Nine-year-old Addison Chan from Te Puna is navigating the A&P show equestrian circuit this season, riding her pony Wanda despite living with Perthes disease. The condition limits her from high-impact sports, making horse riding a vital outlet for participation with peers. She has already competed at several shows and plans more appearances in February and March.
Addison Chan, a Year 5 student at St Mary’s Catholic School in Te Puna, began riding horses at age four through pony club. Last year, she entered A&P shows in the lead rein category, transitioning to first-ridden this season, which runs from September to March. Her mother, Lisa Chan, a former rider, supports her fully, noting the early starts: Addison often wakes around 5:30 a.m. to prepare for events, sometimes traveling far.
Addison rides Windermere Wanderlust, a 75% Welsh bred mare standing 12.2 hands, known as Wanda in the paddock. The pony is on loan for two years from Dunedin breeder Denise Green. Addison trains three times weekly, attends lessons in Cambridge, and handles daily care, including feeding, grooming, and moving paddocks to keep Wanda fit and shiny for shows. This routine also involves pony club and treks to maintain interest for both.
Despite the demands, Lisa emphasizes the rewards. "It’s full on all the time," she said, describing weekends consumed by preparation, travel, and unpacking. Addison has competed at Katikati, Waihi, Kihikihi, Te Aroha twice, and Waikato shows. She will skip Te Puke this weekend but aims for Tauranga’s A&P show on February 21, possibly Morrinsville on March 7, and Hawke’s Bay in March.
Addison’s participation stems from Perthes disease, a rare hip disorder affecting children aged four to 10, where blood supply loss causes the femur to break down and slowly repair over years. It leads to pain, limping, and reduced mobility, with no known prevention. Doctors monitor for regrowth before puberty to avoid interventions like early hip replacements. Addison receives physiotherapy and pain medication but no hospitalization yet. Horse riding and swimming are her allowed activities, as they avoid hip strain. "I love that she’s fallen in love with horse riding because she’s able to do it with her peers," Lisa said. Addison cannot join hockey or gymnastics.
Addison cherishes the bond: "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." In her first season with Wanda, Lisa reports strong progress, praising the pony’s patience.