A local Moa creek and St Hilda's Collegiate student who has been riding horses for as long she can remember is pumped about an upcoming trip to France to hone her show jumping skills.

The year-11 boarder Olivia Small said she didn't think she had any chance of getting selected and she was overwhelmed when she heard the news.

"I was so beyond happy when I found out...I immediately started happy crying!

"This opportunity is a dream come true... as soon as I found out I was flooded with cuddles and messages from friends and family.

"I have grown up in a close community so everyone was so supportive and I can't thank them enough for the support and love they have given me."

She is one of ten riders from around the world selected by professional New Zealand show jumper and coach Lucy Olphert to embark on a trip to France to learn from famous rider, trainer and course designer Michel Ismalun in July.

Queenstown-based Lucy said she had over 80 applications for the tour spots.

"The selected riders will receive daily training... as well as the opportunity to compete in the Atlantique Summer Tour, a prestigious national show jumping competition in La Baule, the south of France.

"Having trained and competed in Europe... when I was younger, I know how hard it is initially to get that foot in the door.

"Over the last two decades I have built strong contacts globally which are now enabling me to help bridge the gap for our up and coming riders here in New Zealand."

The group will be training in Bonnieres sur Seine, 55km from Paris and less than an hour from Chateau de Versailles, home of the upcoming 2024 Olympics.

Olivia credits her mum for getting her into horses.

"My mum has always been into horses.... My brother quickly grew out of riding and my sister and I just got more and more passionate, now we are both riding competitively.

"Unfortunately I can't ride everyday but when I am home on the weekends I am always riding and making the most of being home," Olivia said.

"My mum is coming with me which will be awesome because she is my number one supporter and coach so I can't wait for her to learn as much as me."

Olivia's family is holding a scenic circuit event for cyclists, runners or walkers on June 11 and 12 amidst their property Central Otago's Goulburn Station taking in expansive scenery and spectacular views. For more check out the Fundraiser: Goulburn Station Scenic Circuit

Her father is a fourth generation farmer running the sheep and beef farm Goulburn Station - at the southern end of the Ida Valley.

Olivia said her most treasured spots in Central is the family farm.

"[It] leads to the Upper Manorburn Dam which is stunning and easily one of my favourite places."

Olivia said when she isn't show jumping she's often out hunting from horseback with the Central Otago Hunt club together with her tight-knit family.

From left: Sophie Small, Allan Small, Olivia Small, Karleigh Small and Ruby Cameron hunting at Goulburn Station. PHOTO: Supplied

Olivia said her coach Lucy has inspired her to try to give back to the sport.

"My absolute dream would be to go and compete overseas.... and then I would love to come back to New Zealand and use my new skills to improve my riding and I would start helping others to follow in my footsteps.... as this is what [Lucy] did and I think that what she does is an inspiration to other girls."