Show jumping ‐ not only are the best teams quick, but riders are now coming to the top that show great empathy with their horses and are far more intuitive.
Riders have spent the last nine months attempting to gain their place at the championships by competing in qualifying competitions located all over England, Scotland & Wales (18 in total). Only the 1st & 2nd placed teams & individuals qualify for the highlight on the calendar of inter‐school equestrian events. Qualifiers were hotly contested, with large entries at many events and yet a sense of fun and fair play reigned throughout the whole event. NSEA Vice‐ Chair, Sophie Spear said:
‘The NSEA’s primary aim is to promote and encourage participation in and recognition of equestrian sport within schools in Great Britain. This has been a friendly, sporting occasion and I am proud to be associated with it!”
Most schools stabled on site for one or more nights and many of the large tunnel stables had been used at the London Olympics 2012. The Scottish schools (many of whom had travelled for more than nine hours to get to the event) decorated their stables with flags & school banners, adding to the sense of occasion. Kelly Doyle said:
‘’We belong to a pony club and within our club we had school teams from Crispin, Kings of Wessex and Wellington School. We all had a fantastic time competing as separate schools and coming together to support each other as friends.’’
The NSEA also introduced the final of the NSEA / British Eventing Points League. Hundreds of riders have competed for placing points throughout the eventing season and the best of them were invited to compete in a multi‐discipline final at Addington. Riders had to ride a conventional dressage test and then complete a course of show jumps before carrying on into a simulated XC course. A saddle had been donated as first prize, so in order for the four classes to amalgamate, marks were converted into % points to enable parity between the classes. The overall title went to 13yr old Anna Martin from Mayfield who has been riding her horse for the past year.
NSEA Nations Cup
For the first time, some riders were given the opportunity to ride for the country that their school is situated in. Six riders were chosen in 4 show jumping classes and 1 dressage class. Points were awarded in each class and the country with the most points at the end of the show were crowned champion. England took the honours this time, with Scotland running a very close second and Wales, third.
NSEA Chairman, Jill Barker said:
‘’This is the first time that we have run this inter‐nation style competition and gave riders from different schools the opportunity to meet and quickly develop some team spirit in order to work out their team tactics to enable them to do well. These important skills that are beneficial for all aspects of future life‐ whether at work or play. The evening finals were nail bitingly exciting with the lead changing with every round. It was difficult to predict the outcome.’’
The addition of a fourth day to the 20th annual championships enabled the NSEA to put on a few extra fun classes, enabling riders to warm up with a fun event to help settle their horses and reduce their own nerves before their main events. The Rio Special classes were a celebration of the 2016 Olympics and courses were decorated with South American themed animals & flags… including a crocodile in the water feature!!
NSEA Points League presentations
Throughout the year, schools have been gaining points at events (split into regions) and the winners and runners up from each region were presented with a trophy & training voucher. Some riders who had not even qualified to compete at the championships made the effort to accept the award on behalf of their school.
The NSEA also ran a daily fancy dress competition. It was difficult to predict who enjoyed it more…. the parents or the riders!!! Homewood House School were the clear winners.
Fiona Faure, parent said:
‘’I am in total awe at how incredible Nationals are. Every year you think about how to make things better and you manage to add it. Last year by adding extra classes for the older kids and this year with the Nations Cup. What a truly special four days it is. As for the fact that there are more than 850 kids and horses involved that seems to almost be a minor point.
I loved everyone I met …Anyway the hugest thank you for all the magic you bring to so many people. You inspire so many people and make them so happy.’’
