On Sunday, 18 Hurst riders took part in the NSEA (National School Equestrian Association) show jumping competition at Felbridge, winning rosettes at every height entered.
This was an important show which included national qualifiers for the NSEA Championships, the NSEA Grass Roots Finals and Hickstead Elite. As a result, over 50 schools were represented at this busy event. Hurst had six teams competing, alongside six individual riders, jumping in classes ranging from 70cm to 1.10m.
Great early performances
There were some great early performances from members of the Hurst team. In the 70cm class, the Blue Team took sixth place. The members were Henry C, Isla A, Lyla Y J and Tabitha B. Henry’s clear round on Pebbles was very quick and was enough to also earn him in eighth in the individual rankings. Competing individually in the 70cm Grass Roots event, Lyla Y J came sixth with Twinkles, to qualify for the finals at Hickstead in August.
In the 80cm class, the Green Team finished with just four faults and achieved eighth position. Team members were Biba B, Harriet B, Lara B and Samantha L.
Excellent results
There were further excellent results in the higher classes. The Orange Team of Biba B, Lauren W, Morton D and Samantha L finished third in the 90cm. Lauren’s amazing round was enough for her to win the individual competition riding My Time IV. The team and Lauren qualified for the NSEA Championship finals in October.
In the 1m class, Hurst’s Pink Team of Freddie L, Lauren W and Morton D, produced a faultless performance to finish in the top spot and qualify for the NSEA finals. Lauren and Freddie, with very fast rounds, took first and second respectively in the individual event to also qualify for the finals.
In the final class of the day, Hurst riders had another phenomenal set of results in the 1.10m. Lauren W won the pony section and Freddie L won the horse section, meaning both qualify for the NSEA Championships, as well as the Hickstead Elite in July.
There were quite a few young and novice riders in the Hurst team who were tackling new challenges and many achieved personal bests. Lara B did extremely well at her first show jumping competition, and Tilda S achieved a very well-deserved clear round with her mare Bob.
“ All pupils represented Hurst brilliantly through their performances, excellent behaviour and support of each other. A huge well done to everyone involved! ” Tracey Pargeter, Head of Equestrian and Sophie Rees, Equestrian Assistant
Find out more about Equestrian at Hurst College
Learn more about the NSEA