My name is Bethany Hirst and with my trusty mare Sandhills Bliss I recently made the Young Rider, Australian Oceania Championship Team for Eventing. 

For those that don't understand Eventing, it is a three-phase competition that involves dressage, cross country and show jumping. This personally has been a dream of mine since I first started riding and words cannot truly describe my excitement. Growing up in a small town in Tasmania makes it hard to believe opportunities like these are possible. It certainly becomes a 'pinch me' moment when it all comes together.

The Oceania championships are held annually alternating between Australia and New Zealand. Each year they put forward their best 4* riders and 3* Young Riders to compete against each other.

With all the joy and excitement, reality has also hit and getting myself, Bliss and my groom Allanah Fernance over to Hastings in NZL is going to be no easy feat. I have joined the Australian Sports Foundation in hopes of gaining extra support so these dreams can come true. When we finish over in NZL the journey doesn't stop there either. I have big plans to continue our journey and compete in the YR Adelaide 3 Day International Event. After that, who knows what else there is to come. Possibly sights on a fast-approaching 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

A little more background on my journey with Bliss. I purchased her off the Barrett family in 2019 after selling my games pony Scotty. We clicked instantly when I was 16 and she was only 5 years old. Our journey has been steady but consistent while competing in Tasmania until 2022. I knew to continue our progress, moving to NSW by myself to live with my coaches was the best decision. In NSW we have thrived, surrounding myself with knowledgeable people and learning new things every day.

Putting in my application for Oceania was long shot but I had nothing to lose. I have great support from both families and friends that make me feel anything is possible.

The next few months ahead of me are going to be very busy and a lot of hours of work are going to be put in.

I hope you wish to be a part of our journey, 

A very excited Bethany and fancy redhead mare Bliss xx