Hurst hosts its first-ever Team Show Jumping Competition at Hickstead

Equestrianism is becoming an ever popular choice in Hurstpierpoint College’s wide-ranging extra-curricular activities programme.  Early in the Michaelmas Term 2008 Hurst organised and hosted its first ever team showjumping event at Hickstead. 3 classes were included in the competition: Cross-pole Team Jumping, 2’3”-2’6” Team Jumping and 2’9”-3’ Team Jumping. The teams consisted of 4 riders, any age, with the best three scores to count.  An individual competition was also incorporated into the team competition. 

A number of local schools took up Hurst’s invitation and teams competed from Burgess Hill School, Cumnor House, Downlands, Steyning Grammar and Warden Park. Accompanied by school staff and encouraged by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable crowd of family and supporters, it was clear that everyone enjoyed the event immensely. For many of the boys and girls it was their first taste of riding in one of the famous Hickstead arenas  all were given the opportunity to take part in a parade ride around the ring to the traditional and rousing Hickstead victory music!

Burgess Hill School won the Cross-pole Team Jumping and Warden Park the 2’9”-3’ Team Jumping.  Hurst had a wonderful day, winning the 2’3” Team Jumping and with Amy Inglis winning the jump off for the individual competition and coming second in the 2’9” Team Jumping with Tom Pavey winning the jump off for the individual competition.

Rosettes and medals were awarded by Heather Beeby, Head of Hurst Prep, and Tim Manly, Hurst’s Headmaster. “It was” said Mr Manly “a wonderful sporting event and the spirit of all the participating schools was impressive. Hickstead is a wonderful venue and I was delighted to see such a range of Hurst pupils – from those in the early years of the Prep School through to Sixth formers  – compete  with such style and determination and both Heather and I greatly look forward to next year’s competition.”

Pictured below is the Hurst Prep Head Heather Beeby with the Hurst Prep riders from the Class 1 competition:

 

Hurst Headmaster Tim Manly presents the Class 3 individual winner's rosette (lower left) and Heather Beeby the Class 2 individual winner's rosette.