Stacey Rusic recently received the 2025 Peter Mitchell Churchill Fellowship to study the historic art of side-saddle riding as a modern-day equestrian discipline.
Ms Rusic’s project will take her overseas to examine side-saddle riding techniques, instruction and equestrian association structures in a country where the discipline is actively practised.
The aim of the fellowship is for Ms Rusic to bring renewed energy, skills and support gained from her experience back to Australia.
“I’ve always felt an immediate sense of belonging when I ride side-saddle,” Ms Rusic said.
“It’s not just a different way of riding; it carries history, elegance and a unique challenge.”
Churchill Fellowships are awarded to exceptional individuals who demonstrate both a strong purpose and the capacity to turn international learning into positive outcomes for their local communities.
Each year, only a select group of Australians are chosen following a rigorous national selection process.
Local equestrian associations, horse enthusiasts and cultural heritage organisations throughout Victoria and Australia are excited about Ms Rusic’s work, which promises to preserve and revitalise an elegant, yet forgotten, part of Australia’s equestrian history.
Ms Rusic’s project is expected to help revive an historic equestrian art form, create inclusive riding opportunities and connect new generations to a rich equestrian heritage, ensuring its future for years to come as a modern-day equestrian discipline.
“I saw early on that pursuing this passion meant navigating a path with little support, few mentors and limited resources in Australia,” Ms Rusic said.
“This fellowship provides me the opportunity to learn from places and people where side-saddle riding is thriving, and build networks to help cultivate that support back home.”
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