The Scots All Saints College Equestrian Team proudly took 27 riders to compete at the 2025 North West Equestrian Expo in Coonabarabran. This year, we were finally blessed with exceptional weather, mild days and pleasantly cool nights, a welcome change from the usual freezing conditions.
With over 450 horses and approximately 120 schools participating, the expo is always a bustling five-day event. Our team competed across a wide 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.
This year has truly been one of our most successful, with more champion rugs coming home than ever before. It has been a privilege to watch our riders achieve such outstanding results across so many disciplines. Their ongoing dedication, commitment to training, and support for our coaching program have truly paid off.
To quote Pele, former Minister of Sports of Brazil:
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”
That sentiment was evident in every rider’s performance.
Event Highlights
Eventing & Combined Training
Nearly all of our riders placed in the top 10—a testament to their training and preparation.
- Special congratulations to Amanda Penfold, who took 1st place and the champion rug in CT1A, and
- Winnie Johnson, who placed 2nd in the EV65 division.
Polocrosse
Our polocrosse program continues to be a strength, with six teams entered and four progressing to the finals – two each in Division 1 and Division 2.
- Special mention to Annie Triggs, Gracie Morse, and Georgina Webb, who won the Division 1 C Grade and brought home the champion rugs!
A huge thank you to Bruce Webb for his tireless coaching and support.
Six-Bar Event
Always a crowd favourite, this event challenges riders to clear increasingly taller jumps in sequence.
- Congratulations to Annabelle Webb and Toby Stutsel for making it to the final round – a remarkable achievement!
Showjumping
Monday’s Showjumping Day was a standout, with incredible success across the board.
- We swept all four championships in the 65cm class—a phenomenal result!
- Congratulations to Toby Stutsel, Caley McKellar, Georgina Webb, and Sophie Culley for their outstanding performances and sportsmanship.
Team Hunt
A favourite amongst our riders, the Team Hunt requires strong presentation and teamwork through a jumping course. Our teams were beautifully turned out and all placed well, with many ribbons earned.
Most Suitable Expo Mount
In this multi-skill event, riders must demonstrate control, agility, and versatility.
- Congratulations to Sybill Triggs, who won her class and brought home another champion rug!
Warrumbungle Way
A stockman-style challenge that remains a rider favourite.
- Special mention goes to Quade Penfold, who won the 13-year-old boys division and added another rug to our collection.
Working Horse Challenge
A hotly contested event each year.
- Georgina Webb and Alliena Gill placed 2nd and 5th, respectively, in the 13-year-old division.
- Lucy Cleton also earned a strong 5th place finish.
Special Recognitions
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing coach and mentor, Jen Wood, for her dedication and support throughout the event. Jen would like to especially acknowledge:
- Lucy and Hugh Cleton – for outstanding teamwork and skill in polocrosse.
- Lily McKiernan – for her consistently positive attitude and approach to every aspect of competition.
- Gracie Morse – for incredible defensive skills on the polocrosse field.
- George Morse – for exceptional results in the one-day event.
- Alliena Gill – for superb defensive contributions in polocrosse.
- Annabelle Webb and her horse, Darcy, for consistent, high-level performances across all disciplines.
A very special thank you goes to our team captain, Lucy Cleton, who has competed at every Coona event since joining the school. Her leadership, calm presence, and team spirit will be remembered fondly.
Acknowledgements
This event would not be possible without the support of so many:
- To our riders, your dedication, resilience, and team spirit are truly inspiring. Your results speak volumes about the hard work you put in week after week.
- To our parents, thank you for your incredible commitment, encouragement, and the sense of community you bring, especially around the campfire!
- To Paul Chapman – thank you for setting up our camp and always being on hand to help.
- To Peter Telford, we’re grateful once again for supplying all our firewood.
- To Sal Morse, Jen Cleton, and Sarah Triggs – for organising our much-enjoyed team dinner.
- To our exceptional coaches –
- Jennifer Wood (Showjumping)
- Sarah Farraway (Dressage)
- Bruce Webb (Polocrosse)
Thank you for your tireless efforts in preparing and supporting our students both before and during the event. Your impact is clearly visible in our riders’ growth and success.
- To Bruce Inwood – our deepest thanks for your ongoing work in maintaining the equestrian centre. From grading arenas to fence repairs, your efforts do not go unnoticed.
- To the College – thank you for your ongoing support of the equestrian program and the facilities that allow our students to thrive and pursue their passion.
What an incredible year for the Scots All Saints College Equestrian Team at Coona 2025. We are so proud of each and every one of you. Here’s to even greater success in the years ahead!
Mrs Libby Dawes, Director of Agricultural Studies and Equestrian
