Show jumping prowess for schools

By Kelly Yates
MORE than 150 competitors from over 36 schools saddled up for last Friday’s interschool show jumping event at Hillcrest Christian College.
The competition marked the official opening of the school’s new indoor equestrian arena, which cost more than $350,000.
The arena was funded by the Federal Government as part of the skills centre trading training scheme.
Casey councillor Geoff Ablett attended last week’s event, saying “equestrian is the lifeblood of the City of Casey.”
Equestrian teacher Deborah Lovett said interschool show jumping had been around for three years, with students competing in four competitions throughout the year.
This year’s first round was held at the Clyde North school.
The competitors and their horses started jumping from 7.30am, with the scores determined by the best four place-getters in each school.
First place went to Toorak College with 31 points and the host team from Hillcrest Christian College came second, with the top scoring riders including Alex Benson, Hayley Purcell, Tameisha Kelly and Gabrielle Lovett.
Director of interschool showjumping Peter Hornsey said Hillcrest had continued to lead the way in equestrian studies in a school environment.
“The program at Hillcrest has grown from nine riders four years ago to include now 180 students per week at Hillcrest Christian College,” Mr Hornsey said.