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The Equestrian Team has been out competing this Summer Term. First up was the Eventers’ Challenge at Golden Cross in the Easter holidays.
Only three of our riders were available but we qualified, in first place, for the National Finals at Hickstead with three clear rounds. Ralf B (below left) also qualified as an individual finalist. The course at Hickstead was much longer than at Golden Cross and featured banks, skinnies and water, as well as a field of over 200 riders and 40 teams. The team came 4th with zero team faults scored, and were placed 8th on time.
Next came Show Jumping at Felbridge where we entered two teams at 80 and 90cm. At 80cm Ralf stormed around to take 1st place individually, qualifying for the NSEA National Championships at Kelso in October.
Fifth Former Islay L (below right, with Pippa S) competed for the College’s team this year. She writes: ‘This has been a very exciting year because for the first time in the school’s history we have created a Lancing College Equestrian Team and competed with good success. Each training session and competition has been very enjoyable, and it has been great getting to know students from other areas of the school who I would otherwise not know. It was an amazing experience when we first competed together as we won the 80cm Arena Eventing competition, qualifying for the nationals. This was a great start to our team’s journey, and we carried it with us to Hickstead, where we came 8th out of 43 national teams. It was a hard act to follow when we entered a Show Jumping competition where we came 9th in both the 80cm and the 90cm events.
We are all so excited for September to bring more opportunities and challenges for us all.’
Next term the NSEA season gets off to an early start in September. With all this season’s riders still able to compete for the College, the four College-based liveries getting ready and eager to compete and more riders joining us in September, next season could prove to be a highly successful one.
Dr Simon Norris, Teacher of Chemistry and Equestrian Lead.
About Lancing College
Located in the picturesque South Downs of West Sussex, Lancing College is a leading independent school and sixth form for pupils aged 13-18. Founded in 1848, the co-educational English private school is home to both boarding and day students and has a longstanding reputation for traditional values and exemplary pastoral care. Contact us today to begin your journey.