MADDIE Mayne is set for a busy 12 months ahead after she was named the Equestrian Victoria Young Ambassador for the showjumping section on August 10.

The 17-year-old went through a gruelling trial process, culminating in her being named the young ambassador at the Equestrian Victoria awards night.

“We could sign up online, we heard about it at an interschool competition, so I enrolled and I was picked for the top five,” she said.

“I had to go to two training weekends, there were three selectors who interviewed us and watched us ride.

“I am on the showjumping committee now to help younger children with lessons, if someone is stuck in the warm-up arena, I will help them out, and will be volunteering.”

Mayne has a 10-year-old warmblood x thoroughbred she rides, and is hoping her selection can help other locals in the region.

“As the young ambassador, I am hoping to get a few more people down this way to help the kids improve,” she said.

“I would do about 60 competitions a year, we go to a lot and nearly every weekend, we are at a comp, then there are some during the holidays as well.

“My year is going to be hectic.”

The Baimbridge College student has been riding for about 10 years, but had a fall when she was younger, but has since turned her attention to showjumping and is eyeing off a spot at a home Olympics.

“I am hoping to go to the Olympics in 2032 at Brisbane,” she said.

“I used to work for Shane Rose, he is a four-time Olympian, and so that was a major accomplishment for me.

“I have got a young little horse who is about to turn three in January and hopefully he will be my showjumper for the Olympics.”

With a busy 12 months ahead, Mayne can apply to be a young ambassador again next year in hopes of continuing to develop her own skills, while improving facilities and training initiatives in the region.