Maddison Sydenham has been riding nearly all her life, but in the last year, she has seen great success competing as an equestrian rider in regional shows and the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
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"I came home from the Newcastle Show with five champion ribbons and one reserve champion," the 17-year-old told the Argus.
"I also rode at Maitland and had similar success, but I think my biggest achievement to date would have to be getting a second and third place at the Sydney royal last year.
"At this stage, my overall goal is to win Supreme Champion at one of the royal shows, that's what I'll be working towards."
It has taken years of training and dedication for Maddison to reach this point, and after trying her hand at a few other sports, she decided to set her sights on the show ring.
"I originally wanted to do dancing, but I didn't like it. Mum had promised me a horse, and after I reminded her, I was lucky enough to have one a week later," she said.
"I have been riding since I was five years old, and started competing at Pony Club, but I decided that the show ring was for me, it's exciting."
Unfortunately, like nearly every sport in Australia at the moment, all future equestrian competitions have either been cancelled, postponed or delayed indefinitely until the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) panic dies down.
"At the moment we are unable to compete because of the Coronavirus, hopefully towards the end of the year we will be back in the show ring," Maddison said.
"I'll keep practising, before the Coronavirus I was training most days either morning or afternoon, depending on my job after school."
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