Equestrian Australia’s version of ‘The Voice finals’ takes place over four days this long weekend as Equimillion takes centre stage at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre.
After surviving ‘the blind’ auditions against a field of forty -five applicants, Goulburn entrants Hollie Worner and Gabrielle Osborne, now have the chance to sing for their supper this weekend at the unique million-dollar equestrian event.
Equimillion is a joint initiative of Equestrian Australia and Racing NSW that tests both horse and rider across four disciplines in Dressage, Jumping, Eventing and Showing.
Hollie Worner believes her own pedigree and experience have helped to make her a natural fit for Equimillion as she and her equine teammate ‘Frank’ prepare the tack for this weekend.
“Frank is the former Matthew Dale trained Five Kingdom who had a successful career, before retiring in 2023. I was extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to take Frank on once retiring to start a new career in show jumping and eventing,” Hollie highlighted.
“I have been riding since the age of five and established my own small business, focusing on the re-training and re-homing of off the track thoroughbreds.”
Hollie says it’s been a rewarding passion for her and believes ‘Frank’ to be a real ‘kick-on’ type who will take great development out of this weekend’s Equimillion.
“I have so far worked with some incredible thoroughbreds and they are by far my favourite breed to work with, the process of re-training them is incredibly rewarding.”
“So far, Frank has shown immense potential, particularly in the jumping phases. He is an incredibly willing, versatile and talented horse that I believe will make a very successful horse long term.”
Goulburn’s other Equimillion entrant Gabrielle Osborne, is no stranger to a day in the life of a thoroughbred. She works for the Danielle Seib stable in the tablelands and earnt her racing stripes via pony club as a young girl which set her on the path to Equimillion.
“Through Pony Club, I discovered show jumping and then eventing, and I knew this is where my passion was, and I have been focusing on this discipline for approximately seven years now,” Gabrielle revealed.
If her horse ‘Kenny’, could talk there’s a good chance he’d say he’s found himself in the best of care with Gabrielle. Her motivation and passion for wanting to take part in events like Equimillion there for all to see.
“Over the last few years working in the racing industry and gaining more knowledge of the thoroughbred, I have become very passionate about not only about their racing career but their life after racing and ensuring that they are set up for a good future.”
“This has inspired me to do more with Kenny and potentially more other off the track candidates. Kenny has shown great promise for jumping, especially cross country, and we are working on fine tuning our dressage. We are a real local team!”
Goulburn Race Club CEO Robyn Fife believes Equimillion provides a great development opportunity for the club’s selected riders and their horses.
“The passion of both Gabrielle and Hollie shone through in their applications and in the great work they are doing with their horses.”
“The Equimillion provides a great opportunity to further develop the skill set of both horse and rider and sets a benchmark for thoroughbred care and development post racing. On behalf of the club we wish them all the very best this weekend,” Ms Fife offered.
For more information on this weekend’s event visit equimillion.com.au and keep up to date with the progress of Hollie and Gabrielle via Goulburn race club’s socials.
Goulburn Soldiers Club & Goulburn Australia are proud supporters of Goulburn & District Racing Club
