2016 Godolphin Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships

The 2016 Godolphin Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships begins on Sunday 25th September and runs until Thursday 29th September at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Saxony Road, Horsley Park. 

Australia’s elite young equestrians will converge on the Sydney International Equestrian Centre at Horsley Park for the 2016 Godolphin Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships, to be staged by Equestrian NSW. The event will take place from Sunday 25th September through to Thursday 29th September.

A record field of 390 school-aged equestrians from NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory – all of whom have qualified through their respective state and territory championships – will compete in a variety of disciplines including Combined Training, Dressage, Eventing, Jumping and Show Horse. The youngest competitor is eight, the oldest 18.

Bruce Farrar, Equestrian NSW CEO, says the young equestrians competing represent the elite young riders in Australia. “Many of these riders will continue into open competition and some will be likely contenders for Olympic Games and World Championship representation in the future.”

“Competitions such as this are vital to help foster the talent in this country. The interschool equestrian movement has been building in Australia for over 20 years and is driven by Equestrian Australia and its state branches” Mr Farrar said.

Godolphin, the global thoroughbred breeding and horseracing stable founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, sponsored the New South Wales Championships in June 2016 and is proud to partner the National Championships.

Speaking in support of the partnership, Henry Plumptre, Managing Director of Godolphin in Australia, said: “Godolphin is proud to be able to reinvest back into the grass roots of the Australian equestrian industry and we are committed to supporting the long-term growth of the local equine industry.

“These Championships are the pinnacle in showcasing the talent of young equestrian riders from around Australia and to be associated with this equine Olympic style event both in size and importance to the Australian children’s equestrian community is a wonderful opportunity.“In addition, not only does this event celebrate the success of the Nation’s top junior riders, importantly the versatility of the retrained thoroughbred racehorse is also on show."

"In addition, not only does this event celebrate the success of the Nation’s top junior riders, importantly the versatility of the retrained thoroughbred racehorse is also on show."

“Many young riders will be competing across four disciplines on a former racehorse for the coveted Off The Track prizes. We wish all the competitors the best of luck.”

Event Director Andrea Webb said “after the success of the 2015 event we have received more entries ensuring this is the largest Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships.”

Godolphin will be presenting the Best Performed Thoroughbred in each discipline with the Godolphin Off The Track Winner’s rug.

Friendly rivalries will come to the fore during the event, with each state vying to win the Harry Le Bhertz Overall Trophy (awarded to the state with the highest score across all disciplines) – NSW will field a strong team of over 100 riders and their horses from across traditional equestrian areas of the state, including the Southern Highlands, Hunter Valley, Armidale and the Hawkesbury region. Nationally and internationally accredited judges and officials will be scrutinising every step during the five days of competition.

Nationally and internationally accredited judges and officials will be scrutinising every step during the five days of competition.

Equestrian NSW extends it thanks to our generous sponsors who without their support would not be able to run this prestigious event.

Sponsors :

Naming - Rights Godolphin

Eventing - FDC Constructions & Fit Out

Combined Training – Gow-Gates Insurance

Dressage - Rivenlee

Show Horse - Prydes Easi Feed

Jumping - Oz Shots Photography

Spectators are welcome and entry is free.