“I like to be competitive when I know I can be” Clarissa Lyra, HKJC Equestrian Team Rider
24/08/2017
Clarissa Lyra is going around the world on horseback. Literally meaning equestrian sport has taken her to compete around the world, which results in her inevitably representing the metaphorical meaning, being that she’s well-travelled beyond her age. She started riding at nine years old in Hong Kong. At the young age of 15, she decided to move to Holland to further her academic and equestrian education. Since, she's lived in Belgium, Portugal, England, and now calls champion show jumper Ludger Beerbaum's stable in Germany home, for the time being.
A world traveller as a busy equestrian, Clarissa has matured in double-time. She’s worked hard to develop mental and physical toughness, which has enabled her to successfully navigate the elite levels of equestrian sport. Her hard work is starting to pay off: today she can count a bronze medal at the 2016 World University Games and plenty of placings at top shows among her accolades.
Clarissa is known by her peers as one of the most competitive young riders on the HKJC squad. While she admits that she's always had a competitive streak, she is shrewd enough to know when her horses are ready to win and always puts her horse’s best interest first and simply enjoys it when she does win. "I like to be competitive when I know I can be." she says, "It's not just on any horse at any show. There's a very long thought process that goes into deciding whether I'm going to try to win the class, or go for a nice, clear round."
As a young rider in Europe, Clarissa regularly competes against riders she looks up to. What she lacks in years of experience, she makes up for with a mature, positive attitude – a trait she shares with the greats of the sport. Her ability to remain calm is down to her training and preparation. "I don't really get nervous" she admits, "I tend to be pretty relaxed at shows, despite having quite a bit of pressure on me as the youngest and least experienced on the team. My mind-set is that if I'm not ready to jump a certain class, I won't." So when she is in the game, she is in it to win it.
She's also very down-to-earth when it comes to winning. For Clarissa, it’s not all about the glory – yet. She’s focused on developing her riding skills to become competitive on the world stage. Undoubtedly the wins will follow. She’s in the perfect place to make this happen – Ludger Beerbaum's stable has served as a launch pad for many top riders' careers.
By all accounts, she doesn't rest on her laurels. When at home at Ludger Beerbaum Stables, she's on her first horse at 8 am, riding until lunchtime, and then helping out with chores in the afternoon. At shows, she takes every opportunity to learn. "It's really amazing to be able to be around these top riders." She says, "I think it's so important to learn – not just from having lessons, but by watching riders warm up, and seeing how people prepare for the shows and look after their horses."
Clarissa has benefitted greatly from being on the HKJC team. From the camaraderie and support from her teammates and coaching staff, to her riding and training opportunities, she has been able to reach new heights. She has travelled to some of the biggest and best competitions in Europe, including Aachen. And with her current mount, HKJC horse Catokia 2, all the doors are starting to open for this talented young rider. The 10-year-old mare, described by Clarissa as ‘super intelligent and competitive’, has plenty of experience at the top levels.
The young rider will be joining 3 HKJC senior riders as they represent Hong Kong in the upcoming National Games in Tianjin.
