Being selected to represent New Zealand is a dream come true for Rotorua showjumper Oliver Croucher.
Croucher has been selected in the New Zealand team for the Trans-Tasman Young Rider (21-and-under) Test in Gisborne on January 26-28.
In any equestrian event, the bond the rider has with their horse plays a crucial role in how well they perform. However, the annual transtasman test is a true leveller as it is ridden on "borrowed" horses over 1.2m jumps.
"Each rider has to put forward two horses, their own or someone else's. They are split into two pools and distributed between the two teams - you can't ride one you've ridden before.
"You ride the horses you are assigned on the first day, then you swap over on the second day. On the last day, they flip a coin and swap again," Croucher said.
Croucher was a reserve for the New Zealand side last year. Australia won that test, while New Zealand won in 2016. However, of the eight riders selected for this year's event, only one Australian has competed before.
He said riding borrowed horses, on which they would be allowed six practise jumps, was a unique challenge, but one he was looking forward to.
"It's interesting because you get what you're given. You could get something really nice or something a bit tricky. I have 10 horses in work, which I guess is a bit of an advantage, hopefully it will help.
Rotorua showjumper Oliver Croucher, pictured with Waitangi Surf (left) and Kiwi King, will represent New Zealand against Australia at the end of the month. Photo / Ben Fraser
"It's my first test like this, I've done a few team events in New Zealand but they were all on your own horse. I've been hoping to [make a New Zealand team] for a while now. At the time I was a little bit gutted about being a reserve and not being able to compete, but now I'm pretty stoked, it should be fun."
Croucher started riding as a 10-year-old, dragged along by his younger sister Alice, but enjoyed it and has fallen in love with the sport.
"I probably started showjumping when I was 11 or 12. It's a combination between the mind game and physical as well. There's a lot of mental aspect, working out which turns will be the tightest, the horses are all shapes and sizes, they all jump differently and have different strengths and weaknesses.
"You do get quite close with the horses, they all have their own personalities and it can be challenging when there's a personality clash. It's a good way to learn how to keep your cool in challenging situations."
Croucher is sitting in second place in the New Zealand Young Rider series. When the series ends in April, each rider's top 12 placings count towards their final score. He said he had almost placed at 12 different events and would then push to improve his top 12.
Team lists for the Trans-Tasman Young Rider Test in Gisborne on January 26-28
New Zealand: Lucinda Askin Matt Irvine Nakeysha Lammers Oliver Croucher Reserve: Steffi Whittaker
