While most kids breeze into A&P shows at 9am, Te Puna’s Addison Chan’s been awake nearly four hours.

The nine-year-old is competing in A&P show equestrian circuit this season – so from September until March her and mother Lisa Chan are on the road early.

Usually weather is hot, and Addison is dressed immaculately while show pony Windermere Wanderlust – a 75% Welsh bred mare at 12.2 hands, paddock name ‘Wanda’ – is groomed to a shimmer for the First Year Ridden ring at each show.

Lisa said Addison, a Year 5 St Mary’s Catholic School student, began riding horses at age four, attending pony club.

“She started to do A&Ps [shows] last year competing in lead rein, and she’s transitioned to first-ridden this season.”

Addison Chan, 9, and pony ‘Wanda’ have forged a beautiful bond while training for this season’s A&P show circuit. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

So far she’s competed at Katikati, Waihi, Kihikihi,Te Aroha twice and Waikato.

“She’ll miss this weekend’s Te Puke show, but will compete in Tauranga’s A&P show on February 21. We may go to Morrinsville A&P Show [on March 7]; and we’re looking to compete in the Hawke’s Bay in March.”

Lisa, a former horse-rider, said her daughter had followed in her hoof prints – but for a very different reason.

Rare disorder

Addison has Perthes disease (Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease), a rare childhood hip disorder where temporary loss of blood supply causes the top of the femur bone to break down and, over several years, slowly repair. It typically affects children aged four-10, causing hip/groin pain, limping, and reduced mobility.

“The doctors know why it happens but not how to stop it. It also doesn’t happen in a linear way, so it won’t just all break down and then all grow back…So basically you’re hoping that before puberty hits the bone has regrown into a nice dome. Otherwise, you may need things such as early-age hip replacements.”

Te Puna’s Addison Chan, 9, with pony Windermere Wanderlust – which has a paddock name ‘Wanda’ – training in the family’s arena on their Te Puna property. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Lisa said Addison receives physio and pain medication, but hasn’t required medical intervention or hospitalisation so far.

Fallen in love

Perthes disease prevents Addison from participating in high impact sports – so riding horses is special to her. “It doesn’t hurt her hips. This and swimming are her sports. “I love that she’s fallen in love with horse riding because she’s able to do it with her peers. She’d love to do hockey and gymnastics but simply can’t.

“That’s why we support her in her horse riding and showing.”

Lisa said Addison rides her horse – on loan from Dunedin horse breeder Denise Green for two years – three times weekly and regularly attends lessons in Cambridge.

“It’s full on all the time,” said Lisa.

“You can’t just put a horse in a cupboard like a bike so she feeds and grooms Wanda daily, attends pony club and goes for treks. This keeps training interesting for pony and rider.”

To keep Wanda’s coat shiny for showing, a feeding regime improves the horse’s condition. “Addy looks after Wanda on a daily basis – checking covers, moving paddocks, supplement feeding, plus being competition ready and fit,” said Lisa.

“Show ponies are amazing because they have to put up with little kids that are learning to ride and they have to look really good while doing it.”

Best friends

Addison said she loves riding her ponies. “I love being on the farm, spending time brushing them and just loving on them.

“Wanda is one of my best friends and she tries so hard at events for me. I like being competitive and working together with my horse to show what we can do. I want to go to the Olympics.”

Addison Chan, 9, and pony ‘Wanda’ have forged a beautiful bond while training for this season’s A&P show circuit. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Lisa said shows engulf the whole weekend. “You spend a day getting the pony ready and everything packed, then you’re away for the day showing then you’re unpacking everything.”

Show turnout requires competitors and horses alike look immaculately presentable on the circuit. “Addy’s often up 5.30am. It depends how far we need to travel, because she needs to get herself ready and her horse ready.”

Being Addison’s first season riding Wanda, Lisa said they’re doing really well together. “Addy’s very much in love. Wanda’s fabulous; she’s been really kind and patient with Addy.”