H u r s t R i d e r s I m p r e s s a t C o o m b e l a n d s Q u a l i f i e r D a y
Sunday 22 March saw thirteen Hurst pupils head to Coombelands Equestrian for a packed and highly competitive day of qualifying classes across multiple championships. With coveted places up for grabs in the Grass Roots Final, Regional Points League Individual Championship, New Windsor Challenge, and the Hickstead Elite Finals, expectations were high – and Hurst riders more than delivered.
The day got off to an excellent start with Maggie H, who claimed 5th place in the opening class. Her strong performance secured qualification for both the Grass Roots Regional Final and the Grass Roots Festival later this year, setting a confident tone for the rest of the competition.
Success continued in the 50cm class, where the Hurst team of Willow I, Isla C, and Sienna P produced a superb round to take 1st place on a zero score. Their victory earned qualification for both the Grass Roots Regional Final and the Grass Roots Championships. The individual placings added to the celebrations, with Isla finishing 4th and Sienna 5th. Sienna went on to deliver another stylish clear in the 60cm class, narrowly missing out on a placing but maintaining her impressive form.
Meanwhile, in the second arena, the momentum continued. In the 70cm class, Scarlett C, Amelia B, and Amelie P delivered a standout performance, winning the class with a faultless team score – an especially notable achievement with just three riders on the team. Individually, Amelie placed 2nd and Amelia 6th, both securing their qualification for the Regional Points League Championships at Hickstead in August.
The 80cm team put in a thrilling performance, finishing 2nd place as the fastest team on four faults, crossing the line more than 20 seconds ahead of all other teams. Congratulations go to Scarlett C, Rosie YJ, Rosie C, and Darcey G for an exciting and determined round.
The pressure intensified in the 90cm New Windsor Qualifier, a class that proved challenging for many teams. However, Hurst riders once again rose to the occasion. Scarlett SH, Rosie C, Darcey G, and Isla A jumped four superb clear rounds to finish on zero, winning the class and securing their place at the NSEA National Championships in October.
The final rosettes of the day came in the 1m Hickstead Elite Team Qualifier. Despite a demanding course and a few rolling poles, Scarlett SH, Danielle I, and Isla A held their nerve to take 1st place, booking a well-earned spot at Hickstead.
A special mention goes to Danielle I, who rounded off an outstanding day by competing in her first-ever 1.10m class. She rode confidently and finished with just one pole down – a fantastic achievement and a promising step forward.
Overall, it was a highly successful day for Hurst, marked by teamwork, determination, and excellent riding throughout. In total, Hurst riders collected:
- 4 team wins
- 5 individual rosettes
- 8 championship qualifications
- Qualifications across four major championships – the Grass Roots Final and Festival, the Regional Points League Championships, the NSEA Championships, and the Hickstead Elite Team Championships
“What a fantastic day for Hurst. Not only the results, but we had some amazing riding and maturity from our riders – it was incredible. It just showed that the training over the winter months has really paid off.”
– Tracey Pargeter, Head of Hurst Equestrian