A Dream Without an Expiry Date
For as long as I can remember, the lights, the atmosphere, and the magic of the Sydney Royal Easter Show have felt special to me.
As a little girl, I would wander through the stables wide-eyed, watching horses being plaited, saddled, and led out with such pride. I remember standing there thinking, one day… maybe that will be me. It felt so big, so far away — and honestly, a little bit impossible.
For the past five years, I’ve been lucky enough to attend Sydney Royal with my daughters. I’ve stood on the sidelines as the supportive mum — helping with gear, calming nerves, celebrating wins, and picking up the pieces when things didn’t quite go to plan. And I wouldn’t change a second of that. Watching your children chase their dreams is one of life’s greatest privileges.
But this year is different.
Right now, neither of the girls has a horse ready to compete. My younger daughter isn’t riding, and my older one has been travelling overseas. And somewhere in the quiet space that created, a thought kept nudging at me…
Why not me?
So I decided to get my pony ready. I decided to qualify myself. I decided that maybe, just maybe, it was time to live my own childhood dream.
Yes, it feels a little strange going to a Royal show for the first time at this age. Most riders tick this off much earlier in their journey. But I’ve realised something important:
dreams don’t have expiry dates.
I’m not going to Sydney Royal to prove anything. I’m going because I can. Because I want to. Because that little girl who used to linger around the stables deserves her turn.
This is my opportunity to have some fun, to challenge myself, and to step into the ring not as the mum, but as the rider.
And honestly?
I’m so excited.
If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do but thought you’d left too late — maybe this is your sign. 💫
