30 May 2025
Three students from Western Australian College of Agriculture in Morawa were among the few WA public schools that showcased their equestrian skills at the 2025 Equestrian Interschool State Championships.
Ayla Alford, Alex Fogarty and Elise Farmer.
Elise Farmer (Year 11) and Alex Fogarty and Ayla Alford (both Year 12) competed against 180 student riders from across the state.
Supported by their dedicated equine teacher, Crystal Greenwood, they represented the college in a variety of disciplines, including dressage, show jumping, show hunter and combined training.
All Morawa students had the unique challenge of competing on College-owned horses rather than their own, a true test of their adaptability and skill.
“My favourite parts were getting to experience the environment and getting to know everyone outside of school and residential,” said Elise.
Ayla Alford competing.
All three students were proud of their achievements at the competition, speaking highly of the sportsmanship of the event.
“Some key highlights of this outing have to be the sense of community and deepening of bonds with fellow schoolmates and equine teacher, finding out how much you are capable of under short amounts of time and high pressure, and working with, taking care of, and building trust with the horse you've chosen to compete, ” Ayla said.
In the lead-up to the event, the students trained intensively with Ms Greenwood, focusing on building confidence and refining their technical abilities.
“We’re so proud of our students for repping the mid-west in the big smoke and doing it with confidence, courage and country pride,” she said.
The students placed second and fourth in dressage, 11th and 19th in show jumping, and seventh in show hunter. Margaret River Senior High School was the champion secondary school in dressage.