Straight from the horse's mouth
by Lisa Gilby
April 2009
Back in the saddle ... Natasha Riehl, Year 11, and Sandy-Lea Riehl, Year 12, with their horses Victory Gold and Tess.
A new equestrian program on the Darling Downs is teaching students about everything from showjumping to equine dentistry to inspire them to pursue careers or sporting interests in the industry.
Pittsworth State High School teacher Carole Boatwright developed the equestrian program as a school sport option for students this year.
And already it's paying dividends. Over the Easter school holidays some of the participants competed in regional equestrian competitions, winning medals and progressing to the state level in showjumping, dressage and showmanship.
Ms Boatwright said 20 students gathered at the Pittsworth Showgrounds on Thursday afternoons with their horses.
'They all have different interests and backgrounds,' she said.
'Some students are into dressage and some are into showjumping but everyone is happy to work together.'
Ms Boatwright said the program was designed to be holistic and give students a good grounding in all aspects of the equestrian industry.
'We've had a fourth-year vet science student speak to the group about her career path and an equine dentist gave a demonstration about the importance of dental hygiene.
'Then the students had their horses' teeth checked while he was here.'
Ms Boatwright said the students had also learned about natural horsemanship during another workshop, which focused on developing a positive working relationship with their horse.
During other sessions students were able to look at the importance of using the appropriate saddle and other equipment for specific purposes.
'We are hoping to have a visit from the mounted police next term and a demonstration from some members of the Queensland Polocrosse Association,' she said.
'I'm also hoping to get some placements for students at a local stud or vet surgery so they can do traineeships while they are still at school and work towards a career in the equine industry.'
Ms Boatwright said the local community had supported the program.
'It's a country town where everyone works together to make things happen,' she said.
'We're all involved in an activity we are passionate about."
'The parents are also really committed because they have to float the horses in each week, often from properties out of town.'
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