AUSTRALIA'S multiple driving World Cup champion four-in-hand driver Boyd Exell is taking a well-earned break in Bega.
Wife Preetha and children James, 5, and Olivia, 3, live in Leicestershire, England, but have an annual holiday at their Bega property.
"I love being by the coast," Exell said.
"Bega has a nice country feel, but it's on the door of the coast, too. I miss the beautiful beaches when I'm in England. The nice thing is my whole family comes back, too."
This year will see the unassuming Australian defend his world indoor and outdoor carriage driving titles.
The Exells will return overseas early next month when Exell starts preparations for the World Cup indoor final being held at Bordeaux in France.
He aims to secure his fourth consecutive title, something not previously achieved.
"Michael Freund, from Germany, has also been named champion three times, so I'm hoping to set a new record," Exell said.
"A holiday in Australia might not be ideal preparation for a final, but I needed a break because we have competitions all-year round.
"Equestrian Australia has asked to me to do clinics and I will be holding one in Goulburn at the end of the month so that gets me back into 'horse mode'."
Exell said he was pleased with his form and was receiving plenty of support from his team of horses.
He grew up in the Bega Valley and said his family had not been interested in horse events.
His mother, Lorraine Exell, introduced him to Max Pearce when he was eight.
Pearce was well known around the area for his passion for horses, particularly cart-drawn horses.
"All I wanted to do was pony club and show jump, so I was devastated to only be around cart horses," Exell said.
"But it turned out well in the end."
Six years later, he began competing at Australian combined driving events and royal agricultural shows.
His big break came when, on his 21st birthday, his parents gave him the option of hosting a party or travelling around the world.
Exell chose to go to England and learn more about driving. The rest is history.
