2024 Marcus Oldham Australian Interschool Championships a great success

The Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) was the perfect venue for this prestigious annual event that took place from the 19th – 23rd September 2024.

The naming rights sponsor, Marcus Oldham College has a long and rich history, supporting young equestrian enthusiasts and steering many to a career in the equine industry. The College’s Director of Equine Business Management, James Lang, made the trip from Victoria to Tamworth to be part of 5 wonderful days of competition, friendship and fun.

James spoke at the opening ceremony and welcomed riders, parents and supporters, he thanked Equestrian Queensland for bringing some ‘top-end’ sunshine to Tamworth and putting together an event that catered for 420 riders, 490 horses and over 2000 supporters, officials and volunteers who participated in dressage, showjumping, combined training, show horse and eventing. Teams travelled from Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and New South Wales and everyone enjoyed the experience of being part of an event that delivered a truly “international” atmosphere.

44 pool horses were provided for Tasmanian, Western Australian and Northern Territory riders who could not bring their own horses, and the owners were thanked for their generosity and support of this competition. 

James Lang said, “Marcus Oldham College recognises that every competitor at this event represents the future of the Australian equine industry and equestrian sport. These young riders are all leaders amongst their peers, unparalleled in their journey to overcome challenges and reach goals at a time when horses as a career is a serious consideration.”

“Marcus Oldham College is a not-for-profit Institute of Higher Education, which has offered an equine business management course for over 40 years and has produced many leaders in all areas of the industry.” James explained. 

Equestrian Queensland CEO Briston Toft said. “The 2024 event was a huge success and on behalf of Equestrian Queensland, I congratulate and thank all competitors, parents, volunteers, officials, sponsors and supporters that contributed to making the competition a memorable and enjoyable experience”.

“Equestrian Queensland is grateful to the event sponsors, without whom the Championships could not have proceeded. Key sponsors included Marcus Oldham College, Johnson's Natural Formula, Wideland Group, Cavaleira Equestrian, JnK Collective, Edward's Saddleworld Toowoomba, Portable Horse Stables, Chaballo Equestrian, The Horse Den, OMG Equestrian, Gold Coast Luxury Homes, and Eurofloat.”

At the completion of 5 days competition, the 2024 Marcus Oldham Australian Interschool Championships Teamwork Trophy was decided after totalling the daily votes of a panel of five independent people.  This award acknowledged the state showing the best team spirit and teamwork, and the 2024 winner was Queensland.

Event Director, Patrick Lowe said, "The decision to hold the event at AELEC in Tamworth was met with great enthusiasm as it gave every rider an opportunity to ride on world class surfaces. It was great to see the enthusiasm and excitement from the riders throughout the competition, the cheering and display of team colours made this event unique. Congratulations to all riders and their horses as well as their support network, it is a substantial commitment to participate at a national event and competitors should all be proud of their efforts." he said.

Queensland was victorious in the team event winning the prestigious Harry Le Bherz Perpetual Trophy with 7466 points, New South Wales finished second (7390.5 points) and Victoria was third (6921.5 points), WA fourth (2729 points), SA fifth (2735.5 points) the NT (1259.5 points) and TAS (158 points). The Northern Territory team claimed the inaugural EA Interschool Trophy that was awarded to the state with fewer than 50 riders and achieved the highest accumulated points on a handicap basis. 

Other 2024 Marcus Oldham Australian Interschool Championships special award winners were:

- Show Rider Trophy: Jessica Callus & Rebelle from NSW

- Tammy Rhodes Dressage Trophy (Best Peformance Dressage) – Bridgette Dalmau & Bon Jovi MH from QLD

- Cross Country Award - Closest to Optimum Time Eventing Trophy – Abigail Fosnaugh & Monahan Vagabond from VIC

- Combined Training Trophy – Georgie Constable & Highland Dancer from VIC

- Finch Farm Champion Show Jumping Rider Trophy – James Hosie & AMC Ajaccio NZPH from QLD

Pas De Deux was a great addition to the event and was an amazing spectacle, performed outside under lights to music, the costumes were fabulous and performances entertaining.

Unanimous praise went to the organising committee that was made up of volunteers and their amazing work was key to the success of the event.  The committee members were: Patrick Lowe, Clinton Peters, Matt Ostwald, Monique Searle, Tracey Sexton, Alex Sorensen, Ken Sorensen, Emma Twine, Annabel Twine, Brooke Kelly, Andrew Lowson, Piper Wise, Kirstie Ferguson, Sarah Hoolihan, Anna Starosta, Piper Searle & Georgia Bradford, their time, dedication and effort was impossible to measure, but reflected in the success of the event and appreciated by all.

Event Results
Team Results and Special Awards