Molly Barry and Jumpin' Jack Photo: Derek O'Leary
As the excitement of the London Olympics continues to fade away, it is worth looking forward to the future and taking the time to shine a little bit of light on our future stars. The 2012 National Interschool Championships begin today and will run though until Friday the 5th of October. Toowoomba Show Grounds will be filled with some of the Australia’s finest young riders, who have travelled from all corners of the country.
15 year old Molly Barry (pictured above and below) is Captain for the Victorian Eventing Team and she has her sights set on the top.
“I want to go to the World Equestrian Games and the Olympics,” she said.
The Year 9 student is relatively new to 1* competitions but she is taking it all in her stride. Molly has been riding her horse, Jumpin’ Jack for two years and the Queensland Nationals will be the biggest competition that they have faced. Standing at just 14.3hh, Molly draws on Jack’s showjumping experience to cut corners and take tight lines to make time on cross country. Whilst the Captain is looking forward to testing herself against the best, she believes that half the fun is meeting other riders from across Australia. Throughout the week educational classes will also be available, giving competitors the chance to learn from the best, including Molly’s idol Megan Jones.
Alla Griffiths and Mr Roly Royce
Molly is joined on the Victorian team by two young riders who are well used to rubbing shoulders with Australia’s Eventing elite. Alla and Nina Griffiths may be at the beginning of their riding careers but they are both keen to follow in Uncle Sam’s footsteps. Parents, Mark and Vanessa have ridden at 3*level in eventing and FEI level Dressage, respectively and have competed all over Australia. The trip to Queensland however, is the longest that they have travelled for their daughters’ campaigns. 14 year old Alla will be riding Mr Roly Royce in the Preliminary Eventing which begins on Wednesday.
Nina Griffiths and GV Top of the Line Photo: Toni-anne Collins
Her sister Nina will be competing in the 1.10m showjumping on Olivia Bunn’s former Olympic and World Equestrian Games mount, GV Top of the Line. This 20 year old equine eventing legend is owned by Sharon Ridgway, Alla's godmother, who gave the ride to Nina (lucky girl!). 12 year old Nina needed a milk crate to get on him but has never looked back. After the Nationals, the Griffiths family will be returning to Victoria and Nina will be passing the reins onto British superstar Mary King. Mary will be riding GV Top of the Line in a demonstration and the jump and drive challenge at Melbourne’s Equitana in November.
Jasmine Dennison is another up and coming rider who is making the long trip up north. The 12 year old is no stranger to the National scene but this is her first year in the secondary division. Jasmine will be taking two horses with her and will be riding in three different events throughout the week. She will be riding Lakevale Stylish Century (pictured above)in the Preliminary Eventing and Elementary Dressage and Fosbury Flop in the 1.10m showjumping. The Year 7 student began riding in Italy as a 6 year old before moving out to Australia. In comparison to many of her team mates, Jasmine’s parents admit that whilst they were not originally horsey, they have become pretty good strappers. The whole family will be going to watch and father Brent is extremely proud of his daughter’s achievements. “It’s very exciting, it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to represent the state and participate in Nationals,” he said.
Alex O'Sullivan and Voe are competing in the Pre-Novice Eventing
Victoria boasts a fantastic team of promising young riders who have been training extremely hard for these Interschool Championships. The competition draws people together from across the country and encourages an educational and fun experience. However, competition will still be fierce and these young talents are undoubtedly our future Olympians and they are certainly names to look out for.
CLICK HERE for the full Victorian team list
Article by Emily Penney
