Local equestrian selected for Australia

ZARA Harris has realised her dream of representing her country.

The 15-year-old Coffs Coast equestrian has been selected as one of just four Pony Club Australia riders who will represent Australia in the China International Exchange Show Jumping Competition later this month.

The Coffs Harbour Pony Club member will be competing in showjumping at heights of up to one metre against riders from China, New Zealand, and South Africa.

She has previously represented Australia through Pony Club Australia’s International Alliance Virtual Jumping Competition.

The talented teenager already has a decorated equestrian career.

Competing across showjumping, eventing and tetrathlon, her achievements include becoming the NSW State Tetrathlon Reserve Champion, the Queensland State Tetrathlon Champion, and 2026 Pony Club Australia finalist – Best Achievement by a Rider aged 13–17.

She has also achieved top results at the Pony Club Australia National Championships, and is currently a member of the Equestrian NSW Future Champions Athlete Empowerment Program.

She couldn’t wait to represent her country in China.

“I have always thought it would be incredible to one day be able to represent my country. I grew up hoping that I might get the chance to, but I certainly didn’t think it would happen when I was 15,” she said.

“I think I’m most looking forward to competing against talented riders from other countries and also challenging myself at an international level.

“I’m also excited to experience a different culture, meet new people and learn from other riders.”

The Australian representative described what it meant to be selected for her country.

“Being selected to represent Australia is an incredible honour and something I am extremely proud of,” she said.

“It means that all the hard work, dedication and sacrifices I have made towards my equestrian goals have been worthwhile.

“I feel privileged to have the opportunity to wear the green and gold, represent my country on an international stage and compete alongside riders from other nations.

“As a young Australian rider, I hope to represent not only my country but also my family, my pony club and the wider equestrian community that has supported me.

“This opportunity inspires me to keep working hard towards my dream of one day representing Australia at the Olympics.

“I now have my sights firmly set on the next junior Olympics in 2030 and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics on home soil.”

She shared the importance of the bond between rider and horse in competition, and what she loved most about riding.

“The bond between a horse and rider is so important in showjumping because it is built on trust, communication and teamwork,” she said.

“It has taken me two years to develop a strong relationship with my OTTB [off-track thoroughbred], Kravchenko, aka Bond, so I understand how much time, patience and consistency goes into building that trust.

“In China, this will be more challenging because we will be riding pool horses that we haven’t trained with or built a bond with. I will need to adapt quickly, be patient and learn to understand each horse in a short amount of time.

“I think this experience will really test my horsemanship, not just my riding ability, and teach me the importance of being flexible and working with different horses.

“Although I will miss the partnership I have developed with Bond, I am excited to take on this challenge and learn from the experience.

“What I love most about riding is the partnership you develop with your horse.

“Every horse is different, and there is always something new to learn, which keeps me motivated and challenged.

“I love the excitement of competition, especially showjumping, where you have to stay focused, trust your horse and make decisions in the moment.

“But for me, it’s not just about the results or ribbons; it’s about the progress my horse and I make.

“Equestrian sport has taught me so much about myself.”

By Aiden BURGESS