Team NT Shines at the 2024 Marcus Oldham Australian Interschool Championships

The 2024 Marcus Oldham Australian Interschool Championships in Tamworth have come to a thrilling conclusion, and Equestrian Northern Territory (ENT) couldn’t be prouder of Team NT’s exceptional performances throughout the event. Under the leadership of team captain Bridie McKenna, this talented group of riders showcased remarkable grit, determination, and sportsmanship across multiple disciplines, making their mark on the national stage.

Dressage Triumphs and Special Recognition

In the Dressage arena, Hayley Richter led the way, securing 3rd and 4th in her individual tests and earning the title of Reserve Overall Champion in the Secondary Intermediate Preliminary Dressage. Brooke Huppatz received a special award from the Dressage judges, recognising her calm, patient, and mature handling of her horse during a particularly challenging Preliminary Dressage Test. Her poise under pressure highlighted her dedication and skill.

Other NT riders in the Dressage competition included Alia Schmidt, Caitlin Dennis, Grace O'Donoghue, Gabi Hall, and Maya Purdon, who all performed admirably in their tests, gaining valuable experience at this prestigious event.

Combined Training Success

The Combined Training competition saw Bailey Howie shine once again, placing 3rd overall in the CT80 class, a significant achievement for one of the youngest competitors. She was joined by fellow riders Lindsey Scotney, Kiya Murrihy, Caitlin Dennis, Grace O’Donoghue, Brooke Huppatz, Gabi Hall, and Alia Schmidt, all of whom put in strong performances across their respective classes.

Jumping Performances

Team NT riders delivered standout performances in the Jumping events. Bridie McKenna, riding the impressive ‘Hisashowman’, secured 4th place in the 1.10m 2 Phase class, while Layne Martin took 5th in the 1m Jump Off class. Georgia Dennis also earned a 5th place finish in the Intermediate 90cm Jump Off class, with Kiya Murrihy and Hayley Richter placing 5th and 6th, respectively, in the Intermediate 90cm One Round Stakes.

In the Primary 70cm division, Bailey Howie placed 3rd in the 2 Phase class and finished 4th overall, demonstrating her versatility across both Jumping and Combined Training. Alia Schmidt and Maya Purdon competed in the Senior 90cm division, with Maya delivering a clear round in the 90cm 2 Phase class, and Alia’s young horse showing improvement with each passing day.

Eventing Highlights

Reese Callow competed in the EVA80cm Eventing, producing a strong dressage test and adding only 5 penalties in the jumping phase. Reese’s super clear cross-country round earned her a total score of 42, placing 18th in a highly competitive field of experienced eventers.

Show Horse

On the first day of the event, Lindsey Scotney competed in the Show Horse category. Her beautifully presented horse and polished performance earned her an overall 9th place, a commendable achievement in a competitive field.

Team Recognition and Management

The entire NT team was ably supported by Team Manager Karen Ruzsicska, whose leadership and dedication were instrumental in guiding the riders through the demanding schedule and intense competition. In an exciting achievement, Team NT claimed the inaugural Small State Team Award, recognising the top-performing team from states with fewer than 50 riders. This victory is a reflection of the talent, perseverance, and spirit of the NT riders.

Acknowledgements

Equestrian Northern Territory extends its sincere thanks to Equestrian Queensland for their excellent organisation of the 2024 Marcus Oldham Australian Interschool Championships. The event was run smoothly, providing a fantastic experience for riders from across the country.

The success of Team NT would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the Interschool NT Committee, who worked behind the scenes to ensure the team was well-prepared and supported throughout the event.

Team NT returns home with new experiences, invaluable memories, and immense pride in their achievements. Congratulations to all riders, coaches, and supporters for an unforgettable week in Tamworth. Bring on 2025!