By Alana Mitchelson
A TYNONG North teenager has secured a championship ribbon in her preferred equestrian event at this year’s Victorian Equestrian Interschool Series (VEIS).
Year 8 student Sophie Bennett competed in the VEIS dressage grand finals on her horse Connie, to be named the reserve champion in her level and the overall series reserve champion.
This has qualified her to enter the nationals in pure dressage and she also qualified for the nationals in eventing earlier in the year – a rare achievement to qualify for two disciplines.
Sophie will represent Victoria at the Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships on Branigans Irish Connection in the eventing horse trials.
“I’m really happy and proud to be representing St Paul’s and Victoria at the Interschool Nationals in Sydney,” Sophie said.
“This is my second year going to nationals and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get here but it’s an amazing week. I’m lucky to have the support of Mr Armour and the elite sports performers program to help with managing my training and schoolwork.
“My horse Branigans Irish Connection and I are training hard and aim to do our very best in the competition and I cannot wait to get there.”
Nar Nar Goon’s Emily Downes also won her intermediate class at the VEIS show jumping grand final on her horse Snowy River Viking.
“I’m very excited to be able to go to nationals on my horse Snowy River Viking as I’ve only had him for about 14 months,” Emily said.
“It’s been hard work to get to nationals with the many hours of training I’ve put in and Dad running me around to all the qualifiers – thanks Dad.
“I’m sure the competition is going to be very tough in Sydney but I’m really looking forward to the experience. Go team Vic!”
Both girls are part of an elite sports performers program at St Paul’s have qualified to represent Victoria, competing at the national Interschool Equestrian Championships in Sydney in September.
