Year 10 student Ellie Ball is tackling tertiary studies early to fast-track into vet studies and a career linked to her love for equestrian events.

Ellie and her Biloela High schoolmate Bronwyn Ryan (in Year 12) have been mingling with adult students enrolled in a residential school for Foundation Animal Biology, at CQU Rockhampton.

Ellie Ball enjoys her residential school at CQU Rockhampton

They are enrolled through the SUN (Start University Now) program, which gives school-age students an early taste of University subjects.

Ellie says she aspires to become a large animal vet and to compete in horseriding around the world in grand prix dressage and 4* eventing.

"I also want to start a riding school in Biloela after I save enough money to buy the horses and the equipment. If that all falls through I would like to compete in campdrafting and sporting and rodeos with quarter horses from my friend's quarter horse stud," she says.

"Horses are a massive part of my life, with competitions and lessons nearly every weekend. I currently hold D and D* pony club certificates and am working towards my C certificate.

"I am going for my Junior Pony Club Instructor's Certificate this year so I can help out with the instructing at my pony club, Biloela Hack and Pony Club. I am also starting to compete in REGI (Rockhampton Dressage Group) and EFA (Equestrian Federation Australia).

"The main disciplines I compete in are show jumping, dressage, eventing, combined training and sporting, but I am wanting to take on a new horse this year so I can do campdrafting."

Ellie (clarinet) and Bronwyn (sax and violin) are both keen musicians and feature in their school bands.

Bronwyn Ryan (left) and Ellie Ball at their residential class

They both said they had been accepted by their older classmates and were enjoying both the learning and social aspects of the residential school.

Bronwyn said she was entering tertiary studies with the goal of getting into the field of forensic analysis.

"Our residential course is enjoyable and we've learnt a phenomenal amount of facts," she says.

 "It does get challenging especially while also doing Year 12 but it's rewarding."