Sally Simmonds – New South Wales
Discipline: Showjumping
Where you are from: Bourke, Western NSW
Who has influenced your passion for equestrian the most and why?
For me its two people. My late father Peter Simmonds, he taught me so much useful horsemanship knowledge and taught me that if you work hard anything is possible. Secondly my coach Gavin Chester. Gav is a natural talent also has so many extremely well-respected results worldwide from his riding career. When it comes to training quality horses and competing Gavin’s patients and passion for the sport along with his coaching ability is something I have always been hugely inspired by.
What has been your biggest riding-related accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment most recently is producing my 12yo gelding “Oaks Charleville” to world cup level and placing top ten in our first two world cups together. I have ridden Charlie since a 5yo, he was and still is an extremely tricky, nervous horse and took a lot of time. Something I’m very proud of, as competing at world cup level has always been a big goal for me so the time and effort poured into this horse made it all worthwhile.
What do you do to prepare yourself for competition?
No lucky superstitions for me, I always perform my best when I know I’ve put in the work pre competition, and I know my horses are up to the challenge.
What is your dream riding goal?
The dream riding goal for me would have to be to represent my country at the top level of the sport and when at that level to still be as passionate as 12 year old Sally was.
Which is your favourite Johnson’s Natural Formula feed and why?
My favourite feed is hands down Johnson Natural Formula Platinum Low GI. I love and trust the ingredients, my horses have never looked and performed better, they have all the energy without the over-the-top freshness! I highly recommend this feed.