Monica Spencer

New Zealand's world eventing team medallist talks to Pippa Roome about why she moved into top-level sport in her thirties, confidence, family and shifting her career towards the US

- Pippa Roome

IT had been 12 years since a horse prepared entirely in the southern hemisphere represented New Zealand at a major championship – until last year’s World Championships.

Not since Clarke Johnstone and Orient Express landed world team bronze in 2010 had a rider managed to beat the British-based pairs to a selection spot, but in September 2022, Monica Spencer and Artist made the trip to Pratoni and helped their nation to another team bronze.

“It was a big thing for that to happen and something I’m really proud of, that I could prepare a horse to that level from down here without being among the best in the world,” reflects Monica. “We just kept striving to keep those scores down and you’re always trying to measure yourself against the best, without competing alongside them.”

The 36-year-old says the fact that her main coach, 2013 Badminton winner Jock Paget, has extensive experience in Britain was instrumental.

“He did his stint over there and knew the standard, brought that back here and then was always pushing us to be at the level,” she says.

New Zealand also hadn’t won a medal since 2012 until Pratoni.

“It was an honour to be a contributing score to a bronze medal and I do believe that it is the start of a new era for New Zealand and there is lots more to come,” adds Monica.

With that worlds result followed by seventh at Maryland CCI5* this autumn, it seems clear now that there is more to come for Monica as well as New Zealand. But five years ago, top-level sport was not on this talented, self-effacing rider’s radar.