Noah Coutts will look to continue New Zealand’s international equestrian success when he attends the Russian Friendship Games in Moscow at the end of July.
The year 10 John McGlashan College pupil has been selected for the New Zealand under-18 team to attend the prestigious junior showjumping event.
It is the first time the 14-year-old has been selected for a national team. Following success on the national, South Island and local scenes, Coutts was one of three riders selected from more than 150 applicants.
It was not just his results that led to his selection.
Part of the criteria included the rider’s sportsmanship, attitude and being a responsible competitor. Coutts will compete against riders from all around the world at the games, at which horses will jump heights of up to 1.15m.
Much of Coutts’ national success has come on his pony stallion, Bizzie Canoodling, but he will be allocated a horse to ride in Russia.
That will add an extra challenge, as he will have to adapt to riding a new horse in a matter of days.
A member of the West Taieri Pony Club, Coutts has been riding horses since about the age of 3.
He joined pony club about eight years ago and has been riding competitively for the past six years. He has become highly regarded nationally.
Among his successes were two titles at the Horse of the Year show — New Zealand’s most prestigious show — last year.
And fitted around that is football, for both Mosgiel Football Club and Coutt’s school, which keeps him busy through winter.
