Getting to Know the Young Talent Laurence Mowatt

Many top South African showjumpers dream of the opportunity to compete in Europe. While our riders are incredibly talented and competitive, our location and quarantine requirements for the export of local horses limits our abilities to branch out. Several riders have recently embarked on their journey to Europe, including Kelly O’Connor and team Rotoflo, but one rider, in particular, has already set up a great base for himself in Ireland after his move last year: Laurence Mowatt.

Laurence Mowatt is one of the youngest South Africans at the top levels. After his climb to the 1.50m ranks on Evergreen M, aka Yummy, his plans to pursue the international circuit were set in motion when the pair stepped onto an aeroplane. Most local showjumpers who have had encounters with Laurence know what a great character he is. An energetic young talent with a remarkable zest for life and a great sense of humour coupled with his playful nature, love for the sport and his horses make Laurence one of the friendliest, and still, most competitive riders on the circuit. We reached out to Laurence to find out more about his journey thus far and what he has planned for the future.

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The JumpOff: How old were you when you first got involved with horses?

Laurence Mowatt: I think I was about 10 when my sister convinced my mom, against her best judgment to take me and her to a horse riding lesson. At first, I didn’t really enjoy this “sport” as Coco ran away with me, and I found soccer much more entertaining. My sister continued as I pursued my FIFA World Cup dream. However, as the years went by, another attempt was made and it became apparent that, unlike soccer, the pony cooperated more so than the ball.

TJO: Have you always dreamed about competing on the international circuit?

Mowatt: Yes, I always felt the need to want to prove myself on a bigger stage. In South Africa we are able to jump around big, technical tracks, however, our isolation means that we are always competing against the same pool of riders. Competing on the international circuit allows you to benchmark yourself as to where you are on the international ranking system. 

TJO: Which pony/horse would you say has been the greatest educator for you?

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Mowatt: I know it’s cliché to say but I think it’s very true that you can learn a lot from every horse and especially every pony! If I have to think hard about it, it would have to be the blonde bombshell, Jaclag Bannut Mandarin, AKA Beano. Beano’s sense of humour was the demise of many a showjumping round. We would either soar through the finish in first place or I would be drowning at the bottom of a water tray. This taught me to take what you get with horses as you never know what the next stride has in store. 

TJO: What has been your inspiration in pursuing your equestrian dream?

Mowatt: The constant pursuit of unattainable perfection keeps drawing me back. Just when you think you understand both horses and the way they should be ridden, you find yourself knee-deep in a pile of your own ego. Also at the end of the day, it’s the best sport in the world. In what other sport can a 21-year-old compete toe-to-toe with a 51-year-old? What other sport can men and women, tall and short, rich and less rich compete on a level playing field in some of the most prestigious venues around the world? Showjumping is able to remove brute physicality and in its place, talent and hard work will prevail.

TJO: Do you have a showjumping idol? If so, who and why?

Mowatt: In my opinion, Marcus Ehning is the most talented showjumper in the world, and thus, from a purely sport-orientated perspective, I idolise his riding ability. However, with regards to the showjumping industry as a whole, I really admire Cian O’Connor and believe I can learn a lot from him in this regard. 

TJO: How did you find Evergreen M and did you always intend to compete him in Europe?

Mowatt: After a cold winter of scouring Europe for the next ‘budget’ showjumping superstar I came across Evergreen M in County Kildare, Ireland. I bought Evergreen M, affectionately known as ‘Yummy’, from Neal Fearon. It was never the plan to bring Yummy back to Europe as he was only 6 at the time and we were unsure as to how he would turn out. Neal came over to South Africa throughout Yummy’s production. After a few years of seeing Yummy develop Neal suggested that once I had completed my university studies I should come over with Yummy and train with him full time. About 2 years later I am now sitting in a flat above a barn in Ireland freezing my ass off training with Neal.

TJO: Where in Ireland are you currently based?

Mowatt: I am currently living, riding, and stabling at a privately owned yard in County Meath. There are 11 stables with all the facilities one would need including a HUGE indoor arena that definitely comes in handy on those rainy days… or should I say every day.

TJO: What is your plan for cementing your name in the European circuits?

Mowatt: If the world stops coughing, my plan is to hopefully represent South Africa in the Nations Cup series in Europe. This would allow me to enter into shows that would normally be unattainable for a person of my international ranking. I hope to use these competitions to showcase Yummy’s ability and prove we are of an international standard.

TJO: How do you prepare yourself mentally for a competition?

Mowatt: ‘Failing to plan, is planning to fail’ – This is the motto that I like to take with me to every show. With horses, there are so many variables thus it is important as a rider to mitigate as many of these as possible by having a tried and tested plan. It is also important to remember why you are at a particular competition and set a goal for every class on every horse, whether it be jumping a steady clear or going for the win. 

TJO: Do you intend on remaining in Europe or are you hoping to travel the world and cover America, Asia, etc?

Mowatt: I am excited to see where this journey takes me, but while I have Yummy, I am planning to stay and compete in Europe. The American showjumping circuit has always interested me and I would be open to opportunities if they arise in the future. 

TJO: What is the ultimate goal for you?

Mowatt: To be happy with what I have done with my life. Whether it be on a horse’s back or in the kitchen with my family, I want to know that I gave it my all and reached my full potential whatever that may be. 

TJO: What advice can you share with riders aiming to be successful in Europe?

I’m not sure just yet but come back to me in a couple of years and I’ll hopefully have the answer. So far I have learned that because there are so many good horses and riders here, it seems like hard work is not enough. I think what you need is a little bit of luck! However, never forget what Gary Player said, “the more I work and practice, the luckier I seem to get.” 

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With a great support system, the backing of Neal Fearon, and the talent and ambitions that Laurence and Yummy possess, an exciting future awaits the pair. We wish them the best of luck with their future endeavours and hope to see them competing at the highest levels including World Equestrian Games, Global Champions League, and possibly the Olympic Games someday.

-The JumpOff-

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