Jessica Tainsh & Punchy
© Chris Esh Photography
Simon and Jessica Tainsh are one of Australia’s super couples of Eventing and their campaign with three horses at this month’s prestigious Melbourne Three Day Event will be a true family affair.
The Kelato sponsored riders own Kia Ora Performance Horses in Victoria and for Jessica it’s her first Melbourne 3DE since becoming a mother, baby Mackenzie is now two. She admits it’s a whole different and somewhat more complicated experience this time round. “The preparation has been a bit crazy, between extra riding, lessons, getting to the gym to increase my own fitness, coaching, working and looking after Mackenzie, I’m definitely missing out on some serious sleep time.”
Jessica says she’s lucky to have a great support base and, during the week at Werribee Park, will have the whole family there, including her parents, Simon’s parents, sister Bree who is also riding in the CIC 1* class and her twin sister Rachael who’s been enlisted to man the trade stall Jess is operating for the small saddlery business she’s recently begun. “Melbourne 3DE is a big, busy event and I definitely wouldn’t be able to compete without my family helping, and some good friends too. Mackenzie loves it. She’s been going to events since she was born so she’s quite used to it.”
For Jess, competing in the CCI 2* at Melbourne on 9 year old OTT ‘Punching In A Dream’, is about fulfilling a promise to herself to get back to the level she was at before having a baby as well as taking her a step closer to her goal to compete at Australia’s biggest 3DE, in Adelaide in November. While she admits life and her riding has been altered by motherhood, getting back to 2* level has been goal she was never going to let go of. “I don’t think anyone should ever have to give up what they love. It’s definitely hard and my life is manic but I think riding makes me a better mum and motherhood has absolutely made me a better rider. Having less time means I train harder and make it count.”
Family Shot of the Tainshs manning their stand
For husband Simon though, the Melbourne 3DE is part of a longer term strategy. “We’re in the business of producing top Eventers and the two he’s riding in the CCI 1*, ‘Where’s The Kaboom’ and ‘Remi Lord of the Realm’ are both quality young horses with loads of talent. His goal is a win and long term to ride Adelaide 4*. The challenge is to keep them performing at their best and make sure they stay sound.”
That’s a task sponsor where Kelato Animal Health plays a major role. Jess lists several of the company’s products as crucial not only to their preparation for Melbourne, but for ongoing health and performance. “The horses that are competing are given MuscleGUARD before and after cross country to combat any fatigue plus SwellDOWN on their legs for recovery. They’ll also have KelatoLYTE to keep them drinking during the event and replace what they’re losing through sweat. We’ve found ZanoBOLIC to be great for Eventers for muscle development and to keep their appetite up, while GastroAID is another product we use on an ongoing basis to avoid any stomach upsets.”
Training and competing horses from the beginning of their careers to the elite level, both Simon and Jess are firm believers in the ethos of horses that are feeling well, perform well. “Definitely! And at a big event like Melbourne, they need to be at their peak. For us the preparation has been ideal. The horses are in great form and we are looking forward to a terrific event.”
Mackenzie & Friends
The Melbourne International Three Day Event kicks off on June 7 at Werribee Park with the Dressage phase first up on Friday 8th and the cross country action on Saturday.
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Written in Conjunction with Kelato
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