Australian Grand Prix rider Jessica Greelish has relocated from Denmark to the United Kingdom to continue her development as an expatriate dressage rider in Europe. Greelish has moved her three horses to the Cotswolds to train with Emile Faurie and is aiming at an Australian team spot for the 2014 World Equestrian Games.
Greelish feels the move will allow her not only to profit from the strong British dressage scene, but also a life a little closer to the one she is used to. “I decided that I wanted to relocate to an English speaking country preferably near a city, and how cool is London," Jessica told Eurodressage. "I really was after a better location for easier access to European CDI’s and I find England has a way of life that is more similar to Australia, particularly regarding food and culture so that was also really appealing.”
Jessica admitted that she wanted to capitalise on England’s proven strength in the dressage scene as well as moving to a smaller barn with livery than a big commercial dealing yard. "Now I just need to hope that I can sort out a visa to stay, as my current immigration lawyer is having trouble fitting me into the sports' category visa," she confessed.
Greelish has been with Andreas Helgstrand in Vodskov, Denmark for two and a half years. She made the decision to move from Australia to Europe to be closer to top level dressage. Although she found two of her horses with Andreas, she felt the time was right for a change.
"Emile has years of experience in competing and coaching and has great competition results. I was also impressed by Emile’s charity, The Emile Foundation, that funds inner-city children living in poor areas to have riding lessons and experience the joy and benefits of being with horses. Its such an admirable and lovely thing to be doing," she said.
Falsterbo (photo © Ridehesten)
Her three horse convoy includes the 11-year old Danish warmblood gelding Lancaster (by Solos Landtinus x Pablo), the 7-year old Cavalia (by Sir Donnerhall x Gribaldi), and the 5-year old Australian bred Riverndell Jewel (by GT Jake x Perpignon), which she all owns with her mum, have settled in at their new home in England. and her overall aim to achieve a greater appreciation for horsemanship.
Jessica is proud of the fact that she brought a bit of home with her to Europe in Riverndell Jewel. Greelish has known the Australian bred mare from the second she was born. "We were so impressed by this black elegant, modern fancy foal that we decided to repeat the cross the next year. So we also have a full sister being started by John Thompson in Australia," she explained. "Jewel is so amazing to ride, in fact everyone that rides her falls in love with her.”
With Jewel, Jessica hopes to make National Young Horse competitions in Britain, while Cavalia will compete at small tour level hopefully by the end of this year. “Lancaster will also have a busy year, and I hope to do some large national competitions & CDI’s internationally in my campaign to qualify for the WEG," she added.
Certain that while she will miss some things about life in Scandanavia, she absolutely will not miss the Danish winter. “I read somewhere, 'You know you have been in Denmark too long when there is no such thing as cold weather, just inappropriate clothing'," Greelish joked. "When I moved to the UK, I was so happy to be in warmer weather, it has rained 80% of the time but when the sun comes out it's wonderful. However, I met some really lovely people in the horse industry in Denmark that I came to know, either at shows or at Helgstrand dressage, and I will miss them all.”
As for the life down under? “I miss my family the most, and I also miss the social side of life in Australia. The sun, food, beaches, shopping. I love and miss the Gold Coast. It’s made up of so many wonderful yet different areas. I miss going up to Mt. Tamborine and having lunch at the cute cafes," she admitted. "It’s really hard being away from everyone you know. When you move to a new country just for your training you then lack the balance in life that comes with having more to do than just ride and train.”
by Sarah Warne for Eurodressage
Photos © Astrid Appels - Ridehesten
Related Links
The Australian Effort at the 2013 World Young Horse Championships in Verden
Scores: 2013 Danish Young Horse Championships
Finalists for 2013 Danish Young Horse Championships Announced