So, it was fitting, that when announced as the winner, Waddell was doing exactly the thing he was awarded the title for - coaching.
At the time of the ceremony, Waddell was in Sydney in charge of the Victorian showjumping team at the Pony Club Australia National Championships.
“I wasn’t there – so I had my apologies in. They told me when we were up in Sydney,” Waddell said.
“It was unexpected. I was surprised to be nominated, and then to win.”
A former Pony Club rider himself, Waddell has continued his association with the club as he moved across to coaching.
Accredited since 1982 with Equestrian Australia, Pony Club and the Horse Riders Club Association of Victoria, the Sydney National Championships was the fourth time Waddell has led the state show jumping team.
“I’ve coached at three previous National Championships – Melbourne, South Australia and Queensland,” Waddell said.
“It’s always an enjoyable experience.”
This year, Waddell and the Victorian team (including Waddell’s son Lachlan) showed nerves of steel placing first in showjumping.
In individual standings, the team also performed strongly, with Kyabram’s Tori Glass taking out the title of Junior Showjumping Champion.
With Nationals over for another two years, Waddell already has his sights on the next event for a very exciting reason - the prospect of Benalla hosting the Nationals Championships in 2021.
“Victoria is hosting in 2021 – Benalla are one of the favourites, but it’s really close,” Waddell said.
“A decision is set to be made on November 12.
“We’ve put in an application and are getting quotes at the moment.”
Waddell said Benalla’s newest equestrian centre would put the rural city’s bid in a favourable light.
If successful in its bid, the Championship would bring 320 riders to Benalla from all across Australia, as well as family and supporters.
16°C