Schools Championships at Hickstead

On Friday 30 June, four teams from Stonar attended the 59th National Schools Jumping Championships at Hickstead.

We were very proud to send teams to compete in both the Junior and Senior Championships at this prestigious competition, on the hallowed turf of Hickstead's Longines International Arena. 

The Junior class started the day, with the Stonar Diamond team of Elsie R, Alicia D and Rose D competing. All three riders rode brilliantly, with Rose coming away with a clear, qualifying her for the individual final.

Next up was the Stonar Ruby team - Meredith M, Millie H and Olivia H - and they all did a fantastic job with just one unlucky pole between them -  - and we were delighted to find them through to the finals. 

The Stonar Ruby team was thrilled to finish in a fantastic 6th place and performed an exciting gallop round the main ring in the prize giving ceremony!

Rose entered the arena for her Individual Final and did a fantastic job to navigate round - although she didn't place, it was a great round.

Our Senior teams began their competition with the Stonar Topaz team - Alex E, Rachel N and Megan D - first to go in the class. A challenging course with a few poles dropping meant we were not in the running for the Final, but lots learnt and a great experience.

The Stonar Sapphires - Penny S, Lily WM, Grace C and Emily I - were the last of the Stonar teams to do their preliminary round. Some super riding from all of them, with Emily pulling out a lovely clear to take her to the Individual Final. Unforunately, we were pushed us out of that elusive top ten to get through to team finals, but everyone did brilliantly.

Emily rode another lovely clear in the Individual Final to take her through to the jump off, where she rode another cracking clear round.  However, the sheer size of the ring favoured some of the bigger horses and Emily was pipped out of the top placings on time.

Ellie Halsey, Stonar's Director of Riding, said: "It was a long day but what a great experience for our pupils to have the opportunity to compete at such a fantastic event. Lots to take away and many happy memories - and we are already looking forward to next year!

"I'd like to say a big well done to all pupils and a huge thank you to all the parents and staff who supported the teams, and to the Hickstead team for a great show."

To find out more about the event, visit https://tinyurl.com/4ak2hwuj.