Equestrian at Oxley College- Semester 1

Oxley College’s Equestrian Team has enjoyed a fantastic first Semester of 2026, with multiple training days, strong representation at Interschools competitions and wonderful growth in both riding and horsemanship.

Continuing on from the success of our 2025 training days at Sutton Farm, riders came together again in Semester 1 to develop their dressage and showjumping skills with coaches Kathryn B, Sophie A and Dee B. Later in the Semester, Oxley College and Tudor House riders joined together for a combined training day with coaches Mel Parbery, Sam Lyle and Chrissy Ryan, where students further developed their dressage, hacking and showjumping skills. Generous prizes donated by EQ Saddlery were awarded throughout the day, adding to the excitement and celebrating students’ efforts. Both training days concluded with plenty of fun and laughter during mounted games, including the popular toilet paper challenge. Most importantly, the days strengthened friendships, built team spirit and brought together riders young and old.

These training opportunities provided excellent preparation for the NSW State Interschools Championships held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre during the winter school holidays.

Alice H and Jake P, together with Year 5 student Clementine B, proudly represented Oxley College, demonstrating outstanding commitment, resilience, sportsmanship and horsemanship throughout the week.

Brigitte P L had also prepared diligently for the Championships but made the difficult decision to withdraw after her horse showed signs of soreness the day before competition. Her decision to put her horse’s wellbeing first was a wonderful example of the compassion, responsibility and horsemanship demonstrated by all members of the Oxley Equestrian Team.

Following the State Championships, Lily M and Jake P remained at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre to compete in the prestigious Youth Dressage Championships, which were held in the days following State Interschools. Jake also qualified to represent New South Wales at the National Interschools Championships in Dressage, an outstanding achievement and a testament to his dedication and hard work.

While the competition results were outstanding, the highlight of the week was undoubtedly the incredible Oxley team spirit. Riders supported one another throughout the competition, with non-competing team members travelling to SIEC to cheer on their teammates. Captain Chloe D generously designed and created personalised keepsakes for every rider as a thoughtful gesture to commemorate the week, while Lily M spent countless hours plaiting horses, assisting with warmups and supporting younger riders competing at their first State Championships. The encouragement, kindness and willingness to help one another perfectly reflected the values of the Oxley Equestrian Team. As I conclude my time at Oxley College, I feel incredibly privileged to have served as Equestrian Coordinator. It has been a pleasure to witness firsthand the dedication, progress, teamwork and exceptional horsemanship of our riders. Thank you to our students, families, coaches and supporters for making the Oxley Equestrian Team such a special community. I wish every rider and their equine partner every success in the years ahead.

Miss Georgie Ridehalgh
Oxley College Equestrian Coordinator