A dream has come true for Sacred Heart College student Georgia Coory, who will represent New Zealand across the ditch with her trusty steed - 10-year-old chestnut gelding, Paddy.
She will compete in six classes at the Australian Grand Nationals and the prestigious Sydney Royal Show from this week until April 3.
"My aim is to get in the top 10 of at least one class. The main thing I want to get out of it is the experience. I want to just do my best because that is all I can ask for and do the best my pony can do under the circumstances of all the stress of having a three-hour flight."
Ahead of her trip earlier this week, she said she was nervous as Paddy was flying overseas for the first time.
In preparation, the dedicated sportswoman has been riding up to two times a day, six days a week, which means training at 6am before school.