Winning on horseback has given a young rider the confidence to improve her grades in the classroom.

Micayla Windle, 13, first started riding four years ago to gain confidence and help with her dyslexia.

She started doing showing and quickly got a taste for success – winning 11 ribbons at her first ribbon day.

"I was really happy," she says. "I just wanted to get some ribbons but then I got 11 so I wanted more."

Under the guidance of Northland rider Vicki Wilson, Micayla has continued competing in show and show hunter classes.

After a stella year she says her greatest achievement was winning the Paced and Mannered Small Pony of The Year title at the New Zealand Horse of the Year competition.

Micayla won the national title in March on Lakevale Puss n Boots, a pony loaned to her by Deb Ferris from the New Zealand Equestrian Academy.

Micayla has had such success on the horse, which she calls Ernie, that the pair qualified for the New Zealand team to go to the prestigious Equestrian Australia championships held at Werribee in December.

However, the $15,000 cost of getting the young rider and the pony to the three-day event means it is not possible for her to compete this year.

"I was really disappointed but I probably will get that chance again sometime, maybe with my own ponies."

Micayla and her family have five ponies at their property in Kauri, including three that she shows.

They have been bred with the help of Ty Gwyn Stud Farm and reared with Vicki's guidance.

Mum Leanne admits the cost of Micayla showing at a top level is a lot for the family.

"In an ideal world she'd have a major sponsor but with the current economic climate and earthquakes I almost feel too rude to ask."

However the horse riding has had a positive impact on Micayla's schoolwork, with her grades dramatically improving.

The Kamo Intermediate student admits it is hard to fit in school work with riding and learning workouts, but she is keen to keep going and keep getting better.

Sourced from:  http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/northland/whangarei-leader/5220468/Winning-brings-school-success