Local horsewoman Nikita Noakes continues to live her dream after again winning selection on the Australian youth team to compete in the Trans Tasman Quarter Horse Challenge.
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The competition will be staged in New Zealand at Fielding on the north island from October 6-11.
Nikita, who graduated from Red Bend Catholic College last year, was a member of the team in 2013.
To get to New Zealand this year she has to fundraise and is seeking assistance from local businesses to get her and her horse Bugsy to the competition.
Nikita Noakes is the daughter of Justine Jones and is a former student of Red Bend Catholic College who is using her gap year to work and compete in western riding events across the country.
Nikita and RQH What’s Up Doc - better known as Bugsy - has so far competed successfully in several shows this year including the Victoria Summer Sizzler show.
An indication of her success is the fact she has been placed in the top 10 in every one of the 15 events at the last two shows she has contested.
At the Tamworth and the Australian Quarter Horse National Championships in April, Nikita and Bugsy took out the Reserve Champion title.
Currently Nikita holds the positions of Youth Vice President and NSW Representative for the Australian Quarter Horse Association.
Her mum Justine Jones also competes with success - usually aboard RGH Cee A Dream - known as Sid.
Nikita has been riding and working with horses almost as long as she can remember, embracing the passion her mum has for the sport.
She has been with Bugsy since September 2013 and during that time has developed a wonderful working relationship with the horse that has proved vital to their success.
“This is certainly proving to be my dream year,” Nikita said. “The majority of my spare time, approximately five hours a day, is spent with the horses. As I say to everyone, you have to put in the hard work to get the results.”
Anyone wishing to assist Nikita with the fundraising can do so via her email address - nikitanoakes258@hotmail.com or via her phone number 0429 619 286, or mum Justine Jones on 0409 318 178.