New England Girls’ School has consolidated its reputation as the leading equestrian school in the state winning, for the third time in five years, the champion secondary school title at the Equestrian NSW Interschools competition.
Around 420 riders from 153 schools attended this year’s Interschools, which was held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre from March 1-4.
There were 13 teams with more riders than the NEGS contingent of seven girls, however solid performances from all riders resulted in them accruing the highest overall pointscore.
NEGS was named champion secondary school ahead of Frensham School Mittagong.
Meagan Nolan was Eventing champion, winning both the intermediate and preliminary intermediate categories. Eventing consists of three phases – Dressage, Cross country and Showjumping.
Teammate Megan Bourke also had a great competition, being named the Combined Training (dressage and show jumping) reserve champion. Bourke’s finishes included a first in Combined Training 80cm Senior and second in the senior 1C Dressage.
Among other results, Anna Moxham came second in the 1m AM7 showjumping competition and Skye Ramsay was second in the Combined Training (intermediate).
Hayley Menzies and Hillary Blackman placed 3rd and 4th respectively in the Pre-Novice One Day Event, very strong performances from these two girls in the wet, boggy conditions for the cross-country phase.
“It was a terrific result for the girls, especially as there were many teams with more competitors and two of our team members were only able to be there for the first day,” NEGS Equestrian Centre manager Andrew Haddad said.
“Under torrential rain and atrocious weather, the team dug deep to produce these amazing results. I was very proud of the team spirit and brilliant display of sportsmanship and conduct.”
A number the team are expected to be invited to represent NSW at the National Interschools competition later in the year.
Meanwhile, 13 NEGS students competed at the Armidale Show, with many winning championships and ribbons. Congratulations to Sophie Wood, Kimberley Payne, Brigitte Low, Sophia Thatcher, Caitlyn Croft, Georgia Everingham, Victoria Farr, Isabella Ritter, Emily Scrivener, Georgina Wanford, Sarah Farrell, Claudia Smith and Jessica Job on their achievements.
