Jo Dee is fast becoming the Mrs Barrett of the equestrian world. While New Plymouth’s Robyn Barrett can claim three All Black sons, Jo has two high performing riders – Luke who just rode for New Zealand at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Switzerland and Michael who has won 15 Group One races and is a fixture in many a top event including the Melbourne Cup.

Their efforts have taken Jo and husband Richard all over the globe – from South Africa to Australia, Mexico to the States, Hong Kong and of course, Switzerland. “I never did travel as a youngster so the boys have gotten me out of my comfort zone,” says Jo. “It’s exciting, emotional and nerve wracking all at the same time so special to be there to support them.”

Luke Dee & Lexus – FEI Childrens Final in Colombia

She’s hugely proud of them both. At a young age Luke and Mick were out hunting and competing horses. At around three Mick used to ride a saddle on the couch, wearing his silks and carrying a whip. “He’d give his horse a real ride home to the finish line too. He left New Zealand at 17 to chase his dream and has now created his own brand – I am very proud of him.”

Luke was also starring early, having his first Pony Grand Prix placing at 10. After decades of involvement in the horse world, Jo knows only too well the highs and lows the sport can bring. “We always celebrate the highs and with the lows, we tend to just move on,” she says. “There have been so many highlights along the way but I think for me it was Luke getting to the World Cup Final and then being on course to watch Mick win both the Victorian and New Zealand derbies.”

Mick Dee & Aguilan – FEI Childrens Jumping Final 2008

And while Jo figures she doesn’t get half as nervous as she used to watching the boys compete, Richard has a slightly different view. “I can be quite emotional sometimes too,” she says. “The best part about following them is seeing them both do well and of course meeting new friends along the way.”

She worries about them both in sports that are dangerous and can be – at times – quite scary. “There’s not many sports where the ambulance follows you around like it does in racing.” Horses have long been a family sport for the Dees with daughter Jamie also involved. “Now that Luke and Jamie have children of their own, hopefully that tradition will continue for years to come.”

The Dee family celebrate Jamie’s wedding to Ruie Bridge (from left) Mick, Freya, Luke, Jamie, Ruie, Richard and Jo.

In the meantime Jo’s looking forward to planning their next offshore mission to watch whatever event or race her sons choose to start in . . . if current form is anything to go on it’s likely to be a FEI World Championships and Melbourne Cup. Whichever it is, Jo and Richard will surely be there in a heartbeat!

By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison