Jonelle grew up in the South Island of New Zealand where she enjoyed an outdoor lifestyle and horses. After enrolling for a university degree in law and equestrian she decided to opt out to concentrate on her equestrian career. In 2003, Jonelle travelled to the UK with Tim Price, who was at the time her boyfriend (now husband) to compete at Burghley 4 star.
Jonelle brought her first international horse, “Eric” over from New Zealand and successfully competed at Badminton in 2004 finishing 17th, which was good enough to earn them the travelling reserve slot for Team NZ at Athens Olympics in 2004. In 2005, Tim and Jonelle moved to Mere Farm where they remain to this day. Back then the farm was run down and in need of renovation, which they have gradually improved resulting in the top class facilities they now have.
Jonelle first appeared in the New Zealand national team that was for the London Olympics in 2012, where Jonelle was the “pathfinder” (most consistent rider) and picked up a Team Bronze medal alongside Sir Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson, Caroline Powell and Jock Paget.
Jonelle’s first European International was at Blenheim Palace where she competed in the CIC 3 stars on the horse “Faerie Dianimo” which finished 5th as an 8 year old in the CCI 3 star in 2013 but returned in 2014 to win the prestigious CIC class. Jonelle made history in 2015 by returning to win again on “Cloud Dancer”. No rider has ever won back-to-back titles at Blenheim CIC since its inception.
Jonelle reached the top 4 in the World Equestrian Games in 2014 in Caen (Harras du Pin) with her horse ”Classic Moet”. In the cross-country, she defied all expectations to battle through the mud and rain late in the class, to post the fastest time of the day, and finished in 4th spot just off the podium for a medal. Jonelle is known for being ‘The fastest lady in the World’ cross-country and for her polish in the dressage.
Some recent highlights include: