Olympian and equestrian coach Mr Heath Ryan helped train and inspire Australia’s next Olympic hopefuls at a recent two-day clinic held at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga.Held at the new equestrian centre and organised by the Equestrian Students Association, the clinic was attended by CSU students and local riders. CSU Animal and Veterinary Science student and ESA president Ms Belinda Flynn said the club was excited to bring someone of Mr Ryan’s reputation and standard to Wagga Wagga.“Within 10 minutes of posting the clinic on Facebook, 77 people had signed up for one of the 25 places on offer,” Ms Flynn said, adding that the number grew to 380 expressions of interest.The clinic Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 September attracted dressage and eventing competitors who were working their way to elite level, with some competing in Australia’s only four-star three-day event and FEI international dressage competitions.Mr Ryan said he was very interested in seeing the CSU equestrian facilities and riders from the Riverina because of the enormous potential of the bush and its recent competition resurgence.“I’m very interested to have a look and encourage them and let them know it’s not hopeless kicking away at this sport, in fact I believe it [being in rural Australia] is about to become a significant contributor to Australia winning gold,” Mr Ryan said.He noted that Wagga Wagga had produced its fair-share of gold medal winning riders and horses in the past.Mr Ryan described the CSU Equestrian Centre as international standard, saying he was “seriously impressed” with its facilities and that he was keen bring attention to it.“It’s a wonderful launching facility in terms of riders and horses who want to compete internationally,” Mr Ryan said when talking about the high standard of the stables, show jumping and dressage arenas.When asked about the clinic, CSU Senior Lecturer in Equine Studies Dr Petra Buckley said, “I believe it is super exciting for students and staff, and super important to have such well-respected, high profile industry people involved in sharing their expertise”.She noted it was a good way to strengthen the bond between science and industry, and that it made CSU an ‘in touch’ kind of a place to study.Photo: Heath Ryan and CSU Senior Technical Officer Marion Kater on day one of clinic.