NEGS student Annabelle Simpson
© OzShots Photography
In 2017, a decision to attend a CRU Horse Camp changed the path of Annabelle Simpson’s life. The camp opened the Sydney-sider’s eyes to life with horses and sparked an interest that would grow into a passion. After Googling equestrian schools, Annabelle stumbled upon NEGS. “We were somewhat surprised and anxious when she told us she wanted to move to NEGS,” Annabelle’s mum Diane said. “She embraced school life with enthusiasm in Sydney, was outgoing and had a great circle of friends.” But Diane stuck to her belief that to be a good parent is to know when to give children the wings to fly – and within three months Annabelle was enrolled at NEGS.
NEGS student Annabelle Simpson show jumping
© OzShots Photography
“Her journey took us on a journey,” Diane said. “We went up not really understanding anything about the equestrian world.” After riding the school’s horses, Annabelle had the chance to buy her own horse and hasn’t looked back. “With perseverance my riding improved and with the expertise of the equestrian staff and the support of my parents, I was fortunate to be paired up with two great horses that have helped me progress to the standard I’m at now,” Annabelle said. “I’ve come a long way in a relatively short period of time. I now compete in eventing, dressage and show jumping.” Now touted as an emerging three-day eventing talent, Annabelle’s life is a busy one – riding in the mornings before school and caring for her horse around her academic and musical studies. But it’s an enriched life – chock full of learning for her family too. “My husband David will do cross-country judge jumping and I’ll pencil for dressage which two years ago, we had no idea about,” Diane laughed. “As a family we’ve come a long way.”
This article was written in conjunction with NEGS.
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