Alycia Burton and the remarkable rapport she can achieve with her horse were on display at a free, informal clinic at the Kaitaia A&P Showgrounds earlier this month.
A crowd of around 100, many good friends of the Doubtless Bay born and bred equestrian, turned out in overcast and drizzly conditions to hear tips and advice on how to improve the relationship with their horse.
Having garnered millions of online hits for her free-riding feats where she puts a horse over high show jumps without a saddle and her arms wide out rather than gripping the rein, the 28-year-old Burton proved articulate, confident and personable as she gave a 20-minute presentation before delivering a short showjumping exhibition in Kaitaia on her favourite horse, Classic Goldrush, as the weather slowly began to clear.
While she didn't quite reach the extremes she's renowned for - "We've travelled a long way and Goldrush is tired," she explained - the pair still made some high jumps with seemingly little effort while showing the remarkable bond between horse and rider for which Burton is renowned.
Afterwards, Burton chatted with the crowd and answered questions while Classic Goldrush proved a real show pony in front of the camera while lapping up no small amount of attention, adoration and pats from young admirers.
