Dana Krause and Taittinger were Medium Champions at the Boneo Park Interschools series.
© Dana Krause
By Equestrian Life
Dressage rider and G Level judge Dana Krause has enjoyed taking part in Interschool events since the age of ten, riding for Peninsula Grammar where she was the Equestrian Captain for the last three years. With her final year of school complete, we caught up with Dana to find out a bit more about her time competing at Interschool events, how she juggled her VCE and riding equestrian commitments, and to see what’s in store for 2020…
How do you feel Interschool events have contributed to your riding career?
“I’ve been lucky to compete at many interschool events over the years with my first being when I was 10. They were amazing for me in my younger years, as it showed me a world that could revolve around dressage. There are very limited opportunities in Pony Club to do straight dressage competitions, and yes by the age of 12 I had decided dressage was the discipline for me! The interschool dressage series helped feed my passion for dressage and showed me the pathway to EA competitions.”
Dana Krause and Taittinger competing at an Interschools event.
© One Eyed From Photography
What is it about Interschool events that is appealing?
“Interschool events are a great way to expose young riders to the EA environment and provide them with an opportunity to test their training within their own age groups. The utilisation of EA judges and tests prepares riders for the reality of EA open competitions. Personally, I’ve really enjoyed them as they’ve been a way to unofficially try a test at a new level prior to attempting these tests in an open EA environment whilst still getting good feedback from EA Judges. The Interschool events are a great initiative and provide riders with a stepping-stone from Pony Club into the EA environment.”
What is it that you’ll miss the most about competing at Interschool events?
“I will miss the practice, the atmosphere and the camaraderie!”
You’ve just completed VCE — how did you manage riding and studying? What tips do you have for other riders about to embark on their final few years of high school?
“Organisation is key! At the start of every week I would sit down and plan what I’ve got on in terms of school assessments, teaching, riding and judging. It was particularly important for me to keep riding; it is a mental break, that elusive off switch for the stress of VCE. Being so busy it forced me to be switched on the whole time as to what I needed to do and when. Though I may have sacrificed the lazy weekend mornings, others who chose to give up their sports seemed to have difficulty in switching from the pyjama morning to the study afternoon. There was no room for procrastination in my timetable; it just didn’t fit. Time will tell if this has served me well. I would highly recommend that riders continue to ride during their VCE years and just be prepared to have a good diary system and be well organised!”
The Peninsula Grammar Interschools Team (minus one rider who got reserve champion).
© Dana Krause
Looking to 2020, Dana is hoping to step up to Advanced level and also compete FEI CDI-Y (Young Rider) classes with her Warmblood, Taittinger VDS. Dana managed to continue judging during 2019. but is hoping to step this up next year. “Judging is something I am definitely hoping to do more of next year and for many more years. I have already been asked to judge a couple of competitions early in the New Year which is a good start!” says Dana.
We wish Dana all the best with her riding and judging in 2020!
Dana is sponsored by Hi Form Australia Pty Ltd and LaNoir Saddleworld Equestrian.
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