Columba College is extremely proud of the recent achievements of Year 10 student, Ruby, who was selected to attend one of Lucy Olphert's prestigious Global Amateur Showjumping Tours to France! With a large number of applicants from across the globe, this incredible opportunity offered to only 11 horse riders proved to be an amazing experience for super super-talented Ruby.

We are excited to showcase this Equestrian Story, and invite you to read below to learn all about Ruby's wonderful time away in France:   

In the beginning of July, I went to France for the Leg of the Global Amateur Tour. We arrived a few days before the tour started and met loads of other riders from all around the world including places like Canada, Australia, the UK and New Zealand. We stayed at a house in a small town called Vernon, which was about 15 minutes from the stables. On the first day of the tour, we went sightseeing to the Palace of Versailles which will be the 2024 Paris Olympic venue for show jumping. This was incredible to see!

On the second day we got right into it at the stables, and were lucky enough to ride up to two different horses per day. We received coaching from world class course designer Michel Ismalun, New Zealand show jumping selector Jaime Cambell, and the tour organiser and international rider Lucy Olphert, which was an amazing experience and I learnt heaps along the way! 

Half way into the tour we set off to the town of Chantilly to go and watch one of the biggest shows and classes of the season, the Chantilly Classic. My favourite part was watching the 1.55m grand prix. After we were given the opportunity for a week of training on a variety of different horses (my favourite being Sizing Star), we had a competition with 4 classes including the pole challenge, accumulator, optimum time and tip 'n' out. A prize giving was also held at the end. I rode two horses in the show, their names were Rembrandt and Sizing Star, and although I didn't place, it was still an amazing experience and I managed to pick up the award for Most Improved Rider. 

Some of the highlights of the tour for me were the show, getting to meet new people, and the feeling of how my confidence was really boosted through the experience and opportunity to ride lots of different horses.

Wow! What a fabulous experience you have had Ruby! We are extremely proud of you, and look forward to following your progress over the years ahead as you continue to chase your showjumping dreams!