Prices are riding groundswell to Rio
NORTH Canterbury riders Tim and Jonelle Price believe that a world No 1 ranking, as well as a few more victories at four-star events, are well within their grasp as they close out 2014.
The couple, who finish the year with Jonelle ranked second in the world behind equestrian powerhouse William Fox-Pitt and Tim in 11th, have returned to New Zealand for Christmas.
They believe the past year is just the start of their consistent challenge for the top spots in eventing.
Tim said they had ‘‘proved lot’’ to themselves this year.
The North Canterbury rider cited the incredible feeling of winning his first four-star event in Germany.
He is excited about what his partnership with mount Wesko will lead to, particularly as the Rio Olympic Games approach.
However, there is no resting for
a the Kiwi eventing power couple.
‘‘We’re not world champions, and I certainly haven’t won a big one, but there’s been some really great results. It’s certainly our best year to date,’’ Jonelle said.
‘‘Last year had been our best year and this year’s been better again, so it’s obviously heading in the right direction.’’
Back home, they have spent time coaching young members of the Kiwi equestrian community, and have tried to share their knowledge and experience.
Having made sacrifices himself, Tim said the challenges Kiwi riders faced could be what makes or breaks them in competition.
‘‘I think half the strength of the Kiwi nation in eventing is because they have that backbone where they have to make things work for themselves, then that converts to being a real strength when it comes to top level competition.
‘‘Half the time you see these people in England that have a lot of money and a lot of opportunity, and you don’t quite see them come through and progress in top level competition.’’
The couple have tried to offer encouragement to riders who are considering a stint in Europe.
Having spent some time watching and coaching some of New Zealand’s eventing hopefuls, Jonelle said it was nice to see the professionalism on display from riders who had been in the Britain, and she believed time abroad provided real benefits in terms of performance.
After over a decade, their own hard work is finally bearing fruit.
They are now in a position where they have a number of horses in the stable with experience of top level four-star eventing, and Jonelle said they could not ask for more as they looked to Olympic selection.
‘‘We’ve got some world-class horses that should be in their prime in 18 months time.
‘‘Obviously, it’s another job to keep them sound, fit and healthy and in good form but, provided we can do that, we should both have a really serious crack at Rio.’’
With only Great Britain’s William Fox-Pitt ahead of her in the rankings, Jonelle said she could not afford to be complacent.
Her fourth place finishes in Pau and at the World Equestrian Games she believed to be proof that ‘‘there’s still so many things I need to do to be proven at that level’’.
The focus is now getting ‘‘a little bit better’’ to turn fourth places and single four-star wins into consistent rankings and marquee results for the Price pair.