Ella to cook up Storm

By Ben Hope
WITH a new horse and years of experience Berwick’s Ella Jackson is more than ready for the Victorian Interschool Equestrian Challenge (VIEC).
The 13-year-old veteran will represent Beaconhills College in the challenge on Monday as part of a four-person team.
“I really like competing in the VIEC because it’s a nice quiet place and it’s close to home,” Ella said.
Growing up on a farm in Berwick Ella is no stranger to horse riding. She first rode a horse when she was five and competed in her first VIEC competition while she was still in prep.
In Monday’s event Ella will compete with her new horse, Storm, an ex-race horse bought after the Year 8 student outgrew her old horse, Pete.
“The Berwick Show was the first time I competed with Storm and we did really well,” she said.
Ella will compete in four events at the VIEC: best rider, best presented, games and jumping equitation.
“My favourite event is best presented,” she said.
“Storm has to be clean for the event. He also gets make-up and his mane plaited. I am judged as well so I have to make sure all my gear is clean.”
In the jumping equitation Ella can manage up to 75 centimetres.
The VIEC is held at the Victorian Equestrian Centre next Monday 22 March, from 8am. For details call 5944 3751.