Free-rider shows horsey fans how to fly
ALYCIA Burton, the Kiwi queen of free-riding, was in the Tweed this week, teaching and exhibiting her extreme riding skills.
Free-riding is done bareback and without the use of a bridle, which means the rider has to have an extraordinary rapport with their mount.
Cindy Atkinson, who helped organise the Tweed visit, said her daughter Emily had been a fan for many years. She and her horse-riding friend Charlie were keen to meet their idol, Mrs Atkinson said.
“Alycia is a worldwide inspiration and she’s here teaching, motivating and inspiring all of us,” Ms Atkinson said.
“She has had a wide range of ages to teach while she’s been here, from youngsters right up to adults.”
One young woman had flown up from Sydney for the training, she said.
“Crazy demand” means Ms Burton will return to the Tweed after the Brisbane EKKA next month, and bring her favourite horse, palomino paint Goldrush, with her.
With her arms spread behind her, in a real “look mum, no hands” feat, Ms Burton can take the palomino paint over a 1.70m jump.
