Champ shares secret or two

Rachel Beattie (11) clears a hurdle on Subby under the watchful eye of Federation Equestre Internationale Eventing World Cup champion Clarke Johnstone (inset) at Wingatui Racecourse yesterday. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

Clarke Johnstone has the jump on most of the world's horse riders, now that he is the reigning Federation Equestre Internationale Eventing World Cup champion.

So the 24-year-old Outram rider is taking a short break from riding to share some of the secrets which have made him the No 1 ranked FEI Eventing rider in the world.

Mr Johnstone was at the Wingatui Racecourse yesterday, as part of a short tour around the southern region giving eventing clinics with young riders.

Eventing is an equestrian triathlon, which combines dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. It requires mastery of several types of riding.

"But I'm only sharing some of my secrets," he said.

"Time and dedication - you just can't beat it.

"Like anything, it takes a lot of practise to be the best."

Mr Johnstone's visit is fleeting. He will be back in the United Kingdom by January 10, where his focus will be squarely back on riding as he prepares for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

He is part of a five-rider squad which will represent New Zealand, and he has qualified on three horses for the games - Orient Express, Incognito and KS Secrets.

Gold is glinting in his eyes, especially with his recent riding successes and the bronze medal he won at the 2010 World Equestrian Games.

"The New Zealand team is looking very strong and we are absolutely aiming to win the gold medal."

Mr Johnstone said it would be his first time competing at the Olympics.

He came close to representing New Zealand at the 2008 games when he was "long-listed" on Oakley Vision - a horse he started riding when he was 14 years old.

- john.lewis@odt.co.nz