Toowoomba student picks up big Equestrian Queensland award

A young Toowoomba rider has had a year to remember. After representing her school, region and Queensland the 16-year-old has capped off her season with an Equestrian Queensland award.

Fairholme student and equestrian rider Lottie Ostwald. Picture: Rodneys Photography

EQUESTRIAN: In the competition arena equestrian riders are meticulous and focused.

At the Equestrian Queensland Awards Evening, Lottie Ostwald was the opposite.

The 16-year-old Fairholme student had to ‘wing it’ when she was named Interschool Rising Star of the Year.

“I was not expecting to win the award so I didn’t prepare a speech,” she said.

“It was a complete surprise to me though so when I accepted it (the award) I had to wing it.

“Once I had time to think about it – it was amazing feeling.”

The award win caps off what has been a memorable 2022 season for the young rider.

After representing Fairholme College at the regional level, Ostwald went on to compete at the state.

Olympian Natalie Cook (right) congratulates Fairholme's Lottie Ostwald on her Interschool Queensland Rising Star award win. Picture: Calico Pony

Her third placed Combined Training finish was enough to secure a Queensland sash and she turned that bronze into gold at the national championships.

“It’s an honour to represent my school and Queensland,” she said.

“I’ve had a pretty good year, there have been a lot of hours of training involved, but it’s worth it.

“Being able to go from third at state to winning at the national championships felt good.”

Working with her horse Poddy, a dressage horse she taught how to showjump, Ostwald maintains the same focus no matter what level of competition she is involved in.

“There can be a lot pressure when you compete – especially when you move from the dressage part of the competition to the showjumping because everyone wants to have that perfect run,” Ostwald said.

“I try to treat every event the same though.

“You have to remember your horse is not a machine, they’re trying their best for you and you need to do the same for them.

“After that you just have to expect you’re not going to win every event, but you can always try your best.”