The Glennie School students set to saddle up for Queensland

Toowoomba will play a leading role in Queensland’s bid for the Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships title. Meet the young students leading the charge here.

The Glennie School's Queensland equestrian team riders (from left) Indigo Kelly, Eloise Kings, Abbey Conlan, and Bella Anderson will represent Queensland at the Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships.

Taking on Australia’s best riders may be daunting for some, but for four The Glennie School students it’s an opportunity impossible to pass up.

Bella Anderson, Indigo Kelly, Abbey Conlan and Eloise Kings will saddle up for Queensland at the Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships later this month.

For Kings it will be her first Queensland appearance after three previous unlucky attempts.

Kings has been named in the squad on three other occasions, but a concussion, a sick horse and Covid lockdowns have prevented her from competing.

“I’m really looking forward to being able to compete for the first time,” she said.

“This year is actually the fourth time I have been selected but it will be the first time I get to compete.

The Glennie School's Eloise Kings.

“The other three times I got a concussion, my horse was sick about a week before the titles and then there was Covid (lockdowns).

“I can’t wait, I’m a bit nervous but also pretty excited.”

Horses have always been a part of Kings’ life with her grandparents involved in racing so her journey to competing was a natural.

The 14-year-old dressage competitor has the sport flowing through her veins.

“I really love how rewarding it all is – when you do the work and put in the time you see the results,” Kings said.

“I think dressage has to be in your heart though as well.

“It has to be something you’re passionate about and love because it can be very challenging.”

The Glennie School's Abbey Conlan.

Like her schoolmate Abbey Conlan has always had a passion for horses.

After convincing her parents to buy her horse she quickly began filling her time with riding commitments.

In just a few short years she has quickly risen through the showjumping ranks and her approach is simple.

“You have to be calm and focused,” Conlan said.

“Your horse will pick up on your energy and react the same way.

“The other big thing is not taking it too seriously – you’re going to make mistakes sometimes and it (competing) doesn’t always go your way so you need to make you’re enjoying yourself, otherwise what is the point.”

The Glennie School's Bella Anderson.

Following the Queensland titles Bella Anderson had an almost enviable decision to make.

The 14-year-old qualified for the nationals in four different disciplines but with ‘workloads’ in mind, riders are encouraged to compete in two.

“I decided to focus on the Intermediate Show Hunter and Medium Dressage,” she said.

“Show Hunter has always been a favourite of mine and I love dressage just as much – they’re quite different which is a challenge but I enjoy that.”

The Glennie School's Indigo Kelly.

Ready for her second year in Queensland Maroon, Indigo Kelly is looking forward to competing again and making new friends.

“It’s an individual sport but you do get that great sense of community when you compete,” she said.

“We all want to do our best and try to win, but everyone gets along and supports each other.

“Competing in the new venue Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre) is going to be pretty exciting as well.”