The 12-year-old was recently awarded the NSW primary showjumping champion at the NSW Equestrian presentation night, held at Rosehill Racecourse.

“Attending the NSW awards night was the best night of my life so far - it was such a fun night and I was excited to win an award,” Baker said.

“It makes me want to work harder to keep achieving my goals, especially after meeting inspirational athletes such as two-time Olympian Shane Rose.

“Of course I couldn’t do this without my coaches Kareena and Jamie Priestley, who I’m very thankful for.”

Baker received this award for her results at Interschool competitions at state and national level for 2016. 

More recently, the Nowra Anglican College student has dominated the local showjumping scene.

“In December last year we bought a new horse called Emcee Flamboyance (FiFi for short) and I have had some great results considering we are such a new combination,”Baker said. 

“At the Shoalhaven Showjumping Day – Blue Ribbon Competition, we placed first in the open 1.05cm class and third in the 90cm.

“At Albion Park Show we came first in the junior 1.05cm class.

“In Berry, we placed first in the junior 90cm and first in the junior 1.05-1.10cm class on Friday and first in the Junior 1.05-1.10cm on the Saturday.

“Finally, at the Nowra Show we achieved first in the junior 1.05-1.10cm class, as well as first in the open 1m class, second in the Open 90cm class and winner of the junior 6-bar at the Kangaroo Valley show.

“We love the local agriculture competitions as we get to compete against riders from Sydney and Canberra, the grounds are excellent and the people are the friendliest.”

Next up for the talented rider is Equifest, which is being held this weekend at the Hawkesbury Showground.

“Our next event is Equifest where competitors from Australia and New Zealand will be competing,” Baker said. 

“Following this, we’ll be concentrating on the upcoming State Interschool Championships in June and State Pony Club in July.”