About Interschool

The Australian Interschool Championships attracts more than 2,000 school based competitors, family, friends and supporters from right around the country.

Competitors, aged 5-18 years old, are required to qualify through from the State Interschool Championships to the Australian Interschool Championships.

The event is continuing to grow year on year and is a major focus for young equestrians. It is the largest equestrian grassroots program delivered nationally in Australia.

These annual events are further supported by additional squads and clinics. Each State conducts various programs designed at up skilling school aged competitors in horsemanship as well as improving competition based skills.

Interschool operates under the rules and guidelines of the disciplines of Dressage, Jumping, Eventing and Show Horse. The National Sport Rules are to be followed by all affiliated organisations conducting Interschool events. The National Interschool rulebook is concerned with the regulations governing Interschool events at National Championship level, and may be referred to for guidance in the absence of State guidelines, or where the National Sport Rules for each discipline are not definitive.

The primary objective of Equestrian Australia is the development of horse sports from the participation level to the high performance level. Interschool comprises a competition and educational pathway for young athletes to participate in equestrian sport during their primary and secondary school years. The State Branches of Equestrian Australia co-ordinate the organisation of Interschool competition and training, with the aim of promoting education and sportsmanship to student athletes, educating athletes in horsemanship and horse management, and creating a competitive sporting environment.

Interschool Rules - Effective 1 January 2026

EA National Interschool Rules CLEAN Effective 1 January 2026 

EA National Interschool Rules MARKUP Effective 1 January 2026 

Interschool Show Horse Rules - Effective 1 January 2026

EA National Interschool Show Horse Rules CLEAN Effective 1 January 2026 

EA National Interschool Show Horse Rules MARKUP Effective 1 January 2026 

All Abilities Competition Framework for Interschools

 This Framework establishes Equestrian Australia’s (EA) unified national approach to delivering inclusive Interschool competition opportunities for riders with intellectual, physical, or developmental disabilities. 

It aims to ensure consistent, accessible, and ability‑appropriate competitive experiences from school level through to national events, with clear alignment to Virtus and Para‑Equestrian classification pathways. 

Interschool Competition Framework March 2026 Final (2).pdf

Guidelines for the Introduction of Interschool All Abilities Classes for Event OCs

GUIDELINES FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF ALL ABILITIES CLASSES_clean_Final.pdf

Integrating All Abilities Online LMS Course for Interschool Event Organisers and Officials

 Link (under compliances courses): Equestrian Learning Centre

EA Interschool All Abilities Dressage Tests (EA Para Dressage Tests)

EA Interschool All Abilities Dressage Tests_2026 (1).pdf

EA Interschool All Abilities Show Horse Work Outs

EA Interschool All Abilities Show Horse Work Outs_2026.pdf

All Abilities Show Workout Diagrams - levels A & B - Ridden, Rider & Led_2025 December.pdf

EA Interschool All Abilities Show Horse Advanced Work Out_Walk-Trot-Canter w technical elements diagram March 2026.pdf

EA Interschool All Abilities Show Horse Score Sheets_v2.docx

EA Interschool Exemption Application Form

The Interschool Exemption Application allows riders with a diagnosed disability or impairment to request reasonable adjustments to Equestrian Australia (EA) competition rules when participating in Interschool events.

The exemption process supports inclusive participation by ensuring riders can compete safely and fairly while maintaining horse welfare and the integrity of competition. Applications must be supported by appropriate medical documentation and are independently reviewed before approval.

Approved exemptions apply only for the specified period and will not be granted where they provide an unfair competitive advantage or compromise safety or welfare standards.

Riders, parents/guardians, or support persons can complete the form and submit relevant supporting information for assessment by the EA Interschool Committee.

Access the Application Form HERE.

  EA Para Dressage Rules Adaptive Equipment Compensating Aids Summary_Annex H_01.01.2026.pdf

https://inside.fei.org/system/files/Compensating%20Aids%20Guidelines%20P... 

https://virtus.sport/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/7.12-VIRTUS-Equestrian-D... - Virtus compensating aids can be found under section 6.2

For further information on Para Dressage pathways can be found here: https://www.equestrian.org.au/paraequestrian

Further information on Virtus pathways can be found here: Secure Your Athlete Eligibility – Fair, Inclusive Sport Starts Here 

The Australian Interschool Championships

View details of the upcoming EA Australian Interschool Championships and Past Champions

View the latest Interschool NEWS here

Interschool Contacts 

EA National Interschool Discipline Committee: [email protected]