Gunnedah-based Grace Stuart and her horse Glendeen Spartikus (pictured) are steeling themselves for the Australian Stock Horse (ASH) open national event at AELEC in Tamworth from May 10 to 15.
This will be the highest level of competition so far for the rider and her horse, which was bred by locals Peter and Jodi Bullen of Glendeen ASH Stud.
Grace has developed a close bond with her horse during the past four years, as she practices four to five times each week and competes in agricultural shows, ASH branch shows, stockman’s challenges and campdraft events.
Points are accumulated throughout each year for riders all around the nation, with Grace and Glendeen Spartikus winning the U18 Hack and Led divisions for 2024.
They also placed second in the ASH Challenge and Working/Utility divisions.
Grace and her horse have competed in youth nationals previously, with a series of top five placings in 2023 as the event was in Grafton.
“It will be a huge step up to compete at an open national event, but I’m very excited about it,” Grace said.
“I will be competing with some of my closest friends so that will make the experience even better.”
Grace’s mum Kamilla expressed her admiration for her daughter’s dedication and commitment, saying there was a lot of hard work involved with the sport being both physically and mentally demanding.
Balancing work with competition is also a huge challenge, with Grace having started a full-time apprenticeship this year with The Skin Studio by Emma James.
The 16-year-old Grace will encounter competition from a range of adult riders and top-level trainers at the open national event, with Kamilla saying there were many benefits from this.
“It’s a really good goal-setting exercise for her as well,” Kamilla said.
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