LOCAL showjumper, Charlie Hiscock, is plying his trade in China, as one of four selected to represent Pony Club Australia as the lone Victorian.

Hiscock was among 80 applicants for the program, including his brother, Finley, joining Amarlie New (Queensland), Isabelle Cox (Western Australia) and Zac Boland (New South Wales), with the group flying to China on Wednesday night along with team coach/manager, Carol Hobson, and Ray Oliver, for what will be an exciting two weeks.

The group will combine sightseeing as well as competitions alongside other riders from the host country along with South Africa and New Zealand.

The 14-year-old told The Spectator he was excited to learn new skills during the exchange trip.

“It is a really good feeling, I think it is an amazing opportunity,” he said.

“Once I am on the plane and heading over there, it will hit me I think.

“I am learning Chinese at school, so it is somewhere I have wanted to go to.”

It is the second time Hiscock will travel overseas, but it is the first time he will compete outside of Australia, with adapting to the new environment and surrounds much of the challenge.

“It will probably take a day or two to get used to the horses,” he said.

“Just the experience of being able to go overseas and try different horses, and I am also excited to get to do some sightseeing.”

Hiscock’s mum, Ashlyn said she was grateful Charlie got the opportunity to be involved.

“He is very lucky, it is a good opportunity for him; they only offered four opportunities throughout the country, so for little Hamilton to get someone is great,” she said.

“We have got some good ones at Hamilton Pony Club, he is very determined, he has a good horse and they are working well together, and is also very lucky to have Jamie Murray as a coach.

“Success has a lot to do with attitude, he has a good attitude and has the courage to give it a go.”

The group will spend their time at Suzhou and Ningbo, with both cities near Shanghai.

Hiscock has spent much of his life around horses, starting pony club during his kinder years and then riding horses from the age of nine.

The Mount Napier resident has also competed in tetrathlons and pentathlons previously to improve his riding and currently has lessons across multiple days each week.

“I have lessons at school as well, recently I have been riding four times a week and sometimes everyday, then I have a lesson with Jamie each week,” he said.

“Jamie has been amazing and has helped me get this far.”

Hiscock will return on December 19.