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Young riders from Burgess Hill School for Girls took part in the most prestigious school’s equestrian event of the year, the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) Dressage Championships 2011.
The event was held at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre in Buckinghamshire, and the Burgess Hill team took part after qualifying for the Championships earlier in the year.
The team was made up of three 13 year old riders: Johanna Lawless; Alice Reffin and Sarah Rogers. The forth member of the team, Rachael Hawkins, 12, was recovering from an injury.
Johanna rode her pony DJ exceptionally well and scored 70% which took her to a deserved individual 2nd place. Sarah rode an accurate test on Star, a considerable achievement as he was borrowed for the occasion and they were an untried partnership.
Alice rode her pony Blue, in a more complicated Novice test and did Burgess Hill proud by riding accurately, showing good rhythm and paces.
The standard of competition was extremely high and although the girls were not placed as a team they are keen to qualify for next year’s big event.