Horse of the Year: Starting young, Briar has eye on Olympics

Briar Burnett-Grant, 14, competing in the Virbac Equine Norwood Gold Cup event at Hawke's Bay Showgrounds, Hastings, yesterday. Photo / Paul Taylor

When it comes to horse riding, age is not a factor and it certainly has not stopped rising equestrian star Briar Burnett-Grant.

The 14-year-old was the youngest contestant to compete in the Virbac Equine Norwood Gold Cup - the first prestigious Farmlands Horse of the Year event on this week.

The event, held yesterday, saw 32 riders go head to head in the premier show jumping arena.

Ms Burnett-Grant and her mount Fibre Fresh Ngahiwi Telephonic faced 1m 45 jumps, which she said were "really big" but not the highest she has had to jump.

The youngster said she was very nervous but excited to be in the event.

"Being the youngest is quite intimidating. You never know how the horse will go," she said.

"I am really excited though and stoked to be in this competition."

Ms Burnett-Grant said fellow show jumper 28-year-old Katie Laurie, whom she came second to in the Nationals Horse Grand Prix, was her biggest competition.

"She is a really great rider and she is really hard to beat."

With mum and dad in tow, the youngster jets around the country competing in as many competitions as she can.

She has also had to juggle school with her riding commitments but said riding was her first priority.

"I do a lot of homework and go to school when I can, but I do miss a lot of school."

Ms Burnett-Grant said her ultimate goal was to get to the Olympics.

"Riding is my life and horses are my passion. It is what I have always wanted to do and I want to get to the Olympics.

"We have already started breeding horses that will hopefully get me there," she said.