Tuesday 22 May saw the second competition this term for our Senior Equestrian Team. Luckily the show jumping at Hargate Equestrian did not start until 6.00pm so our busy students missed none of their important learning time at school.
This week was the turn of Upper Sixth Former Emma Veninger and Year 9 student Imogen Green. Emma, who is about to complete her Level 2 NVQ in Horse Care and Riding at Abbotsholme competed Chester, one of our permanent loan ponies. Imogen brought her own horse Ben for the first time. Once we arrived we could not believe how busy it was. It was as though the sun had brought competitors from near and far to join us! We soon set about walking the course, completing our entry forms and studying the opposition, before a final groom and tack up.
Once in the saddle Emma and Imogen were soon overcoming any nerves and warming up with the other competitors. Both horses behaved impeccably and our riders were soon looking really confident, focusing on the job in hand and not allowing themselves to be distracted by the pace or lack of
etiquette from other riders. Anyone who has ever been around a show jumping warm up arena will know what I mean.
Once in the ring, both partnerships did the School proud. They all settled quickly in to a good canter rhythm and the jumps began to look easy. Both the girls managed to complete the course of 13 timed jumps, even though Chester took a minor dislike to a bright red filler.
Yet again the girls and their horses did a great job and were a credit to the School and Equestrian Team, each being placed in every class. Emma finished sixth in the 65cm and Imogen fifth in the 75cm. Imogen then went on to win the 85cm jumping a lovely round, apart from a minor dispute with a flower pot.
Well done girls and thank you to Sarah for coming to support the girls and Chloe for taking Ben.
For more information about the Abbotsholme Equestrian Centre – Click here