Teen rider to represent NZ
An Onewhero Area School student is one of six New Zealand youths chosen to compete in a western riding competition held in Australia.
Emma Downs, 14, has been a member of the Franklin Western Riding Club since she was eight years old and has competed in numerous shows and competitions.
She will compete in the 2017 Trans Tasman Challenge in September.
Emma said she was excited to have the chance to compete overseas.
‘‘It’ll be my first time riding overseas, showing and competing is something I want to do after I finish school, it’d be pretty cool.’’
Emma said there’s a big difference between traditional English riding and western riding.
‘‘We ride differently, it’s a lot more leg and less hand, you only have one hand on the reigns the saddles and outfits we wear when competing are also different.’’
Show season occurs from October to April every year with the riders taking part in a number of events over the weekend including - horsemanship, trail, showmanship and reigning which is similar to dressage. Emma’s mother Angela Downs said the whole family was involved with the Western Riding Club and it was a great bonding experience.
‘‘We got into riding after the kids were born. We all spend weekends away together in a horse truck it can be pretty fullon during show season but pretty fun.’’
Emma said the best part about riding was the bond she had created with her 11-year-old quarter horse Radical N Denim (Denny).
‘‘Denny and I have a really good bond, I’ve had him for a year and he’s always excited to see me when I get home from school - he’s even gone through the fence a few times because he’s so excited.’’
Angela said she’d never seen a bond quite like the one between Emma and Denny.
‘‘He doesn’t come up to anyone else, but as soon as he sees the school bus he runs up to the fence to see her, it’s very cute, I’ve never seen a horse do that before.’’
Emma and five other New Zealand youths will be travelling to Australia to in September.
* Melanie Earley is an AUT journalism student