In the world of Jumping, few experiences can match the excitement and challenges of competing in the FEI Jumping World Cup™. Maverick (Mav) Miles, the recent recipient of the Australian League ‘Rookie of the Year’ award, has made a remarkable debut in this prestigious series, showcasing both talent and determination.

The ‘Rookie of the Year’ title is aimed at recognising the achievement of Australian riders who are riding at World Cup level for the first time. The award is presented to the highest-ranking rider throughout the series who has never competed in a World Cup Qualifier prior to the beginning of the season. With fences upwards of 1.50m and riding against the best combinations in the country, the decision to step up to World Cup level for the first time can be a daunting one and Mav finished 11th on the overall leaderboard out of the 35 starters in the 2024 season, an impressive debut, especially considering to was from only 4 rounds.

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Mav’s World Cup journey began four years ago when he acquired Verdasco. Recognising the horse’s potential and scope, Mav brought the horse along under the watchful eye of his coach Colleen Brook. “Even though the horse had that ability, Colleen was very prudent and kept us just adding our stripes as much as possible,” Mav shared during a recent interview. This careful approach ensured that when the time came for them to step into the World Cup arena, they would be ready.

Initially, Mav had planned to compete in his first World Cup the previous year, but uncertainty about readiness lingered. His pivotal moment came when he qualified for Part Two at Sydney Royal, a notoriously challenging event and the horse performed brilliantly during the show which led to discussions with Colleen about the possibility of a start at Larapinta, the third World Cup show of the season.

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Having competed in the Grand Prix at Nambour the week before, Mav felt prepared going into the World Cup, but still remembers feeling daunted by the course. Mav says, “the main thing I learnt from my first World Cup experience is that when they are really big and really wide, you feel like you need to ride really hard at them, but that’s where you need to sit up and just steel your nerves,” he explained. Mav was delighted by how Verdasco performed and despite some green moments, the experience fostered growth for both horse and rider. Over what was widely described as a very challenging track, Mav finished 9th out of the 22 starters.

Following Larapinta, Mav faced an unusual gap before his next competition due to inclement weather, which left him with only one jump before the second World Cup at Caboolture. “I almost went clear in that one,” he laughed, reflecting on the pressure of the situation. Each World Cup presented its own set of challenges, and Mav learned valuable lessons along the way.  The transition from his first to second World Cup was significant.“I learned that my horse was not ‘redlining’ at that height” he said and his experience taught him that a methodical approach yielded better results than rushing into jumps, even when faced with the intimidating heights and technical demands of the course.

Mav’s indoor debut at Waratah Showjumping provided another learning experience. The demands of indoor courses, coupled with the pressure of competition, tested his skills. “I had two down in the first round, but it was was still a really great start.” The following week at Tamworth, another indoor class, with newfound confidence and momentum from his previous successes, Mav and Verdasco went clear in the first round over a challenging course, only one of two combinations to do so, igniting the crowd’s excitement. “The atmosphere was just electric,” he recalls with joy. Finishing 5th in this class was a brilliant achievement.

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Reflecting on the stark difference between standard Grand Prix events and World Cup competitions, Mav emphasised the unique challenges presented by the latter. “It is a pressure cooker,” he noted, describing the intricacies and heightened demands of World Cup courses designed to test the best riders and horses.

Looking to the future, Mav remains grounded and focused on enjoying the sport. “I do it for the love of the sport and for the experience,” he stated. His plans for the upcoming season include tackling more World Cups, with the realistic understanding that the path is unpredictable and requires adaptability.

Being named ‘Rookie of the Year’ was the icing on the cake for Mav. “It’s nice to have a bit of reward like that” he shared, reflecting on his journey so far. With his passion for the sport and a strong support system behind him, the sky is the limit for this combination and we look forward to following their progress in the upcoming year.

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