For Gabrielle (Gabi) Chugg, the journey into Jumping didn’t start with a grand plan. “I actually started out Eventing,” she said. “But I remember one weekend there were two competitions on at the same time, and I ended up choosing the Jumping one. From there it just felt like a natural progression, and I’ve never looked back.”

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Gabi’s love for Jumping runs deeper than just preference. “It’s the finesse, the technicality, and the fact that it’s not subjective. If you leave the poles up, they stay up. There’s no grey area.”

Together with her husband Chris Chugg, Gabi has helped shape some of Australia’s most promising horses, and that’s no accident. “Chris can see things that not many people can, especially when coaching or selecting young horses,” she said. “He’s particular, sometimes I’ve thought he’s too quick to judge, but he knows what he’s doing.”

For Gabi, it’s just as much about intuition. “It’s a feeling. Some horses just have an aura. I’ve been incredibly lucky to sit on some really special ones, but producing them takes patience, time, and a real understanding.”

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Their working relationship is one that’s both intense and rewarding. “It’s not for everyone,” she laughed. “We’re lucky to do what we do as a profession and as a business. Sure, it gets challenging, but whatever happens out on the yard, we leave it there. We’re good at separating business and home life.”

Gabi and Chris spent over two years based in Europe, chasing their next big opportunity. “We left in March 2022 and returned at the end of 2024,” she explained. “The goal was always to produce something good enough to sell to the European or American market.”

It wasn’t without hurdles. “This trip was different, no World Cup Final to anchor it like we had planned back in 2020 with PSS Levilensky (Levi). COVID put a stop to that, but when things reopened, we knew we had to go.”

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That leap paid off. “2024 was my best season over there. I got onto a couple of Nations Cup teams, which was definitely a highlight. Competing at Brussels Stephex Masters, that was my last international show with Levi before he was sold, and it really stood out.”

Gabi says the biggest difference between Europe and Australia is consistency. “They have incredible facilities, world-class surfaces, jumps, course builders, all of it. They can run national and international shows in the same week at the same venue. Here in Australia, we just don’t have that kind of infrastructure or financial support yet.”

But she’s quick to defend Australian riders and officials. “We tend to put Europe on a pedestal, but Aussies adapt quickly and we hit the ground running when we go over there. We’re not far behind, we just need more chances to get in the ring.”

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The European campaign also came with heartbreak. In the middle of it all, Gabi lost Cassiago, a horse that meant everything to her. “It was gut-wrenching,” she said, her voice breaking. “I got a call at six in the morning. By the time I got to the stables, he was gone. He was lying peacefully. No signs of struggle. We think it was a heart attack.”

Processing the loss took time. “It broke me. I didn’t get back in the saddle for a while. Chris kept things ticking over at home, and eventually I was ready to get back on Levi. But I grieved hard.”

Cassiago had been part of the family for nine years. “Chris bought him as a seven-year-old. He was the horse that helped me take Cristalline overseas. He opened so many doors for us. An absolute gentleman. He gave me some of the biggest moments in my career.”

Letting go is part of the job, but that doesn’t make it easier. “You can’t do this sport without forming a bond,” she said. “Selling Cristalline was my first real introduction to that side of it. It was emotional, but it’s how we keep the business going. Horses are horses, they find trouble, and there’s never a guarantee and sometimes your first offer is your best one.”

Still, there are some you’d always take back. “Honestly, I’d say Levilensky,” she said without hesitation. “Cristalline and Flair were freaks, but Levi was something else. Nothing was given with him, you had to ride well and execute. And when you did, he gave you everything. It was always rewarding.”

Looking ahead, the goals haven’t changed. “I still dream of getting on a championship team, a World Champs or the Olympics. That’s the long-term dream.”

In the meantime, the focus is at home. “Every horse on the truck except one is homebred. They’re eight now, and it’s been years of work to get them here. I really believe a few of them could take us back overseas.”

For Gabi, the message is clear, appreciate the moment, love the time you get to spend with your horses and ride for what matters.

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