Grace McGlinchey was recently announced the winner of the Pony Club Australia Most Outstanding Achievement 13-17 years award.

The honour was recognition for McGlinchey's commitment to the sport and her achievements in competition, including the Mounted Games and State Show Jumping Championships

After being surprised by the nomination, McGlinchey said it was a shock to be named the winner.

"I feel very honoured to win this award," McGlinchey said. "Even to be nominated, I was over the moon.

"It was a big surprise, I had never heard of it before and no one from our pony club has been nominated before, so I'm very honoured."

Growing up on a cattle farm, horses have become a way of life for the teenager. McGlinchey has been riding since she was four and uses her skills to help out on the family farm.

Having ridden a number of different horses, McGlinchey said she has formed a close bond with her two current mounts, Cash and Timmy.

"The bond with Cash and Timmy has really helped me get good results. You've got to find the special horse and I'm just lucky enough they are confident, they trust me and I trust them.

"It takes a while to find a horse with that bond. It takes a while when you start to ride them, you don't always get that connection to start with. After a while it comes, they get used to you and you get used to them."

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Having wrapped up a successful 2019, McGlinchey will now turn her focus to the upcoming summer Show season.

A volunteer for the Kiama Show, McGlinchey plans on competing at the Kiama event, as well as the Albion Park Show.

"Show season comes around in January, so I have to get ready for that.

"I'm very heavily involved in the Kiama Show and the Albion Park Show, so I'll attend both of those and compete. I'm also hoping to attend the Berry Show and Robertson Show and maybe compete at those as well."

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