By ALANA MITCHELSON
IT IS rare for an Anglo-Arabian horse to compete in high-level dressage, but experienced18-year-old rider Grace Lawes saw potential in Toby.
“I’d say 95 per cent of dressage horses are Warmbloods but Grace has trained him up to compete at high levels of dressage,” Grace’s mum, Rachel, said.
“She saw that he had the movement and brains for it, even though he’s not the traditional breed.
“He’s done very well with wins and places. Most recently – just three weeks ago – he placed in all of his advanced and FEI junior classes at the state young rider championships.”
The Lawes family have four horses on their 20-acre property, Waterford Park, in Bayles: Toby, Remi, Zacky and Domino.
Growing up with a horse riding instructor for a mum who is heavily involved with horse riding competitions, it was only natural for her two daughters to share her passion for horses.
Grace has been involved with horse riding ever since she can remember and has recently been recognised as an up-and-coming dressage rider, having fulfilled the criteria to become a member of the Victorian Young Riders Dressage Squad with Toby.
“Toby’s grey and has a huge personality. He’s very clever. He loves biting things, playing with buckets and opening gates,“ Grace said.
“Once, at a competition at the National Equestrian Centre, we were waiting for the presentations and Toby had let himself out of the stable and was running around.
“Remi’s my black beauty. She’s very sweet and sensitive.
“Zacky’s an eventer. He’s a chestnut coloured thoroughbred with a white star. He’s a bit of a doofus. He’s laid-back and slightly clumsy.
“Domino’s dark brown with a white face. He is 31 years old now, so getting quite old for a horse. Domino and Zacky are best friends.”
Grace’s main focus has changed from eventing to dressage, but Zacky has a special place in her heart and she still likes to do the odd jumping competition with him.
She has spent the past three years training Toby and now competes at an advanced level.
Grace said she hoped to one day represent Australia in dressage.
“It’s in our blood, I think,“ Rachel said.
“Our love for horses is a passion. It feeds your soul and consumes your life but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
