Many young riders dream of following their equestrian dreams in Europe and sadly very few manage
to make it their reality. The Equestrian had a chat to one New Zealander who is doing just that and
enjoying success along the way. Amy Collinson is having the time of her life and through hard work and
dedication she is an exciting rider in the future of New Zealand show jumping.
How long have you been in Europe for now?
I have been in Europe for just over two years. I came over with Sam Mcintosh in April 2014.
I have been based with Bruce Goodin at Riders Cup stable in Denmark since August 2014. I have
learned so much with Bruce and had great opportunity riding lots of horses and going to some really
nice shows. I have recently moved to Holland to be based with another New Zealand rider, Miranda
Harrington. Her stables are really great and close to amazing shows, I am slowly starting to find my
way around!
How has Europe treated you so far?
Living over here has been great! I have travelled around Europe competing in heaps of cool places including Belgium, Holland, Germany, France, Spain, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Denmark, and Switzerland.
It has been hard work but all worth it.
Have you had to overcome any challenges whilst you’ve been there?
Everyone has low periods and there was a time when I really lost my nerve. I couldn’t trust myself and
had a period of bad shows. I was in Poland with two horses and I fell off them three times! Twice on
seven-year-old Cow Power and once off Capello. Then my next show I fell off Capello again!
What have been some highlights for you?
Getting over my bad period then winning the 1.40m class in Frankfurt on Capello at Christmas time was
one of the best feelings. My dad was at the show and the Frankfurt show is a really special show, it
was so cool to win there. Watching top riders jump is always a highlight. Catching up with friends who
are travelling around Europe is always exciting. The best part is probably everything that I have learnt.
What have been some of your favourite shows?
I went to a show in the alps of France called Megeve which was a special place to be show jumping! Also
going to shows in Poland and Slovakia was really cool and they had amazing facilities, which I didn’t
expect. Frankfurt and Munich were the best shows! The Germans know how to make a nice show!
Frankfurt is in the middle of the city at Christmas time. Munich is on an amazing big grass arena in the
summer at the old Olympic park.
Tell us about your horses:
I have two horses over here- Capello G and Laganda. I have had Capello for over five years and he is my
best friend! I have travelled around everywhere with him. Capello’s season has started off a bit slow as
he has had a few injuries, which I have been careful with, but he is starting to jump in some small classes now. Laganda - I acquired from the Riders Cup stable through the seven-year-old I brought, Cow
Power. I didn’t click with Cow Power so they kindly offered to swap her for Laganda. Laganda is a big
powerful mare, very brave and with lots of scope. I started competing Laganda at the Sunshine Tour
in Spain in February. We started jumping in 1.40m classes a few weeks ago and she’s jumping great. I
can’t wait to start jumping Capello and Laganda in some world ranking classes these start at 1.45m!
What are your goals?
Eventually I want to be able to establish myself in Europe, have my own stable and team of horses.
Jump at all the big shows! I have no plans to return to New Zealand anytime soon.
Many thanks to Paulina Szwac for the beautiful photo of Amy and Capello G