Bloxham’s riders enjoyed a wonderful summer taking advantage of the good weather to bring on new horses and ponies and forge new partnerships. Berni Newcombe, Equestrian Administrator, reports on competitive successes for our equestrian team over the summer period.
“We have a host of congratulations to offer across our young equestrians. Hunter A.-B. has become a mainstay of the England Mounted Games under 12 squad, with the team enjoying a win at the Home International at the David Broome Event Centre against Northern Ireland, Italy and Scotland.
Urssie L. travelled to Denmark to participate as part of the England team in the World Vaulting championships where she came 9th in the Senior section. She also won the England Individuals Championship and will soon be competing in the British Championships in October – good luck Urssie!
Not to be outdone, her brother Josh L. has been having great success with his string of horses at all levels, pinnacling with a 3rd place at the 2* International at Millstreet, Ireland and being a member of the winning team.
Charlotte F.-S. and Izzie F.-S. went to the Pony Club Championships representing the Warwickshire branch, where their team came 4th in the 110cm Show Jumping. They were also both in the 100 Eventing team, with Charlotte coming 6th in her section and 3rd out of a total of 130 for the Horsemanship Award.
Hannah B. has gone from strength to strength with her eventing, having ridden to 2* internationally both on her pony and also this summer on her young horse that she has produced herself. She competed for Central Region at the U21 Eventing Championships at Bishop Burton where she rode very sensibly on hard ground to give her youngster an educational outing in the jumping phases, having been placed 7th after the dressage. She also competed for the Heythrop Pony Club at the Area 9 regionals being a member of the winning team and coming 3rd individually in the 100+ class. Hannah has also found a new love for show jumping having won at BS Discovery level and been placed at Newcomers.
Not to be outdone, Toby R. was also representing Central in the U21 2* Championships, coming 16th over a tough track alongside Hannah. He also represented his pony club in the Show Jumping Team Championships at the Burghley Horse Trials, jumping a superb clear round in front of Burghley House. He also competed with his young horse in the National Junior Championships at Cornbury Horse Trials, showing a lot of promise for years to come.
Angelina S. has had a great year in her first season at Novice Eventing, as well as moving up to 2* with half of her finishes in the top 5 placings. She competed in the Junior U18 Eventing Championships as a member of the Central team, dropping to 12th place from an exciting 5th on the final day, just rubbing one pesky pole in the show jumping phase. Her trainer is hopeful of her attaining a place on the shortlist for the Europeans next summer.
Finally, new student Jemima L, has been on flying form, with a wonderful win with her pony Bruce at Gatcombe in the 80cm Arena Eventing. Jemma was one of the youngest in the class and one of only a few finishing inside the time.
Huge congratulations to all and to all those who have also enjoyed success, great or small. We are so proud of you all whatever your discipline and level.”
News of registration for this year’s Bloxham Eventer Challenge to follow soon!