Ella Walker (13), of North Taieri, will represent New Zealand in the 2019 Grand National Saddle Horse and Rider Championships in Sydney next week but her 9-year-old pony Foxy will stay at home. Photo: Shawn McAvinueA North Taieri girl was ‘‘shocked’’ to qualify to represent her country in a horse riding competition in Australia. Foxy would stay at home in North Taieri because it could cost up to $20,000 to take her along. The New Zealand Show Horse Council was providing her with a pony to compete on in Sydney, which she would ride for the first time two days before her three competition rides. ‘‘I’m a very competitive person.’’She enjoyed the sport because it strengthened the bond a rider had with their pony and its social aspect.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 23, 2019 15:22 UTC