• Olympic equestrian Mr Heath Ryan to host clinic for students at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga

Charles Sturt University equine students are set to benefit from valuable industry knowledge from one of the country’s leading equestrians.

Three-time Australian dressage champion and Olympic equestrian Mr Heath Ryan will be at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga next week for a clinic with students and community members.

President of the Equine Students Association (ESA) and third-year Bachelor of Equine Science (with specialisations) student Miss Nicole Kernot moved from Adelaide to Wagga Wagga to further her studies in her chosen field.

“Attending practicals with live animals from the first week is common across all courses in the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and I believe this sets Charles Sturt University above the rest,” she said.

Miss Kernot was the Vice-President of the ESA in 2020 and is the President of the organisation this year.

Through the personal connections of fifth-year student Ms Belinda Flynn, the organisation has secured Mr Ryan to visit Wagga Wagga on Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 March.

Mr Ryan will give private dressage lessons to about 22 participants, including 13 students, over the two days.

“Heath’s name and reputation will bring out some of the most successful riders and horses in Wagga Wagga while boosting the confidence and experience of newer riders,” Miss Kernot said.

Mr Ryan is passionate about encouraging riders to reach their potential and believes there are a few emerging superstars to be found in Wagga Wagga.

“If you give an Australian kid half a chance, they will thrive,” he said.

“Wagga Wagga is in the bush, but the facilities at Charles Sturt University are close to challenging elite facilities anywhere in the world.”

The Wagga Wagga event will see Mr Ryan coach participants in dressage, improve on skills they already possess to develop their horses, and impart wisdom about the industry.

“The best reason for riding is that you enjoy it … but if you are deadly serious (about progressing in the industry), you have to make plans for it,” he said.

Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement in Wagga Wagga and Albury-Wodonga Ms Samantha Beresford said the new facilities were designed with events like this in mind.

“Charles Sturt University proudly continues to support the local equine community and is thrilled that the new facilities are being put to good use,” she said.

“We are delighted to host Australian Olympian Heath Ryan at our campus.

“It is a credit to the University’s Equine Student Association for organising the event and bringing the knowledge and wisdom of Mr Ryan to Wagga Wagga for students to learn from.”