Pocklington School’s new combined Prep and Senior equestrian team made an impressive debut at the National Schools Equestrian Association Show Jumping qualifier held at Bishop Burton College.

The event attracted schools from across the region who were competing for the chance to represent the county in the NSEA Championships in October. Our riders qualified in the 70cm class and narrowly missed qualifying places in the remaining classes.

The team had several new faces and rider/pony combinations but displayed great spirit and some fantastic riding during a day which started at 8am with the 70cm class and ended at 7.30pm with the 1m jumping.

In the 70cm class, debut rider Emily Jones (Year 6), plus Julian Brittenden (2^nd Year), Noah Marsh (Year 5), Polly Raper (1^st Year) and Daisy Shepherd (3rd Year) all jumped clear to qualify another team for the Championships. Noah also qualified as an individual rider.

In the 80cm class we had mixed success. Hattie Thompson (5^th Year) executed two fabulous clear rounds to gain 3rd and 6th individual places; a tremendous achievement given the size of the class (approximately 100 riders) but just out of qualification. In the 90 cm class, our riders rode well and were exceptionally unfortunate to have poles down. Emma Forsyth (3^rd Year) rode a superb round in the 1m, going clear but gaining two time faults and securing a much deserved 4th individual place.

Clare Bracken, teacher i/c equestrian, said: “It was a long and tiring day for horses, riders and parents alike but there was plenty of excitement and much team spirit and support, too. I hope all enjoyed the day and experience.”

For the full report, please click here.

Please click here to see the Pocklington School Equestrian 2018 Flickr album.