Meyrick, a 16-year-old Bulahdelah Central School student, has been busy organising fundraising to help meet the costs of competing in Hawera next month.

It is a requirement of the international youth challenge that all team members are accompanied by an adult and cover the cost of airfares, accommodation, uniform and meals.

A fundraiser will be held this Saturday, February 20 at Thrifty-Link Hardware, with face painting, a raffle, donation tins and a chance to meet one of Meyrick’s prized horses.

Meyrick, who has only been showing miniature horses for two years, is the current NSW State Senior Youth Grand Champion, and owns the National Grand Champion Performance junior little horse, National Grand Champion Performance senior small horse, National Grand Champion little horse junior mare, Little Horse Champion of Champions, Hunter Valley Regional Appaloosa Club high point senior and junior mini/small/little horse of show.

The competition involves taking bred horses, smaller than 34 to 42 inches, through jumps and different obstacle courses.

“It’s pretty cool, I spend a lot of time practising and watching the best,” Meyrick said. “There’s a way of asking the horse to get them to do what you want, it’s easier than you think. I ask people for tips and watch how the professionals do it, ask the judges what they like and don’t like.”

Having only been to one professional clinic since she started competing, Meyrick could be a natural at the sport.

“Mum thinks I am,” she said.

Debbie Meyrick, who hopes to travel to New Zealand with her daughter, said it’s fantastic.

“She has gone exceptionally well and it has brought her out of her shell a bit, really built up her confidence,” she said.

Meyrick said she had wanted a miniature horse ever since seeing them on the television show, Totally Wild.

“They are just so cute, people don’t realise how addictive they are. You start off with one and before you know it you’ve got two, three, seven,” she said.

Meyrick has given some thought to the future and hopes to start showing horses from her family’s stud and getting their name out there.

“It would also be really nice to show for other people and I wouldn’t mind being a horse trainer or a graphic designer, I’d like to learn more,” she said.

If anyone would like to assist the Meyrick family with their fundraising, contact Debbie Meyrick on 4997 9191.