those first days are still there today; that’s probably the best thing of all.
20 QUESTIONS
20 Questions with Prue Spurrett
Q: Explain your role as an Equestrian Australia National Dressage Selector.
A : I’m the Reserve Selector, a new position created in case a situation arises in which there’s a real or perceived conflict of interest for any Selection Team member. Confidence in the process is a must for our members.
Q: You’ve been a volunteer as well as
Prue Spurrett is a respected National dressage judge, and now retired FEI 3* and 4* eventing judge. Her quiet competence has earned her a reputation as a valuable member of ground juries in Australia and internationally. Q: Do you come from a horsey background?
A : Sort of! My first pony was a Shetland with attitude.
Q: When did you take an interest in horses and when did you learn to ride?
A : At about four when I was given Prinny. Not sure I learnt to ride on her as such – it was more about developing stickability.
Q: Which discipline appealed to you? A : Several decades ago I joined Northside Riding Club at St Ives Showground in Sydney. That was the foundation of everything I’ve achieved in our sport. Northside was a multi discipline club, so we had a go at everything. We did the rounds of all the
an official for many years. How did it all begin?
A : Back at Northside – from lugging around jumping poles and wings to measuring out arenas and sitting on the committee.
Q: In what other areas have you been involved as a volunteer?
A : I became a zoo guide at Taronga Park. That was special, handing around Monty, the beautiful diamond python, in the show and tell sessions. Then I joined Lifeline as a shop volunteer and now Sallies in Forster.
show dressage events, even Sydney
Q: There seems to be a push to
Royal Dressage at the old Showgrounds
actively recruit dressage competitors
– so cool! The friendships I made from
to help out. Is this due to riders not
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