To find that talent outside the box is a dream we can all dream. Other than having $200,000.00.
“From what’s been posted on here, its way cheaper to keep horses and show in Australia, like half what it costs here. We have more shows, and they cost quite a bit more.”
That’s true and I should have given it more thought. Australia also has a different system. Our top riders aren’t living in a rarefied stratosphere that I cannot access. They are just normal people. The main difference to other people is that they work just about every hour of the day.
I don’t know why anyone thought this was a troll post.
Ask your trainer, OP. Does she know your dreams? If not, tell her. If she doesn’t believe in them with you, you need another trainer. You need a trainer who has GP horses, schoolmasters she will let you learn on. Not saying a trainer will let a student ride their 5-figure horse, but you will need access to a horse who can help the trainer teach you. Take lessons at a barn where upper-level riders are doing what you want to do, and learn from them too. Go to shows with them, help, watch, listen, and learn.
Be prepared to devote at least 6 days a week to training.
It sounds like you have some money. Good. You will need it!
Grand prix is not a very flexible term. It is not just a class with prize money. Almost every class level has prize money. A mini prix is not a Grand Prix. Last I checked, GP was 1.45 minimum.
Also, maybe it goes without saying, but get on a riding specific fitness routine, and learn as much as you can about flatwork. Take dressage clinics with trainers that work with jumpers. And its been said a few times but be prepared to ride 6 days a week. On as many horses as you can! Even riding a 2nd horse now will improve your fitness level and feel over riding only 1 horse.
Folks said different when I asked this question a few weeks back. Rated GP yes has requirements but if a show wanted to offer something unrated they could call it anything they wanted apparently.