By Matthew Sims
Tooradin Primary School student Chloe Benis has qualified to represent Victoria in the Australian Interschools Equestrian Nationals competition later this month.
Taking place at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre, the event would showcase the best talent across a number of different disciplines, including dressage and jumping.
Chloe said she has been busy preparing for the competition.
“At the moment, I have two horses in full work, riding six days a week and practising my dressage and jumping before Nationals at Werribee,” she said.
“The horse I have qualified to represent Victoria on is my palomino mare Murray Gold Jasmyn (Jazzy).
“I have had her for two years and she is amazing, she always looks after me when we are out competing.”
Chloe said she loved riding from her first time.
“I started riding when I was three, my first pony was a black shetland named Daisy,” she said.
“I started because my mum had grown up riding horses and it was something we could both enjoy.”
Chloe said her parents had supported her plan to qualify for the Interschool Nationals competition.
“At the start of this year, I decided I really wanted to qualify for Interschool Nationals so Mum and Dad drove me all over to compete in lots of competitions so I could qualify for State Champs,” she said.
“Last week I came 1st in the last Combined Training event at Boneo Park before Nationals.
“State Champs was in April and I came 3rd in Victoria in the combined training primary school section.”
Chloe said she was the only student from her school which competes in interschool equestrian events.
“I think more kids from the area need to represent their school in equestrian events as it is so much fun and you can make lots of friends,” she said.
“I also compete lots for Tooradin Dalmore Pony Club which I love, Pony Club is my favourite day of the month as I get to catch up with lots of friends.
“I hope to do really well at the Australian Championships when I represent Victoria in a few weeks time.”
