Regional Teen Equestrian Stars in Mexico, Thanks to Coffs Coast Community Support

Seventeen-year-old Coffs Harbour equestrian athlete and BDC High Performance Program and Horizon Online student, Tehani Badke has returned from Mexico after competing against top international showjumpers, securing a series of podium finishes and bringing world-class experience back to regional NSW.

Local Community Support & BDC High Performance Pathways

Selected through the partnership between the BDC High Performance Program and the Aussie Athlete Fund, Tehani spent weeks training under renowned coaches Martha and Salvador Sessin at Sessin Equestrian in Tlaxcala.

From Coffs Harbour to Mexico: International Showjumping Success

Competing in demanding conditions, including riding at altitudes exceeding 2,200 metres, Tehani earned multiple top placings, including:

• 3rd place (out of 83 riders) and 4th place (out of 87 riders) on Phoenix Ter Doorn at the Mexico City Summer Tour.
• 5th place (out of 89 riders) on M Contessina d'Alphi.
• Highest-Performing International Rider title at the prestigious Puebla CSI2* Global Tour.

"Walking into the arena wearing the Australian colours was surreal," said Tehani. "Opportunities like this come with significant financial costs. Coming from a regional area, access isn't always easy, and without our local community, this dream would have remained just that, a dream."

Tehani’s journey was made possible through backing led by major sponsor Southside Trucks, alongside key sponsors Coffs Carpet Court & National Tiles, Emerald Beach Plumbing, Burnett Civil, Faircloth & Reynolds, Blue Ribbon Homes, Coffs City Cranes, JDG Construction, Moonee Beach Hotel, Kara Kar Trailers, EC Equestrian, Coolawarra Park, Energreen Nutrition, Donovan Livestock & Property, Goodyear Tyres, North Coast VTWINS, Norco AgriSolutions, and McGrath Estate Agents.

Former coach Salvador Sessin praised her performance and work ethic: "Tehani combines natural ability with humility and discipline. Seeing her recently named NSW Reserve Champion confirms her hard work is paying off. She has a very bright future in international equestrian sport."

Following her return, Tehani secured 2nd place as the NSW Reserve Champion 1 Eventer* at the NSW State Interschool Championships, qualifying for the Australian Interschool National Championships in Werribee, Victoria. Her ultimate ambition remains set on representing Australia at the Olympic Games.

Tehani is now raising funds to compete at the National Championships in Werribee. To support her journey, contact coolawarrapark@gmail.com