Western rider Olivia has Australia in sights

The 18-year-old, who lives in Midhurst, has moved to study at Wye Oak Quarter Horses near Petersfield under ML Training and has been training with the UK squad for six months.

She has now been named as one five riders who will compete against 13 nations next year.

Lochhead has been riding since she was three, but turned to western aged 12 when local western trainer Bob Mayhew was delivering a clinic in Edinburgh.

Mayhew and her Scottish coach John Fyfe have watched her develop into a very successful rider with her own trained horse, Red. The pair are now in Wye Oak.

Mayhew is delighted for her – he managed GB several years ago. He said: “I am delighted to see Olivia taking this opportunity to live her dream and achieve the highest level she can as a youth rider. The opportunity to meet so many other youth riders in Australia and be coached by top trainers out there will be life changing experience for her.”

She will train and compete across the UK over the next year to get her ready for Australia, where the competition will be fierce, especially from the Americans and Germany.

Wye Oak trainer Michael Langford said: “It’s really exciting to see Olivia as a member of the British team. She has the drive and determination and ability to do a first-class job of representing the UK at this world-class level.”

Lochhead is looking for local sponsors who may be interested in supporting her in this next year as the GB team are not supported by the lottery as it is not an Olympic equestrian sport.

If anyone is interested, please contact her on [email protected] or donate on page at www.gofundme.com/getlivtoaustralia