After a year away from competitions, Aqua Indiana Douglas Pedersen is back in the equestrian arena with renewed focus for the new season. The rider recently achieved a clear round in show jumping and plans to step up to 95cm eventing. She aims to build her fitness and partnership with her mare, Beautiful Day, while targeting a spot on the Gauteng team.
Aqua Indiana Douglas Pedersen took a break from competing last year but continued riding, marking her return with a recent show jumping event. 'We had not done an open jumping show in a while, and last week we went out and had a clear round. She was a beast,' she said of her mare's performance.
For the upcoming season, Pedersen is excited about the challenges ahead. 'It’s always exciting coming back at the beginning of a new year. People say being fit is the most important thing, but I actually think my horse loves a holiday. She came back feeling confident, and it’s really exciting getting back in the ring,' she noted.
This year, she plans to compete in her first 95cm eventing class in a few weeks and shift focus toward more jumping competitions, having previously emphasized cross-country. Her goals include earning a place on the Gauteng team. Pedersen is also addressing her own fitness after the hiatus. 'I have lost quite a lot of my core strength and balance, and I really need to work on that. I always made sure my horse was fit because I never wanted her to get injured, but I realised I need to be fitter too,' she admitted. To rebuild, she intends to add Pilates, running, and balance training to her routine.
Central to her preparation is her nearly five-year partnership with Beautiful Day, a mare she describes with affection. 'She’s a mare. Most people say mares are hard, but if you gain the trust and love of a mare, you have got a partnership for life. She makes you understand how hard the sport is. You really feel grateful that they let you love them,' Pedersen said. She has learned to adapt her approach: 'I have realised I can’t force her. I have to understand when to ask and when to stay out of her way.'
Pedersen is adopting a selective strategy for events. 'I am focusing on doing the shows that are actually important and beneficial to our career, rather than just seeing how many I can do,' she explained.