Inside the bond that drives Charlotte’s success
Charlotte in action with Bella. Picture Hoofprints Photography.
At just 11, Woombye/Palmwoods district rider Charlotte Ritchie is preparing to represent Queensland at the Australian Inter-school Equestrian Championships for the second year in a row.
The Sunshine Coast Grammar School Year 6 student earned her place after an outstanding State Championship campaign, becoming Interschool Queensland Primary Novice State Champion and Primary 90cm State Champion.
Charlotte has been riding since she was just 15 months old, and will head to Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre in Victoria with two very different equine partners, Bella and Sea.
We asked Charlotte about her riding, her horses and what it means to reach the national stage.
Q: Tell us a little about your horses and what makes them such good partners.
A: Cotswold Belladonna, affectionately known as Bella, is a 14-year-old Australian Quarter Horse whom our family purchased from Tasmania in 2024. She is a beautiful balance of gentle, intelligent and level-headed, but she also absolutely loves to be speedy when she gets into the show-jumping ring. She is incredibly genuine and always gives her best, making her a wonderful partner. Sailor of the Sea, affectionately known as Sea, is the horse I do dressage with. He takes everything in his stride and is a real character – a bit of a dude about everything! He dances across the arena beautifully and is such an expressive mover. His calm, willing nature and my connection with him make him a wonderful partner.
Q: What events will you compete in at Nationals?
A: Primary Novice dressage, Primary 90cm Showjumping and Primary CT 65 (a combined training event comprising dressage and showjumping over 65cm fences).
Q: Was there a particularly memorable result or moment from your State Championship campaign?
A: One of the most exciting moments for me was coming out of my dressage test and seeing my percentage and placing. I was honestly shocked and so excited. We have worked so hard together, and to finally see all the time, effort and everything we had put in amount to something I could hardly have imagined was an incredible feeling. Competing at Nationals has been a lifetime dream of mine, so seeing that result was a really special moment that I will never forget.
Q: What do you love about equestrian?
A: I love that it’s such a unique sport because you have to understand your horse and how they are feeling. You’re working with an animal and another brain, so sometimes things go perfectly and sometimes they don’t! It can feel like hard work, but it’s also really rewarding when you work together as a team and achieve something.
Q: What would you say to someone else interested in equestrian?
A: I would say give it a go! It’s a lot of fun and you build a really special bond with your horse. It takes patience and hard work, but when you and your horse understand each other, it’s an amazing feeling.
Q: How do you balance school, training and competitions?
A: It can be pretty busy balancing school, training and competitions, but I try to stay organised and make sure I get my schoolwork done. I fit my training in around school and sometimes have to manage my time really carefully. It can be hard sometimes, but I love riding so much that I make it work.
Charlotte with Sea and Bella.