Moorooduc rider Shimona Fraid has been named the FEI World Cup Jumping Australian League 2019-20 Rookie of the Year after the final at Boneo Park last month. “It is a bit of a surprise,” the elated 25-year-old said. “I didn’t know that it was even a competition as such, but it is amazing.”
Shimona competed throughout the season with her horse Bonaire, a stunning grey mare who was imported from Europe. “We got her through Stal Tops; she was from VHL Stables, and we have been together for two years.”
The Rookie of the Year title is aimed at recognising the incredible achievement of riders who have completed their first season at the peak level of jumping in Australia. The award is presented to the highest-ranking rider throughout the series and who has never competed in a World Cup before the beginning of the season. This is only the second year that the award has been presented.
Shimona said her plan for the future was “just for now keep doing what I am doing, fine-tuning and to get a bit faster; I want to get faster with her, just keep going”.
As well as her Rookie of the Year title, Shimona finished 7th on Bonaire in the World Cup Qualifier class against some of Australia’s best jumpers. With many more seasons ahead of this combination, the future is very bright indeed.
