Horror crash ends world championship dreams

Kaitaia expatriate Veronica Coulter was severely injured in an accident in Australia.

A Kaitaia expatriate's dream of competing at the 2017 National Barrel Horse Association world championships in the United States next month will not come true.

Thirty-two-year-old Veronica Coulter, who works as a truck driver in Australia, was severely injured when a four-wheel-drive hit the back of her vehicle as she examined a mechanical problem.

She underwent surgery, and on Wednesday was described by the Gatton, Lockyer and Brisbane Valley Star as fighting for her life.

Veronica is the daughter of Brett Coulter from Kaitaia, and granddaughter of the late Richie and Marie Coulter from Fairburn.

Friends have posted to her Facebook page, praising her fighting spirit and strength, while her father, sister and brother are with her.

Just days before the crash Veronica had spoken of her chance to prove herself on the world stage, and her love of barrel racing.

"It's a feeling that's hard to describe," she said.

"It's like [barrel racing] takes me to another place, where I'm in my own little world - a world of just me, the horse and crazy speed."

Her partner Glen Smith, who had qualified for the world championships in a different division, was equally excited by the prospect of seeing his love and riding coach show the US competition her skills.

"Veronica's been riding since she was able to walk," he said, "but she doesn't like to tell people about how she was rookie champ in New Zealand. This year she's done really well; she knows her stuff."

She now faces a long road to recovery, but her friends and family agreed last week that only an insurmountable barrier would keep her off her horse.

"Barrel racing is her life [and] she'll never give up," Glen said, vowing to do everything possible to ensure her dream came true.

Close friend Sarah Whybrow said the National Barrel Horse Association community would support the couple, while another friend has set up a fundraising page (www.gofundme.com/the-toughest-cowgirl-we-know), which as of last week had raised $4810.