “Jason built the foundations of my riding. I’m incredibly grateful for everything he taught me. He also somehow survived what I can only describe as my ‘terrible ages’, where getting me to actually finish a lesson required a full lineup of games, bribery, and a lot of patience!” she laughs.
When Jason moved away, Lamoza began training with dressage rider and coach Karen Blythe – a partnership she says has completely shaped the rider she is today.
Karen Blythe, pictured here riding Stryker K. Image by One Eyed Frog Photography.
“Karen isn’t just my dressage coach anymore; she’s one of my closest friends and mentors,” she says. “One of the things I admire most about Karen is that she’s honest. If it’s rubbish, she’ll tell me. But when I get it right, she’ll tell me that too. I want someone who pushes me to be better every single day.”
Lamoza reveals that living with dyslexia and ADHD have create some challenges throughout her riding career – but her coaches have always supported her. “Some days I still mix up my left and right, which isn’t exactly ideal when you’re trying to ride an accurate dressage test!” she laughs. “Karen has never seen those things as limitations. Instead, she’s taken the time to understand how my brain works and adapted the way she coaches me so I can get the best out of myself.
“Karen has also taught me that dressage isn’t about getting through a test. It’s about producing a horse correctly and giving them the education to enjoy their job. That philosophy has completely changed how I ride across all three phases.”
Growing up, Lamoza’s jumping coach was her mother’s best friend, Jess Cocks. “Jess is a four-star rider and still plays a massive role in my life today. She’s one of the biggest parts of my team, and I’m so lucky to still have her in my corner.”
These days, Yona Lloyd is Lamoza’s primary jumping coach. “I don’t think any of us could imagine him not being there. He has an enormous calming effect on me. I’m naturally very excitable, and I’m quite electric on a horse. Sometimes my brain wants to go at a hundred miles an hour, and Yona somehow has this ability to slow everything down.
“My family calls him ‘Yoda’, the wise one of eventing, and honestly the name suits him perfectly.”
In addition to reframing Lamoza’s penchant for chasing cross country time, Yona has also taught her to think her way around a course. “We spend so much time walking lines together, and he explains exactly how he would ride them and why. Over the years we’ve built a really good understanding of each other.”
Lamoza reveals that it was Yona who convinced her mother to let her ride her first four-star.
“Dad’s approach was basically, ‘Just let her do it!’ Mum, understandably, wanted to know I was ready. Yona looked her in the eye and said he would never let me do something unless he genuinely believed I was one hundred percent capable. That meant everything to all of us,” she says.
“Yona is such a valued part of our team and my journey. He is one of the best men in the sport you will never hear anyone ever say anything other than he is a great horseman and the best person! I’m incredibly lucky that he’s coming with us to Millstreet because I know having Yoda by my side will make the whole experience even more special.”
Yona Lloyd riding Icarus Lady Gwen. Image by Equisoul Photography.
THE ROAD TO PASH
“Finding Pash actually came after a pretty disappointing time,” reveals Lamoza.
Back in 2023, she had been competing two very different horses at two-star level; she found she was reacting to each horse in isolation and therefore wasn’t building solid habits or a repeatable way of riding. She says that over time, that inconsistency showed in her performances.
“We then bought a horse in Australia that was meant to teach me the FEI levels, but unfortunately, he was injured before we really got started. I was heartbroken,” explains Lamoza.
It was decided that she needed a horse who could teach consistency; one that would forgive mistakes and help her develop as a rider. “We also wanted a horse that had been produced by a young rider or amateur rather than one that had spent its whole career with a professional. We felt that type of horse would help consolidate me as a rider.”
Equine agent Sharon Ridgway and fellow eventer Lissa Green proved instrumental in bringing this wish list to life.
“They put together a thoughtful shortlist. My grandfather and Mum’s best friend, Brent, spent ten days travelling around the UK while I tried horses. It was honestly one of the best trips ever. I’m very lucky and I am extremely grateful.”
Lamoza riding Ophelie Van Prinseveld. Image by Ashley Grant – Theblachat.
TWO HORSES
Lamoza and her family’s venture in Europe ultimately yielded two horses: 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Call Me Cooley (by Passion out of Shalara) and 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare Ophelie Van Prinseveld (by Thunder VD Zuuthoeve out of Haiti DW, by Massimo).
The latter was Lamoza’s first choice. “There was just something about her that I absolutely loved. She had this unbelievable kindness in her eyes that you couldn’t ignore.”
Ophelie was in Gemma Stevens’ (nee Tattersall) stable at the time. “What really appealed to us was that she had been produced by an amateur young rider. Gemma had taken over the ride while her owner was injured, and that really fitted the type of horse we were looking for. We weren’t shopping for horses with the biggest results; we were shopping for horses that would become my teachers.”
Although Ophelie wasn’t in full work, she looked after Lamoza during her trial ride. “I put her into awful distances, made plenty of mistakes across country, and she never once held it against me. She was unbelievably forgiving. On paper she didn’t have the standout results that some of the other horses had, but her temperament was something you just couldn’t overlook. At that stage in my career, I needed a horse that would allow me to make mistakes so I could actually learn from them.”
Lamoza explains that Ophelie is enormous with a huge stride to match. “When I first started riding her, I honestly thought she counted the strides herself. Before a fence she’d almost do this funny little deer hop and organise everything for me. It was hilarious, but it also showed just how clever she is.”
Pash was Lamoza’s third choice. “Our biggest concern was that he could be a little hot, and because I can be quite electric myself, we wondered if together we might just create chaos!” she laughs.
When Lamoza got home, every video and every ride was reviewed by a group of about twelve people. “Sharon and Lissa were adamant that the best for me was Pash,” she explains. “In the end, I was outvoted. The overwhelming opinion was that while Ophelie and Chapel House [Lamoza’s second choice] were both fantastic horses, Pash was the horse that would make me a better rider. He had such a genuine, brave nature and would let me make mistakes while teaching me the FEI levels properly. But most importantly, he wouldn’t do it for me unless i rode him correctly.”
At this point in Lamoza’s career, it wasn’t about winning – it was about learning.
Lamoza winner her CCI4*-S debut at Ballarat International Horse Trials with Call Me Cooley. Image by Lisa Grund Photography.
“Looking back now, I honestly can’t imagine my life without either of them. They’ve both shaped my career in completely different ways, and I’m so grateful that everyone around me saw something in Pash that I couldn’t quite see at the time.”
Pash and Ophelie are chalk and cheese, but with both horses helping to develop Lamoza as a rider, that difference now works rather than hinders – and Lamoza loves switching between the two.
“Ophelie is a complete lady. She’s kind, thoughtful and incredibly food motivated! I honestly think when she leaves the start box on cross country she’s just racing towards the dessert buffet at the finish. She’s so genuine and always wants to please.
“Pash, on the other hand, is full of passion. He’s sharp, electric and absolutely loves his job. My biggest challenge with him is containing all that enthusiasm and directing it in the right way.
“Because they’re so different, they both keep me honest. Pash teaches me to be quick, accurate and committed, while Ophelia teaches me patience, balance and planning.”
Reflecting on the horses and ponies she had growing up, Lamoza says they all taught her something along the way. “From super naughty ponies, to my little Brumby pony, to my first off-the-track Thoroughbred, and all the horses that have followed, my parents always put me on horses that were there to teach me something. Every horse has been different, and I think that’s made me a really adaptable rider.”
THE NEXT STEPS
While Ophelie was Lamoza’s first choice, in reality the partnership has turned out to be been more of a slow burn. However, over the last six months everything has slowly begun to click: rails and run-outs have been replaced by some competition success, and Lamoza believes there is plenty of future potential.
“I honestly think Ophelie is my five-star horse in the future. I still don’t think we’ve unlocked everything she’s capable of. Karen has done an amazing job helping us improve our dressage, and every month I feel like we’re finding another gear together.
“If Pash is the horse who has taught me how to ride confidently at the FEI level, I think Ophelie is the horse who could one day take me to a senior team position. I really believe our best days are still ahead of us.”
Lamoza believes Ophelie Van Prinseveld has what it takes to be a future five-star horse. Image by Ashley Grant – Theblachat.
Since the purchase of Pash and Orphelie, rising seven-year-old mare Quick Chilli has also joined the stable. Different to the other two and only 15.1 hands, Pearl is still quite green but showing promise.
Another to come from Gemme Stevens, Pearl was only lightly campaigned in the UK but came with a lovely foundation.
“Since she’s been here, we’ve really focused on consolidating her basics, particularly on the flat. Dressage is my strength, and I feel like that’s come along quickly with Karen’s guidance,” explains Lamoza.
Lamoza and Pearl have been competing at EvA 80 level. “Her showjumping is coming along really well too. She is jumping 110-115cm at home; Yona has been a huge help in guiding me with her, especially because she’s still quite green.”
While Pearl isn’t naturally the bravest cross country horse, Lamoza believes she simply needs time and confidence. “We’ve been taking things very slowly and making sure she’s always happy in her work. There’s absolutely no rush — I want a happy, brave horse in the long term.”
Despite a few tricky outings, they did have a win in the EvA 80 at Wandin and Lamoza says it’s all just part of the process. This coming season, the hope is to keep her ticking along at EvA 95 and progress to CCN1*.
“I really feel that once we have that deeper connection, she’s going to keep improving and become a very exciting horse.”
Pearl is an embryo twin with elite five-star lineage, and Gemma Stevens has her sibling. Out of Gemma’s 2016 Rio Olympic mare Quicklook V, they are by Chillis Prince — who is by the well-known eventing stallion Chilli Morning and out of Mary King’s five-star mare, Kings Gem.
“We have plans to do embryo transfers with Pearl in the future,” explains Lamoza. “The goal is to start building a breeding program here with the DS Syndicate and hopefully produce some beautiful foals from her as well.”
Lamoza also currently has some young horses between three and five years of age that she is also producing for the future.
GREEN & GOLD
Following the Championships, Lamoza and Charlize will head back to Australia to prepare horses for the upcoming eventing season. As for Pash, Lamoza says she’s keeping an open mind and is considering further European competition starts.
Lamoza and Call Me Cooley are now on their way to Ireland. Image by Click Capture.
“A few people have suggested leaving Pash in Europe for a little while to compete in a few more events before he heads home. Right now though, my focus is completely on Millstreet. We’ll see where the journey takes us after that, so watch this space!”
Lamoza is proud to be representing Australia – but says she’s equally proud of all the other young Australian riders who achieved the qualification standard.
“We have an exceptionally talented group of Under 25 riders,” she says, adding that she feels the biggest challenge for Australia isn’t the talent but the distance and cost of travelling horses overseas.
“It’s made it difficult to field a full team this year. Hopefully, by navigating the process this year, we can help make it a little easier for future Australian combinations and see a full team represented next year.”
However, for now Lamoza is embracing the journey and looking forward to meeting up with Brooke Dougall in Millstreet.
“Most of all, I’m just so excited to wear the green and gold and introduce the world to Pash. I think everyone is going to discover just how special he really is.” EQ
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