Nambour State College develops Equestrian School of Excellence

Sunshine Coast Council’s Nambour Showgrounds is the home of award-winning major events and now it has added Nambour State College Equestrian School of Excellence to its growing list of partnerships.

Division 10 Councillor Greg Rogerson said Nambour Showgrounds is a significant multi-purpose facility for the region and hosts a vast array of regular community, sport and recreation activities as well as a range of community and major events.

“Additionally, the Nambour Showgrounds adds considerable community life and economic value to Nambour and the Sunshine Coast,” Cr Rogerson said.

“It is also home to many community groups who use our facilities on a regular basis.

“Council is delighted to now host Nambour State College and its new Equestrian School of Excellence at the Nambour Showgrounds.

“We believe this is the first state school in Australia to include a Certificate II in Rural Operations and Horse Husbandry Assistance in their curriculum and are very pleased that they will be based at the Nambour Showgrounds.”

Each Wednesday, around 14 students start their day at the Showgrounds where they drop off their horses and head into the equestrian classroom.

Nambour State College teacher Lynda Page-Bickley said the Equestrian School of Excellence is run in conjunction with OnlineHorseCollege.com which provides national recognised fully accredited qualifications providing a pathway to working in the local or international equestrian industry.

“The course covers online theory including basic horse care, horse riding lessons by professional instructors and much more,” she said.

“We also organise dentists and farriers to attend the class to ensure the children learn the importance of the welfare of their horse.

“We even teach Bowen Therapy for horses - can you believe it!

“This course is very important to Nambour State College’s curriculum and being able to use the superior facilities at Nambour Showgrounds is an added bonus.

“I also organise an equestrian coaching workshop every second Wednesday afternoon for school students from prep to Year 12 who have their own horse and want to increase their knowledge of owning a horse.”