The Queen’s College equestrian team has qualified for the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) County Challenge Team Championships 2014 in the novice 80cm class. Held at Stockland Lovell Equestrian Centre in Bridgwater, the Class 2 team, made up of Lottie Gaukroger, Kirsten Hill, Molly Rucklidge and Niamh O’Keefe, won the class with no penalties and were presented with a trophy and certificate. This qualifies the Queen’s team to compete at the finals in April.
The NSEA is the recognised body for equestrianism in schools throughout the UK and provides inter-schools competitions for teams and individual riders. Competitions start at grass roots level and build up to national schools qualifiers and championships. Disciplines include dressage, show jumping, arena eventing, one day events, hunter trials and tetrathlons and people such as Clare Balding, the Duchess of York, Jodie Kidd, Pippa Funnell, Duncan Inglis and Lizzie Bunn have all competed in these competitions when at school.
Queen’s College, who put forward four equestrian teams, comprising 16 riders and entered one individual rider, also finished third in the Class 1 with no penalties, fifth in Class 3, also with no penalties and Molly came third individually in Class 2.
Said Headmaster, Chris Alcock: “I am very proud of the Queen’s College Equestrian Teams. They are really making a mark locally and have achieved some excellent results against tough competition. They have ridden many faultless rounds in quick time. The recent coaching with Mary King MBE has really helped a lot of our pupils understand what they need to do to compete at a higher level and the results are really beginning to show. In addition, we have also had class lesson with Paralympian Gold Medallist Deb Criddle MBE in dressage. I am really looking forward to seeing what they can do at national level.”
This summer, Queen’s College will be hosting its first one-day Eventers’ Show Jumping event at King’s Sedgemoor. For further information about taking part in the event on Sunday 1st June, please contact mjb@queenscollege.org.uk.