A Toolern Vale student has been selected to represent Victoria in a prestigious sporting event.
Marly Wright, a student at Haileybury Pangea, was one of five students selected to be a part of the Victorian Equestrian Squad, who will compete at the prestigious 2025 Australian Interschool Championships in Sydney in September.
The competition demonstrates the showing, dressage, jumping and eventing skills of up-and-coming riders from across the country, with plenty of future Olympians in the mix.
Marly has been riding for the past seven years, and especially enjoys the connection she has built over the years with her horses.
A dedicated horsewoman, Marly trains seven days a week while attending Haileybury Pangea, the online counterpart of the private school.
Before competing in the national competition in Sydney, she is heading to competitions in Mexico and Florida.
“I love being around animals and once I had my first riding lesson, I knew it was something I wanted to keep doing,” she said.
“The connection with the horse and the thrill of riding drew me in. Every ride is different and competing gives me a goal to work towards.”
Marly competes on her 18-year-old horse called That’s Limo.
“He has a heart of gold and always tries his hardest for me,” she said.
“He isn’t always the most conventional horse – he has his quirks – but that’s what makes him so special. He knows when it’s game time and always steps up.
“I want to keep improving and learning, to enjoy every step of the journey with my horses and to one day represent Australia in show jumping around the world.”
Alongside Marly, Olivia Curtain, Queenie Kerr, Pearl Hodson and Zara Woods from Haileybury will also be competing.
The girls won their state squad spots after success at the recent five-day Interschool State Championships.
Haileybury deputy head of equestrian Nicole Turner congratulated the girls on their efforts.
“Each of our young riders have worked very hard,” she said.
“They juggle schoolwork, homework, caring for their horses and they spend hours each week practising their equestrian skills – in all weathers.
“Their commitment and dedication are admirable, and we wish them all the best in the nationals.”
