The Scots All Saints College Equestrian Team proudly travelled to Coonabarabran to compete at the 2026 North West Equestrian Expo, taking a team of 30 riders to one of the largest school equestrian events in the state.
Despite experiencing a mix of weather conditions throughout the week, the team enjoyed a successful and rewarding five-day competition.
With more than 450 horses and approximately 120 schools participating, the Expo provided a wonderful opportunity for our riders to showcase their skills across a diverse range of disciplines, including eventing, combined training, working horse challenge, polocrosse, showjumping, sporting, the Warrumbungle Way, pentathlon, team barrels, team hunt and the Expo gymkhana.
One of the highlights of the week was witnessing our riders achieve personal bests and embrace the challenges that come with equestrian competition. Their resilience, perseverance and sportsmanship were evident throughout the event. It was particularly pleasing to hear Expo organisers commend the Scots All Saints College team for their positive attitude, team spirit, politeness and enthusiasm. The committee described our team as one of their favourites due to the way our students support one another, represent the College and, most importantly, enjoy every moment of the experience.
Event Highlights
Eventing and Combined Training
Our riders delivered outstanding performances, with many finishing in the top 10 of their respective classes.
Special congratulations to:
- Gracie Morse, who won the Combined Training Encouragers class and was awarded the Champion Rug.
- Georgina Webb, who claimed the Champion Rug in the 65cm Eventing competition.
Polocrosse
Polocrosse once again proved to be a major highlight of the Expo. Under the guidance of coach Bruce Webb, Scots All Saints College entered seven teams, with six progressing through to the finals.
The Division 1 C Grade Grand Final was won by the Scots All Saints team of Sybil Triggs, Annie Triggs and Gracie Morse, who displayed exceptional teamwork and skill.
In the Division 2 Grand Final, Amanda Penfold, Matilda Penfold and Quade Penfold delivered a fantastic performance to finish as runners-up after a closely contested match against past Scots All Saints students.
Six-Bar Competition
The ever-popular Six-Bar event saw riders tackle increasingly challenging jump heights. Congratulations to Annabelle Webb, Ellenore Stustel, Georgina Culley and Georgina Empringham for their excellent performances. Annabelle Webb and Georgina Empringham progressed through to the final round, helping the team secure an impressive second place overall in a highly competitive field.
Showjumping
Monday’s Showjumping competition was a standout day for the team. Under the guidance of coach Jennifer Wood, many riders achieved placings and wins across their classes. Their professionalism, horsemanship and composure in the arena were a credit to both themselves and the College. Seona Chapman had a phenomenal round in the power and speed class and was only 1 point from the championship for the 80cm.
Working Horse Challenge
The Working Horse Challenge attracted strong competition, with several Scots All Saints riders qualifying for the Sunday finals. Congratulations to Sybil Triggs, Annie Triggs, Annabelle Webb and Gracie Morse, all of whom finished within the top 10.
Sporting and Team Barrels
Sporting events always bring excitement and energy to the Expo. Congratulations to Mikaylee Graf, who was awarded Reserve Champion in her age group.
With over 90 teams in the Team Barrels event, it is always a spectacle to watch. We had some amazing runs, and the Penfold team again showed their skill, taking out 10th place.
Team Penning
Team Penning is always popular and a great last day event. Yet again, the teamwork from siblings Amanda Penfold, Matilda Penfold and Quade Penfold shone, with them taking out 2nd place in their first run. They showed skill and patience and got all three steers into the yard beautifully.
Acknowledging Our Coaches
The success of our riders at the North West Equestrian Expo is a reflection of the dedication and expertise of our coaching team, who generously invest countless hours in developing the skills, confidence and horsemanship of our students.
We extend our sincere thanks to:
- Jennifer Wood for her outstanding coaching and support in Showjumping, helping riders achieve excellent results throughout the competition.
- Sarah Farraway for her expertise in Dressage, providing riders with the strong foundations and precision required across multiple disciplines.
- Bruce Webb for his dedicated coaching and mentorship in Polocrosse, helping our riders develop their skills, teamwork and competitive spirit, which was clearly reflected in the outstanding results achieved by our polocrosse teams.
- Kayley Pendergast and Quentin Stapleton for their invaluable coaching in Working Horse and Cow Horse, preparing students to compete confidently in these highly contested events.
The commitment, knowledge and encouragement provided by our coaches play a significant role in the ongoing success of the Scots All Saints College Equestrian Team. We are incredibly grateful for the time, passion and mentorship they provide to our riders throughout the year.
Special Recognition
We would also like to acknowledge our team captains, Annie Triggs and Gracie Morse, who have competed at every North West Equestrian Expo since joining the College. Their outstanding leadership, calm guidance and commitment to fostering a positive team culture have left a lasting impact on our equestrian program.
As two of our most experienced riders, Annie and Gracie have been exceptional role models for younger team members.
Their ability to encourage teammates, maintain morale and lead by example was evident throughout the week and greatly appreciated by riders, staff and parents alike. We thank them for their years of dedication and service to the Scots All Saints College Equestrian Team and wish them every success in their future equestrian pursuits.
Thank You
The success of the North West Equestrian Expo would not be possible without the support of our wider community.
Thank you to:
- Our riders, for their dedication, resilience and exemplary team spirit.
- Our parents, for their ongoing support, encouragement and the wonderful sense of community they create throughout the week.
- Paul Chapman, for setting up our camp and always being willing to lend a hand whenever needed.
- Our mums, who once again organised and prepared the much-anticipated team dinners that brought everyone together at the end of each day.
The 2026 North West Equestrian Expo was another memorable experience for our riders, showcasing not only their competitive success but also the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, perseverance and pride in representing Scots All Saints College.
We congratulate all team members on their achievements and look forward to another exciting year of equestrian competition ahead.
Mrs Libby Dawes, Director of Agricultural Studies and Equestrian
