Keean Cooper | Sport

My name is Keean Cooper, I have just turned 18 and am currently in my first year of an Engineering degree at Waikato University.

My passion is horse riding, particularly the discipline of Show Jumping. I started riding at the age of five and started competing at about 9 years old. At this age I mainly competed at Pony Club Eventing but switched to Show Jumping at about 12 years of age. From there I progressed up the grades and am now a current member of the New Zealand talent squads. My long term aim is to represent New Zealand internationally with the ultimate goal of riding at the Olympics.

To date my biggest successes are winning the 2016 New Zealand Young Rider of the Year, the 2017 Grand Prix Super Series and winning the 2017 North Island Junior Rider Championship.

Another of my interests is volunteering at my local Pony Club. I enjoy helping the younger children improve their equestrian skills and foster their love of all things equine. This year I was awarded the ‘Pony Club Member of the Year’ in recognition of my contributions to the Club.

I feel very privileged to be able to participate in the sport I love and have wonderful parents who support me in this endeavour. I was also lucky enough to receive an Adastra Grant and have found the mentoring session to be invaluable. These session have been a real highlight and meeting other like minded people to network with was a extra bonus.