The day Lana Schulenburg’s family moved to their Pearcedale farm in 2020 remains etched in her memory as a childhood wish finally granted. She and her brother spent hours exploring paddocks and climbing trees, discovering every corner of the land that would shape her future. “It reminds me of how many candles I blew out wishing for a horse in my backyard,” she said. “The fact that it’s my reality now is a dream come true.”
Five years later, that farm has become the launching pad for an extraordinary array of ambitions. Now 18 years old, Lana is a Miss Teen Galaxy Australia National Finalist, a show-jumper with Olympic dreams, and the founder of youth empowerment platform Elevate U. Her 1,500-plus hours of community service barely scratch the surface of a schedule that would exhaust most adults.
“The chaos, challenges, and adventures make my life exciting,” she says of juggling commitments that recently saw her compete at a horse event, rush home to pack, fly to Gold Coast for a Derby Day runway show, squeeze in pageant appearances, then return for a family boating day. “I have a lot of fun juggling it all.”
Her pageant journey began after three years of modelling experience, drawn by visions of beautiful gowns and sparkling crowns. When she discovered Australia Galaxy Pageants, she found something deeper. “The moment I was called into the top three, I was overwhelmed with excitement,” she recalls of placing Second Runner-Up at this year’s competition. Watching the video later, she observed something telling: “I can’t help but notice how proud and happy I looked.”
The pageant world has surprised her with its supportive community, contradicting stereotypes about cutthroat competition. “My experience at Nationals was amazing. I was overwhelmed with how genuinely kind and supportive this large group of women were.” Now preparing for the 2026 National Finals, Lana approaches the opportunity with characteristic determination, making community appearances across Victoria and Queensland while maintaining her other pursuits. Winning would mean recognition for her work supporting youth and horses on a larger scale.
Those horses – four of them – anchor her daily life. This year, each morning began with feeding and riding before schoolwork, tutoring, vaulting lessons, gym sessions, or online pageant coaching. Her first horse, Dusty, taught her to ride. Her second horse, Charlie, proved how far they’d come as a team. Ollie, her third and most challenging mount, pushed her to become better, rewarding her persistence with a fifth-place finish among 44 riders at the Boneo Cup. Valentino, her youngest, has only ever been ridden by her – trained from scratch in what she considers one of her greatest achievements.
“My horses played a huge role, giving me a break from studying and helping me unwind during those long, tiring nights,” she says of completing Year 12 while maintaining her demanding schedule.
I truly believe I have the support and mindset to one day become an Olympic rider
Her show-jumping coach Mark Griffiths has transformed her from an inexperienced rider into someone confident and capable, with twice-weekly lessons propelling her toward that audacious goal: the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. “I truly believe I have the support and mindset to one day become an Olympic rider,” she states, currently riding at least 15 times weekly while planning interstate competitions to gain experience.
Through Elevate U, Lana channels everything she’s learned into helping others. The platform emerged from lessons absorbed from coaches and her mentor, Alycia Burton, whose youth retreats have been central to Lana’s volunteer work. At her own events, riding lessons lead into conversations about life, school, and growing up. “Using horses as a starting point, I’m able to connect with girls, foster confidence, and support them in any way they need.”
Her first mentee, who began riding lessons with Lana three years ago when Lana was just 15, exemplifies this impact. “Being part of her journey has also helped me grow, as I’ve come to understand the impact I can have on someone else’s life.”
People often assume her parents manage everything, but Lana has handled her own responsibilities since age twelve. “I’m still just a hardworking, happy horse girl who’s determined to make her own way in the world, however I can.”
Her advice to peninsula teens with big dreams reflects this independence: find mentors with real-life experience. At age 12, Lana watched countless videos of Alycia Burton, attended her camps, and now works at those same camps of which she once dreamed. “With courage, curiosity, and experience over time, it’s absolutely possible for anyone.”
Despite opportunities beckoning beyond the peninsula, Lana sees her future rooted here. “Living here gives me the space and support to chase my biggest dreams while still having a place that feels grounding, familiar, and truly mine.”
For someone who grew up reading Peninsula Essence and finding inspiration in local success stories like that of AFLW player Mackenzie Eardley, being featured is a full-circle moment. The girl who wished for horses in her backyard is now garnering pageant sashes, training for her Olympic dreams, and lifting up the next generation, all the while keeping her boots firmly planted in the soil of her Pearcedale farm.
Follow Lana’s journey on Instagram.
IG @lanas_pageant_insta_