Life of an equestrian student at Peninsula Grammar

Peninsula Grammar student Jazi French

© Nancy French

Peninsula Grammar student Jazi French is no stranger to the competition ring, having won countless titles. EQ Life was fortunate enough to catch up with the upcoming dressage star to find out a little more about what it is like juggling school life with an equestrian career.

Jazi French’s weekly training schedule is jam-packed, with Jazi riding her horses up to five times a week. Keeping them fit and healthy is paramount to Jazi, and her mother Nancy who is also an avid rider and represented Australia at the Rome World Equestrian Games in 1998. Jazi represents Peninsula Grammar with pride at various Interschool competitions held throughout the year, focusing on the dressage discipline. “My favourite thing about dressage would have to be that special bond you create with your horse, and all the amazing things you can do and achieve as a team,’’explains Jazi. “I also enjoy competing in Interschool competitions, as that’s where my dressage career began.’’

Jazi has won various championship titles over her riding career, with some of her top achievements and titles including Advanced Champion at the Australian Interschool Championships in 2018, Champion Show Hunter at the Interschool State Championships in 2019, becoming the deserving winner of The Tammy Rhodes Dressage Trophy, winning the Advanced Dressage Champion title at the VEIS Grand Final last year, and winning the Small Tour Championship title this year. Jazi also frequently wins dressage competitions in Open Competitions, and recently won the CDI-J at Willinga Park, earlier this year.

Jazi French and Florinzz – winners of the CDI-J Freestyle

© Roger Fitzhardinge

Those who are devoted to the consuming sport of equestrian, or even those who dabble in it, understand the amount of time, energy and commitment that is involved in the sport. Peninsula Grammar also understands this. When asked how Peninsula Grammar supports Jazi’s equestrian career, she simply explains that Peninsula Grammar recognise the hard work and effort that is put into the horses, and the effort and pride that comes with representing the school. Jazi also explains that Peninsula Grammar make a conscious effort to treat equestrian sport equally, just like all the other sports that are available to the students.

Equestrian is a unique and treasured sport, and the opportunity for school students to compete at Interschool competitions is a fantastic opportunity for young riders to springboard their passion and to build stronger friendships with like-minded people.