Name: Noella Angel
Favourite tv show or series?
Currently Outlander. May have finished 5 seasons in 3 weeks.
Goal of 2021:
Competing on Senior horse Mallee Jack (Jack) and Jackabite (Junior), in Para Dressage and try to achieve a 60%. I look forward to positive outings with Jackabite who is just stepping out at preliminary.
What started your interest in riding horses?
It was in my blood and I was riding before I could walk. Both mum and dad were strong competitors. It is a bit of the whole “just what you do” follow your parent’s footsteps.
I had a long break after my diagnosis and once I returned, there was a freedom I can achieve on the ground.
Why have you chosen to pursue your riding?
It is the only sport I have encountered that has the capacity to adapted with my ‘permanent’ disability.
Any superstitions?
No, not really. More like conforms. My stepdad, Shane was a huge part of my riding and development, he always had another challenge for me to meet. He passed away a few years ago now, I always have his watch or something of his on me.
How do you manage nerves before a competition?
I do not! I try, my gremlins take over, the day before I find it difficult and honestly it comes down to my mum’s support to help me think around the negative “what if’s” and work through it. I would be lost without her.
Something nobody knows about you.
I would say most would not know my right leg is blue/purple in colour or that I crack Australian stockwhips both on and off the horses.
I have a cat named Tom Tom, and he likes to sleep like a prawn.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
I do not have a lot of spare time. I enjoy time with my partner & friend, I enjoy arts and crafts such as hand embroidery.
Who are the people that have influenced you the most with your riding?
I have been blessed to have the right people at the right time in my corner.
As a child, Wayne Banney had a big impact on me, he challenged my limitations and helped develop my special mounting technique.
Later, it was Shane my stepdad. Not sure how to put it in words, but his drive and ability to always support and challenge me was amazing. It has been tough to rebuild since he has passed.
Next, would be my Dressage Coach Mary Longden, just her amazing ability to show anyone that Dressage is possible, even on my little quarter horse graduating us to Medium level Dressage! Mary pushes me to my limits because she knows I am capable. To sit and listen to her coach, is just wow!
Currently, Esther Cruckshank has joined my team with the young horse and is such an adaptable Coach and Trainer that inspires me to ride and try new things even when my leg does not work.
Each one of these people and many more are my inspiration, it’s about the riders that go above and beyond the normal in all aspects of horses.
Greatest strengths.
My ability to not fit in a box, think outside of the square and try my best to help others feel that it is ok not to be normal.
Secondly, resilience, because apparently, I just keep coming back after every knock back.
What horse/s do you currently have competing and at what level?
I currently have two horses:
- Mallee Jack (Jack) who is the senior horse and is working at FEI para grade 5 (equivalent open Medium level).
- Jackabite (Junior) who is rising 6 and had only been out competing for 6 months, working up from prep and now starting preliminary level at competitions. He competed in his first State Championships a few weeks ago and was an absolute legend, good basic test and didn’t worry about anything! Very excited for his future.
Where would you like to see your riding taking you over the next 5 year?
I am working towards team selection for Paris Paralympic in 2024. Lots of work ahead and fun, working on the small goals that make that ‘hairy scary’ goal achievable.
What advice would you offer a rider thinking of become a para-rider?
Do not be worried or scared to call or email and have a chat with me or fellow para riders.
It can be a daunting process to start with if you do not understand the pathways. Please reach out and talk to us, we can help, even if you do not think you will qualify. You will not know till you give it go.
Do not be intimidated by the FEI test because that is not where you start. There are lower-level para tests that can help build your confidence, and there are always the open competitions. We are lucky as we have a few opportunities to compete.
Any other information you would like to share?
Feel free to follow my Facebook and Instagram.
FB- Noella Angel Para Equestrian
Insta- noellaangel_paraequestrian
I am working on creating a website (in my spare time).
On a final note, if you are a rider who has a physical disability, let us talk and see what is possible. Even if you happen to have a disability that does not qualify, that is ok, there are many ways to support you in open competition.
