Emily Fraser Gets Nod for NZ for Youth Olympics

By: Diana Dobson

Feilding showjumper Emily Fraser has some big plans to follow on from her nomination for the Youth Olympics in China.

The 17-year-old headed off a classy short-list to be the rider nominated to the NZ Olympic Committee to represent New Zealand in August. 

“I am just so excited,” she said.. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Being named as the single Kiwi representative for the second IOC Youth Olympic Games was the biggest goal of her first season out of ponies.

Equestrian Sports New Zealand have nominated Fraser as the showjumping rider, with Lily Tootill (Karaka) the nominated non-travelling reserve and Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) the nominated chef d'equipe/coach.

The nominations still need to be ratified by the New Zealand Olympic Committee, who are responsible for the final selection of the team to represent the nation across all sports at the games.

The nominations were made at the end of a lengthy selection and trial process completed throughout the 2013-2014 season. The 2014 Youth Olympic Games are a borrowed horse event and appropriate consideration has been taken of this important factor.

Fraser’s nomination is the decision of the ESNZ jumping young rider selectors who have taken into account previously stated qualifying criteria as well as noting her performance history and proven ability to perform consistently on different horses.

The games are being held in Nanjing, China in August.