By ALANA MITCHELSON
BERWICK students have won gold for Haileybury College at this year’s Victorian Interschool Horse Trials Championships.
Year 12 students Sam Jeffree and Amelia Coad, and Year 8 students Kyle McLeod and Abby Plant were excited to win the prestigious competition.
Captains Sam and Amelia held top positions throughout the contest, showcasing outstanding performances in all three phases: dressage, cross country and showjumping.
“Having been involved in this event for many years, to say I am very happy and proud is an understatement,” head of equestrian and 1st team manager Wendy Jeffree said.
“To get our hands on that trophy has been a long-term goal for the Haileybury equestrian team.”
Their passion and determination saw Amelia win the EvA105 class and Sam close out the CNC 1star, she said.
Sam said it was satisfying to be rewarded for their efforts at this prestigious event.
“Winning the team championship at this event was something we have been striving for. Personally, having competed at the event annually for many years representing Haileybury, it was awesome to see Haileybury take out the team’s Championship,” he said.
“The training for Eventing has to be thorough and precise to allow the horses to perform at their best. We have to ensure that the horses are able to complete a harmonious dressage test while having the fitness, confidence and boldness to go around the two phases of jumping. So we have a strict program so the horses get to competitions, fit and ready to give it their all.”
The Wandin Park event this year attracted more than 250 competing riders from over 80 schools across the state.
