Fairholme College saddles up for third straight Lorette Wigan win
Meet the 13 Fairholme College stars ready to face Australia’s best riders after historic Lorette Wigan Cup win and find out why they love their sport so much.
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With a third straight Lorette Wigan Cup win Fairholme College have secured its position among Queensland’s elite equestrian schools.
Competing at the State Championships, the school’s team of dedicated young riders proved they can match it with the best primary and secondary school student riders in Queensland.
“I’ve been part of the team all three years which is amazing,” team co-captain Simone Sorensen said.
“Being captain (this year) made it extra special though.
“I really enjoyed being able to help guide the other girls and support the team in a different way.”
With the cup awarded to the awarded to the school with the best aggregate score from the dressage, show jumping, combined training, and show horse events, having a well-balanced team is essential.
Co-captain Torra MacDonald said the supportive environment fostered by Fairholme College and its riders over the years gave the team a distinct advantage.
”Winning three years in a row is really special,” MacDonald said.
“It’s about more than just winning though.
“Showing good sportsmanship is very important to us – especially in this sport.
“When you’re working a horse there can be a lot of high and lows but we were always there to support each other when it was needed.
“To have that support and understanding makes a big difference.”
MacDonald is one of several Fairholme riders who will compete at the nationals later this year after qualifying through performances at the state titles.
The young rider will compete in the working hunter and combined training disciplines.
“The working hunter is a three-phrase show horse competition,” MacDonald said.
“It involves a working phase in which you ride over jumps, a rider class phase which is judged on the rider and a led phase where you lead and present your horse.
“I really enjoy it because it relies on presentation which I really enjoy that side of things and you have to work well with your horse.
“Nationals is significant step up and it requires a lot more presentation but I try to keep things the same and having my schoolmates around will make it easier.”
Ahead of the nationals later this year The Chronicle have profiled each of the 13 Fairholme riders set to compete – asking them what they love about their sport and what events they will be riding in.
Bella Ostwald, 15
Horse: Bounce
Disciplines: Medium and Advanced dressage
“I love the partnership between the rider and horse.”
Kendra MacDonald, 14
Horse: Regal Dove (Charlie)
Discipline: Dressage-Prelim
“I enjoy equestrian as it helps me to overcome fears and carry on through challenges.”
Charlotte Ostwald, 17
Horse: Fairbanks Ipod (Poddy)
Discipline: Combined Training 1* and Dressage Elementary
“I love competing because Poddy is amazing to ride and he always tries his best. I can’t wait to see how far we can go together.
Simone Sorensen, 17
Horses: Yalambi’s Karijini and Viva Blue
Discipline: Showjumping and Working Hunter
“I love my sport because of all the people you get to meet at competitions. I also love the great reward feeling with my horse when it all goes well.”
Geneva Searle, 15
Horse: Grey Opinion (Penny)
Discipline: Eventing 1*
“I love how this sport allows you to connect with so many different from different schools.”
Annabelle Rogan, 16
Horse: Peanut
Discipline: Showjumping
“I love showjumping because it really does make you feel like you are flying, and the trust you must put in your horse and vice versa is truly special.”
Torra MacDonald, 17
Horse: Summer Lovin
Discipline: Combined training and Working Hunter
“I love the sport because I love horses and the peace that they give me.”
Taylor Humphreys, 18
Horse: Grandchester Secret Angel
Discipline: Show horse
Anastasia Topalov, 17
Horse: MJK Quartzz Of Gold
Discipline: Eventing *2
“I love the friends I have made through this sport as well as the trill and adrenaline I get when eventing.”
Kaida MacDonald, 15
Horse: Chardale Duplicity (Jimmy)
Discipline: Eventing
“My favourite part of riding is being able to compete at a range of competitions and training with my horse.”
Georgie Hill, 14
Horse: Bluey (Notus Barman)
Discipline: Dressage and Combined training
“I love dressage because its mostly so calming and relaxing. I also love combined training as you can do jumping and dressage together which makes it so much more fun.”
Abbey Gordon, 16
Horse: Belrock Nadal
Discipline: Dressage and Combined Training
“I love being around my friends and family while competing as well as learning to overcome challenges as it is not an easy sport.”
Kate Frith, 14
Horse: Bonnie – Garnet Ursula
Discipline: Working Hunter and Intermediate Novice
“I love riding and competing because the community is so inviting and encouraging, making it really fun to be around every weekend.”
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