A total of six young Olympic hopefuls were competing at the Bruce Forbes North Island Training Level Eventing Championships held in Carterton last week.

Mounted riders L – R: Maya Sutter on Buzz, Danielle Amon on Penny, Erika Lilley on Milly, Josh Burlace on My Girl, Nicole Thomas on Cruiser, Olivia Hurst on Little Mo. Standing are Bing Allen, Tracy Rampton and Rod Breingan.

Te Puke Pony Club riders Maya Sutter, 10, Nicole Thomas, 15 and 13-year-olds Erika Lilley, Danielle Amon, Olivia Hurst and Josh Burlace competed for the Bruce Forbes team trophy and the Mickinstry Dressage trophy held at the Wairarapa A & P showground's in Carteron January 8 – 9.

The team of young riders was made up of three training and three pre-training level riders who competed in dressage and cross country heats.

Competing against 16 other teams Te Puke Pony Club placed fifth overall in the championship event.

Local Te Puke man Bing Allen, who is a well-known New Zealand cross country course designer, described the teams achievement as 'exceptional and a great achievement.”

Te Puke Pony Club coach Tracy Rampton says she was delighted with the result.

'This was really their first major competition and I was extremely proud of their performance. The cross country course was really challenging and for all of them to complete and for three to go clear was an enormous achievement.

'I can see great things ahead for these young riders”