Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships Bigger and Better than Ever
The 2017 edition of the Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships will be bigger and better with 350 horses and 320 riders from all over the nation converging at the Toowoomba Showground for four days of competition.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the championships and it will be the third time Queensland has hosted the popular event. The inaugural championships were held in Queensland in 2008.
Individuals will compete in Dressage, Show Horse, Eventing, and Combined Training classes that begin tomorrow.
VIC, SA, NSW, TAS, WA and the NT will be represented by teams vying for the overall event championship title. Rivalry is fierce and the teams each led a colourful parade at today’s official opening ceremony.
And in true Queensland spirit, Cindy Coggan from the AIC Committee has supplied close to 60 pool horses for riders to compete on. This no mean feat and a first in the history of the Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships.
Event Director Annie McDonald said this year’s Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships has attracted unprecedented levels of sponsorship support and entertainment initiatives in and around the competition.
“The level of sponsor support that we have this year has been amazing,” McDonald said.
“The vision has been to take it to the next level this year in terms of sponsorship, develop it further on a corporate level and take it more to the public.”
The event will feature a dedicated broadcast programme that will be showcased daily on a big screen plus there will be a busy trade village featuring some of Australia’s iconic brands including RM Williams.
Renowned horse and landscape artist Laura Douglas has also specially designed a stunning 5 x 5m wall that will form a memorable backdrop for competitors and the general public. She has also led the creative direction for the rider’s retreat and entertainment marquee.
And in a novel twist, a pony by the name of ‘Popcorn’ is the official mascot for this year’s event. He landed his sweet name through a special online competition. He has his own registration papers and is listed as a Thoroughbred by Caramel Topping out of Melted Butter and will be available for purchase throughout the week.
2017 Marcus Oldham Australian Interschool Championships
- Dates | Tuesday 26th to Friday 29th Sept 2017
- Toowoomba Showgrounds, Queensland
- Open to the Public | Everyone Welcome
- Trading Hours 9am to 9pm Daily
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