An Interview with Tilly McCarroll- The NSW Junior Eventer of the Year

🧡 You can find Tilly on Instagram at @tmac.eventing 🧡

The Rider

Hi, I'm Matilda McCarroll better known as Tilly. I am an 18 year old NSW Young Event Rider. I started riding before I could walk and since then basically haven't stopped. I've broken in a horse, trained an OTTB and am now competing 3*. I also just won the 2019 EA NSW Eventing Rider of the year. My passion is horses and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Pea

Kirby Park Masquerade aka Pea is a 12yr old, 15.2hh, Irish Sport Horse x Stock Horse x TB. I have had her since April 2017 and since then have created a very special bond. She's not the easiest of horses but likes to try her little heart out. We are competing 2* eventing but currently at 1* due to a few confidence setbacks. Her dressage is beautiful and she has an insane jump when the distances are correct! Pea finished 4th on the NSW Junior Eventing Leaderboard for 2019.

Cosmo

Cosmic Cube aka Cosmo is a 9yr old, 16.2hh, off the track TB. I bought him with my own money back in December 2016 as a project horse to train and sell as he had only just come off the track... However, he showed outstanding potential so we stuck with him. He is now competing 3* eventing and our goal is to be at Adelaide 3DE 2020. He is still very full of himself and doesn't have fantastic dressage movement, but he does try his heart out. He is a machine on cross country and jumps the moon. Cosmo finished 3rd on the NSW Junior Eventing Leaderboard for 2019.

How did your journey with horses begin, and how did you get to where you are today?

My riding journey began before I could walk. My dad had a grey Arab mare that he used to ride, well at least tried to ride. He wasn't very good. My mum was really the one that introduced me into riding as she had ridden in England since she was little, although only hunting. I grew up on my miniature pony Bows and used to plod around at Gymkhanas. I then decided I wanted to ride western so I did western pleasure for about 3 years. I found my love for eventing when I was 9 years old. After years of riding in a riding school, my stepdad got a property and that's when I got my first proper horse, Jimmy. Jimmy and I did so many things along with polocrosse, horse ball, and 6 bars. I got Tom, an old 4* eventer when I was 13 and he took me from 80cm - 2* eventing. He is my heart horse and taught me everything there is to know about eventing. I have to say that Tom is the reason why I am where I am today. Also, my riding wouldn't be possible without my family and their amazing support.

Hard work and determination has been a massive part of my riding career so far. My horses are my rock and without them, I don't know what I'd do. Riding makes me so happy and even in the stressful times when I get the results it gets me hungry for more!

How did it feel to be named the NSW Junior Eventer of the Year?

Well firstly, when I found out I screamed. I couldn't believe it. I was absolutely shocked and have never been so excited about something in my life. I wasn't expecting it. I'd had a handful of bad rounds towards the end of the year and my horses and I started falling down the leaderboard... so to see the email "congratulations you've won" was just amazing. The awards night was great fun and it was so nice to see everyone all dressed up. I loved watching everyone get their awards. It was the best feeling getting up to get my award and it now sits in my new Equestrian Awards cabinet along with a few more ribbons and medals that are special to me.

Both Pea and Cosmo were injured/out of work at a very similar time, and I'm sure you have dealt with many other struggles as an equestrian, so how do you persevere through the difficult times?

Horse injuries took over my life last year... It was so so disheartening and it was just really unlucky. I'm really pedantic about my horses being fit and healthy so even the slightest of things I would take major measures to ensure they were in TOP health before getting back under saddle. Dealing with struggles in the equestrian world can be hard and yes I have definitely shed many tears of disappointment and stress over the years and last year more than ever. However, everyone needs to realise we are working with an animal that has a complete mind of its own and we can't help when accidents happen. The best way to deal and persevere through the difficult times is to remember how good the times are when everything is going great, and that you'll get back to what you're doing in no time. It's a sport that is totally unpredictable but keep your head high and remember it's only a moment in time.

How do you deal with pre-comp nerves and how did you gain the confidence needed to compete at such a high level?

Dealing with pre-comp nerves is something that I really really struggle with. However, I have recently gotten a lot better. I always take rescue remedy (especially before showjumping - my least favourite discipline). The nerves usually turn into adrenaline and I just get on with it. People do need to remember that nerves are a good thing though, it's just training yourself that it's all going to be okay.

Confidence gaining is also a tricky thing for me however I only do things when I'm ready. If something happens with confidence whether it's with me or my horse I always reassess and if I need to move down a level for a comp or two, I will. Don't feel like you need to keep at the same level because you're worried people will think low of you. That's not true at all and if anything it makes you look very professional. But what I'm trying to say is, just move up when you and your horse are ready. Work harder at home so that when you're out and about everything seems just that little bit easier.

Do you have any advice or tips for young riders like yourself or anyone who plans to move up the levels and progress?

My advice to young riders is to just keep going. When it’s tough, remember that it’ll get easier as you progress. Horse riding is meant to be fun so don’t overstress yourself and when you feel like you’re getting nervous or stressed just take a step back and remind yourself why you do this sport. Always try your best, enjoy, and give your pony/ponies lots of carrots and hugs and kisses. Move up the grades when you’re ready and not just because “your friend is competing at that height” or “your horse has been there done that”, be confident in yourself and your horses’ partnership before changing anything different.

Do you have any training exercises for the horse and/or rider that you recommend?

I would just say that make sure you change up your routine every now and then. Don't stick to the same boring thing. Put poles out, jump, take the horse for a trot along the road. Do lots to keep the horse intrigued in what the next day has to offer. And as for the rider, always be sure to work on your core strength and leg strength, it really really helps!! Go for a run every now and then or even run your cross country course!!

Thank you so much for your time Tilly!