NEGS student Alexa Garcia (Lexi) has traded in the classroom for the experience of a lifetime this week, kicking off her international show jumping career as she represents Team Australia at the CSI 2* in Puebla, Mexico, as part of the Global Amateurs Tour.
Well into the competition and Lexi is earning her spot as she takes on the 1.10m class against top young riders from around the world.
Day 1 saw Lexi finish 14th in her class, but the experience is more than just a finishing position.
“It was so much fun because one of my friends was before me and one of my friends was after me and we all just got to have a lot of fun.” said Lexi.
“I came 14th and had a clear round with my boy I’m riding, Miami.”
While Lexi continues to convince mum, Karen Howard, to bring Miami – her loaned horse- home, Karen couldn’t be prouder of the performance and commitment from her 12-year-old daughter and the atmosphere being provided in Mexico.
“In total Lexi has had two hours of riding all up over the few days and then they’re thrown into this highly competitive environment, competing against locals on their own horses that they’ve had for years, but the owners and the people who run the global amateurs are amazing. They’re so supportive and it’s a great experience to represent Team Australia and compete internationally.” said Karen.
“Her result was phenomenal. To get a clear round out of the people that came here, very few were able to achieve that. So, we took that away as a huge win and it was a really large class.”
Lexi is the youngest Australian representative at 12 years of age, competing in the U16’s.
An opportunity Lexi continues to take hold of in and out of the arena.
“I’m making connections, and I’ve made so many new friends, and I’ve met a lot of well-known people which I have really enjoyed.” said Lexi.
Lexi’s love of horses sparked at a young age. Dreams as a young girl grew into horsing around the backyard, to today’s achievements of performing on an international stage.
And Lexi is thankful for the support behind her to make her dreams come true.
“A big thanks to mum for being able to bring me all the way here and listening to me rant about begging to try and ride a horse ever since I was little, to Tess McInerney- my coach back in Sydney, none of this would have happened if she hadn’t helped me jump my little horse and Matthew Garrett. He’s come to all of my horse comps, and he came to Sydney Royal to cheer me on,” said Lexi.
“And my biggest thank you goes to Martin Gostelow, my current coach, for taking me through and helping me prepare for Mexico. He’s just stayed by my side through thick and thin.”
Following this week’s event, Lexi will return home to trail for the state team, and who knows what is around the corner for this young equestrian.
“[NEGS] have been incredibly supportive to enable her to come here and the school is just a wonderful place for girls who love horses,” said Karen.
The competition continues tomorrow in Mexico, but regardless of the final placings Lexi will come home a winner.
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