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The year has started well for Hurst Equestrian with multiple rosettes and qualifications for students at the first competition of 2023. Pupils travelled to Coombelands Equestrian for an NSEA (National Schools Equestrian Association) Eventers Challenge. In an Eventers Challenge, riders jump a mix of show jumping fences and more natural, rustic appearing arena eventing obstacles. There is an optimum time to complete the course in, and the aim of the class is to jump clear and finish as close to the optimum time as possible.

This was an important event to start the year with as the classes included qualifiers for the NSEA Eventers Challenge Final, which is taking place at Hickstead Showground in May. In each class the top two teams qualify for the final, along with the top four individuals. Challenging courses were set for each class, with riders having to negotiate many difficult twists and turns!

Hurst’s first team of the day started off well with 5^th place in the 80cm, well done to Isla A, Henry C, Lars D, and Lyla Y-J. Hurst Team Red then went on to see great success in the 90cm class. Team Red came 2^nd in their class, being one of the only teams to finish on a score of zero. Well done to Harriet B, Ralf B, Morten D, and Darcy B. This brilliant result was enough to qualify the team for the Final in May. Individual qualifications were also picked up by Darcy and Harriet, who achieved 1^st and 3^rd places respectively.

In the final class of the day Martha H achieved two impressive clear rounds on both her horses. She was placed 5^th riding Kilconly Richie, being one place out from individual qualification, and just missed out on a placing with KBIS Starburst.