Werribee South equestrian competitor La’Moza will pay tribute to another young horse rider during several upcoming competitions.
La’Moza, aged 10, has qualified to represent Victoria in the primary showjumping and dressage categories of the Australian Interschool Championships, to be held in Toowoomba next month.
La’Moza and her Australian riding pony, Pocket Rocket, will then participate in other competitions around the country.
When she rides in the events, La’Moza will wear a red jacket that previously belonged to another young equestrian, 12-year-old Billie Kinder.
Billie, from New South Wales, died last year after a horse she was leading became spooked and trampled her in a paddock.
Since her death, Billie’s family has started a foundation called Fly High Billie, which raises funds to train dogs for children who have post traumatic stress disorder, autism and severe epilepsy.
La’Moza said she knew Billie from interstate equestrian events where they had both competed.
La’Moza will also have an image that was drawn by Billie – a rainbow – sewn into the red jacket and on to her saddle blanket.
“We just want to keep it going and keep the spirit alive,” La’Moza said.
La’Moza is a member of the Werribee Pony Club, which will hold a raffle to raise funds for Fly High Billie at the Ride with Elegance Werribee Pony Club Horse Trials. The trials will be held on September 23 and 24 at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre.
