Northland young rider determined to tackle hurdles

It's been a fairy tale season for young Northland rider Micayla Windle, overcoming some serious hurdles to win some of New Zealand's most prestigious showing titles.
The 13-year-old rider from Kauri was nominated as a finalist in the New Zealand's Showing Awards in Matamata on Saturday, capping off what has been an outstanding year.
Windle was originally encouraged into horse riding at the age of 9 in the hope of improving both her confidence and her difficulties with dyslexia.
She discovered the thrill of success and, with the support of Ty Gwyn Stud of Glenbervie, showing became her passion. Four years on she is competing and winning against New Zealand's best with impressive results, competing at the highest level and having to learn some of the most advanced workouts New Zealand show riders are exposed to.
These workouts are a challenge for most young riders, let alone someone who is dyslexic but her determination has motivated her to national success.
Every show this season has seen Windle achieve top results with her ponies, including Champion Rider at the Helensville show on her up-and-coming saddle hunter pony Ty Gwyn Glen Mohr and Champion Junior Handler at the North Island Welsh Show with Ty Gywn Sheridan (owned by Ty Gywn Stud).
Her equestrian talents have not gone unnoticed and earlier this year she was approached by the New Zealand Riding Academy to compete on their stunning ponies Lakevale Puss n Boots and Leera Park First Edition.
In March, Windle and Lakevale Puss n Boots competed at the highly competitive New Zealand Horse of the Year Show, winning the Paced and Mannered Small Pony of the Year title and placing runner up in the Small Pony of the Year title.
These results qualified the young combination to compete at the prestigious Werribee show in Melbourne in December. While it offers an exciting opportunity for them, the sheer cost of getting both horse and rider to Melbourne is prohibitive.
In April, the winning combination went on to compete at the Royal Easter Show, taking out the Supreme Champion Show Pony ahead of some of New Zealand's best riders.
It was the perfect end to the showing season and on Saturday night Windle was honoured and excited to be attending the National Showing Awards as a finalist.
Her mentor and coach is Northland rider Vicki Wilson, whose success with Showtym Commodore, saw the horse win gold in the Saddle Hunter of the Year and silver in the Working Hunter class. The horse is owned by Aliesha Dean.
Wilson was in the South Island and unable to attend the Showing Awards on Saturday night but said Windle deserved every accolade she received this year.
"Micayla has the determination, commitment and passion needed to become a top equestrian. She deserves every success," she said.
Windle has high hopes for the coming season and is spending the winter training her young ponies Ty Gwyn Glen Mohr for the saddle hunter classes and Burleighvilla Just a Rumour for the newcomer show pony classes.
She is also excited to continue riding the highly competitive ponies for the New Zealand Equestrian Academy.
"I am very lucky to have the opportunity to compete two such gorgeous ponies," she said.