At 160cm tall, 15-year-old Intermetzo, affectionately known as Metzie, is a show-stopper.
This Belgian Warmblood, jumping over 145cm, clinched the first place national ranking, and 30th place global ranking in the Jumping World Challenge 2022.
Indeed, Metzie and Arysha form Malaysia’s most decorated horse-rider duo in recent times, securing the highest number of international event victories in the past two years.
“‘Intermezzo’ in musical terms, refers to a piece of music that acts as a transition between two longer pieces of music,” Arysha explained, when asked about his name.
“It’s quite fitting as the reason we bought Intermetzo was that he is to act as a transitional horse for me – a horse that safely allows me to break through to the higher levels of competition.”
Three years ago, at the age of 13, Arysha, realising it was time to part with her outgrown pony, embarked on a trip to Belgium with her mother to find her next riding partner. It was here that they encountered Intermetzo, who ultimately became the chosen one.
“The moment I met and rode him it was like love at first sight – or more like love at first ride!” shared Arysha.
“The bond I share with Metzie is quite unbreakable,” Arysha told FMT Lifestyle. “I trust this horse with my entire heart, and the number of times he’s saved me is immeasurable by emotion.”
However, it wasn’t always this way. Arysha shared that in the early days, she occasionally faced communication challenges with Metzie.
“He didn’t quite understand what I was asking him because my instructions were not very clear. When he didn’t understand, he used to become frustrated and act out.”
After reassessing training methods and learning to address his discomfort, today, they both know each other inside and out.
“A moment during a competition that I will never forget was the first time we competed in an international 130 cm show jumping event,” Arysha recalled.
Competing at that height with Metzie was quite intimidating for Arysha. “I made an unfortunate error in my judgement of a distance to a jump. However, Metzie being the angel that he is, decided to take control.”
Astonishingly, they ended up finishing the entire course and winning first place!
Although usually professional, when it’s game time, Metzie is just a kid at heart.
“He loves to go into the grass field and roll around in the mud to scratch his back.” She added, “He can be so silly and funny. Sometimes he’ll make funny faces, he’ll lick me or even pretend to bite me just to scare me.”
When Metzie isn’t competing, his number one favourite thing to do is eat!
“I would describe Metzie as the horse version of a vacuum cleaner – he will honestly eat anything you put in front of him, whether it’s edible or not!” Arysha joked.
Metzie’s typical post-exercise treats include carrots, apples, or the occasional sugar cube if he’s been good. He also enjoys mints, and on special occasions, like after competitions, he gets to indulge in some processed horse snacks.
Arysha also pointed out that Metzie has some hilarious quirks: “He can be relatively opinionated, and when he has something to share, he tends to stomp his foot to tell us that there’s something we should know.
Arysha and Metzie recently clinched victory at the premier Cup CSI 1* International Competition, once again securing first place nationally in the Jumping World Challenge 2023.
This particular win with Metzie holds a special place in Arysha’s heart.
“This win is very special, because it may be our last competition together,” Arysha shared, noting that next year, due to exams and impending overseas relocation, she may not have the time to compete.
“Metzie has made me a better equestrian athlete by instilling confidence in every ride. I feel happy and at peace every time I ride him – it’s that pleasure that drives and motivates me as an athlete.”
Follow Arysha on Instagram.
This article was written by Theevya Ragu @ FMT Lifestyle. Read more pet stories here.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PET: FMT Lifestyle readers are invited to send in pictures (landscape format) and a short video (if any) of their furry, scaly or feathery friends to [email protected]. Don’t forget to include details like your pet’s name, age, breed and a short story about them.