The Sanctuary Point girl will compete against hundreds of other young riders at the National Vaulting Championships in Sydney this Thursday.

Vaulting is an international sport that requires riders to perform gymnastic routines on horseback.

Riders perform handstands and lifts while the horse trots or canters around a show ring.

Thyme has been riding horses most of her life but only started vaulting a few months ago.

Training under riding instructors at New England Girls School in Armidale, Thyme and Toby have perfected a crowd-pleasing routine, winning sashes and prizes at a number of events this year.

Despite her relatively short vaulting career Thyme was appointed the Australian team captain earlier this year and has been a source of inspiration to the young team ever since.

“I really loved riding and vaulting gave me a chance to work on my flexibility and strength,” Thyme said.

“I love working with the younger girls. As the oldest in the team I have a lot of expectations upon me but I’m confident I’ll perform well at nationals.”

During a training session earlier this year Thyme fell off her 17-hand horse while attempting a shoulder stand (handstand on the horse’s back).

She suffered a concussion and other injuries that prevented her from competing in the NSW championships held in Gosford earlier this year.

Not one to give up, Thyme later competed in the Queensland championships and scored A grades for her ‘pas de deux’ – a partner routine – which qualified her for the Nationals.