Cross Country at WISEChamps 2012
A competitor tackling the cross country course at the Warrnambool Inter School Equestrian Championships 2012.
Photograph:Marissa McKenzie
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Marissa McKenzie, Warrnambool Pony Club, Monday, 17 September 2012 Riders from the local area and beyond gathered at the Warrnambool Pony Club grounds last Friday September 14th for the annual WISEChamps competition. The Warrnambool Inter School Equestrian Championships is the only of its kind in the area, allowing riders to represent their school in horse trials and combined training. It is consistently a great event which encourages kids to support others from their school in the team competition, rather than focus olely an individual effort.
With 117 competitors, 35 schools were represented, covering a large area of the state. Schools represented included: Longerenong College, Apollo Bay Primary, Kardinia International College (Geelong) and Marian College (Ararat). Competitors travelling long distances were able to camp overnight at the Warrnambool Showgrounds. The competition was available to primary, secondary, university and TAFE students who were a Pony Club member, and ages varied from 8 years to 22, and everything in between.
Robbie Leishman, recently recognised with Equestrian Victoria's Volunteer of the Year award, built the show jumping course. It rode very well for all grades, and provided just the right amount of questions for each level.
The cross country course, designed by members of the Warrnambool Pony Club, presented new and different challenges to combinations over some varied terrain. The Club were congratulated on their efforts with the course being well received by the riders; one competitor commented that "the course was amazing, it flows so well now. I love what has been done with it."
Despite the threatening clouds, the rain held off providing a enjoyable day for all. The event was run efficiently by members of the Warrnambool Pony Club and volunteers, and the day was wrapped up by 4:30.
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