For Te Kura ākonga Summah Lee, learning happens as much in the paddock and show ring as it does at her desk. At the centre of that learning is an 11-year-old grey mare named Saffie, known in competition as Blue Gem.
Riding Saffie at the sponsored by Air Napier, Summah experienced both success and challenge, moments that have shaped not only her riding, but her approach to life and learning.
When Summah and Saffie competed at the National Show Hunter Championships in Hastings, the experience brought both successes and challenges that helped shape Summah’s growth, not only as a rider, but as a learner and in life.
“I’ve been very kindly given the ride on Saffie,” Summah says. “She’s quite quirky and sassy, but she has the biggest heart and always tries so hard for me.”
Summah describes their partnership as one built on trust.
“She’s so honest and forgiving,” she explains. “She looks after me and teaches me so much every time I ride her.”
Over the first two days of competition, that partnership showed through. Saffie performed consistently across classes, with Summah placing in all of her events.
“The first two days were amazing,” Summah says. “She really performed so well.”
Summah and Saffie
However, equestrian sport often comes with the unexpected. On Saturday afternoon, Saffie became unwell and suffered a bout of colic. Vets were called immediately and treated her, and she responded well once attended to.
While Saffie recovered, Summah made the call to withdraw from her Sunday classes. It was a hard decision, but one made with care and perspective.
“We didn’t ride on Sunday,” she says. “We packed up and travelled home, just feeling really grateful that she was okay.”
Although the show ended earlier than expected, the experience stayed with her. Moments like these have shaped how Summah understands success, not just in terms of results, but in what she takes away from the journey itself.
“You learn to work hard and to dream big,” she says, “but also to stay humble and appreciate the small moments.”
She reflects that growth rarely looks like a straight path, and that challenges often carry the most meaningful lessons.
“There are always ups and downs,” she says. “They teach you resilience and determination, and remind you that effort matters, even when things don’t go perfectly.”
Finding balance alongside these commitments was once one of Summah’s biggest struggles. With frequent travel and long days, keeping up with school felt overwhelming at times.
“It used to be really hard to balance everything,” she says. “I was often away and found it difficult to stay on track.”
Studying through Te Kura has given Summah the flexibility to create a routine that works around her life, rather than forcing her to choose between commitments. Being able to structure her days has made a significant difference.
“I can organise my time properly,” she explains. “I’ll get my schoolwork done early, then focus on the rest of my day. It makes everything feel more manageable and balanced.”
Through these experiences, Summah continues to develop patience, gratitude and perspective, qualities that shape how she approaches learning, challenge and growth.
“I’ve learned a lot about staying positive and appreciating the journey,” she says.
Looking ahead, Summah is taking the lessons with her, with confidence, resilience and the determination to keep backing herself.