Hurst sponsors National Schools' Championships

Hurstpierpoint College, one of the country’s leading independent schools, is sponsoring Hickstead’s close of season schools and pony club meeting.

The Hurstpierpoint College National Schools and Pony Club Jumping Championships, scheduled this year for August 6, attract entries from as far afield as Scotland and Ireland. Hickstead owner Douglas Bunn introduced the meeting in 1964, just four years after he launched the showground on the equestrian world.

College headmaster Tim Manly believes that sport and outdoor activities are vital counterpoints to Hurst’s academic life.

“Equestrianism is a very popular option with our pupils,” he said. Participation in these pursuits is encouraged “because we believe they help to foster many important life skills.

“Equestrianism, for example, helps young people to grow in personal confidence, act responsibly, identify and address challenges – both as solo and team performers – and equips them to assess and manage risk, all qualities that are of great value to youngsters not only now but also throughout their lives.”

The meeting, at which spectators are admitted free, is divided into junior and senior schools and Pony Club.

Qualifying rounds are held in the outside rings, and there is intense interest to be in the eight to ten finalists who jump-off in the International Arena, where most of the competitors will have watched their idols competing only days previously in one of the two major international meetings.

 

There is no prize money. Winners are awarded perpetual trophies and members of all winning and placed teams are given coveted Hickstead Gold Medals. First-placed teams also get the famous Hickstead sashes and horse rugs.

Douglas Bunn said: “When I introduced junior classes in 1962, children turned up in droves. It transformed the place. That’s how we came to introduce schools day, and now I am glad that Hurst has taken the decision to support the meeting. One of my sons and several of my grandchildren went and are still there and I hold it in high regard.”

Mr Manly added: “Our decision to become more closely involved with a world-class equestrian organisation such as Hickstead seemed entirely natural. The National Schools and Pony Club Jumping Championships are classic events, drawing the best young jumpers in the country and we hope that, through our support of these events, both competitors and their supporters will enjoy some great competition.”