Image: Rebecca Rowlands and Kinsella Razi at Horse of the Year 2013 by Mendip Farm.

Canterbury mum Rebecca Rowlands dreamt of finishing runner up in the Bell Tea and Coffee Company Supreme Show Riding Horse of the Year (over 148cm) . . . but instead she went one better aboard Kinsella Razi.

The 32-year-old juggles motherhood, riding and helping out with her husband’s building company.

“It is busy but we get there!”

Rowlands used to breed sport horses. As a child she competed in showing before moving to showjumping, but when her best jumper did her stifle things changed. She bred from the mare and as the horses started coming on the success started flowing.

“It was successful, so I just stuck there.”

And she loves it.

“It is all in the presentation, and it is nice to get into the ring and show your horse off to the best they can do. A few of my horses have awesome extensions!”

Her supreme ribbon at the 2013 show came with Johnny – or Kinsella Razi as he is known in the bigger realm. Named for an artist, the seven-year-old doesn’t go out a lot, but when he does he makes a real impression.

“He has always been a wee showman, and has a bit of a cheeky look about him . . . he was pretty cocky when he was younger too.”

The 165cm bay with a blaze, who is by Ramirez and out of Rowlands’ thoroughbred showjumper Elva Star, was at his first HOY in 2013 – and only Rowlands’ second.

“He usually gets champion when he goes out, but not always supreme. At HOY I went hoping he would win, but didn’t think he would beat Dream Girl and Ali Harper . . . my dream was to get runner-up to her but she was runner-up to me.”

Rowlands says Johnny is lovely to ride, but hasn’t lost his cheekiness.

“Horses are my hobby but I do love it.”

She plans to bring three horses to NRM HOY this year and is hoping the success will continue.