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FEATURE: NANCY AND ALICIA JOURNEY WITH SANDMAN
Alicia and Sandman- 2024 Personal best held 1.30m
Alicia and Sandman- 2025 winning Show Jumping Champion, a big goal set and achieved
Speed round, riding a technically daring shortened course that no other rider attempted— and winning it. In the third Class, Grand Prix, they made it to the final round but knocked one rail, giving them a 6th place and a 5th overall for 2024 Show Jumping Championships. Alicia came away confident with a new goal for 2025.
2025 Pony Club Queensland State Championships, Alicia put a lot of time into Sandman and mentally had a goal to reach. Then it poured rain for a week and flooded, " we were lucky to get out in time to compete ". Over four days, Nancy witnessed Alicia ' s total commitment to her training and goals. The first two days were devoted to Jumping Equitation, which Alicia used strategically as calm, low-pressure rounds to prepare both herself and Sandman for what truly mattered— Show Jumping.
In the first class, Alicia and Sandman took it careful coming in with a close 2nd place. Class two, Power and Speed, pulling off a smooth and seamless run saw them to 1st place. The title was almost in her grasp, then came the Grand Prix: three rounds, increasing difficulty. Alicia and Sandman rode clear in the first two. In round three, with jumps sitting at 1 metre, Alicia had a bold, high-risk short course in mind. Sandman, sensing the gravity of the moment, was all in. As they entered the arena, their team motto echoed:“ Leave it all on the course.” What followed was a performance so sharp and seamless it drew gasps from the crowd. When they cleared the final fence, they had not only sealed the lead but set a new standard.“ That was the best short course I’ ve seen,” the judge later told her. Against a field of tough competition, no other rider could match their precision and pace. That day, Alicia and Sandman didn’ t just win the Pony Club Queensland State Show Jumping Championship— they made a statement about heart, partnership, and the power of belief.“ Sandman did justice to all Quarter Horses that day,” Nancy said proudly.“ Alicia had a goal, and together, they gave it everything.”
As horse owners and competitors it ' s not just measured in ribbons or titles— it’ s found in the deep bond they’ ve built with their horse, especially Sandman. Alicia reflects on the, pure partnership that’ s been forged over years of working together across the pony club, showgrounds, and the rugged terrain of their family property.“ That feeling of complete trust,” she says,“ is rewarding enough.” It’ s during the boldest shortened courses that Sandman truly shines. Navigating tight corners with barely a stride between the turn and the jump, where most horses might hesitate or clip a rail, Sandman locks in— finding his footing, reading the moment, and giving everything he has.“ To pull off those tight courses, we both have to be totally in the zone,” Alicia explains.“ If I don’ t ask, he won’ t just do it on his own. We have to commit— completely.” It ' s in those seconds of mutual focus and trust, when horse and rider are pushing the edge of possibility, that Alicia feels most proud of the team they’ ve become.
Over the past four years since Sandman began competing in jumping, the duo have overcome their share of challenges and learned countless lessons— efforts that have paid off in the past two seasons. In 2024, Sandman was crowned State Jumping Equitation Champion for the 13 & Under 26 Years 70cm class, and in 2025, they reached another milestone, claiming the State Show Jumping Champion title for the 80cm class in the same age division. For Nancy, the rewards come from a broader perspective.“ Our horses are more than competitors— they’ re our mates, our work partners, our team,” she explains. From breeding and raising them to watching them give their all in the ring, it’ s the quiet, loyal effort of these horses that brings the greatest sense of pride.“ That moment when you know your horse gave their best— that’ s the most rewarding part of all.”
For Alicia and Nancy, their shared passion for horses has become more than a hobby— it’ s a defining thread in their motherdaughter bond. Horse competitions have affectionately earned the title of their“ girl trips,” the only time of year when they step away from the demands of life on the property. While these events may not offer the relaxation of a traditional holiday— filled instead with prep, pressure, and plenty of nerves— they offer something more meaningful: time together, shared goals, and mutual support.“ We definitely get to see each other at our highs and our lows,” Alicia says.“ It would be a lot harder without Mum.” Back home, Alicia has grown into an independent and capable horsewoman, managing Sandman’ s care— from feeding and exercise to barefoot trimming— with a maturity beyond her years. Nancy steps in as a mentor and sounding board, always ready to guide or learn alongside her daughter. But at competitions, the roles shift slightly. Nancy takes on the allimportant role of support crew— strapper, scheduler, feeder, and steady presence— so Alicia can stay focused.“ I’ ve learned to only suggest short courses and let her commit,” Nancy laughs.“ Sometimes I’ ll ask what turns are you going to try, she’ ll just say,‘ all of them,’ and that’ s my cue to step back and let her do her thing.” Their seamless teamwork is built not just on logistics but on deep respect, shared experience, and the unspoken
Australian Quarter Horse Association- www. aqha. com. au