Mikayla Hogg – Australian World Cup Debutante

From a non-horsey childhood growing up in Cranbourne an outer south east town in Victoria, 21 YO Mikayla Hogg has put passion and determination together to make her World Cup debut at the Sale qualifier on the 8^thFebruary 2025.  It has not always been an easy road for Mikayla and she shares her story with Equestrian Australia members in the hope of inspiring up and coming riders to work hard … and never say never!

Mikayla explained. “First and foremost, I have to acknowledge the love and support I have had from my dad Greg Hogg as he has always backed me and believed in me 110%, even when I haven’t. Dad had faith that from the time I partnered with“Max” (“Bellhaven Corringa”), we could achieve great things together. Making it to a World Cup qualifier has been a thrill for us both.” 

“I started life as a suburban kid - no horses in sight.  Neither of my parents were horsey but I was born with a love and passion that has taken me and my dad on a wonderful journey.”

“It was happy days when I got my first pony mare, we agisted her not far from our home in Cranbourne.  We then moved to a few acres in Teesdale where I started collecting horses and ran out of room, necessitating another move to 15 acres in a little town called Berringa, 40 mins south west of Ballarat.”

“I have been a member of a few pony clubs that have all played a big part my early equestrian education and jumping experiences. I thank my instructors and friends at the Dalmore PC where I started, and also the encouragement and lessons at Leighdale, Ballarat and Smythesdale clubs.”

“I definitely discovered my love for Jumping during my time at pony club and then spent time at Jumping competitions in preference to the other pony club disciplines. I followed the B.E.S.T series (Barwon Equine Showjumping Tournament) for a couple of years, the preparation and participation taught me a great deal about the foundations and rules of jumping. I started following the jumping circuit at agricultural shows and got more serious about my future in the sport.”

“On the journey to my WC debut, I have had some wonderful equine partners and each of them has taught me valuable lessons that have helped to hone my skills. When I was 10, I got a paint quarter horse cross called “Colourite Avenue”. He had never seen a jump when I got him so not only was I learning myself, I was trying to teach a green horse. I now realise that his naughty behaviour was probably confusion, but “Avenue” taught me to follow my instincts and ride like nobody was watching. He responded very well to my words of encouragement and we had a great time learning together.”

“When I outgrew “Avenue” I went on to my next special horse, a thoroughbred called “Benji”. He had not done a lot when I got him and his education was mostly dressage. “Benji” was more athletic than the quarter horse cross that I came from and I had a great partnership with him when we figured out how to use our gears.   With “Benji” I went on to win a number of competitions and while I was still in primary school, we won a State Championship at Interschools.”

“Another pretty special partner that made a massive impact on my riding was a horse called “Aric GHP”. He came to me with a bit of experience around the bigger tracks, but he was not an easy ride and was often very careless over the jumps. There were times when I felt “why should I bother trying so hard,  why should I keep going when I am seeing no reward for the effort I am putting in?” But I think all riders benefit from working with a horse like this because he taught me a hell of a lot about resilience and persistence. “Aric GHP” may not have always left all of the rails up, but he was as honest as they come and made sure we got through the start and finish flags safely.  I fondly acknowledge my time with “Aric GHP” as he gave me the exhilarating feeling of riding the higher tracks.” 

“Many jumping fans will know that the special horse in my career is “Bellhaven Corringa” (“Max”) and no matter where the future takes me, he will forever have a place in my heart.”

“When reflecting on where our partnership has taken us, I have to thank my dad for his role in choosing “Max”. Dad bought this horse as a 2YO and looked for quality and potential rather than paying for established education. I had my heart set on another prospect, but my dad basically forced me to see the horse offered by Deb Heindl from Bellhaven Stud.  Deb listened to my dad’s ‘wish list’ and specifically picked “Max” for me and felt that we would be a good match. I will forever be grateful that my dad had faith that I could train a talented young horse and go on to produce our own superstar.” 

Above: Mikayla Hogg and Bellhaven Corringa at Magic Millions.

“Having spoken about my four-legged mentors, I cannot overlook the help and coaching assistance I have had from a few talented experts.  I believe that you can take something from away from most coaches and apply their lessons to your personal strengths and weaknesses.  I would like to acknowledge a few special people who I have helped me and influenced my career. Chris Smith was a big part my early training, then Gary Bridges and also Michelle Strapp for her intricate and thorough coaching style.  More recently, Jamie and Sue Coman have helped me and I often find myself going back to the words of wisdom shared by my past coaches.” 

 “I also thank Aaron Hadlow for his help and support as he took me under his wing and got me through a tough time.  Aaron helped to change my whole mentality and I can honestly say, put me where I am today, not only with my riding but also mentoring in general life lessons as well. I saw how hard he works and the beautiful story that comes out of his journey with the amazing mare “Vahlinvader”. Aaron has shown me that ‘making it’ in Jumping isn’t solely based on how good a rider you are, it is also staying true to yourself and being a good person, both in the saddle as well as relationships with people, honesty and integrity.”

“Equestrian Australia played a big role in the Victorian Jumping Squad through collaboration and providing opportunities like the Trans-Tasman Team Challenge to help Young Riders. I am grateful for the support I received throughout my junior and Young Rider years as I was not always able to afford regular lessons and being a squad member gave me access to top the top coaches. The squad program provides practical instruction as well as unmounted theory and personal training/fitness/wellbeing and horse husbandry sessions.”  

“Stepping up to World Cup has been on my horizon for a while, the dream started back when I was in my young rider years. One notable piece of advice that came from Aaron was to put the pressure on myself and step up into open classes - even though I was still a Young rider. The tracks were tougher and more technical and do not allow a rider to fall into a rut and get left behind.  Yes, it was frustrating to be uncompetitive in open classes especially as I could have been doing well in young rider classes, but it has all been worth it.”

“My World Cup debut was a milestone that has acted as a springboard to a career that I hope will take me onto the international stage.”

“I am fortunate to work as a trackwork rider for Dan O’Sullivan. I absolutely love my job even though it can be hard work and long days, it suits me well as the hours allow me to be home during the day to work my own horses. I am very grateful to Dan and give him a big shout out for allowing me to have the best of both worlds.”

“In finalising my story, I would like to thank everyone who has helped me, in particular Equestrian Australia and High Perfomance Jumping Manager Coco Miles for their assistance getting everything in order for my first World Cup appearance.  There is a lot to learn and support from experienced people has been invaluable.”