Rosie Heagney won the Small Tour Championship with MSJ Nemo and the Secondary Advanced Championship with Sancho RW. Image by James Abernethy.
The Horseland Equestrian Victoria Interschool State Championships 2026 once again highlighted the depth of young equestrian talent across the state, bringing together riders from primary through to secondary school in a celebration of competition, camaraderie, and opportunity.
Held across multiple disciplines including dressage, jumping, combined training and showing, the championships are a cornerstone of the interschool calendar, offering riders not only the chance to compete at a high level, but also to represent their schools in a unique team environment.
CHAMPIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Across the disciplines, riders delivered strong performances in highly competitive fields.
In dressage, Rosemary Heagney dominated the upper levels, claiming both the Small Tour Championship with MSJ Nemo and the Secondary Advanced title aboard Sancho RW.
“I am over the moon with how both my horses went,” Rosemary Heagney shares. “Nemo and I really came together in the Prix St Georges, coming away with 70%. Scruffles [Sancho RW] stepped up a level and we had our first attempt at Advanced.”
Annabelle Lording and Sir Wolkentanz secured the Medium Championship, while Bianca Griffiths and Benita PD topped the Elementary division.
The jumping arenas also saw impressive rounds, with Olivia Curtain and Tulara Colchic taking out the Secondary 120cm Championship, and Abigail Fosnaugh aboard Champagne Magic winning the Secondary 110cm title.
In the show jumping arena, Olivia Curtain and Tulara Colchic were the winners of the Secondary 120cm Championship. Image by James Abernethy.
In combined training, Pearl Hodson and Chacco Red led the way in the Secondary 105cm division, while strong participation across the lower heights highlighted the depth of emerging talent.
The showing rings were equally competitive, with Jessica Lowe and Redgum James 007 crowned Senior Show Horse Champions, alongside Shayleigh Joblin and Amaroo Canada as Senior Show Hunter Champions.
RISING TALENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Among the standout performers was Thomas Harrison, who claimed the Senior Preliminary Division A Championship aboard off-the-track thoroughbred (OTT), I Thought So.
The 12-year-old gelding, sourced in late 2024, has quickly developed into a key partner for Thomas.
“We originally purchased him as in-between horse to start to teach me the ropes, but he’s turned into so much more than that – he’s taking me somewhere,” says Thomas.
Coming into the Championships with strong form, including a Reserve Championship finish at last year’s event and second place at the Australian Interschool Championships in 2025, Thomas admits there was added pressure this time around.
“I felt maybe a little bit of pressure to produce really good results again,” he shares. “But it was easier knowing I’ve got a horse who always tries his hardest. Every time I take him out I know he’s going to be well behaved and put his best foot forward, so to get that result was just amazing.”
Like many interschool riders, Thomas is balancing competition with study and future career plans. He is currently completing Year 12 and additionally doing TAFE courses to hopefully gain an electrician apprenticeship next year – as well as balancing track work and continuing to develop a team of horses, including several OTTs.
“It was easier knowing
I’ve got a horse who always
tries his hardest…”
Bianca Griffiths and Benita PD claimed both the Senior Elementary Championship and Secondary Division A Combined Training Championship. Image by James Abernethy.
MORE THAN JUST RESULTS
While the competition delivered plenty of standout performances, the Championships continue to emphasise inclusivity and accessibility through the All Abilities classes. Introduced last year, these divisions provide a vital platform for riders of all backgrounds and capabilities to participate in equestrian sport.
The inclusion of All Abilities competition reflects a broader commitment within the sport to create clear and supportive pathways, ensuring every rider has the opportunity to progress and feel part of the interschool community.
Among the highlights, Charles Sheers and Lord Boulevard (OTT) claimed the All Abilities Walk Trot Canter title, while Ethan Sipthorpe-Foster and Darker Shades secured victory in the Walk Only division, showcasing the talent and determination present across these classes.
For many riders, the Championships are about far more than results, with friendships and school spirit forming a major part of the interschool experience.
Rosemary Heagney has been competing in interschools since 2017.
“My first interschools competition was in 2017; I was seven years old, and it was a dressage competition,” Rosemary explains. “My first memory was being able to meet other people from my school that I didn’t even know rode. That was the beginning of building many friendships through interschools.”
Rosemary describes her final State Championships campaign as “bittersweet.”
“It was definitely a bittersweet competition but filled with many laughs and hanging out with both friends that I have known for years and new friends as well,” she says.
Rosie Heagney won the Small Tour Championship with MSJ Nemo and the Secondary Advanced Championship with Sancho RW. Image by James Abernethy.
ROAD TO NATIONALS
With the 2026 Australian Interschool Championships set to be hosted in Victoria, competition was particularly fierce as riders vied for selection on the state team.
“The atmosphere was definitely one that was filled with excitement and energy,” Rosemary shares.
“Everyone was there to have fun but also there to do their best to get on the Victorian Team for Interschool Nationals. The environment is always encouraging, and you will always be able to find someone to help you and answer any questions you might have.”
Qualification pathways vary by discipline. In show horse and combined training, the top four placegetters at the State Championships automatically secure their place on the team.
For dressage and jumping, the Champion and Reserve Champion combinations earn two of the four available positions, while the remaining two are determined via the Victoria Equestrian Interschool Series (VEIS) leaderboard. Riders accumulate points across VEIS events throughout the season, with the Grand Final in June carrying double points, making consistency across the year just as important as peak performance at the State Championships.
For eventing, riders have to nominate what level they would like to compete at and then it is based on the best three scores achieved during the EA eventing season. From there, the top four riders are selected from each grade.
Edward Restall and Bling Du Rouet achieved three championship titles, winning the Primary Novice and Preliminary Championships, as well as the Primary 80cm Combined Training Championship. Image by James Abernethy.
BUILDING TOMORROW’S CHAMPIONS
Beyond the results and ribbons, interschool competition plays a critical role in developing the next generation of Australian equestrians. For many riders, it is their first experience of structured competition, team representation, and balancing performance with horsemanship.
The school team environment often serves as a stepping stone towards state and national representation, helping young riders build the skills required for elite competition. With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games on the horizon, today’s secondary school competitors fall squarely within the age bracket of future Australian team hopefuls.
Australian Olympian Simone Pearce is one such example, having come through the interschool system herself.
“I remember interschools so fondly,” says Simone, who is now based in Europe. “I think it’s the best platform to get kids into equestrian sport. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what kind of horse you have – everyone can participate, learn, and try different disciplines.”
“It gives kids an incredible opportunity to get a taste for the sport. I know back when I was doing it, it certainly sparked my love for dressage.”
As Rosemary prepares to age out of interschools competition, she reminisces on the friends she’ll miss.
“I will miss the community it provides,” she said. “It will be sad saying goodbye to the many friends that I see regularly from interschools. Interschools also allows me to meet people from all around the country at Nationals, leading to lasting connections.
“Interschools has always been something I look forward to and it will be sad to miss it next year, but I will definitely be supporting from the sidelines.”
CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS
DRESSAGE:
Small Tour Champion: Rosemary Heagney and MSJ Nemo
Secondary Advanced Champion: Rosemary Heagney and Sancho RW
Secondary Advanced Reserved Champion: Morgan Cockerell and IBN KY Gold Rush
Medium Champion: Annabelle Lording and Sir Wolkentanz
Medium Reserve Champion: Abbey Restall and Urodel du Texier
Elementary Champion: Bianca Griffiths and Benita PD
Elementary Reserve Champion: Abbey Restall and Urodel du Texier
Senior Novice Division A Champion: Posie Sutherland and SS Secrecy
Senior Novice Division A Reserve Champion: Sophie Phillips and Romeo
Senior Novice Division B Champion: Annabelle Richardson and Merricks Fiore
Senior Novice Division B Reserve Champion: Mia Baxter and Bella Tricks
Intermediate Novice Champion: Liza Smith and Nawarrah Park Dita Von Tesse
Intermediate Novice Reserve Champion: Clementine Widdup and Mouse Detective
Primary Novice Champion: Edward Restall and Bling Du Rouet
Primary Novice Reserve Champion: Lyla Woolston and Loriot Skyes The Limit
Senior Preliminary Division A Champion: Thomas Harrison and I Thought So (OTT)
Senior Preliminary Division A Reserve Champion: Lily Clear-Graham and Doc Hudson
Senior Preliminary Division B Champion: Posie Sutherland and SS Secrecy
Senior Preliminary Division B Reserve Champion: Tyler Gamble and HH Tiffany’s
Intermediate Preliminary Division A Champion: Ruby Calleja Goodman and LAC Jackpot
Intermediate Preliminary Division A Reserve Champion: Chelsie Hanna and Alkyra Acrobat
Intermediate Preliminary Division B Champion: Chloe Benis and Murraygold Jasmyn
Intermediate Preliminary Division B Reserve Champion: Anneka Bean-Thornton and Habafield Jett
Primary Preliminary Champion: Edward Restall and Bling Du Rouet
Primary Preliminary Reserve Champion: Indigo Jones and LV Jimmy Choo
Preparatory Champion: Astrid O’Reilly and Earlsley Park Fine China
Preparatory Reserve Champion: Charlotte Reed and Derlwyn Adjith
All Abilities Walk Trot Canter Champion: Charles Sheers and Lord Boulevard (OTT)
All Abilities Walk Only Champion: Ethan Sipthorpe-Foster and Darker Shades
COMBINED TRAINING
Secondary 105cm Champion: Pearl Hodson and Chacco Red
Secondary 105cm Reserve Champion: Posie Sutherland and Furstenhall
Secondary 95cm Division A Champion: Nellie Tuddenham and Starstruck
Secondary 95cm Division A Reserve Champion: Pearl Hodson and High Kapacity
Secondary 95cm Division B Champion: Cameron Mathlin and Drops of Jupiter
Secondary 95cm Division B Reserve Champion: Bethany Dyson and My Custom Made
Secondary 80cm Division A Champion: Sophie Pincott and Pippa
Secondary 80cm Division A Reserve Champion: Scarlett Taylor and Equineaffair Blackjack
Secondary 80cm Division B Champion: Ella Walsh and Poetry in Motion
Secondary 80cm Division B Reserve Champion: Chelsie Hanna and Alkyra Acrobat
Primary 80cm Champion: Edward Restall and Bling Du Rouet
Primary 80cm Reserve Champion: Eva Stephenson and Sharvalley Top Model
Secondary 65cm Division A Champion: Bianca Griffiths and Benita PD
Secondary 65cm Division A Reserve Champion: Sophie Pearn and Brohedydd Jack Sparrow
Secondary 65cm Division B Champion: Holly Arthur and Jellycat
Secondary 65cm Division B Reserve Champion: Amy Plitz and Ebony Park Aria
Primary 65cm Champion: Stevie May and Genteel Mischief Above
Primary 65cm Reserve Champion: Lacey Connley and Salient Park Bouncer
Primary 50cm Champion: Savannah Williamson and Thorwood Tin Soldier
Primary 50cm Reserve Champion: Oliver Tweedie and Manawai Ariste
Primary 35cm Champion: Astrid O’Reilly and Sophia From Camlee
Primary 35cm Reserve Champion: Ella James and Bridie
JUMPING
Secondary 120cm Champion: Olivia Curtain and Tulara Colchic
Secondary 120cm Reserve Champion: Malikah Rudge and Kingslea Couture
Secondary 110cm Champion: Abigail Fosnaugh and Champagne Magic
Secondary 110cm Reserve Champion: Amelia Terrill and Redcliffs Guns and Roses
Secondary 100cm Champion: Emily Wagstaff and Zahra Park Camouflage
Secondary 100cm Reserve Champion: Ella Santry and Henton Exchequer
Intermediate 100cm Champion: Penny Mawhinney and Sail on By (OTT)
Intermediate 100cm Reserve Champion: Madison Felgate and Glenbrook Archie Bunker
Secondary 90cm Champion: Bethany Dyson and My Custom Made
Secondary 90cm Reserve Champion: Ebony Ockwell and Diesal
Intermediate 90cm Champion: Zara O’Donnell and Foxground Kahtia
Intermediate 90cm Reserve Champion: Emily Stone and EVE Invincible
Primary 90cm Champion: Quenelda Knowles-Mullohand and Roses Are Red
Primary 90cm Reserve Champion: Lotus Rothery and Moondale Abott
Senior 80cm Champion: Sophie Stockdale and Good Boy Georgie (OTT)
Senior 80cm Reserve Champion: Lucy Charlton and Teasing to Please
Intermediate 80cm Champion: Niamh McGoldrick and Garnet Bram
Intermediate 80cm Reserve Champion: Claudia Goodchild and The Delta Blues (OTT)
Primary 80cm Champion: Summer Doyle and Karlana Ima Kool Kat
Primary 80cm Reserve Champion: Maddison McGlynn and Galaxy Sapphire
Secondary 70cm Division A Champion: Abby Bristol and My Haven Rockstar
Secondary 70cm Division A Reserve Champion: Illiana Way and La Princesse
Secondary 70cm Division B Champion: Zara Harrington and Reed Beck Missy
Secondary 70cm Division B Reserve Champion: Lily Clear-Graham and Doc Hudson
Primary 70cm Champion: Layla Williams and Equineaffair Harlequin
Primary 70cm Reserve Champion: Harper McGlynn and Centre Stage Love To Love
Primary 60cm Champion: James Bell and Storm
Primary 60cm Reserve Champion: Ella Shepherd and Aced It
Primary 45cm Champion: Abby Mathison and Glen Lewis Serennu
Primary 45cm Reserve Champion: Lexi Wales and Pinky Pie
SHOWING
Show Horse Senior Champion: Jessica Lowe and Redgum James 007
Show Horse Senior Reserve Champion: Annabelle Richardson and Brandyhollow Boy Band
Show Hunter Senior Champion: Shayleigh Joblin and Amaroo Canada
Show Hunter Senior Reserve Champion: Annabelle Richardson and Merricks Fiore
Show Horse Intermediate Champion: Eden Cunningham and Calvin Park
Show Horse Intermediate Reserve Champion: Isabel Morphy and KP Dance on Air
Show Hunter Intermediate Champion: Ruby Rose Eurell and Gracefield Lady N Lace
Show Hunter Intermediate Reserve Champion: Sophie Pearn and Kylandee Bronwen
Show Horse Primary Champion: Gracelyn Karakaltsas and Dalbrae Vegas
Show Horse Primary Reserve Champion: Georgina Kavanagh and Pemberly Whisper
Show Hunter Primary Champion: Ella Cutugno and Bordershow Charlemagne
Show Hunter Primary Reserve Champion: Madeline Bridge and Imperial Napoleon
Show Horse Level A – Walk Optional Trot: Ethan Sipthorpe-Foster and Darker Shades
Show Horse Level B – Walk, Trot: Charles Sheers and Lord Boulevard (OTT)
Show Horse Para Level 1 – Advanced: Amelia Petrie and Braefoot Park Broadway
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