On the 28th September, students from twenty-two different schools travelled to compete at the Hurst Colleges Inter Schools Team and Individual Show Jumping Competition, held at Hickstead Showground. With three classes and heights ranging from 45cm to 90cm there were classes for different levels, and in the smallest class of the day riders were allowed assistance round the course, meaning young riders could compete on lead-reign. The day was a huge success with everything running smoothly, and a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Hurst Equestrian students who were not riding on the day helped to run the event, doing important tasks such as managing the collecting ring, manning the secretary’s desk, providing refreshments, and helping set the show jumping courses. The students all represented Hurst fantastically with Hurst Equestrian Head, Tracey Pargeter, receiving multiple emails from other schools complementing the show and the excellent standard of the Hurst students who had volunteered to help.
Those competing for Hurst also had a fantastic day of jumping, with Hurst students riding in all three classes. In Class One, which was 45-50cm, Rosie C and Ella F both rode well, but poles down unfortunately meant they were out of the placings. In Class Two, with the course set at 65-70cm, two hurst riders jumped lovely clear rounds, although they sadly were not fast enough for individual placings; well done Rosie Y-J and Sheona G. Rosie C and Lucy S also jumped lovely rounds, sadly with a pole each. This meant that the Hurst team finished on a score of 4 faults, which was good enough for them to take home 6th place in the team section. Well done team!
In the final class of the day, the 85-90cm, Hurst put forward two teams: Hurst Red and Hurst Blue, along with an individual rider. First was the turn of Hurst Blue, with riders Theo T, Thea O, Lars D, and Coco G finishing on a score of 0 with some fast times in the competitive class. Well done to Coco who jumped round with a very fast time, finishing in the top 10, and Theo who jumped his first ever clear in a 90cm class with his horse Clifford.
Next up was Hurst Red, consisting of Lyla Y-J, Biba B, Olivia S, and Ralf B. Lyla jumped a speedy and hair-raising course, losing her stirrup halfway round the jump off but hanging in there to finish just out of the top six. Ralf was on board his new horse, Robin, who he had only ridden once before. Despite the new partnership Ralf flew round the course and was fast enough to finish in 5th place individually. These competitive times and a final score of 0 were enough for Hurst Red to finish in 2nd place, with Hurst Blue not far behind in 4th position. Well done to all the team members for these brilliant results.
The last rider of the day was Morten D, who arrived just in time having been at a swimming gala! After quickly learning the course and warming up his pony, Smartie, Morten went into the ring and stormed round the course to bring home 3rd in the individual section. By the end of Class Three, both Hurst teams were placed, and four Hurst students finished in the top 10. This is very impressive as it was a big class, with sixty-two combinations and thirteen teams competing.
A huge well done to all who attended our show, congratulations to those who were placed, and thank you to the Hurst students who volunteered and helped on the day. They really were a credit to the College. We look forward to doing it all again next year!
