Bega horse rider Tayla Wilson is helping put Bega riders on the map.
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Tayla recently competed as the only NSW entrant in her class at the Equestrian Australiasian National Show Horse and Rider Championships.
Held at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre in Victoria recently, Tayla rode her brothers’ horse Shakira LP against some of the best riders from around Australia.
Shakira is no small horse, contesting the children’s large hunter hack over 16 hands event.
Despite facing some stiff competition, Tayla was able to come away from the nationals as the runner-up in her class, outshining some highly fancied opponents.
Proud mum, Sharon Wilson, said Tayla’s performance was exceptional as it was a different format than she rides locally.
“It was the first time she has ridden to music, which she nailed,” Sharon said.
“She was choreographed by local Paralympian Katie Umback, who also mentored Tayla in the early years of her riding career.”
Tayla now trains under Les Friend, a nationally recognised equestrian coach and a former national coach of the year.
Sharon said it was great to see Tayla taking advantage of her lessons to compete at the top level and said she was excited to see where her daughter’s riding could go next.
The Nationals were held over three days and featured more than 100 riders across a number of classes with positions very difficult to come by.
Tayla said she is excited to continue building her abilities in the dressage arena.