Alexandra Berwick and her horse Harry combined to take out the National Intermediate Rider of the Year title at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre this month.By Marc McGowan
PAKENHAM equestrian star Alexandra Berwick added to her illustrious trophy cabinet this month by winning the National Intermediate Rider of the Year at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre.
The 17yearold has been riding horses for 12 years, but has concentrated on the showing discipline for the past eight.
Her dedication culminated in the biggest triumph of her career at the annual National Show Horse and Rider Championships.
The intermediate class in which she emerged victorious caters for riders between 14 and 18 years of age.
“It was a shock; it was really exciting,” Berwick said. “I didn’t really expect it. I’ve worked really hard for it and put in a lot of work. I enjoy working with beautiful horses. I have always had a love for horses.”
Showing involves the rider taking the horse through all its paces and the animal must be in pristine condition.
“You can put in a lot of work and then something can go wrong on the day,” Berwick said.
“It is not hard for something to go wrong. It takes real luck to pull it off.”
Berwick has developed a strong bond with her sevenyearold mount Harry, who goes by the name Charming in competition, and this bond was beneficial in her landmark success.
“I bought him off the track. He’s an exracehorse and he was bought from a local Pakenham horse trainer (Sharon Gotts),” Berwick said. “I bought him three years ago. He’s very special.
“I did all the work myself, which is probably why we have such a special relationship.”
Leading into marquee competitions, Berwick rides Harry every night and receives instruction from equestrian coach Sam Bartlett.
Riding has been a natural sporting choice for Berwick.
Both her parents were brought up with horses and she has inherited their passion.
Berwick’s equestrian skills have already garnered one Victorian Rider of the Year title and two runnerup finishes, while she has also been named champion rider at the Melbourne, Perth and Hobart royal shows.
She is a good friend of talented 23yearold Pakenham rider Briony Payne, who won the Senior Rider of the Year last year and was runnerup this year aboard Harry.
“We’ve always been very close through showing since I was very little,” Berwick said of her relationship with Payne.
“Briony does have a horse of her own, but she mainly uses Harry for her riding classes. I guess it is a bit of a compliment.”
Berwick will saddle up again in January for a Rider of the Year qualification event, once again aboard Harry.
“I’ve always done most things with Harry. He trusts me and it is the same the other way,” Berwick said.
