NSW Team Leader – Makayla Hopwood

Hi my name is Makayla Hopwood I’m 18 years old from Sydney Australia.  I was introduced to the Arabian breed at a very young age through family and have loved them ever since.

My first Arabian was Diamond Road Supremacy (Ray Of Light x Fortissma KEI) now a 12 year old Partbred Arabian gelding who we have owned since he was a yearling! Together we have been to pony club, dressage, ag shows, high level arabian shows, jumping days and XC clinics.

I also have an 11 year old API, Signature Incognito – (Signature Armaani x Romantic Star), although being a warmblood.  I really enjoy competing at Arabian shows so when we found out we could register him API, we were super happy we could bring him along to these shows! Together we have won many rider classes, Australian Champion API and East Coast Champion API both led and ridden and are now planning to head over to the dressage ring!

Last but not least my beautiful Triumph MI (MI Klassique x A Love Note MI) yearling Arabian gelding just about to hit the ring this show season!

One thing that attracts me to the Arabian, is I have been lucky enough to have had some great people helping me learn about them. There are so many people happy to offer their time and knowledge to ensure the youth continue to learn.  My love for the Arabian breed will never stop, they continue to show how they are the perfect versatile breed for any rider!  I am very excited for what the future will bring us and looking forward to to helping youth reach goals in the near future.

NSW Ambassador – Skyla Parker

Hi, my name is Skyla Parker, I am 13 years old and reside in Berry, NSW.  I’m passionate about horses, particularly Arabians, and currently, I am fortunate to own two Purebred Arabians named Iconic Al Sahrae (nicknamed Ike) and Javari FF (known as Jaffa).

In 2020, I was fortunate to be allowed the opportunity to own Iconic by the wonderful Helen and Andy Hardwick of Al Sahrae Arabians. During this time, Iconic has become easily recognisable on social media and a cherished partner. We have competed in various equestrian pursuits together, excelling in showing, dressage, inter-school events, eventing, and showjumping.

Meanwhile, Javari FF has begun his competitive journey under saddle, and his progress has been remarkable.  So far he has been victorious in led classes and also under saddle.  His future will be exciting.  My riding journey has always been with Arabians.  Javari is my 4th Purebred Arabian to ride.

I owe much of my success and enjoyment in this equestrian world to the support of my amazing sponsors, Nikki Frisby from Rosebury Arabians, Helen and Andy Hardwick, and excitedly, the recent addition with Eloquence Equestrian.  Their support has been invaluable in helping me pursue further aspirations and goals with my horses.  I have been honored to be named a Youth Ambassador for the Arabian Society of Australia.  It is a privilege to promote such an intelligent, remarkable breed of horse .