Ararat Pony Club's Hannah Wigg claimed national title at championships

Equestrian showjumper Hannah Wigg has won the National Senior Showjumping Pony Club Championships.

Competing across three days, Wigg placed herself in a good position going into the last day of competition.

"I placed first on the first two days and was leading going into the final day," Wigg said.

"I was pretty nervous. The girl who was coming second was only a few points behind me on leaderboard.

"On the final day, I placed second which got me over the line to win the overall championships."

Adding to her individual success, Wigg's Victorian team were successful in claiming the top honours and took home the national title for the state.

"I'm pretty proud of our achievements," she said.

"It's a really big honour to be named as a national champion. It makes all the sacrifices all worth it."

Wigg competed in the national interschool competition the week before the pony club championships.

"I had a four-day break in between events," Wigg said.

"My horse, Lily, was in a small stable and area so I did lots of riding in that time to keep her fitness levels up."

Wigg said it took some time for Lily to adapt to the new surroundings during the events.

"During the interschool event, Lily didn't go as well," she said.

"Both competitions were in an indoor area and it took a few days for her to get used to it.

"She has only ever competed once inside, but it was in a really small arena."

Wigg said the atmosphere was loud and intense at the competition.

"There was music playing, people on the microphone and lots of people cheering," she said.

"It would have been really scary for the horses and there was a lot which didn't like it.

"Lily had ear bonnets on which I think helped with the noise.

"It's funny how they can just realise that their job is to be there to jump. Something clicked and she then went awesome at the pony club event."

The Marion College year 12 student took some time out from showjumping to focus on her exam preparation - which will be her focus before tackling her next showjumping competition.

"The Australian Showjumping Championships start on the seventh of November," she said.

"They go for about three days. I'm competing in the junior championship category."

Article courtesy of Australian Community Media and The Ararat Advertiser