Fourteen-year-old Liam Bothmann and his standardbred Molly have had a busy few years turning heads and experiencing success in the show jumping arena.
Over five years ago, Liam’s mother Gail purchased Molly after her moment in the spotlight, playing the role of an equine extra in The Kelly Gang movie.
Molly had retired after three rather unsuccessful starts as a trotter, racing under the name ‘Just Like Julia’, and developed into a lovely junior’s mount after being introduced to natural horsemanship training prior to being rehomed.
Starting their partnership in pony club, Molly and Liam dabbled in a variety of disciplines before setting their sights on show jumping.
Competing in Equestrian Australia (EA) events, Molly has proven herself to be a quick, tidy and keen jumper, with an impressive resume of results competing up to 1m in open classes.
“Molly is such a wonderful horse; athletic, fast and so incredibly willing”, explains Liam’s mother Gail.
“My eldest daughter, Liam’s older sister, had an ex-pacer many years ago, so we got an introduction to standardbreds then. We knew the breed was very calm and a good choice for young riders, but what Liam and Molly have achieved together is just remarkable.
“Liam, who has autism, has built this beautiful bond with Molly. They’re so connected and she’s helped him to learn to be an active rider to get the best out of her.
“Everyone compliments how nice a seat Liam has on Molly. He just doesn’t move in the saddle and they’re so in sync. I really think this is a testament to the breed, as standies just love people and give 100% in everything they do”.
Experiencing much success with Molly in their first few years together, including placing ninth out of thirty combinations contesting the 2024 Victorian Interschool State Championships in Show Jumping, along with recently being awarded the overall ‘Best Performed Standardbred’ at the Hamilton Pony Club Melbourne Cup Day event and bringing home a clean-sweep of blue ribbons at the Caramut Junior and Young Rider Weekend in Mortlake, Gail has seen Liam move from strength to strength since owning Molly and feels she’s been the perfect partner for him.
“I wish people would be more open-minded about standardbreds, because they make such fantastic horses and are so versatile and adaptable to many disciplines.
“Molly is very sensible and the only horse I’d feel safe enough to get on and enjoy a ride at the beach. At the same time, she flies around the jumping arena and offers Liam such a fast, careful and competitive ride”.
As the parent of two children who have ridden standardbreds, Gail feels the breed makes a superb choice for junior riders wanting to get out, have some fun and enjoy a low-maintenance horse.
“One of the best things about standardbreds is they’re easy keepers”, Gail explains.
“Unlike other breeds of horse, you don’t have to pump the standies up full of feed just to keep weight on them and then risk all the fizziness. Liam competes Molly barefoot, in a snaffle and she always looks shiny.
“Standardbreds have such a great attitude and gentle nature. Liam is correct when he says ‘they can do anything’, because we’ve seen exactly this from Molly – she gives so much and a fantastic example of just how wonderful standies are!”
