Nikki Richardson
Australian Olympian Nikki Richardson made an indelible impression with a swift rise to represent her country at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Born and bred in the Hunter Valley, Nikki Richardson’s passion for riding had its genesis in her days at Merriwa Pony Club - and the personable young rider’s talent and determination ensured she was among the youngest riders ever to represent her country at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.
Nikki is now intricately involved in all aspects of smoothly running Vantage Hill and chasing around her family and menagerie of animals!
Nikki’s Major Achievements Include:
1996 - Atlanta Olympic Games - Australian Representative
1996 - Lochivar 3 Day Event 3* CCI Winner - Australian Olympic Trials
1995 - New Zealand, Taupo 3 Day Event 3* CCI Winner
Blair Richardson
One of New Zealand’s top juniors, Blair, was raised in New Plymouth.
Naturally, the desire to travel overseas and compete on an international level became all-consuming, and Blair travelled to the United Kingdom to learn underneath Ruth McMullen, a mentor and friend in shaping Blair as a rider.
After three years training with McMullen, Blair secured the ride on a horse called Metronome, on which he had much success, including a third placing in the Three Star Class in the Bramhan Three Day Event. Blair’s rise through the ranks ensured he was named captain of the British Young Rider team at the 1996 European Championships in Austria.
Named as a member of the New Zealand Development Squad for elite riders for several years, Blair continued to achieve at the highest level.
Blair’s Major Achievements include:
2008 - Long-listed for New Zealand team for 2008 Beijing Olympics Eventing Team
2007 - Member of the winning New Zealand Trans-Tasman team in Taupo
2006 - Selected as reserve for New Zealand team for World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Germany
2005 - Selected on New Zealand Trans-Tasman team in Adelaide
1996 - Captain of British Young Rider team at European Championships in Australia