Katherine Stewart and Splash jump a training fence at home in Pakenham. Katherine is flying to California at the end of this month to compete in her first international event.By Glen Atwell
FOURTEEN-year-old Katherine Stewart shares a special connection with her showjumping horse Splash.
With the help of a Cranbourne businessman, that special connection will land Katherine in California later this month.
Katherine, who lives in Pakenham, and Splash combined to win the children’s Australian category A final at the Australian Youth Showjumping Festival.
The jumping duo share at least a moment of every day, more often a number of hours, perfecting their jumps and transitions between fences.
The win at the Australian Youth Showjumping Festival, held at the Worrigee Equestrian Common, near Nowra, NSW early in October has proved to be just a stepping stone for Katherine, who has qualified to represent Australia at this year’s World Children’s Final.
With plenty of diesel in the truck, Katherine and her family made the journey to Nowra to contest the three round event.
Katherine and Splash jumped every round cleanly, with no refusals, run-outs or costly knockdowns, booking Katherine a trip to California.
It was Katherine’s first appearance at the Australian Youth Showjumping Festival.
“We knew about the competition last year, but only found out two weeks before the event, so it was too late.
“But it is definitely the biggest event I’ve participated in, I was thrilled to win,” Katherine said.
The event attracts the best young riders in Australia, and over 300 competed at the event, the youngest seven and the oldest 21.
With less than eight weeks to prepare a family of four for a trip to California, the organisation has been hectic, not to mention expensive.
Luckily the sports governing body will fly Katherine to and from the event, but the rest of the Stewart family, including dad John and brother Hamish, will have to pay their own way across the Pacific.
In a generous show of support, Don Mattson from |Cranbourne Horsepower donated items to assist Katherine as well as helping out financially.
He also said he wouldn’t be surprised to see the star jumper win the event.
“Katherine is a very talented rider, we are more than happy to help out,” Mr Mattson said.
Horsepower will supply Katherine with riding boots, jodhpurs and gear bags.
“Katherine will represent Australia well, I’m sure of it,” Mr Mattson said.
