Day One - National Interschool Championships - Results & Photos

The first day of competition at the National Interschool Championships has gone without a hitch, under beautiful blue Queensland skies.

I had a great day in the Horsezone booth meeting lots of new people interested in selling their horses on Horsezone and heard from many others who have sold horses through us and were thrilled with the results. I also got to meet plenty of competitors from across the states and their gorgeous dogs - there seems to be lots of dogs at this event, which is typical of horse people - we love our dogs! It was great to catch up with visitors from Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia who have all travelled so far to compete at this event. Everyone - parents and children - are really positive and just seem so happy to be here.

In amongst getting to know everyone, I was able to take more happy snaps today - check them out in the gallery.

As well as four days of competition, everyone is excited by a full schedule which will include social activities, education sessions and demonstration events from elite riders including Olympian Megan Jones who has made the trip to Toowoomba with her home state team of South Australia.

“We have a compact team of 17 riders and horses over all the classes representing SA. A huge good luck to you girls and let's have fun on this trip,” Megan told Equestrian Australia (below are team SA members visiting the Horsezone stand with mascots).

Equestrian Australia has reported that the title of largest team belongs to the home state of Queensland, with 118 entrants. New South Wales has sent 60 participants and Victoria will be represented by 51 young hopefuls. 46 riders have made the 4,000 kilometre journey from Western Australia with six making the voyage from Tasmania.

A pool of 45 horses from the local area has been made available to interstate riders who were unable to bring their own horse to the event.

The Northern Territory is fielding a team of 14 riders, the youngest of which is just eight years old. Seven members of the team have taken their horse across for the competition and Team Manager Karen Ruzsicska is delighted to be accompanying a large team of riders and horses.  

“Obviously, the team is keen to get some podium places at the event, but the main aim is to do their personal best and also enjoy and learn from the experience,” Karen told Equestrian Australia.   

“We have quite a few younger riders this year so this will be a great stepping stone in their competition future.  This will be the final year of Interschool competition for the NT Team Captain Michaela Bradley as year 12 comes to a close in just a few weeks.  This is Michaela’s third year on the team and her experience will be valuable in supporting the whole team,” she said.

Following are the top three placings from today's Showman and Freestyle Dressage events, which were available as of this afternoon:

SHOWMAN

No Jump Primary Showman S1

1st Rachel Raheb -  Somerfield Sound of Music (NSW)

2nd Emma Farncombe - Springwood Lewis (NSW)

3rd Charlotte Calabrese - Sir James Allengreen (WA)

 

45cm Primary Showman S1

1st Sarah Olsen - Samson Fine and Dandy (NSW)

2nd Shelby Emmerton - Samson Starlyte (QLD)

3rd Kate Wickfeldt - Quamby Park Puzzle (VIC)

 

60cm Secondary 4 Phase S2

1st Anna Elder - Doonkami Hocus Pocus (QLD)

2nd Danielle DeBarro - Charlani Jester (SA)

3rd Tess O'Connor - Fencourt Just a Rascal (NSW)

 

SM5 85cm S3

1st Emily Coggan - Mowbray All Star (QLD)

2nd Claudia Cramond - Gambol (QLD)

3rd Emma Collins - Stafford Minardi (VIC)

 

FREESTYLE DRESSAGE

Novice Freestyle Test

1st India Priestley - Quebec (QLD)

2nd Eloise Devlin - San Rythmic (QLD)

3rd Tess Gunn - Reflection R (NSW)

 

Elementary Freestyle Test

1st Kate Lund - Nekarbo Wilbur (QLD)

2nd Rebecca Apel - Diamontina (QLD)

3rd Jana Stadelmann - Hilltop Moody Blue (QLD)

 

Medium Freestyle Test

1st Lauren Price - Lucinderalla (QLD)

2nd Elizabeth Buchanan - Kinnordy Gyps (QLD)

3rd Georgia Glasson - Arakoola Charm (NSW)

 

Intermediate 1 Freestyle Int 1

1st Sarah Farraway - Wisdom (NSW)

2nd Serena Ireland - He's a Rockstar (NSW)

3rd Lucinda McDougall - Can Do Classic Rock (QLD)

 

Advanced Freestyle

1st Caitlin Cullen - Hilltop Rhahmon (QLD)

2nd Hannah Simmons - Beltana La Contessa (NSW)

3rd Rosanna Relton - Four Winds Bombardier (QLD)

Story: Jo Johnson/Horsezone

Quick Links

• View all photos from the National Interschool Championships in the gallery
• Read about the Opening Ceremony
• Order professional photos from Official Photographer www.ozshotz.com.au or see them on the grounds
• View the full  National Interschool Championships program
• Visit the Equestrian Australia website