The WA and SA team at the Opening Ceremony in Toowoomba Photo: James Deacon
Junior Equestrian riders are in Toowoomba (QLD) for the 2012 National Interschools Championships.More than 300 promising young riders have assembled in Queensland’s south east to take part in the weeklong event which is being staged in Queensland for the first time since 2008.
The Championships were officially declared open on Monday at a rousing reception which welcomed riders, officials, coaches, parents and managers to the Toowoomba Showgrounds for the running of this annual event which gathers Australia’s top young Equestrian talent to crown Individual and State Interschools Champions across six disciplines.
A hardworking organising committee has been in preparation phase for several months and is excited to finally see the start of competition.
“The weather forecast is fantastic and entries are at record level,” said committee member Angela Morrisby. “Everyone has been looking forward to coming back to Queensland,” she said.
As well as four days of competition, everyone is upbeat and 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 said.
With 118 entrants, the title of largest team belongs to the home state of Queensland. 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 said.
“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.
Competition will continue throughout the week and will conclude with an award ceremony on Friday.
EA Press Release
