Fox saddles up for competition

OXLEY'S Sebastian Fox has had to overcome many obstacles to get to where he is today.

And he's cleared each one on the back of this thoroughbred horse, Strained Lyrics.

Climbing into the saddle when he was only five, Sebastian is one of Brisbane's most promising riders in the equestrian sport of show jumping.

Now the 16-year-old is preparing to showcase his talent in one of Queensland's premier competitions.

Sebastian will soon compete against some of the best riders in the state, in The Royal Australian Show's junior show jumping events.

It will be the second time the Ipswich Grammar student has taken part in the contest. He finished third last year.

Sebastian said performing in the RNA showgrounds' main arena in front of a huge audience was always exhilarating.

"I'm really looking forward to the competition this year," he said. "We have a really strong team and should do well."

Sebastian's backyard has been transformed into a show jumping arena filled with homemade obstacles and barriers.

His father Simon, who helped build the track, said the family would head to the Ekka to cheer his son on.

"He's (Sebastian) had a talent for riding from the word go," he said. "So we've kept it going and he's been able to build on his talent."

Sebastian said he had aspirations to one day represent Australia in the Olympics at show jumping.