Showjumper off to worlds

A Lichfield teen has been selected to represent New Zealand at the World Pony Showjumping championships in South Korea.

Alley Carson, 15, forms a contingent of three riders from Taupo and Morrinsville who leave on May 19.

The latest news comes as no surprise to supporters of the South Waikato teen who delivered an impressive year of winning titles.

Alley rode away as the 2016 Open Pony Grand Prix Champion at the nationals.

This includes winning Pony of the Year in March at Horse of the Year show, the country’s premier equestrian event.

Alley said it was ‘‘wicked’’ to be representing New Zealand and said the experience will be valuable

‘‘It’s going to be a cool experience and I want to make the most of it.’

Horses will be provided by the host country which will be interesting, Alley said.

‘‘I’ll take it as it comes. I may show them a thing or two.

‘‘It kind of feels like you’re going in with a bit of a blindfold on. Anything can happen because of the horses.’’

She is going in with no expectation, just proud to be wearing the silver fern.

‘‘Horses are always surprising and anything that does happen is a bonus. ‘‘They kinda keep you humble.’’ Alley has had practice controlling her nerves after competing at the Horse of the Year.

Jumping a double clear in two rounds, she took home the title in the final round with the least number of faults.

‘‘It was pretty wicked really. It felt pretty cool to jump two rounds in one of the biggest classes in New Zealand.

‘‘I had some pretty good competition following me. I had to remember the job I had to do and just do what you know.’’

Sister Drew Carson,17, joined in the celebration coming a close second in Junior Rider of the Year.

Drew said the rivalry was friendly against a competitor she beat at the nationals this year. ‘‘We had a good crack at it. It was really good. I went clear with a fast time but she just beat me.’’