2026 Horseland Australian Interschool Championships
That's a Wrap on the 2026 Horseland Australian Interschool Championships!
What an incredible four days of competition, camaraderie and memories made. A total of 389 riders and 442 horses came together to contest 86 classes across four unforgettable days at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre, showcasing not only their talent and horsemanship but also the unique spirit that makes Interschools so special.
From the moment the teams marched into the Opening Ceremony and their chants echoed around the venue, the excitement and energy were electric. The stage was set for an extraordinary week.
An evening BBQ dinner for riders in Indoor 2 provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow competitors, capture some pre-event memories in the photo booth, and enjoy each other's company before the competition commenced.
Meanwhile, parents, siblings and supporters gathered in the Main Indoor Arena for a BBQ, taking the opportunity to catch up with fellow families, coaches and team managers ahead of the start of competition.
Day One
To say it was huge would be an understatement.
Competition commenced with Show Horse, All Abilities classes, the first phases of Eventing and Combined Training, along with the ever-popular Pas de Deux competition. A true celebration of teamwork and creativity, the Pas de Deux entertained riders and spectators alike before an evening of fun and friendship in the indoor arena.
Day Two
With glorious weather greeting competitors, pure Dressage commenced while the event riders tackled the cross-country phase.
Course designer Ewan Kellett produced a challenging yet fair course across the beautiful Werribee Park grounds. It was wonderful to see teams supporting one another and equally inspiring to watch the future of our sport navigate this phase with maturity, respect, and their horses' welfare always front of mind.
Pure Showjumping also commenced, with competition taking place on the wax surface and in Indoor 1.
The day concluded with the inaugural EQU StreamZ Showjumping Masterclass, held in the Main Indoor Arena. Featuring talented young riders Tanner Robinson, Finley Hiscock and Charlie Hiscock aboard a variety of horses, the session showcased skill, versatility and great horsemanship.
Thank you to Richard and the team at EQU StreamZ for the vision behind the initiative and to Brooke Hickey for her expert hosting of the session.
Day Three
By now, everyone was beginning to feel the pace of the championships, but there was certainly no opportunity to slow down.
More Dressage competition took place, Eventing concluded with the Showjumping phase, and Pure Showjumping continued.
Team spirit remained one of the defining features of the week. Riders could be found ringside throughout the venue supporting teammates, cheering on friends and displaying the qualities that make the prestigious Team Spirit Award so highly regarded.
That spirit was certainly on full display during the evening's Captains' Games Night.
What a night! Two hours of laughter, energy, teamwork and excitement, accompanied by an incredible array of prizes. These social experiences remain one of the most valuable aspects of Interschools, bringing young riders together from across Australia to create friendships and memories beyond competition.
Day Four
The final day arrived with forecasts of significant rainfall, and unfortunately Mother Nature delivered.
As the weather deteriorated throughout the day, riders, horses, officials and support crews faced challenging conditions. Despite the rain, competition continued with the final day of Dressage and Showjumping.
Once again, riders demonstrated outstanding horsemanship, adapting to the conditions and giving their best under difficult circumstances. A special thank you must also go to the many support crews who braved the weather and worked tirelessly to ensure horses were safely cared for, dried off and returned comfortably to their stables.
A Fitting Conclusion
As competition drew to a close, attention turned to the Closing Ceremony.
It was a wonderful celebration of everything the championships represent - the highs, the challenges, the friendships formed and the shared experiences that unite riders from across the nation.
The chants were loud, the spirit was strong and the atmosphere unforgettable.
Our MC, Kellie May, was outstanding throughout the week, bringing energy, enthusiasm and professionalism to every presentation, ceremony and evening function.
With a substantial list of awards to present, it was particularly pleasing to see riders display such appreciation and respect throughout the ceremony. Their gratitude towards parents, coaches, officials, volunteers, sponsorsand organisers was evident and serves as a reminder of the quality of young people involved in our sport.
The future is bright. We have no doubt that many of these riders will go on to represent their states, their country and perhaps even Australia on the world stage in years to come. Brisbane 2032? Anything is possible.
Championship Awards
Congratulations to Queensland, winners of the coveted Team Spirit Award, with Western Australia and Tasmania close behind.
The prestigious Harry le Berz Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the state accumulating the highest overall points score, was won by Victoria.
Congratulations also to Western Australia, recipients of the EA Interschool Trophy for achieving the highest points score among states with fewer than 50 riders.
Full results are available on the Event Secretary website here: https://eventsecretary.com.au/live/21504
Thank You
A championship of this scale is only possible through the efforts of an extraordinary team.
To our officials, judges, technical delegates, stewards and course builders, thank you for your professionalism, expertise and commitment throughout the event.
Special thanks to our incredible equine welfare team, including Melbourne University Veterinary Hospital, Werribee Equine Centre, Jen Stewart and Mike Tweedy, for ensuring the health and wellbeing of every horse remained a priority throughout the championships.
To our many volunteers, thank you for contributing your time, enthusiasm and smiles. Whether before the event or onsite throughout the week, your efforts made a significant difference.
To everyone working behind the scenes, from presentations and scoring to administration, logistics and event operations, thank you for the countless hours invested in creating an exceptional experience for our competitors.
To Our Sponsors
A sincere thank you to our Major Sponsor, Horseland, and the team of Justin, Amy and Paris. Your continued commitment to Interschool equestrian sport is greatly appreciated and has an impact at local, state and national levels across Australia.
Thank you also to our Naming Rights Sponsors:
Dressage - Cavaleira
Eventing - Jenquine
Combined Training - Dr Kirk's
Showjumping - EQU StreamZ
All Abilities - Boneo Park & Solomon Family Foundation
Show Horse - JnK Collective
We hope you enjoyed showcasing your brands and being part of such a special event.
A special thank you also to the Duncan Equine Group for creating the Rider Retreat, a popular space where competitors could relax, recharge and connect throughout the week.
Thank you to the fabulous media team who worked tirelessly all week to capture your special moment. All media can be found on our website here: https://ausequestrianinterschoolchamps.org.au/our.../
Finally...
To the Victorian Interschool Committee, thank you for your support, guidance and dedication throughout the planning and delivery of the championships.
To Event Director Pete Hurley and the entire Equestrian Victoria team, congratulations on delivering an outstanding national championship and creating an exceptional experience for riders, officials, volunteers and spectators alike.
Equestrian Victoria was proud to host the 2026 Horseland Australian Interschool Championships and now looks forward to supporting Queensland as they take on the challenge of hosting in 2027.
Thank you to everyone who made this championship unforgettable. Safe travels home and we'll see you again next year.
Missed all the action - catch up on our dedicated social platforms:
Instagram @Aus_Interschool_Champs
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