AN ADRENALINE addiction keeps Haileybury College student Stephanie McAuliffe planted firmly in the saddle.
McAuliffe, 15, from Berwick, has been a regular feature at the Dandenong Ranges Horse and Pony Club for years and her skill at in the Mounted Games riding disciplines have earned her a spot on the Australian team for the Prince Philip International Mounted Games Exchange hosted by ‘The Pony Club’ of the UK in August.
The Mounted Games showcase expert horsemanship and discipline on and off the horse and McAuliffe is keen to make her mark on the international competition.
“I’m the Victorian member that gets to go this year,” McAuliffe said.
“I reckon it’s really exciting and pretty nerve-wracking, but you just get really excited to know you’re representing your own country… it’s so exciting.
“I love riding horses – some people say it’s dangerous but I just like that risk taking and a bit of adrenaline – it’s good.”
Mounted Games consists a series of relays of games to test the skills of rider and horse alike and the different categories for competition include individuals, pairs and teams – where a team of either four or five team members from across Australia will compete against the rest of the world.
McAuliffe is proud to gain national selection and get the seal of approval from the Mounted Games Australian selectors.
She is an Australian champion for pairs – on her beloved seven-year-old Darcy – and also an under-18 Victorian champion, highlighting an illustrious equestrian resume.
“He’s an Australian champion horse,” McAuliffe said.
“It took two years to get him ready and a year to get him used to everything and he’s now great to ride and knows what to do.”
McAuliffe wanted to thank Haileybury College for their support of her equestrian riding.
