Five Minutes With... NZ Lady Rider of the Year - Lucy Akers

Lucy, a popular rider on the New Zealand showjumping circuit, grew up on a Cheviot sheep stud in Opiki, near Palmerston North with her four sisters – two younger and two older.

Straight out of school she completed a Veterinary Nursing Diploma at Massey University and then travelled Europe, America and Canada with horses.

This past summer has seen Lucy based in Mystery Creek, Hamilton, schooling horses and riders with Olympian Kate McVean.  The season culminated with a thrilling win for Lucy in the New Zealand Lady Rider of the Year in Hastings.

The 26-year-old beat 48 other riders to win the prestigious title, one that’s hotly contested each year and boasts the likes of Merrin Hain, Ann Wilson, Tiny White and Kate McVean as fellow winners.

Lucy is now based back at home on the farm in Opiki and is currently seeking a vet nursing job - she took a few minutes out of her busy day to chat to Horsezone...

 

Congratulations Lucy on winning the Lady Rider of the Year Title and for giving it a good nudge in the Bell Tea Olympic Cup. Would this be the biggest thrill of your riding career yet?

Yes it was a fabulous class to win. Every girl wants to win this one!

 

Tell us a bit about your trusty steed Tinapai…

Tinapai is a 12 year old Thoroughbred gelding by Omnicorp.

He started out life as a racehorse, followed by eventing, then I purchased him as a six-year-old and started his jumping career. He was seven-year-old Horse of the Year in 2006 and followed this up by winning the Premier Stakes at HOY in 2007. I then travelled with him to Europe and America.

We returned home in 2009. This season was his first full season at World Cup level and he finished equal third in the series, which I was rapt with.

 

What other horses are you riding at the moment?

Tinapai is my main man. I also have seven-year-old Kiwi Icon who is fit and ready for the opening hunt this Saturday!

 

What’s your favourite brand of horse gear?

Don’t really have a favourite. As long as it looks good and does the job.

 

Have you spent time training overseas and who do you train with in New Zealand?

Yes, ex-pat Kiwi showjumper Sharn Wordley has been a huge influence on my riding and I am extremely thankful for that. I worked for Sharn in Belgium and Florida. Jeff McVean also helped a huge amount with Tinapai this season.
 

Do you get nervous or have a special routine before you compete?
I try not to as Tinapai is extremely sensitive. However, I was pretty nervous before the Lady Rider class. Before a big class I become very quiet, which is not normal for me!

What other horse sport would you do if showjumping wasn’t invented?
Maybe polo! I had a little try of it this summer. I was terrible, no talent at all. But it is fun!

Interests outside of horses?
My most favourite thing to do is be out on the lake with good friends and a bottle of bubbly.

 

Where do you see yourself in five years?
I have no idea! Hopefully still cruising around on Tinapai.

Random question of the day - big dog or little dog?
Small… I have an Australian Terrier puppy called Jolene - she is the cutest thing ever!

Lucy and Tinapai in Action in the Lady Rider of the Year