Kings' Horse-Riders Warmed by Galloping Success

11th Dec, 2008, by Jude Owens

At the end of November The Kings of Wessex School Equestrian Team were warmed by their success at the NSEA (National Schools Equestrian Association) 'Jumping with Style' competition held at The College Equestrian Centre, Keysoe, Bedford. This was King's first year in the challenging competition, in which they entered two teams after qualifying in the regional contest, winning 3rd and 7th places.

The enthusiastic teams qualified in February at Millfield School, and in October at West Wilts hosted by Stonar School. For the championship their classes were Minis 2"3, Novice 2"6, Intermediate 3" and Open 3"6, competing in the intermediate class of a total of 17 teams. They started the day with a warm-up Derby Class, in the outdoor arena, against the clock, concentrating in achieving clear rounds, but the competitive spirit of Samara Masny meant she speeded round like a rocket in 26 seconds - and came 5th!

In the Championship Class, the Team 1 was the first to lead, with Maria Pinnington on Summer Cruise II in the unenviable position of being the first. The course was worthy of a championship, and extremely difficult and technical, posing the riders many questions. The riders had to jump a set of show jumps technically correctly and in a good rhythm, before showing a change in style by going into cross country mode, jumping over a twisty course of simulated cross country jumps, including a narrow jump (the "skinny"), going away from the exit and a bounce.

Zoe Aston on Tyler did an exceptionally clear round, one of only seven clear rounds and an excellent style mark. She had the best score of both our teams and was 4th individually. Megan Jones on Gatcombe Adventure enjoyed a lovely round with eight penalties and Hannah Reason, who had brought her young inexperienced horse, Nil De Mee, got round with only 24 penalties.

For the final results, Kings' first team came 7th, with the nine teams after them eliminated, caused mostly by the "skinny". But, the second team had an outstanding day, and with only a few penalties and good style marks they were 3rd overall - only narrowly beaten by Farlington School who came 2nd and Blundells School who deservedly won. Together with Farlington, Kings' second team was the only team not to have one rider eliminated, which was remarked upon by the judges.

Commenting on their success Kings' Headteacher Chris Richardson said, "Congratulations to our riders for a superb performance! Both teams really excelled and proved themselves worthy competitors - not least as the only State Comprehensive School in the competition! I am grateful to our Christina White for all her encouragement."

The team would like to thank David Parkin & Company Ltd for part-sponsoring the team hoodies (which were invaluable in the cold weather), and to Duncan Simey LRPS for accompanying the teams and for taking such wonderful photographs in the wintry conditions.

Some Information:
The NSEA was formed in 1991 to co-ordinate inter-school competitions and also to promote riding in State and Independent Schools. An increasing number of students are now riding in curricular time. Riding has been included as a games option in many schools. GCSE and 'A' Level P.E. have riding options. Schools have also recognized that riding can play an important role in the physical and emotional development of students of all ages.

Team 1 - Zoe Aston, Hannah Reason, Megan Jones and Maria Pinnington
Team 2 - Samara Masny, Lauren Reason, Rebecca Pinn and Emma Reason

Please see our website gallery for more pictures:
http://www.kowessex.co.uk/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=21446