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Writer's pictureFran Cleland

Bits: NT riders in Sydney, equipment grant closing and Aussie hit by Hurricane Ian


ABOVE: The Northern Territory team at the interschools championships.

THE Northern Territory sent a team to this year’s Australian Interschool Championships in Sydney and the riders had a ball.

Representing the NT were Indiana Evans (captain), Alia Schmidt (vice captain), Lalwa May, Lily Purdon, Reese Callow, Layne Martin, Kiya Murrihy and Bridie Mckenna.

After the trip down, during which a float windscreen blew and needed urgent repairs, the weather was not quite what the riders are used to but that didn’t deter them one bit, with the team walking away with several podium finishes.

All riders did an outstanding job representing the NT and Equestrian Northern Territory has praised the team’s effort.

Not all the highlights happened on horseback, either. The team walked the cross-country course with Olympian Shane Rose, met and dined with the Inglis family and also had a personal private tour of Rose’s property and training facility.

Plans are already underway for the 2023 squad and team. Next year the event will be held at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre in Victoria.


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FORMER Australian Olympic showjumping rider Sam Campbell has been caught up in the Hurricane Ian disaster that has engulfed Florida in the US.

Campbell had just moved to the state and was instantly hit.

More than 2000 horses were evacuated from the path of the hurricane as owners prepared for the arrival of what has been described as one of the worst storms to ever hit the US. The life-threatening storm surge made landfall over Cuba around September 27 and made its way up the east coast.

Sam sent a message to all his Australian friends to say he and his family and animals were ok.

“We have settled into our new place in Florida and have already experienced the wrath of a hurricane. Everybody survived, except a few beautiful old oak trees and some fencing. People are well, horses are good as well as the dogs. We just got our power back. A simple thing like power can bring a nation to its knees. Again, as we get older we treasure all our friends.”


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ARE you from a community sports club with members under 20 years of age?

If so then you can now apply for free sports equipment and uniforms for your team under the Our Active Kids Grants, but there are only a few days left to get applications in before they close on Friday (October 7).


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IF you would like to read the full results from Royal Melbourne Show Horse section, this is the link, but be warned, the site is really slow and clunky so allow plenty of time.


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THE equestrian group Equine Events Australia Ltd (EQEAL) is closing down. The decision has been made due to uncertain economic times caused by the long-term impact of Covid, reduced numbers at equestrian events, and the cost of hosting events.

“We feel we have made the right decision,” a spokesperson said. “We are very proud of what we have achieved over the past two years during difficult circumstances and would like to thank everyone for their tremendous support. Should circumstances change, we may be in a position to reconsider our decision. For now, the team looks forward to continuing its support of other organisations.”


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THE Standardbred Pleasure and Performance Horse Association of Victoria and the Harness Racing Victoria Hero program regularly team up to provide a best performed award for Standardbreds at events throughout Victoria. If you are you running an event or clinic for Standardbreds, a show with standardbred classes or just want to provide recognition for the breed in their lives beyond the track, they would like to hear from you. The best way of finding out more is by email: hero@hrv.org.au



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