Such an amazing opportunity

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Hana has mostly been involved in show jumping, although she has also entered other equestrian disciplines such as dressage and cross country.

To date she has collected a series of first, second and third placings in show jumping events, together with champion ribbons in dressage.

Hana found out she had been selected for the Global Amateur Tour by email.

“I went to my mum and said: ‘You won’t believe it – I’ve been selected’.

“We both started screaming, we were so excited.

“I was honestly over the moon. It’s such an amazing opportunity.”

Her selection “brings such an awesome opportunity to explore new cultures, meet new friends and discover so much diversity and history,” Hana says.

The Global Amateur Tour was established in 2018 by Lucy Olphert, one of New Zealand’s internationally experienced riders, who has competed right up to World Cup level.

The event was created to offer amateur riders the opportunity to experience all the excitement, adrenaline and professionalism of competing internationally.

Following a few days of acclimatisation and training there will be three days of competition, with each day’s score determin- ing the starting order on the final day. More information is on the Global Amateur Tour website, www.lucyolphertshowjumping. com/tours.html

Hana has trained with Lucy a number of times, and says it is “great to have the support from someone who has been involved in equestrian competitions for quite a while”.

To date Hana has not yet competed at the higher levels of equestrian sport.

That was one of the reasons she was so surprised and excited to be selected for the Global Amateur Tour.

“It’s really cool to see representation of riders who are just getting out there and who are just branching out,” she says.

Hana has been riding since she was eight years old, starting with lessons at her local riding school.

“I am looking forward to the future with my new 7-year-old [pony] Campeón Holly.

“I can’t wait to learn, grow and progress with Holly as we teach each other to go up the heights and be patient with one another.

I hope for Holly and I to jump Pony Grand Prix together one day and I’m beyond excited to see what the future holds for us,” she says.

Ultimately she would “definitely” love to represent New Zealand at the Olympic Games.

“That would be such a dream come true,” she says.