New Zealand eventing official Nicoli Fife has been asked to be a ground jury member at the prestigious four-star Badminton horse trials in England next month.
This is the first time a New Zealander has been invited to judge at an event widely recognised as the world's premier three-day event.
The invitation follows Fife's involvement last year at the four-star Kentucky three-day event in the United States.
"This is one of the most significant invitations ever received for a New Zealand eventing official and underlines the international regard in which Nicoli is held," Equestrian Sports NZ president Jennifer Millar said today.
"Badminton is the most important annual event in our sport and to be a part of the ground jury is very special."
A former competitor, Fife was part of the New Zealand eventing team at the 1978 world championships in Kentucky alongside future great Mark Todd.
She also campaigned in England and Europe during the late 1970s and early 1980s, before returning to focus her efforts on the Charlton Stud in Waikato, founded by her parents.
Badminton is being contested on April 30 to May 2.