At only 15 years of age, Mia Baggett has maturity far beyond her years which has enabled her to succeed at large in her sport of horse equestrian.

Mia began horse riding 12 years ago at the age of three when she owned her first pony, Lucky.

Her passion for the sport was sparked by her mother who was always involved with horses, and says her involvement in the sport was meant to be.

“I suppose it was a natural progression given we all grew up around horses,” Mia said.

“I think if someone was thinking about getting into equestrian they would need a very committed family to start with and a prior knowledge of horses.

“Mum does so much behind the scenes work and driving around with our horses.”

While riding horses may give off the impression it’s a delicate sport, it is however a lot more challenging than what it seems.

“It is a very challenging sport, trying to get a horse to cooperate with you is hard when you try to meet your goals,” Mia said.

Mia says the sport is not only challenging but it also comes with a lot of responsibility.

“Equestrian sport has impacted my life in so many ways.  Firstly the responsibility of owning a competition horse is huge.  There is no down time, feeding, grooming, riding and maintaining a horse is 24/7.  Rain hail or shine you must stick to their routine,” she said.

“Secondly, there are things that are out of your control so you have to be resilient. Not everything goes to plan, when it does there is no better feeling but often enough horses are unreliable, weather is unreliable or horses are injured.

“You just have to pick up the pieces and start again.”

Mia trains approximately five days a week for Dressage with Melissa Quinn (if a competition is coming up), Showjumping and Cross Country both with Carlene Barton, and would love to continue in the sport for as long as possible.

“I would like to continue riding for as long as I can, however it will be challenging the older I get given school commitments, university and jobs, but we will see how things go,” she said.

“I love riding it offers great fitness, mental stimulation, it teaches you compassion, confidence, resilience and responsibility to name a few and I am very lucky to have the opportunity to do this sport.”

If you know a woman involved in sport across the Mid-Western region, either an athlete or behind the scenes contributor, that you would like included in the Women in Sport series, send a nomination through to jay-anna.mobbs@fairfaxmedia.com.au.