Evolution of the Program

There is the definite tang of the ‘unique’ about the Equestrian Program at Katanning Senior High School. In 2006, a group of innovators got together to plan future directions for Katanning SHS and Katanning Residential College. Given Katanning’s strong history of Equestrian activities (the historic Pony Club and Equestrian Association) and education (Kobeelya Girls School), it was decided to investigate the possibility of a program that allowed the marriage of local history with modern techniques. This led to the birth of the Upper School Equestrian Program based on the NTIS Certificate II in Racing (Stable Hand).

Accordingly, 2007 saw the enrolment of the first Equestrian students at Katanning SHS and the appointment of Program Coordinator and teacher Miss Janine-Helen Daniel and Head Coach Mrs Leesa Sinagra-Evans. That same year, the school was awarded specialist status for the program with the Department of Education and Training.

Specialist Equestrian status saw Katanning SHS become an endorsed provider of the Equestrian Australia National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (EA/NCAS) schools program, the only endorsed school in the state where this is offered. We are also affiliated with the WA branch of Equestrian Australia (EAWA). Our first Equestrian class graduated in 2008, with the Inaugural Old Kobeelyans Association Award for Equestrian Excellence being presented to graduand Miss Liza-Jane Farkas.

Competitions

As a Specialist Sport Program, Katanning SHS is obliged to promote student involvement in Equestrian Competition at many levels, an obligation we take very seriously and from which we derive much satisfaction.

The fledgling program enjoyed instant success in terms of competition during 2007. The first event attended by students in the program was the annual Wagin Woolarama Funarama where one of our numbers attained the most points to become best overall rider in her age group. That year also saw the inauguration of the highly successful and unique Spring Carnival Gymkhana.

To our knowledge, Katanning SHS remains the only school to have an Equestrian component during an athletics carnival. The event included showjumping and games, with points being awarded to students who dressed in their house colours. Liza-Jane Farkas was the Overall Best Rider, with Annabel Marshall coming a close second.

Again in 2008 we had a very successful Wagin Woolarama Funarama, with four students from the school winning or placing in their age groups. At the Interschool Showjumping Qualifier Gymkhana held at Katanning Pony Club, all students gained clear rounds in their chosen heights. Several of our riders competed in the Katanning Endurance Ride, held in September, gaining completion certificates in their chosen distances. At the Katanning Spring Lamb Festival (the Annual Agricultural Show), students chose to support the newly introduced breed classes by showing their horses in hand.

As many of our students this year have just begun new human/equine partnerships, our competition schedule will be more relaxed than we had planned for 2009.

New Directions

We have been able to offer in 2009 for the first time a Year 9 and 10 optional program in Equestrian Studies. Students are enrolled in the first two EA/NCAS Schools Programs certificates – Introductory Horse Management (taught by Program Coordinator Miss Janine-Helen Daniel) and Introductory Horse Riding (taught by Head Coach Miss Natalie Williamson). Numbers continue to grow and students adore their studies. Horse riding lessons have commenced with our Head Coach, and as always, students are making great progress.

Continuing Focus’

Here at Katanning SHS we maintain our emphasis on the importance of the relationship between the equine and the human. We firmly believe that this friend-like partnership is the key to achievement in Equestrian sports. We continue to encourage our students to strive to be their best, helping them to demonstrate personal excellence. Whether this be shown by attending their first pony club rally whilst keeping their new horse calm, or competing at high levels, all students benefit and grow their skills from the programs on offer at Katanning SHS. We just delight in teaching the Equestrian beginner how to safely feed a horse a piece of apple, and watch with pride as they quickly grow in confidence around the equine. It is equally satisfying to see competent riders add new skills to their repertoire, and develop a deeper understanding of their current abilities.

Available Programs

Here at Katanning SHS, students of all years and experience levels can participate in the Equestrian Program. The following are available:
• Introductory and Level 1 EA/NCAS Horse Riding certificates. Open to students in Years 8-12 who own or lease their own suitably docile and well-trained horse.
• Introductory and Level 1 EA/NCAS Horse Mastership certificates. Open to all interested students in Years 9-12. Own horse NOT required.
• NTIS Certificate II in Racing (Stable Hand) studied alone or concurrently with the EA/NCAS courses. Open to students in Years 11 and 12. Elective units available for students with and without their own riding horses.
• Students involved in the specialist program must own or lease their own horse and study both horse riding and horse mastership once in Year 9 or above.
• Students are also able to complete a large proportion of their mandatory 20 hours of community service assisting in Equestrian endeavours, such as setting up at local events etc.

All certificates offered at Katanning SHS, whether Horse Mastership, Horse Riding, or the Certificate II in Racing (Stable Hand), count towards secondary graduation when awarded during Years 10-12. The programs offered at Katanning SHS have a strong vocational focus, as they provide students with direct entry level qualifications for both employment and further training in the industry.

Come visit us!

Are you inspired to be a part of our continuously developing program? Do you feel you have something to add to the Equestrian Program at Katanning SHS? Well then, please make an appointment to visit the school and the newly named Great Southern Equestrian Academy (GSEA). Despite the physical project still being in the development stage, excellent facilities are on offer at the GSEA for the boarding of your child’s horse. Should you require boarding facilities for your child as well, the adjacent Katanning Residential College provides first-class care and accommodation. Katanning has a lot to offer the horse-mad teen, located as it is the heart of the country where horses have always been a part of local life. Let us show you the growth that is possible in a supportive, caring environment where every possible step is taken to ensure the success of your child both at school and in their chosen endeavour – Equestrian.