Anikah Moody
BORN with the outdoors in her blood, St Peter’s College animal lover Anikah Moody is happiest at home on her family farm near Mataura.
No surprise, then, that her ambitions remain firmly lodged outside in the fresh air, with the sky her only limit.
‘‘My favourite place in the world is to be outdoors on the farm surrounded by animals, riding my horses, or training my Kelpie farm dog, Mate.
‘‘But although animals and the outdoors are my biggest interests, I’ve also made the most of my schooling opportunities,’’ she said.
A highperforming allrounder,
Anikah plans to take a year off after school, and perhaps head to Lincoln to study agriculture in 2024.
However, she won’t be sitting idle in the meantime.
‘‘Horses and show jumping are my passion, and I’m being more dedicated to my training and competition this year to give it a proper go.
‘‘I want to compete as much as possible next year. It would be my dream to compete at World Cup level one day.’’
She said her love of horses had begun at an early age.
‘‘I got to ride my first miniature — called Going — when I was 5, thanks to my Granny.
‘‘I think Mum and Dad prayed it would be a passing fad, but it didn’t quite work out that way.’’
Her interests in riding extended to breaking in new animals.
‘‘I’m training a pony — Sally — who began in an untamed state in 2020.
‘‘It’s taken a lot of patience and commitment, but I’m now starting to see the rewards, with several firsts and seconds at our first two shows.’’
She said despite her desire to follow her equestrian dreams, she’d keep her mind open to other options.
‘‘Let’s see what happens next year.’’
Achievements: Level 1 and 2 with excellence endorsement; Level 1 excellence agriculture, commerce, RE, and science; Level 2 excellence biology, chemistry, economics, and RE; school prizes for RE, agriculture, mathematics, science, commerce and diligence (2020), and RE and economics (2021); school netball A teams (2018present), including junior coaching, umpiring, most promising player, Steps to Steel squad, Eastern Southland rep (201821), and Southland Country rep (2022); school crosscountry 1st (2018), 2nd (2019), 4th (2021), 2nd (2022); Southland athletics rep in 200m (2020/21), 100m (2020/21), shot put (2020), high jump (2020/21), 800m (2021), relays (2021); equestrianism C+ theory exam; Secondary Schools Show Jumping competition team 5th place (2021); numerous 1st and other podium placings at regional show jumping events (2022); voluntary veterinary assistant work (2019). Role model: Equestrians Amanda Wilson and Amanda Tulloch. Hopes for the future: To compete at World Cup level in show jumping, and have a family and a farm one day.