Adelaide’s dream ride

Despite the result, Adelaide said she couldn’t be prouder of her performance or her partnership with NA Andreaw Wood.

NA Andreaw Wood is from Florence and owned by Giulia Mugnai, who generously loaned the horse to Adelaide for the duration of the competition.

“It was an honour and a privilege to be able to represent Australia on the international stage,” she said.

“The run was feeling really cool — he truly came alive for me in the show pen, and it definitely takes a special horse to have that feeling.”

“The bond between NA Andreaw Wood and myself was something special — it was like I had known him for years,” she said.

“He tried so hard for me every day and gave me everything he had. Even out of the show pen, I’m super proud of how he performed for me.”

During her 10 days in Rome, including five at the show, Adelaide and her mum Nicole, also enjoyed seeing some of the city’s most famous sights — the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, and the Trevi Fountain and spent time at the Elementa resort where the event was held.

“We got to see how different reining is across the globe,” she said.

“I’ve walked away from this experience with new skills that I’ll be able to pass onto my own horses, and with knowledge shared from the trainers at Elementa that I’ll forever be grateful for.”

Adelaide said the trip left her inspired for the future.

“I’ve definitely met some great people and had the opportunity to ride incredible horses,” she said.