A brother and sister from Central have been selected to represent New Zealand in the International Mounted Games Association (IMGA) World Team Championships in Italy in July.

Jake and Caitlyn Henderson qualified for the under 18 and open teams at NZ team trials in Turangi at the end of January. 

Cailtyn said she was fairly surprised and stoked as it was a tough trial in some interesting weather.

“It will be my first year representing New Zealand overseas, and I could not be more excited. 

“Jake and I have worked really hard . . . and we feel pretty lucky and accomplished. Watching Jake at Worlds in Australia last year definitely inspired me to give it a good crack.”

Caitlyn and Jake with their horses. PHOTO: Supplied 

Jake, who won a silver last year in Australia at the world championships, said it was an awesome team and a competitive group that trialled.

“I can’t wait to wear the silver fern for a second year in the under 18 team.”

The event is held in Arezzo, a city in Tuscany, and it runs for three days from July 17-20. 

For the next five months the pair are preparing by riding borrowed ponies with their teammates at seven trainings in both the North and South Islands. 

“This will help prepare us to ride any pony we are given to compete on in Italy. Our first training is this weekend in Christchurch and our nationals are in the first week of March, in Hawkes Bay at the Horse of the Year show,” Caitlyn said.  

Parents Lana and Bud said they were proud and excited for their children.

“It was a massive achievement that didn’t come easy,” Bud said.  

Caitlyn in foggy conditions in Turangi. PHOTO: Supplied 

Mounted games is a five person relay on horseback, involving agility, hand eye coordination, technical accuracy and horsemanship.

Along with jumping on and off a horse at speed, selecting the fastest line before the game starts is critical and pony management and welfare is another key factor.

Jake said they were grateful to have had great support from friends and family to get to Turangi, and that they would need “all the help they can get” to make it to Italy. 

The pair started riding horses at a young age and have been involved in Otago, Southland and Clyde Pony Clubs for years. 

Jake began an apprenticeship at Dunstan Motors in Alexandra this year and Caitlyn is at University in Dunedin. 

Read more: Celebrating success at World Mounted Games.