Year 10 student, Maisie Holyoake, has jumped ahead of her expectations.

Maisie, 14, took part in the Defender Horse of the Year 2025 earlier this month.

The show with more than 1400 riders, has become the biggest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Maisie, representing Canterbury, took part in the Equitak Excel Pony of the Year 1.30 metre, the Phone Life Speed Champion 1.20 metre and the Equitak Excel Pony Champion 1.25 metre showjumping, with a highest, highly commended placing of eighth overall.

The Grand Prix class (1.25m–1.35m) was a step up for Maisie, whose original goal for the season was to compete in Mini Prix with her pony, Lay Z Lad, a goal they not only achieved but exceeded.

Maisie also has two other horses in her team; Wreck It Ruler and Cheval De Fond, who are both being developed with weekly coaching from Jess Land.

We wish Maisie all the best for next season where she will compete across New Zealand with all three horses in the Pony Grand Prix and Junior Rider classes.