Virginia Reichenbach // Tom Quilty Gold Cup Strapper & VERA Participant
Tell us about your 160km strapping. My 100 miler strapping has been for Paul and Marty Bryson. I am really grateful to Team PMB for having me on board 2 years in a row, as I helped them at the '24 and '25 TQGCs. I have strapped in the past at other endurance events for friends and a dressage rider who has a very fine eye for detail and expects that of her strappers.
What motivated you to strap at the TQGC? I'd been hoping to get a chance to strap for someone at a TQGC. Knowing that I really wanted to get the opportunity to ride in it myself one day. I wanted to learn all the ins and outs of strapping before getting to the riding stage of the game. Just to set myself up and also to network. As endurance is quite often a solo sport, it's a really nice way to be part of a team.
How do you recommend preparing for such a role? You need to have plenty of sleep in the tank, as shut eye is going to be in short supply over the weekend! You must be 100% capable of staying awake for 24 hours. Other things to consider: make sure you are healthy...that your diet is good...you are looking after your body and be as fit as you can be. After all, you might need to run your rider's horse out for them in the vet ring.
What qualities do you think are important in a 160km strapper? It can be dependent on your role in the team, but great observational skills are vital. You need to have the ability to see what the horse and rider needs at that moment. Remember things can change from leg to leg, from night to during the day. Other important attributes include - being able to be part of the team and adapt to any constructive feedback.
Are there any potential challenges strappers should be aware of? The brain fade that happens with sleep deprivation for everyone - for strappers and the riders. At the big events, there will be a considerable slump at some stage where riders (and in fact everyone), might be a bit cranky. The strapper's job is to help the rider through it. Giving them space, but also supporting them with what they need to get back on the horse and keep going.
What were the highlights of your experience at the South Australian '24 and Tasmanian '25 TQGCs? Just being there and seeing the sheer number of horses at that level was awe-inspiring and super motivating. At Sassafras I really enjoyed watching the front runners head out on the last leg, at a strong canter. The horse's ears were pricked, the riders were focused on heading out that gate. There was no hesitation, they just ran and that was really cool to watch. Also, the way people helped each other when they had to manage different problems, people came around them, offered support and assisted. The TQGC has inspired me to work on my fitness and get a horse up to that level.
What have been some of the most valuable learnings you've had as a result of your strapping experience? Stick with your strapping program. Don't up and change things in the middle of the ride. The horses find comfort in consistency, so just do you. Strap how you've always done it. That's not to say don't change things if the horse, weather, rider or some other factor needs things to change. But set things up and flow in the normal way. Also, don't be afraid to have a go. Everybody has been there and failed and everyone has been there and had a personal win. So, get in there and give it your best. Know that you've left nothing on the track. Win or lose on the day, know you've had a good crack. If you don't achieve your goals, you'll always have another chance to come back and try again. If you do enjoy success - cheers all round!
Tell us a little about your endurance experience and short/long term goals. My endurance experience started back in '14. I did rides at Landsborough, Raglan, Mil Lel and Moyston. Then I had a break as I got married and had two children. In '16 I did Ararat and then I really started to get into endurance by season '23. I've slowly progressed towards open rider status and I'm still working on an open horse. Short term goals are to qualify a horse and long term goals are definitely to get TQGC buckle(s)! It'd be really cool to do different rides around Oz, the US Tevis and maybe even FEI.
