The Scoop on Riley Alexander

Story from the July 2019 Horse Deals magazine

Age: 25

Lives: Berrilee, NSW

Occupation:
Head rider at Mulawa Performance

Family history with horses?
My family has always loved horses. Both my mum and dad used to ride when they were kids, and my pop always had a Stock Horse on his dairy farm.

What age did you start riding?
I was about six when I first rode pop’s Stock Horse. Her name was Sunny, and to be honest right up to this day she is still the roughest and most uncomfortable horse I’ve ever ridden! She would be so sweet, slow and quiet when you were out on the property – but as soon as you turned for home she would bolt. All you could do was hang on and hope for the best.

What was it like starting out life on King Island, Tasmania?
It was great. You knew everybody, obviously, and things were quiet most of the time. It was an awesome place to grow up though; safe and a lot of fun. I share a crazy sense of humour with most of my family, so we all get along very well. Another person that I spent a lot of time with is Bridget Bowling; a former Grand Prix rider and my first dressage coach. She’s played a big role in my riding. She still rings me up today to check in and tell me what I could do better!

Tell us about your first pony.
She actually wasn’t my pony – we borrowed her from a family friend when I was about eight and she became my first pony clubber. Her name was Queenie. She was a really cute little buckskin and she was amazing to ride in mounted games.

Why did you end up sticking with dressage?
Two reasons – one: I can’t jump to save my life, and two: constantly watching Anky van Grunsven and Bonfire when growing up. I think the real turning point for me was sitting at home one day, sick, watching one of those Thrills and Spills DVDs. It featured Anky and Bonfire riding their freestyle at one of the big international shows. Looking back it may have been the pseudoephedrine in the cold and flu tablets talking, but I remember thinking to myself, ‘that’s what I want to do.’

When did you move from the island and where did life take you?
After I finished high school in Launceston I moved to Mount Gambier for my first job with John Thompson. Back then, he ran his business from his family’s property, which was beautiful. I was made to feel very welcome – like a part of the family, which was amazing. I worked with John for three years, mainly helping him with breakers and young horses. We were often a bit too ambitious about how much work we could do in a day. I remember parking cars around the arena on long nights with the headlights on so we could see where we were going! Having said that, spending those first years with John really was one of the most rewarding experiences you could hope for starting out in your career.

What are some of the highlights of your riding career?
Some of the most important things haven’t been show wins, but have been experiences. Early on, going away with the King Island Pony Club for the zoned mounted games was always so much fun. Also, working with great horse people like John Thompson, Brett and Mel Parbery, and having the chance to spend some time in Germany with Hubertus Schmidt have all been highlights. Working with the team at Mulawa Performance and the Farrell family has also been a dream. Together we’ve shared a few memorable wins including Aber Halo MI being named joint 4yo Champion YDH at DJWTS (2018), Larenso winning the National Medium Tour Championship (2018), and MI Sirtainly Sir (Andy) winning the Intermediate Freestyle at Sydney CDI (2019).

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt when schooling with the best?
Definitely asking for help and advice when you need it. Working with horses isn’t always easy or straightforward. While nobody can give you all the answers, you can surround yourself with good people who can teach you valuable lessons; like having patience and learning through practice.

What does your day to day life look like as head rider of Mulawa Performance Horses?
Our usual day is split in half; between the mature horses (who are worked in the morning) and the younger horses (in the afternoon). The Farrell family run an amazing barn with a great team – including their daughter Kate, who often works with me (especially with the younger horses). The well-being of the horses is always a priority, so we make sure that for at least two days a week they have a hack out on the property. Kate and I are also supported by John Thompson who holds a busy coaching clinic with us once a month.

How many horses do you have in work?
Between 10 and 14 per day; from breakers to Grand Prix horses. I’m not on my own though – I often have Kate (who has her own group of horses) working with me, which is a huge help and a lot of fun.

Who’s your stable favorite?
Fürstin Friendship (aka Friendship or The Mothership). She’s an incredible horse who always tries so hard. She’s also a gentle giant at 19hh, with the sweetest personality. Working with her is always a highlight during the day.

Congratulations on winning the Intermediate Freestyle at Sydney CDI with MI Sirtainly Sir, tell us about your partnership and what the future holds for the two of you.
Andy is a very funny horse. There’s never a dull moment with him. He has a huge personality – which goes from extremely loveable to grumpy as hell very quickly (he’s also known as Mr. Grumbles). Having said that, he is super talented and very hard working. He’s currently training towards Grand Prix, but we’ll finish this season in the Small Tour before moving up.

You’re not shy of a bit of fun around the stables, what’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve got up to?
Oh god – where do I start... Let me just say there’s always shenanigans afoot. But a recent highlight has been a yoga mat fight with Kate Farrell (which I won).

What are the two qualities that you look for in a horse?
Personally, I like horses that have an easy, natural connection (which you have to feel yourself). Along with that connection, they have to have quite a bit of heat and sensitivity, with quick reactions.

If you could give advice to an 18 year old Riley, what would you say?
Eat more. Looking back, I can see why John Thompson used to call me “skeletor”.

What is the best part of a career with horses?
Definitely working outside. I’m not the type of person who could work in an office, or sit still for more than five minutes! The property at Mulawa is gorgeous; with lots of space and wildlife around. Another aspect which I really enjoy is being a part of a horse’s development – which is a bit of a two-way street because as they learn from you, you also learn from them. Something totally unique for me which I’ve only experienced at Mulawa is being there from the beginning of a horse’s career. It’s very rare as a professional to be able to work with a horse from the very first sit, right through until they retire. For me, that is very special.

What do you like to do outside of horses?
If I’m not riding or doing something with the horses, you can usually find me at a sushi train or at the movies.

What are your long term goals?
I’d love to spend some more time in Europe training and possibly even competing. It’s always been a dream to ride at shows like Aachen or Rotterdam. At home, training the young Mulawa-bred horses through the grades is always a very rewarding experience. Seeing horses like the young mare Aber Sienna MI (who has had a great season in the 6yo YDH classes at DJWTS and The Sydney CDI) well on their way to Small Tour is fantastic – with the ultimate goal being a Grand Prix start.

What is the first thing you have to pack to take away to a competition?
I’m always paranoid about leaving my boots behind! They are the first thing I pack – and spurs. Once they’re packed, I check that they’re still there about a thousand times before we leave.

3 things we don’t know about Riley Alexander?
1. My biggest life influences are Sheldon Cooper and Patsy Stone.
2. I would eat nothing but cuisine from a sushi train – given half the chance.
3. I’m always in bed by 9pm – and if I’m not, I’m angry about it.

Sponsors: Cheval Sport and Custom Saddles Australia.

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