Gippsland Grammar’s equestrian team has delivered an impressive performance at the Victorian Interschool State Championships, finishing ninth overall out of 160 schools after five days of competition at Boneo Park during the school holidays.
Competing across dressage, showjumping and games, the Gippsland Grammar riders performed strongly despite testing weather and arena conditions.
The team included Charlee Latham (year 11), Emily Wagstaff (year 10), Emily Taylor (year nine), Lana Thyssen (year six), Jack Gilbert (year five), Lachy Black (year five), Mitch Black (year four) and Lily Gilbert (year two), with several riders recording standout individual results.
Emily Taylor from Eagle Point placed fifth overall in the intermediate preliminary dressage riding Salient Park BoJangles, while Mitch Black (Cobains) finished sixth overall in the primary 80cm showjumping aboard Eat My Dust.
Two Gippsland Grammar riders were crowned overall champions in their respective divisions.
Emily Wagstaff
(Briagolong) claimed the senior 1m showjumping title riding Zahra Park Camouflage, securing qualification for the National Championships later this year. Meanwhile, Maffra’s Lily Gilbert was crowned champion in the primary prep–year three games and handy mount event riding Little Blue Button.
Deputy principal Bo Power, who attended the championships, said the team’s performance was a strong result in one of the country’s most competitive interschool equestrian events.
“The competition at this event was strong, yet our riders are regularly in the mix for the top placings across the various disciplines,” Mr Power said.
“This reflects positively on their commitment to the team, their skill development and their desire to compete. Each of our riders loves being part of this event and representing the school.”
With the championships running over five days, riders and families committed
significant time to training and travel.
Gippsland Grammar has built a strong reputation in equestrian competition in recent years, consistently achieving strong state-level results and producing national representatives.
Wagstaff will represent the
school at the National
Championships at Werribee Park in October.
