TEHANI Badke has shown herself to be one of the best young equestrians in the world.
The 17-year-old achieved outstanding results against top international showjumpers while representing her country in Mexico.
Competing in demanding conditions, including riding at altitudes exceeding 2,200 metres, the Bishop Druitt College student finished in third place (out of 83 riders) and fourth place (out of 87 riders) on Phoenix Ter Doorn at the Mexico City Summer Tour, and fifth place (out of 89 riders) on M Contessina d’Alphi.
She also earned the Highest-Performing International Rider title at the prestigious Puebla CSI2 Global Tour.
Tehani was selected to represent Australia in Mexico through a partnership between the Bishop Druitt College High Performance Program and the Aussie Athlete Fund.
To help her prepare, she spent weeks training under renowned coaches Martha and Salvador Sessin at Sessin Equestrian in Tlaxcala, Mexico.
The Australian representative thanked the local community for helping her achieve her dream.
“Walking into the arena wearing the Australian colours was surreal,” she said.
“Opportunities like this come with significant financial costs,
“Coming from a regional area, access isn’t always easy, and without our local community, this dream would have remained just that, a dream.”
Former coach Salvador Sessin praised her performance and work ethic.
“Tehani combines natural ability with humility and discipline,” he said.
”Seeing her recently named NSW Reserve Champion confirms her hard work is paying off.
“She has a very bright future in international equestrian sport.”
She continued her stellar form on her return home from Mexico, securing second place as the NSW Reserve Champion 1 Eventer at the NSW State Interschool Championships, which saw her qualify for the Australian Interschool National Championships in Werribee, Victoria.
Tehani is now raising funds to compete at the National Championships.
To support her journey, contact coolawarrapark@gmail.com
By Aiden BURGESS
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