Yeppoon Hack and Pony Clubber of the Year, Brooke Johnson, has set her sights on higher equestrian success.
Brooke, 15, is determined to make it to the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) to compete in showjumping, but said that was only the beginning.
“This year, I represented St Ursula’s College, Yeppoon, at the Interschool State Championships in showjumping, dressage, and one-day eventing, but my goal is to attend the Australian Interschool Championships.”
She’ll be doing it with her horse, Ben-Ji-Man, a six-year-old Clydesdale X thoroughbred, which she’s owned and trained for 12 months.
“I’ve grown up with horses, I ride every day, and I love it,” she said. “Ron Easey (former Australian Olympic equestrian competitor) comes up to Yeppoon a few times each year, and I train with him.”
Her ultimate ambition is to compete on the world stage at the Olympics.
She took part in the St Brendan’s College Rodeo in September in barrel racing, as part of the St Ursula’s team, saying it was a lot of fun.
“The atmosphere was amazing; there were teams from all around Australia, and it was great to be a part of it.”
As well as Pony Clubber of the Year, Brooke was awarded trophies for Most Showjumping Points, Most Dressage Points, and Most Points Overall at Yeppoon Hack and Pony Club’s annual Awards afternoon.