TAKE FIVE WITH
The international showjumper, who has two top 10 finishes at Olympic Games on her CV, reveals what led her to launch a new horse-inspired jewellery brand
Tell us about growing up in Australia
Growing up in Turramurra, a suburb of Sydney, was wonderful. I was always surrounded by animals and we spent weekends visiting farms, where my love of horses began. I have also had a passion for fashion for as long as I can remember. As a teenager, I would dismantle my bedroom wardrobe and put up a rack so that it looked like a shop! I studied textiles and design and wanted to be a fashion designer, but I just couldn’t draw. I’d lay out all my outfits at night and treasure everything I had — especially the jewellery I had been given. I had many charms in the shape of horses.
How did you get into riding?
My family wasn’t horsey and so, as a child, I would escape next door at 6am, grab a rope and ride my neighbour’s pony, Bojangles. That led to competing at my local Pony Club, and I later went on to win the Australian young rider championship in 1995. I was 13 when I knew that I wanted to concentrate on showjumping. I had tried the other disciplines, but loved the jumping the most.
How hard was relocating to Europe?
In 1998 I decided to move half way around the world in order to further my career. Upon landing in Europe, I hit the ground running, working and competing for Belgium’s Ludo Philippaerts for several years before I branched out on my own. It was difficult to leave home, but it was necessary to open up the opportunity to compete against more world class riders. I met my husband, Jan [Tops], through business and we share the same passion. We work together on everything and have a great understanding of each other. I miss Australia, though, and try to go back once a year to visit my family.
What is your career highlight?
I’ve had a lot of magical moments, but winning the Super Grand Prix in Prague in 2018 was something special. Over 35,000 people were watching, and being the only female in a nail-biting round was exciting. Winning the very tough Grand Prix Hermès in 2017 while I was pregnant was another standout moment.
Tell us about Itot Du Chateau, your horse of a lifetime
Standing at only 15.1hh, Itot Du Chateau (Toti) has made a career out of jumping fences that are taller than himself, proving that size doesn’t matter. He had a dreadful accident before he came to me. At the age of three he jumped out of his field and was hit by a truck. He was lucky to survive, and while he healed and recovered the scars remain, especially on his right shoulder and forehead. From day one I felt as though I had known him forever.
You are known for using visualisation for success. How does it work?
It’s important to keep your mind clear, and focus on those fantastic moments that you’ve had in y
