Isobel Guiness is certainly one of our up and coming riders. We have watched Izzy progress over the last couple of years and were delighted to see how well she went in the Australian Jumping Teams League (AJTL) event in Caboolture, Qld last month. Collecting only 4 penalties over a course that saw a number of our top riders come unstuck was a great achievement. We caught up with Izzy to find out more about her history in the sport and her dreams for the future.

Name: Isobel Guiness
Age: 22
Lives: Sydney, NSW
Occupation: University Student
Trains at: Redleaf Lodge

At what age did you start riding and who introduced you? I started riding from at a fairly young age, probably around 3 years old. I was lucky enough to grow up with a family farm in Scone that wasn’t too far from Sue Bettington who taught me to ride. 

Who have been the biggest influences in your riding?One of the biggest influences on my riding would have to be my mum, she definitely kick started the love for horses and has supported it ever since. 

I also wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance and support from Tallara and Dave Cameron and the team at Redleaf. I started riding with Tal back in the eventing days when I was 14. It is a real privilege to be surrounded by such motivated and supportive people day in and out. 

Can you tell us a bit about the horses you have in work at the moment? I currently have two competition horses – Copabella Verdi (Gremlin) and Cassandro B (Coles/Melon) who both compete at the Mini Prix level. Gremlin is a pretty quirky guy so it’s been a blessing in disguise getting to know him under the guidance of Tal and Dave (do not feed the Gremlin after midnight!). Coles was purchased from Jen and Nathan Wood in 2020. He is a real talent and character, I am really looking forward to seeing what we can do. 

How do you keep your horses in peak condition? Both of my horses are fuelled by Kohnke’s Own Equine Nutritional Supplements. As a more seasoned horse Gremlin feels especially fantastic on Kohnke’s Own Rediflex- which helps protect and maintain joint health and function. I also make sure that both my horses have balanced weeks, whether this is riding them down the road or a sneaky canter around the cross country paddock – great for fitness and their brains!

What do you consider your greatest competitive achievements to date? My biggest competition achievement to date would be leading young rider at Melbourne Royal. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the Coolmore Peachester Team in the AJTL for 2021. (Hopefully I’ll have more to add the next time this question comes up!). Note from editor that Izzy put in a brilliant performance in her first AJTL class!

I also really enjoyed jumping some logs back in the day, cantering around Melbourne International Three Day Event always being a highlight of the calendar. 

What are your short and long-term goals? My short term goals, to be more consistent and competitive on both my horses. Long term goals to be able to setup and jump some bigger fences. To jump a World Cup Qualifier on the Gremlin! I’d also love to go overseas if the opportunity presented itself. 

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?Let it go! (Yes just like the Frozen song!) It is important to learn from your mistakes but not to hold onto them. 

Can you tell us something about you that we don’t know? I love a casual afternoon out on the golf course. (I say casual but I get pretty competitive!) I really struggle with my left and rights… yes the other left. 

Do you have some sponsors you would like to thank? I would love to thank Kohnkes Own Nutrition and Horse Care for all their support of both myself and my horses. Plus my parents – they are my number one sponsors!

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