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- By Franklin Junior Journalist Bay Thompson
Recently, I was lucky enough to meet Samantha Jones. One day you’ll hear her name everywhere you go!
Samantha is an 18-year-old rider from Waiuku and is a past student at Glenbrook School. She now attends ACG Strathallan, where she is in year 13. She is a member of Waiau Pa Pony Club and has gained her A Riding Certificate with them.
Samantha won Senior Sportsperson of the Year at her school for all her hard work and success in horse riding. She has been competing all over New Zealand in many North Island and national equestrian events for many years and always enjoys learning new things.
Over the last school holidays, she travelled to Australia to compete in an international show jumping competition, the Inter-Pacific Challenge, against riders from Australia, Canada and America.
In Australia, she trained a thoroughbred racehorse, who had just finished racing, for two weeks, then competed on him in a showjumping competition. Samantha came third overall, helping her New Zealand team come first and win the prestigious Nations Cup.
This is the first time the NZ team has won the cup since 2018.
Samantha’s mum, Kristine, said: “This was the first time Sam has been overseas and competing without her family. We are proud of her team’s result.”
Q&A
When did you first start horse riding?
Ever since I was born, my mum held me on a pony while it walked around.
At what age did you first start competing?
My first competition was when I was six years old.
How were you selected to represent NZ at the Nations Cup?
I had to write an application to the New Zealand Pony Club Association with videos of me riding a round of 1.10m jumps on my own horse, Paris, then do it again on a horse I had never ridden before. I was one of four riders from around NZ who were selected. I would like to thank the Waiuku Lions for their generous sponsorship in supporting me to compete in Australia.
Do you have a horse-riding idol?
Yes, Vicky Browne-Cole. She is also from Waiuku but is now in England competing at a very high level.
What is your goal right now?
I would love to be in the Olympic Development Squad for eventing with my horse, Paris.
