Nicola Hammond | Sport

I was born in Singapore and first started riding when I was eight, while living in Hong Kong. I became involved in horses through my polo-playing grandparents and show-jumping mother. I grew up riding in Singapore, and have represented Singapore overseas several times, before moving to New Zealand in 2015. I have also been involved with coaching and coach at the St Peter’s Equestrian Academy, and enjoy helping younger riders to improve their skills. The biggest challenge of riding is ensuring that both the horse and rider are focussed and have a good partnership while competing. Because of this, I always make sure my horses are always in tiptop condition and I make sure they are treated like the athletes they are. I also I spend a lot of time with them every day in order to form a well established partnership, so that all things run as smooth as possible in the competition ring. I am dedicated and determined, and aspire to compete successfully at World Cup level and produce young showjumping horses to a top standard.