Gabe representing Australia – help fund his dream

Local schoolboy Gabe Smith has been chosen to represent Australia in two international competitions.

The first is in March at Horse of the Year (HOY) in Hastings New Zealand.

He will form part of the U/18 team and is the only Victorian rider.

Then in October he will ride again for Australia at the International Mounted Games Association (IMGA), which will be held in Victoria for the first time in 35 years.

Last year, the 16-year-old from Phillip Island was selected to represent Victorian in the National Interschool Competition in September, in Sydney, and the National Mounted Game Championships in Canberra in October.

To help fund the trips, and realise his dream of competing in the 2023 World Championships, Gabe raised funds via a sausage sizzle and raffle, to help cover the cost of entry fees and travel.

He’s now looking for help to get to New Zealand and to compete at the IMGA, and as he is only 16, one of his parents will also need to travel with him.

He’s set up a GoFundMe page, hoping to raise $4000.

Gabe has been a member of the Phillip Island Pony Club for 10 years and has been selected to represent Victoria in both Show Jumping and Mounted Games.

To help Gabe pursue his horse riding dreams, go to: gofundme.com and search for Gabe Smith or “Help Gabe get to New Zealand”.