Adelaide Osler: Rising Star of Reining

An Exclusive Interview Revealing Her Journey and Future Plans

When a young Adelaide Osler ventured off to the reining arena while at a horse show, she knew that was the discipline she wanted to pursue, and pursue she has! This successful young reiner is a product of her discipline and dedication. Horse Deals spoke with Adelaide to hear more about her journey and her plans for the future.

Age: 15

Lives: In Numurkah, Victoria

Education/occupation: Year 10 student at St Mary of the Angel’s (SMOTA) in Nathalia. 

Family history with horses? My mother, Nicole, has had a lifelong love of horses. She founded the Gulwarra Park Stud in 2003. She and my dad, Scott, bred Shetland Ponies and Riding Ponies, showing them for multiple pony of the year title wins. We also took the show horses to pony club, one-day events, and showjumping competitions and did bush trail rides with them. They loved it as much as we did, and it made them wonderful kids ponies.

Tell us about your early involvement with horses. I have been riding since before I could walk. My parents used to lead me while my big sister Ella rode her pony. When I was two years old, my pony Chewy was lying down in the backyard, so I climbed on him. My parents were on the porch, calling for me to get off. Then Chewy stood up, so they told me to hang on! I sat up so happy and proud that they let me off-lead when I was three. I was always stealing my sister’s horses when she was at school and would take the Thoroughbred out on cross country when I was just six years old. 

What was your first competition, and how did it go? I competed at Barastoc Horse of the Year when I was three. I came second, riding my sister’s horse, Kooyong Alexandria. 

We heard a rumour you're a fan of Horse Deals? My dog Charlie and I both got our photos in Horse Deals, which was pretty special. Horse Deals is my favourite magazine. My mum buys it every month, and we all read it and look at all the beautiful horses in it. Mum circles the ones she liked. 

Why reining? I was at Werribee competing at the SHCV Masters POTY with my family. I kept sneaking off to the indoor arena to watch the reining horses and absolutely fell in love. I kept passing a Quarter Horse on my way back to the campground. His name was Wimpy’s Little Charlie. His owner, Mikki Smith, offered me a sit on Charlie, and that was it. I wanted to be a reiner. As soon as we got home, I started looking for a trainer. I was only eight at the time and started lessons with Mick Taylor on his horse My Dad’s A Wimp, aka Barney. After a few months, it was obvious that I was not going to give reining up, so Blue INXS, aka Evie, was purchased from Michelle Moore. We went to the GVRHA Youth Clinic and never looked back. I was still eventing at the time and was starting to neck rein my horses out of the dressage arena! I love the horsemanship and the support the reiners give each other. Whether I’ve scored a 57 or smashed over a 70, the crowd is always behind me and my horse. No matter the score, I will take my horse back to his stall and spoil him. That’s what it’s all about. 

What are your top three most memorable wins?
Equitana was an amazing experience. I loved the camaraderie, the atmosphere and the showcasing of reining to the equestrian community. It was very special, and Chrome (Chromosone), and I were lucky enough to win the Youth section. 

2022 Reining Australia Nationals. I travelled to Tamworth with my dad, as my sister Ella had her debutante ball the same day. My family watched the Livestream from home that morning. Chromosone and I won the Youth Championship. It was our first National title. There were tears from Mum and Dad. They were so proud and happy for me. It truly was a win for them as well. Dad and I weren’t able to attend Ella’s Deb, but we all understood that competing at this level comes with sacrifices, and they were all delighted for me. It was a wonderful day for our family. 

2019 VRHA State Show Short Stirrup Championship. It was my first show with Chrome, and we won our first buckle. 

Tell us about your partnership with Gunner Shake It. Finn is a wonderful horse we purchased from Keiran Moses and Cameron Halliwell at the end of 2022. Bred by Jen Hanak, Finn is by Gottagetagunner and out of San Bar O Lena. Finn was turned out whilst Chromosone and I were in full preparation for ARBC in Dalby, QLD. Unfortunately, Chromosone fractured his leg a week before ARBC. I was absolutely heartbroken. Chrome was my whole world, and I thought I wouldn’t be going to ARBC. We had so much support from all over, including the ARBC committee, especially Gita Thomas. The next day, Mum pulled Finn out from the back cross-country paddock and told me this was the only horse, I had to pull up my boots and start getting ready. I looked at Finn, gave him a pat and set to work. We had three rides in three months before arriving at ARBC. I didn’t have a trainer, just my dad. Mum stayed behind to look after Chrome, who was on six months box rest. We didn’t have a stable, so we enclosed his loose box with the portable yards. At ARBC, Finn gave me everything he had. We had a great show as if we had been together forever. We won our first Derby Championship. My bond with Finn grew immensely. We spend more time playing than we do working. He loves to give kisses. We have a mutual love, trust and respect for each other, which assists us as a partnership. I always put Finn first, and he always looks after me. I’m very lucky. 

What was it like being called forward as the 2023 NRHA Oceania Youth Champion? It was amazing. Finn and I won our first Saddle Series, which was extremely special. The Oceania show was a great event. Organised by Wade Farquhuar and Elise Baskerville, it was also a joint effort that brought the Reining community together. There were dinners and parties anyone could join in, and we were all helping each other out in the stables. 

Tell us, what is the key to your consistent success? Dedication, discipline and training. I get up at 4.30 am to ride Finn before school and tend to all of my horses. I have four young Quarter Horse reiners to raise. I don’t yet have the stables and facilities I need, but instead of excuses, I’ve done the best I can. My horses are all happy and healthy. Finn shines so much we often get asked if he’s boxed under lights! 

How do you deal with the nerves and demands of competing at a high level? I look to my mentors—women like Steph Lancefield and Keiran Moses. I watch how they work with their horses, and I go out into the warm-up pen and work with my horse, just concentrating on him. I talk to him. Nothing else matters at that moment; I’m just working with my horse. 

Are you excited about any young up-and-coming horses? I am about to start my two-year-old filly, Vegas, who is by FP Sniper and out of my mare, Evie (Blue INXS). I also have a palomino yearling Quarter Horse, who is the first colt by Crush (PS Mega Shine Chic) in Australia. I am very excited for our future together.  I also have two fillies by Gottagetagunner that I will compete on in three years’ time. They are both stunning, good-quality fillies. One is a bit cheeky, so I’ve called her Sassy. 

Which horse has been the most influential in your riding career and why? My parents bought Chromosone for me when I was 10. It was Chrome’s fourth birthday that day. Together, we went from beginners to State and National Champions. Chrome has taught me about love and respect. He keeps me humble. We have entered the GVRHA February show, which is our first competition since he broke his leg last March. 

Walk us through a day as Adelaide Osler. My day consists of horses. My mum says I’m obsessed. I get up at 4.30 am. I feed and ride Finn, get him ready for the day and put him back in his field. Then I feed all the other horses, check their water, and prepare them for the day ahead. That can mean rug changes, fly veils or spray. Then I head off to school. 

After school, my border collie Princess and I go and spend time with the horses. I do some in-hand work with each of them, then feed and prepare them all for the night. I usually go for a run, then head in for tea and talk with my family about our horses, other reiners and watch reining runs. 

If I have a show, my days revolve around preparing everything my horse and I will need. Afterwards, I watch my runs and look for ways to improve. 

How do you juggle school on top of the horses and competing? SMOTA is very supportive of my sport. My teachers know that I might be away for a week or two, and it’s never a problem.   
During Covid, I wouldn’t join in the class group chat until after lunch. At first, my teacher was grumpy about it, but eventually, she realised I would ride my horses and tend to them before starting my schoolwork after lunch. She gave up eventually, and I still got my work done, so it was a win for everyone. 

Who’s your idol? Keiran Moses. She is talented and has a calm, kind way with her horses. 

What are the best words of advice you’ve been given? My sister Ella told me, “Give it all you’ve got, and you’ve already won.” 

What are your future plans? I will be a professional reiner once school is over. I’m working hard to continue my success in Australia and hope to one day represent Australia. My ultimate goal is to compete in America successfully.

3 things we don’t know about Adelaide Osler

1. My nickname is “Chicken,” but I’m scared of chickens and emus. 
2. I broke my leg riding when I was four. My pony spun around, and my foot got stuck in the clog. It took Mum five hours to take me to the hospital. She thought I was okay because I didn’t cry. The hospital doctor also thought I was ok until my x-ray showed my leg was snapped through! 
3. I am the youngest daughter and 10th child of 11 kids. I have five sisters and five brothers.