4 March 2024
Students representing over 60 schools from across Victoria have showcased their equestrian skills at the Interschool Dressage Championships hosted by Girton Grammar School.
Held on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 March at the Elmore Equestrian Centre, the event saw 79 riders participate in the show jumping competition on Friday, and 127 entrants compete in dressage on Saturday.
Girton was delighted to win the show jumping competition, clinching first place thanks to outstanding performances from students Francis Walls, Harriet Williams, Annika Hall and Maggie Walmsley. Braemar College secured second place, while Marist College came third.
Toorak College emerged as the victor among strong competition in the dressage event, with Flinders Christian College and Assumption College taking out second and third place respectively. The dressage event forms part of the Victorian Equestrian Interschool Series and serves as a qualifier for the Victorian team competing at the Australian National Interschool Championships.
Now in its second year, the Girton Grammar Horseland Bendigo Interschool Dressage Championships are organised by teacher and Girton Equestrian Club coordinator Mrs Nic James, along with parent Mrs Jody Pickering.
Mrs James said the school is proud to be able to host a major equestrian event that attracts competitors to the region from across the state.
“It has been wonderful to see the event go from strength to strength, providing a valuable opportunity for students from our school and many others to showcase their talents,” Mrs James said.
“I would like to congratulate all the riders for their efforts this year, and we look forward to continuing to host this event in the years to come.”
Students have the opportunity to join the Girton Equestrian Club as part of the school’s Co-curricular Program. Meeting throughout the year, students compete individually and in teams in a variety of interschool show jumping, dressage, games and showing competitions – locally, regionally and interstate.
In addition to the successful show jumpers, Girton would like to congratulate students Harrison Walls, Charli Walmsley, Laura Knox, Caroline Batters, Amelie Miller and Leah Pickering for their notable performances in the competition.
The school would also like to thank the event’s sponsors for their generous support, along with all the student, staff and parent volunteers who made the competition a success.
