Horse & Rider
HOPE TAYLOR BEERLING – AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL RIDER TAKING ON THE BEST IN THE USA
We chatted with Hippo Sponsored Rider Hope about being an Australian rider working and competing in the USA, her love of dressage and her quest to represent Australia at the 2023 Olympic Games Angeles. We’re so excited to be part of her journey and hope you’ll enjoy getting to know her too!
Tell us about your horse
“Now that I’m based in the USA I don’t actually have my own horse, however, I have a few that I have been consistently riding for the past 3 years. One of them is Vianne - she is owned by the company I work for (NorCordia USA). When I first started working here, I helped to break her in and I’ve been riding her ever since. We have this unique connection and every time I sit on her all I can do is smile as it just feels like a piece of home. And it doesn’t matter who’s holding her, if I say her name, she will look directly at me and come straight towards me. We have a special trick where I put my finger on my lips and she will then put her mouth over my lips and lick my face. I’d say her favourite treat is either a piece of sugar before working or an apple after work.”
What’s your favourite discipline to compete in, and why?
“My favourite discipline is definitely dressage, because you have to build such a unique connection with the horse to be able to go into that arena and dance. You could have the most expensive or best horse in the world, but if you are unsure how to do something 90% of the time, it’s unlikely to happen in the arena – so you really need to build a strong connection with your horse. I love watching the horses develop under my training.”
What achievement in your riding career are you most proud of?
“There are a few achievements that I’m most proud of and that have got me to where I am today. But the one I’m most proud of is the 2021 Festival of Champions held in Chicago where Vianne and I were the reserve champions for the 5-year-old division with an end score of 92%. Being named on the Australian Nations Cup Team in both 2021 and 2023 is definitely a close second though!”
Which Hippo Health remedies do you use the most?
“I have two all-time favourite remedies. I love Sol Plus, but it’s the Mud & Rain remedy that changed my life when I was living and riding in Australia. My horse’s greasy heel was so bad it actually started scarring, but after 2 weeks of using the remedy the scabs started to fall off and after 3 weeks it was gone completely. After this he could be in the field whether it was rain, hail or shine and it never came back.
Since being in America our horses have the most amazing grooming routines and are only turned out in dry paddocks so I haven’t experienced greasy heel here. But when we go to Florida every 6 months we know the horses will have bad skin reactions. This year we started our horses on the Mud & Rain (Scratches) remedy as soon as we arrived and so far not one horse has had a problem - which is a miracle because I have been coming here for 4 years and every year we have AT LEAST 4 horses break out with skin infections.”
What’s next for you?
“The very special horse I’m riding (Vianne) and I are trying to qualify for the World Young Horse Championships held in Ermelo, Netherlands in August 2023. After this my next big goal would be to represent Australia at the 2028 Los Angles Olympic Games.”
How old were you when you started riding?
“I was practically born on a horse. My older sister rode horses so I spent a lot of time around stables when I was young, and that love and passion just got stronger every year.”
Aside from horse riding, what else do you like to do?
“You will laugh, but I ride 6 days a week so on my off day I am generally relaxing and going out to restaurants to treat myself. But I LOVE going to the gym, being around water, teaching clients on the side and hanging out with friends.”
What’s your favourite food?
“Sushi – 100%!”
What is your kryptonite?
“I’m an overthinker and always worry about other peoples’ opinions.”
Follow Hope’s journey on Instagram.
Read about other Hippo Sponsored Riders
- Carys McCrory – A Passion For Cross Country
- Zara McDonald – Rising Star of New Zealand Eventing
- Cindy Wiffin – Dressage, Judging Dressage & Raising Three Boys
- Lucy Cochrane – Head Competition Rider & Competing in Australia
- Taylor des Barres Williams – Barrel Racer Extraordinaire
- Hannah Steens – Show Jumper & Hunter
Also in Sponsored Riders
CARYS MCCRORY- A PASSION FOR CROSS COUNTRY
Super star Cary’s McCrory is making her mark on NZ Eventing, on the ESNZ Eventing Talent ID Squad and winner of the TIES 3* 2023 on her self produced off the track TB, she also has some exciting youngsters coming up the ranks.
CINDY WIFFIN – COMPETITION DRESSAGE RIDER & JUDGE
Super Mum Cindy Wiffin does it all. From breeding, producing, coaching and judging dressage to competing at the highest levels of the sport. A true perfectionist and inspiration.
ZARA MCDONALD – RISING STAR OF NEW ZEALAND EVENTING
Up and coming Zara McDonald is a rising star and one to watch for the future. Zara‘s achievements this year include winning the Mt class at the NZPCA eventing championships 2023.