The Equestrian Centre was set up at Geelong Grammar in 1997 by a committee of enthusiastic OGGs, parents and staff after passionate requests for a facility were received from pupils throughout the school, and 2013 saw the opening of the Indoor Equestrian Centre, named after David William Robert Knox.
The Centre is looked after by the Equestrian Coordinator with support from the riders and the Equestrian Support Group which is mainly made up of parents of current riders. Instructors are engaged on a regular basis. The Centre’s facilities provide for both horses and riders to participate in different equestrian disciplines at varying levels. Children from Year 6 through to Year 12 ride their horses on a regular basis as their timetables allow. As well as sharing a great passion for horses, the Geelong Grammar Equestrian community has a great reputation for being extremely friendly and supportive of all members. Each February, Geelong Grammar School Equestrian members provide assistance at the annual Interschool Dressage and Show Jumping Competition.
Geelong Grammar School Equestrian was formed to further the interest of equestrian pursuits at Geelong Grammar School and to support the maintenance and development of the Equestrian Centre. Membership is open to anyone who is interested in promoting equestrian interests at the school.
President: Craig McElvaney
Vice-President: Lauren Menegazzo
Secretary/Treasurer: Jo Pincott
Committee Members: Dominic Cook, Heather Frizzell (Fr’90), Rebecca Tomsic, Mick Vaccari (M’98), Jasmine Wang
Immediate Past President: Jo Pincott (2022-25)
Past Presidents: Rebecca Gorman (2021-22); James Bufton (Cu’89) (2015-2021); Milton Collins (2013-2015); Helen Baillie (2011-2013); Sarah de Crespigny (2010)
GGS Equestrian Coordinator: Marina Oman (Levy, Je’76)
In 1997, a group of dedicated parents formed a committee to promote the concept of an equestrian facility at Geelong Grammar School. With the approval of the Headmaster, Mr. Lister Hannah, plans were drawn and the construction of the Geelong Grammar School Equestrian Centre began with the development of the Shell paddocks. Initially, paddocks were created; laneways and 6 day yards and a horse wash were constructed. A barn was built for the storage of hay and students’ equipment.
In 1998, with the aid of the Geelong Grammar Foundation, the supporters’ committee successfully campaigned for funds for the provision of horse shelters to the paddocks and the extension to the barn. At the same time, a ménage was built to provide a proper working surface.
In 1999, supporter group fundraising enabled an extension to the barn, the provision of toilet facilities and roofing to the day yards.
In 2002, the Principal, Mr Nicholas Sampson, gave permission for senior school students to elect equestrian as a sport. In the same year, a cross-country course was built in the area adjacent to the equestrian centre with supporter assistance.
In 2003, the Geelong Grammar Pony Club was formed and is affiliated with The Pony Club Association of Victoria. Geelong Grammar School Equestrian members provide assistance, when required, with the running of the Pony Club.
In 2005, a round yard and further pony yards were constructed.
In 2006, with the assistance of the supporter group and a grant from the Old Geelong Grammarians, a show jumping arena was constructed to accommodate the growing number of students participating in equestrian activities. A further 8 day yards were built to accommodate the increasing number of horses agisted at the school.
In 2007, our first official dressage arena – Wellington Arena – profited from Dressage and Showjumping Day.
In 2008, the locker room was extended to house extra students. Also a new hay shed constructed as a separate building away from tack area.
In 2009, three more dressage arenas profited from Dressage and Showjumping Day.
In 2010, 4 level water jump was kindly donated by Marine Training Services. Also a new set of show jumps was purchased once again from profits from Dressage and Showjumping Day (with Stuck On You producing stickers for these jumps).
In 2013, the David William Robert Knox Equestrian Centre was opened at Geelong Grammar School.
In 2017, 9 steel undercover cross tie tack up areas were added.
Through the School’s fundraising partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF), donations to Geelong Grammar Equestrian are tax deductible.
The Club does need funds to continue to provide equipment, improved coaching facilities, provide barbecues and social functions for our parents and supporters, and trophies/badges for our players. This can only occur with your donations and we are grateful for any help you may be able to provide.
So please show your support for Equestrian at Geelong Grammar by donating via this link.
The Equestrian Support Group is made up of parents and other interested adults for the promotion and support of all equestrian activities at GGS.
Because of the nature of this sport and the high level of parent participation at competitions, it is recommended that everyone with horses at GGS place their phone numbers and email details on the Equestrian Register so that contact can be made as necessary between parents.
To join the Geelong Grammar Equestrian Support Group, please fill in the Application Form (membership is free).
To contact the Equestrian Support Group, please email Iga Bajer, Support Groups Coordinator – supportgroups@ggs.vic.edu.au.