Description
Hi, I am Leeshelle Small and I love show jumping. In the beginning I started riding at 5 years old, went to Pony Club from 6 years old and I’ve never looked back. Since then I successfully competed in Show Hunter classes where I learnt most of my ground work and then onto Show Jumping. I was able to go to riding lessons with Cheski Brown and during this time she taught me so much, mostly, how to think for myself and to work with my ponies. To this day her solid back ground has been a great tool in my success today.
I have Represented NZ in the Children’s World FEI in Belgium last year, where I finished 6th overall and was voted World’s best Junior Rider by the FEI judges. We also won the teams event as well. Currently, I am leading the Cortaflex 7YLD series on my hack and have another awesome young 6YLD I am bringing up myself.
I feel I have already achieved one of my goals and that was to go back to Belgium. So to be invited back is an amazing honour for any rider around the world. I do wish to be able to compete in Europe full time, which would be my ultimate goal.
I need your help because I know my parents will find it hard, so far I have saved $800 and I am still working hard to raise more. Just to be invited back to Germany is an amazing achievement already and I know many other young riders will be able to feel like it isn’t a waste of time chasing after a dream. I just might be able to open up the door to more invites, as I know I can perform at the highest levels.
I have been invited to Germany for the German Friendship Games – July 25th -30th 2017 at the Bexter Hof in Herford, Germany.
I have been invited to attend this amazing event, however at the moment my parents aren’t in the situation to guarantee that I can afford to go. My dad trains racehorses and has done so for many years and this has continued to help both me and my sister with our sporting & schooling achievements. However he is not training that many horses and we cant see how we can afford my trip. This is such a big opportunity for me and it is my passion to ride overseas and to be noticed by the worlds best riders. Many people think that people with horses have a lot of money, however, I know so many talented riders that have given up because the costs have become to great. So sad to see.
I will be grateful for any support that I might receive.
Thank you, Leeshelle
