Best Achievement by a Rider Aged 18 – 25 Years
Anika Piket is a standout member of Huntingfield Pony & Riding Club, recognized for her unwavering commitment to rally attendance and participation in events. Known for her dedication, Anika is always present, bringing multiple horses to gain qualifiers and train them through exposure. Her strong work ethic and passion for improvement shine through, making her a valuable asset to the club.
Anika’s participation spans across a wide variety of events, including One Day Events, State Eventing Championships (Trials), State Dressage and Show Jumping Championships, and Dressage and Showjumping competitions. She’s a regular face at Trials and Championships, often competing with two horses, and in 2023, she earned the Cross Country Horse of the Year (Grade 2) Award for multiple double clear cross-country rounds. Anika’s support extends beyond her club as she sponsors events like the Spring OTT Show Jumping Show and regularly attends STEA events and agricultural shows.
Like any rider, Anika has faced her challenges, but her growth in recent years has been both inspiring and commendable. After a formal reprimand and yellow card for aggressive riding in 2021, Anika underwent mentoring and mediation with the club, resulting in a remarkable turnaround. Her dedication to personal development was recognized when she received the President’s Award at the 2023 AGM for upholding the Aims of Pony Club.
In addition to her Pony Club involvement, Anika started her own business, Glenifer Park Horses, retraining off-the-track racehorses (OTTs) for re-homing. Coming from a non-horsey family, she worked tirelessly to build her knowledge and establish herself as a reputable trainer, particularly for thoroughbreds. Her work with OTT horses exemplifies her commitment to horse welfare, prioritizing their needs above all else. Anika’s retraining of her horse, Harry, from Grade 4 to Grade 1 in just 18 months was a testament to her skill, but she showed great strength and compassion when Harry was later diagnosed with a genetic spinal condition and had to be put down in May 2023. This experience deepened Anika’s understanding of horse behavior, sparking her interest in equitation science and ethical training.
Anika is always looking to improve her skills, attending clinics with top trainers such as Jonna McLean and Lee Davis. Her dedication to consistent, correct training is reflected in her high dressage scores. She enjoys helping younger riders at the club and continues to be a supportive role model, demonstrating leadership through her results and mentorship.
Anika’s commitment to the Pony Club movement goes beyond her own riding achievements. She has recently started working towards becoming a Pony Club Preliminary coach, aspiring to help horses and riders connect and to remain an active part of the Pony Club community. Having achieved her proficiency levels up to C, she is now focused on learning the new Pony Club syllabus and attended a Jonna McLean clinic to further her understanding.
Anika contributes to the club not only through her competition and mentoring but also by attending working bees and volunteering in various roles, even cooking for the canteen. She embodies Pony Club values of Integrity, Responsibility, Excellence, Inclusion, Innovation, and Unity. Her dedication to horse welfare and her positive transformation have been recognized by the club, with her winning the President’s Trophy for upholding the aims of Pony Club.