It’s been quite a run for Julie Davey who next week heads to the FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Texas. She and LT Holst Freda have been based with Tom Tarver and Lucia Voss in Germany since late January . . . and it’s not been without its challenges.

“I probably didn’t realise just how hard it would be landing in one of the coldest winters in 10 years,” says Julie, who is used to the more temperate climbs of Hawke’s Bay. “We have had some minus 13 days with thick snow.” But the houses are warm and Julie has learnt to quickly put on her five-plus layers of clothing to cope.

Freda hasn’t loved it either. “Her feet would fill with snow and you have to make sure there is salt on the concrete. Luckily we have a good indoor here but it has been a struggle. I didn’t realise it would be such a struggle.” But now, they’ve turned a corner. The thaw has begun and in a few short days they’ll be flying to the United States where they’ll take on the best in the world.

LT Holst Freda in the Snow in Germany. Photo by Julie Davey

“We had a little scare with a puffy leg but she really has been amazing,” says Julie of her 11-year-old grey mare. “It made for a challenging lead in with the infection but we are on the up. It is amazing what you can put up with when you have to!”

Julie figures Freda wasn’t fully show fit until their recent outing at ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED) and says people have not yet seen the mare at her best. Freda has been footing it fine with top combination at shows in s’Hertogenbosch, Riesenbeck (GER) and Herning (DEN). Fellow Kiwi Luke Dee is based just half an hour from s’Hertogenbosch and was there to support her, which she hugely appreciated.

Julie Davey, Andrew Ormand, Luke Dee & LT Holst Freda after competing at s’Hertogenbosch. Photo by Luke Dee

Julie’s husband Andrew Ormond has been back and forwards between Germany and New Zealand but will now stay through to after the final. “With the war we were worried he wouldn’t be able to get back so he stayed on.”

Her own health – Julie lives with multiple sclerosis – has been very much back of mind. “I have been worried about Freda and just want to go out and do a good job.” She’s thrilled to be finally fulfilling a lifetime dream. “The World Cup Final is something I have wanted to do my whole life,” she says. “I gave up the trip last year and probably regretted that so it will be good to go and experience what it is and just how hard it is.”

Freda will rest for the next two weeks before flying out on April 3 on the European charter flight. “I am looking forward to seeing what we can do there. Freda is ready for this.”

By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
25th March

Cover photo by Libby Law/ESNZ