It has been a busy half term for the Hurst Equestrian Team. Students have taken part in dressage, show jumping and combined training competitions, along with top-level arena event training.
The activities kicked off with a dressage competition at Golden Cross. Martha H performed exceptionally well, achieving two of the highest results in the Novice 27 test. On her pony Kilconly Richie she scored 71.4%, and with her horse KBIS Starburst she achieved 71.8%.
Training with a professional
Our students were then given the incredible opportunity to train with three-time Olympic medallist, Tina Cook, over the arena eventing course at Hickstead Showground. Tina is a professional three-day event rider with a long and highly successful career at the top of equestrian sport. They excelled in the training sessions, learning from the best and pushing their own limits. Tina trained the groups over a variety of obstacles including natural fences, ditches, drop jumps and the water complex. Her advice and insight were invaluable, with all the students riding brilliantly and improving as the sessions progressed.
Great results in show jumping and combined training
Hurst riders also made the journey to Felbridge Showground for a competition which included both show jumping and combined training classes. They achieved great results in the biggest show jumping classes of the day, with Emma P coming second in the 1.10m pony class, and Freddie L also taking second place in the 1.10m horse section. Both students rode extremely well, and there was less than a second between the first and second spots in both incredibly competitive classes. These results were enough for Freddie and Emma to qualify for the Hickstead Elite Championships, along with the National Championships, both of which will take place later this year.
Well done to Harriet B and Ralf B for taking part in their first combined training class for Hurst. Combined training is when riders compete in two disciplines, completing a dressage test along with a course of show jumps. The results of the two events are combined to produce a final score which determines the ranking of riders. Harriet and Ralf competed over a course of 1m fences and performed Novice Test 28. It is very exciting to have added combined training to the variety of equestrian competitions in which Hurst students participate.
Well done to all members of the Hurst Equestrian Team who took part in these half-term activities. They now look forward to the upcoming equestrian fixtures during the rest of the Lent term.
Learn more about Equestrian at Hurst College
“ All the pupils were well behaved and represented Hurst to a high standard. ” Tracey Pargeter, Head of Equestrian
