Road to the World Breeding Championships - Part 3 Rebecca Rooke

For the first time in her riding career Rebecca Rooke will compete at the Longines FEI/WBFSH World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses at Ermelo in the Netherlands this week.

The young Australian rider who has been based in France for six years is looking forward the opportunity.

What horse are you campaigning at this event and how has its form been of late?

I am riding Muschamp Royal Black – a 5 year old Trakehner by All Inclusive. He is owned by Mr And Mrs Demoegen and stabled with me at Haras de Muschamp (The Muschamp Stud) in the Loire Valley in France. He has been with me since he was a 6 month old foal. I broke him in as a 3yr old, and have been training and campaigning him since.

What does it mean to compete at this event for both you and your horse ?

For me it is a great opportunity to represent Australia and compete amongst other top young horses and riders in Europe. Of-course for the young horse Royal Black it will be a great experience (and learning curve) which I am sure will aid his future career in dressage.

It is an important stepping stone for the future so it is very important that you perform well here?

As long as both Royal Black and I do our very best – that is our goal!! Of-course it would be amazing to get into the grand final, but I have to remember that I am competing against the very best 5 year olds in Europe, many of which are top stallions.

What sort of preparations have you been going through in readiness?

The preparation for this event is really not a lot different to any competition as far as the work that I am doing is concerned. I have not competed Royal Black since the end of May so that he has had plenty of time to prepare at home and no pressure from other competitions.

What are your performance expectations at the event?

As this is my first time competing at the World Young Horse Championships, I obviously wish to do my best on the day. The atmosphere and experience from this competition will help prepare us for the future.

How are you generally enjoying life abroad and how do you feel your career in the saddle is progressing towards the bigger picture goals you have?

I love living in France and after six years I now speak more or less fluent French. Being in Europe enables my career to progress and I am lucky to be supported by some very generous owners who own quality dressage horses.