FIRING up her Olympic goals, Chloe O’Neill and her one-eyed thoroughbred Daisy, won fourth place in the 65cm Junior (14-21) category at Equimillion, a legendary event held at Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC), built especially for the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

The competition was held over the October Labour Day Long Weekend.

“This was my first time competing in Sydney and on arrival at SIEC, I could not stop smiling,” Chloe, a Coffs Senior College Year 12 student, told News Of The Area.

“As someone with Olympic goals, it was extremely motivating.”

The reality of competing at this esteemed equestrian facility helped her realise the strong strides she has taken towards being where she wants to be in her horse-riding goals.

“I now feel fully capable of continuing this often-exhausting journey.”

As a competitor she met many talented people in the horse world and saw numerous stunning thoroughbreds.

The event kicked off with a dressage test.

“(It was) good though perhaps below our average, I was happy with how Daisy settled into the Sydney environment,” she said.

They were sitting in eighth place overnight.

“A lovely, clear showjumping round without a single look at any of the crazy fill and scary wings moved us to sixth place on Day 2.

“A brave, fifteen-second under time cross country in 35 degree heat got us into fourth place in the 65cm Junior (14-21),” she said.

The result came with $2,500 in prize money.

“When mum told me the news, I burst into tears and thanked God.

“Daisy and I have been through hell and back together.”

The thoroughbred had her poorly eye removed almost two years ago, and the pair have developed a special bond of trust.

“Riding the lap of honour was epic.

“It felt like the two of us had overcome the world, and that was all that was relevant.”

Feeling grateful for this opportunity, and looking forward to many more in the future, Chloe thanks everyone who makes her feel like she can push outside of her comfort zone.

“(They) encourage me that ‘it ain’t big enough if it doesn’t scare the hell out of you’,” she said.

“I couldn’t thank my mum, Michelle Johnson, enough for making this journey with me, and my grannie, Anne Smith.

“I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am without her, as both a person and a rider.”

Huge thanks go to sponsors, Joe Janiak (Daisy’s former trainer and breeder), Coffs Racing Club, Jim Jarvis and Kris Jarvis, Noel Mayfield-Smith Racing and Emma Mayfield-Smith.

Thanks also go to supporters In the Saddle, Bec the Osteopath and April Hennessy.

“I am blessed with coaches who also act as mentors: Linda Cleary and Alison Ostenfeld.

“I love the people and horses in my life, thank you all so much,” she said in closing.

By Andrea FERRARI