CAMBEWARRA’S Jamie Priestley has just returned from Herford, where she competed in the German Friendship Games, for equestrian show jumping.
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The 17-year-old claimed gold and a bronze medal at the games, which encompasses competitors from more than 25 countries worldwide.
“On the first day we get to ride your horse [provided by the German riders] for half an hour and have six practice jumps,” Priestley said.
“The next day, again you have half an hour of being coached and I was lucky enough to be coached by a German Olympic medallist during this time.
“The next day, we are all welcomed to Herford with a Mayor's reception at the town hall followed by a welcome barbecue.
“The next day the competition started, which saw me compete in the junior [15-18 year-olds] section.
“On the first day of competition, me and my partner, Leo Buscher blitzed the competition by over five seconds to take victory.
“The awards were presented by the German Minister for Defence and the Australian flag was raised, while the national anthem played, in what was a very special moment.”
Held every second year since 1999, Priestley was invited to this year’s event after her impressive showing two years ago.
“The day after winning, I had one rail and my partner was clear, she said.
“There were only four teams all clear and Leo and I were again the fastest and slipped into fifth place, getting to experience another presentation.
“On the final day, I was all clear but my partner dropped a rail, which saw us finish in ninth that day.
“The final presentation saw Leo and I presented with the bronze medal for the overall team competition.
“This was an extremely high calibre international children's event and it's great to get to compete against some of the best juniors from around the world.”
Since returning from Germany, Priestley headed straight home to prepare her own horses for the NSW state championships at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre.
The weekend was a great success with Priestley being awarded the runner-up NSW young rider [21-years and under].
Jamie has a busy month ahead with two more shows to prepare her for the Australian championships in Werribee, Victoria in the middle of September.