The 2010 Hurstpierpoint College

Schools' Team Show Jumping Competition

 

The 2010 Hurstpierpoint College Schools' Team Show Jumping Competition - as always brilliantly organised by Hurst Prep School teacher Sarah Miles in conjunction with Hickstead's Lizzie Bunn - was held on16^th September, 2010 at the prestigious All England Jumping Course, Hickstead.

This year’s event attracted more entries than ever before and, once again,  the day was marked by the friendly and supportive atmosphere in which all the teams competed.

Tim Manly, Headmaster of Hurstpierpoint College believes that sport and outdoor activities are vital counterpoints to Hurst’s academic life. "Show jumping and equestrianism are" he said "rapidly increasing in popularity at Hurst and we are delighted that we have been able to join forces with the world-class facilities and management at Hickstead; together I believe we have created a great event for young equestrians.”

Teams of 3 or 4 riders from many local schools competed in the event including Burgess Hill School for Girls, Cumnor House, Copthorne Prep, and Steyning Grammar School. All participating schools demonstrated a wealth of talent and the winners in each class had to be outstandingly good on the day.

Rosettes and medals were awarded by Tim Manly as follows:

First place in Class One (cross poles for those riders beginning their jumping career) was awarded to Windlesham School who pulled out a tremendous performance to open the day beating Hurstpierpoint College into second place.

Class Two (fences fixed at 2 foot 3 inches above the ground) was won by a strong Copthorne Prep team with second place again going to Hurst; the Class 2 Individual Competition winner was impressively won by Harry Hickmet from Copthorne on ‘Del Boy’.

Hurst won a tightly fought  Class Three (fences fixed from 2 foot 9 inches to 3 feet above the ground) with Windlesham in second place; Amy Grant of Steyning Grammar on the aptly named ‘Practically Perfect’, won the Class 3 Individual Competition.

The competition’s principal aim is for the riders to enjoy themselves, gain valuable competition experience and gain a taste of what it is like to jump at England’s premier showground. Lizzie Bunn, Executive Director of Hickstead believes it important that equestrianism is valued in the school curriculum”. "Hurst's sponsorship" she said "is greatly valued by Hickstead; it encourages youngsters to continue developing their interest in riding and provides an invaluable introduction to the National Championships held at Hickstead every Summer. Hurst should be commended for taking the lead by sponsoring both events and, as a result, the school is now widely acknowledged to be a very attractive destination for equestrians.”

The occasion was judged a great success by all those who participated or simply cheered their team from the sidelines. The sun emerged late in the afternoon, providing a welcome warmth at the conclusion of an event in which riders from many schools competed with style, courage and determination. The best reward for all, however, was to be part of the fun, excitement and camaraderie that - alongside some focused but friendly rivalry - combined to make the day really quite special.