Page 53 - Bloxhamist 2017-2018

SPORT

equestrian

Riding at Bloxham continues to go
from strength to strength under the
guidance of Fran Bird, aided by riding
captain, Imogen Humphrey and a group
of volunteer parents, reflecting its
popularity and standing as an elective
sport. It benefits from support in school
from Mrs White and Miss Lella for co-
ordination and admin.

Riding sessions are run weekly and
are aimed at improving skills for
experienced riders at local venues,
including, for the first time, with
GB international showjumper, Geoff
Luckett. New and novice riders have
been able to visit Regal Equestrian Awards were given
where they ride on hired horses.
as follows:
Activities are not restricted to term
time with a senior team of George Most improved (Borrowed)
Hopwell, Jack Steele and Tom Bird Ellie Davis
travelling to Hickstead for the Schools
Showjumping Championships in Most improved (Owned)
August. They made it through the Stella Westaway-Christopher
preliminary rounds to earn the right
to jump in the International Arena (as Most supportive/motivating
seen on TV!), finally finishing tenth.
Grace Hopkins
Representative competition kicked were regular Bloxham successes riding Achievement
off early with three teams running in throughout the series with the 100cm Tom Bird
Bloxham colours at Beachborough’s league being won by Hannah Bird.
Eventer Challenge in late September.
Notable performances were Nay The next major event took place in The year ended at Lyneham Heath
Rathmell who placed first and Jack May with a team of Stella Westaway- with a massed cross-country session
Steele who came second, both on horses Christopher, Nay Rathmell, Issy Frank followed by a swimming party and
called Breeze. Steier and Hannah Bird representing picnic.
Bloxham at Princethorpe’s two day
The Bloxham Eventer Challenge Series event, with great enthusiasm. They put Thanks to all riders and everyone
at Washbrook Farm ran over several the training of previous weeks to good involved for making this another
Sundays from October with the finals effect coming tenth with Issy going fantastic year for Bloxham’s equestrian.
taking place at the end of February. clear in both showjumping and cross-
Over 15 schools took part and there country. Fran Bird
53