With the 2025 Equimillions set to get underway this weekend, Proven Thoroughbreds has put together profiles on our sponsored riders Isabella Tyson and Charlotte Synfield.
ISABELLA TYSON – SCALLOPINI
“My journey with horses began 15 years ago at a classmate’s horse riding birthday party. Though my parents weren’t horsey, they supported me, and a year later I got my first horse, Samson. As I grew, I moved on to Glynn—who I still have today at 25 yo. We competed in pony club, dressage, and showing, which began my competition career. Later, I obtained Freemantle, one of Australia’s best show hunters, with whom I reached the top level, winning major titles, including the 2019 Grand National and EA National champion child’s hunter.
“I’ve always wanted to retrain an off-the-track thoroughbred. After working in racing stables before university, I developed a strong interest in racing and wanted to combine it with my background in showing and dressage. In 2022, I bought my first OTT, named Ahead Start, who was a successful racehorse, but his career was cut short due to injury. After 9 months of rehabilitation and five months of retraining, we placed 2nd in both show horse and dressage at the inaugural 2023 Equimillion, earning $15,000.
“In mid-2023, around the time of the Group 1 Stradbroke, I spotted Scallopini on 7 Horse Racing’s Facebook page and instantly loved him. I followed his career until his retirement in early 2024, then contacted Proven Thoroughbreds and one of his trainers, Matt, when his retirement was announced. Soon enough, he was on the truck to my home in Sydney.
“We began retraining almost immediately, as he retired in immaculate condition with no injuries. He is an eye-catching horse who oozes personality, but has a super competitive streak, which was made obvious during his career. He is very routine-based and systematic, making him quite predictable and easy to retrain. Gaining weight was a challenge with his long-standing racing physique, but he took to outings well and placed 5th at the 2024 Equimillion, just nine months post-retirement, picking up $1,000.
“He continues to live with me between Camden and Wagga Wagga whilst studying Veterinary Science, travelling the countryside wherever I go. I think it’s a testament to Scalli’s versatility and nature that I’ve been able to manage him so well alongside a full-time study load. He is certainly one of the favourites at the agistment!
“We’re now preparing for the 2025 Equimillion in both show horse and dressage, with continued support from the amazing team at Proven Thoroughbreds.”
CHARLOTTE SYNFIELD – DESTINED TO WIN
“My name is Charlotte Synfield, and I am an 18-year-old event rider. I have the pleasure of owning Harlequinn Bear, or known by most as Ted, formerly named Destined to Win. Ted got the name Ted because he is like a big Teddy bear; he is a cuddly, loving, and sweet boy. Ted is known for following Mum and my instructors around like a big dog. Ted loves eating people’s food; shapes and hot cross buns are two of his many favourites. Ted’s favourite part of eventing is the cross country; he loves galloping and jumping.
“My riding career began at a young age at pony club, where I rode for a few years before taking a break for around six years. I started riding again at riding schools before getting my Mare, followed by Ted a few months afterwards. Ted had a long rehabilitation journey before he began ridden work. Ted went out on a lot of trials, rides and dressage rides before trying jumping and enjoying it. After our first cross-country lesson together, I knew that’s what I wanted to do with Ted.
“After lots of rides and lessons, we entered our first competition; it went well. We kept training, going to clinics and lessons. Everything began to click. Ted and I grew as a partnership; we got better and better.
“In 2024, we stepped up to 80cm, but shortly afterwards, we had an unfortunate slip on cross country, which led to our season being cut short. As we began pre-season training for 2025 at 2 2-day showjumping and cross country clinics, on the first day, Ted wasn’t super keen, but by the second day took the jumping by storm and didn’t put a single foot wrong. So the 2025 season has just been getting better and better at each event. Ted has consistently been competing 80cm in eventing and 80-95cm in show jumping.
“Ted is my heart horse, and I am forever grateful that I have had the chance to train and work with him. He has taken me from jumping 45cm all the way up to our first 1* fence together, and is taking me from junior classes to open classes.”
Proven Thoroughbreds is passionate about ensuring all of our retired horses enjoy a fulfilling life after racing and a big part of that is our ongoing commitment to sponsorship at Equimillions. We wish all riders and horses the best of luck!
CLICK HERE for the 2025 Equimillions event schedule.