By Mrs Maudlin (Volunteer Team Manager)

Six of our equestrian team travelled to the stay-away NSEA Hickstead National Championship (27th -29th May 2023) over half term with their horses and families.

The weather was glorious throughout their stay which raised spirits and helped make the camping experience all the more enjoyable and fun for all. The students loved supporting each other and showed incredible resilience with tough competition whilst also helping with each other’s ponies to help make it all come together, as staying away is always hard work.

Team members included Emily Armitage (Upper Sixth) with Belle, Brooke Bendall (Year 8) with Barney, Larissa Brown (Year 7) with Ellie, Lucy Maudlin (Year 8) with Twister, Lily Sonsino (Year 8) with Raffie and Jess Yeoman (Year 10) with Frank.

The teams took part in the National Championship classes for the Eventer Challenge on the Saturday and Sunday, which are made up of a show jumping course immediately followed by tough simulation cross country fences with ditches, water and steps.

There were no top 10 placings for the teams this year as the classes had huge entry numbers with 233 riders and 48 teams taking part. Clear rounds were achieved by Emily Armitage and Jess Yeoman placing them in the top 40% of the National results.

On Monday, the school represented Bedfordshire as County Champions in the National show jumping team classes for 80 & 90 cm heights. The teams finished 19th/27th and 14th/23rd respectively with an amazing clear round from Jess in the 80 class.

Good luck to other members of the team out again this weekend at Bury Farm, Leighton Buzzard competing at show jumping and dressage.

View photos of the talented equestrians here. 

If you are interested in representing the school in equestrian competitions and have your own pony then please email, parent Volunteer Team Manager, Mrs Claire Maudlin - [email protected] for more details.