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SOME PARTNERSHIPS ARE BUILT OVER MANY YEARS. OTHERS SIMPLY ARRIVE WHEN FATE PLACES THE RIGHT HORSE AND THE RIGHT PERSON IN EXACTLY THE RIGHT PLACE.
KEEPING IT FUN
Despite the rapid success, Kamila believes the secret to their partnership lies in variety and enjoyment. Their training program combines arena work, lessons, groundwork, pole exercises, trail riding and plenty of opportunities for Magic to simply enjoy being a horse.
" He loves a good gallop through open paddocks and splashing through the creek to decompress."
Planning also plays an important role.
" I like to map out all the shows leading up to a major event and work closely with my instructor to iron out any issues along the way."
But perhaps her greatest philosophy is remembering why they compete.
" It ' s easy to become focused on expectations when you ' re chasing big goals. You have to remember why we show horses in the first place because we love them and because it ' s fun. Never lose sight of that."
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LEARNING TOGETHER
Like every partnership, there have been challenges. Magic ' s most memorable habit stemmed from his cow horse breeding.
" He has an enormous stop," Kamila laughs. " He ' s nearly sent me into the next postcode a couple of times! It ' s fantastic for a reiner, but the dressage judges weren ' t nearly as impressed."
Through patient training, they ' ve developed smoother, more balanced transitions while allowing Magic to grow stronger and more confident in his new career.
DISCOVERING THE QUARTER HORSE
Kamila ' s journey with Quarter Horses began in 2016 following a serious riding accident. Searching for a quiet horse to help rebuild her confidence, she purchased Miss Inhibition, a green four year old from Robyn Bruger. Initially showing only in hand, Kamila gradually returned to riding under the guidance of her instructor before making her ridden debut in 2020.
" I thought I ' d be buying sparkly Western gear until Olivia Palfreyman introduced me to the English classes at National level."
That introduction changed everything.
Competing at Q22 and Q23 Nationals built valuable experience before a breakthrough performance at the PHAA National Show delivered three National Championships and a Grand National Champion Hack title.
" That ' s when I realised I could actually do this."
Kamila Gent and Dun Up Obvious Q-102485
2026 AQHA ~ JULY / AUGUST ISSUE