COFFS Harbour equestrian Tehani Badke, 15, has been selected to participate in the CSI 2* Puebla International Global Amateur Tour’s (GAT) Mexico competition in May.

“With only 130 days left, the anticipation is building, and I’m filled with both excitement and a touch of nerves,” Bishop Druitt College student Tehani told News Of The Area.

“This will be my first time competing overseas, and it’s definitely a big step in my journey as a rider.”

The trip provides opportunities to experience the culture, the people and the food of Mexico but Tehani said she’s most excited about the opportunity to ride world-class horses and work with some of the best coaches in the sport.

“It’s going to be an incredible learning experience, and I’m ready to make the most of it and to absorb as much as I can, knowing this is a rare opportunity.”

The competition is unique in that every rider is assigned a balloted horse and will have four days to get to know that horse before the competition begins.

“This is both exciting and challenging because in the horse world, it’s common knowledge that it takes about a year for a rider and horse to truly form a strong partnership.

“But the horses we’ll be riding are World Cup standard, and my job is to quickly adapt, ride to the best of my ability, and give the horse every chance to shine in the competition,” she said.

Since hearing of her selection Tehani has been preparing and working hard with coaches.

“One piece of advice that sticks with me is, ‘Hard work outshines talent when talent forgets to work.’

“It’s a reminder that no matter how talented you are, hard work is key to success.”

Another favourite tip: “Ride the horse you have on the day, not the one you had yesterday”.

“Horses are living beings, and each day can bring something different, so it’s important to adapt.”

Tehani said she is lucky to have the support of the Australian Olympic team Chef de Mission, Anna Meares.

Anna has shared advice on dealing with jet lag, competing at altitude, staying mentally focused, and handling the challenges that come with being an athlete.

In Australia Tehani’s main discipline is eventing but in Mexico she will focus solely on showjumping.

“I’m looking forward to competing in four rounds, with heights progressing from 1.10m to 1.25m.”

Tehani turns sixteen a couple of weeks before she flies to Mexico.

She’ll be traveling with her parents and brother.

“I couldn’t be more grateful for their unwavering support.”

Tehani has always had a deep, instinctive love for horses.

“My mum’s side of the family has had a passion for horses for generations, and I’ve grown up surrounded by stories of the amazing horses they’ve known.

“My mum had me on a horse when I was just four weeks old, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

“Horses are incredibly special animals, and the connection I have with them feels both natural and learned.

“They have this magical ability to understand and communicate with their riders in a way that’s truly unique, and I’ve been fortunate enough to form close bonds with many of the horses I’ve worked with over the years.”

Looking further into the future, Tehani’s goal is to represent Australia at the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.

“I’m inspired by athletes like Wendy Schaffer, who competed at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics at just 22 years old, and I hope to follow in her footsteps.”

Counting down to Mexico, Tehani is fundraising.

Search Tehani Badke on www.asf.org.au/.

By Andrea FERRARI