The Sidcot riders continued their success since coming back from the half term break at the recent NSEA arena eventing competitions. The riders were trying to gain the last few team and individual qualifying places for the national championships at Hickstead in May.
Team members travelled down to Bicton Arena, Devon for a very early start to tackle their arena eventing course, which had been previously postponed due to a frozen arena back in January. Well done to Olivia Banwell who finished 2nd individually in the 70cm class. Sylvie Forman, Wilf Verrell and Olivia Banwell proved that although only 3 in their team, they could still deliver outstanding rounds to finish 2nd as a team over a very tough course. These riders were then joined by Nelly Lee, Hattie Raynes and Ava Antonsen to try and take one more team qualifying place for the 90cm class. Unfortunately, a few technical errors meant this wasn’t possible, but it made Ava, Hattie and Nelly even more determined to put this right in the 1m class - which they did, going on to win the class as a team.
All riders then made the (slightly shorter) journey to Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre and were joined by other riders and their horses for a ‘Sidcot Takeover’ at this event. We were still chasing that last 90cm team qualification and they managed just that, with Sidcot winning the 80,90 and 1m classes (unfortunately we didn’t have a team in the 70cm class to make it a clean sweep!) with riders also taking individual placings to qualify.
Special mention to all riders who have represented Sidcot at these competitions. It was particularly lovely to be called to the judge’s box to be complimented on not just their riding style, but their etiquette, team spirit and politeness to all volunteers at the shows.
The commitment the riders (and their parents) demonstrate is evident through their success. Thank you to Sophie Clarke who coaches the students, often in freezing temperatures or the pouring rain, and allows them to put their training into practice at these competitions.
Well done to Olivia Banwell, Charlotte Smith, Wilf Verrell, Jemima Adams, Archie Stamp, Hugo Blair, Hattie Raynes, Sylvie Forman, Nelly Lee and Ava Antonsen who have now all qualified and will represent Sidcot School at the NSEA National Arena Eventing Championships in May.