Novices shine in two-day horse trials
A record two-hundred-and-seventy riders from all around the UK turned out in glorious sunshine over the weekend of 26 and 27 May for the tenth National Inter-Schools’ Two Day equestrian event held in Warwickshire at Offchurch Bury, which for the second year running incorporated the National ISA two-day event.
The competition, organised by Princethorpe College, The Kingsley School and Stoneleigh Riding Club, was a true test of speed and stamina with each competitor completing five phases over two days. Saturday saw the dressage and show jumping phases, with Sunday’s competition made up of 7km over roads and tracks, a 750m steeplechase course and 2.75km cross-country incorporating 30 fences.
ISA Novice winners from Malvern-St James had a team made up of Octavia Manning-Cox, Isobel Lee, Tilly Milton & Jessica Rogers who were delighted to receive the Princethorpe College Trophy which they keep for a year, hopefully returning again in 2013 to defend the title!
A Novice Team from Princethorpe made up of Alexandra Kennedy, Tori Jones and Amy Newcombe scooped second place in the ISA trophy with Emma Fletcher gaining 18th place in the Open Arena 2 class and Hannah Logue 16th in the Open Arena 3 class.
Princethorpe’s Assistant Head, Alex Darkes, commented “This was definitely our best two-day ever; the standard of riding, the sheer size of the competition and the glorious weather brought out the best in everyone and it was enormous fun”. Jill Barker of The National Schools Equestrian Association who brought a team along from St Leonard’s Mayfield on the south coast added “Thank you for a great weekend – it was a huge learning curve for the girls and they thoroughly enjoyed it. The last time I was involved with roads and tracks was at Burghley in 2004 and I had forgotten just how much I missed that element of the sport.”
Chief organiser Andy Ruyssevelt said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all riders and also to the ninety-five stewards, judges and helpers who worked tirelessly to see that this event was a success.”
The 2013 event will take place on 25 and 26 May 2013. Further details from
Pictures:
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Princethorpe College’s Alexandra Kennedy from jumps the suspended log on Whitfield Pyjamas.
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Novice winners from Malvern-St James with principal event sponsor Phil Meeking from Limemere UK