Success for Bexhill College showjumpers

The competition was held at Henfield's Royal Leisure Equestrian Centre in West Sussex.

Schools from all over the home counties were in attendance as the Bexhill team outshone their competitors - even down to three riders on the day.

The event had 17 teams in each class, consisting of four riders per team. With the best three scores from each side to count, the margin for error was much narrower for Bexhill than their competitors, which made their success all the more satisfying.

Alia Elliott, Joely Elphick and Sophie Elliott, who made up the team, were in no mood to allow the handicap to affect their approach as they entered the novice class competition.

Joely had only four faults and the Elliott sisters both had clear rounds which saw them clinch second place.

Buoyed by their success, the team were confident as they moved on to the intermediate class. The standard of competition increased and the girls had to perform tight turns and go at pace to make the optimum time. Sophie and Joely had four faults each and Alia had a clear round but time was added on for a fence down.

This effort saw Bexhill finish in first place and qualify for next month's National Championships in Bedford.

The event had greater emphasis on rider's style and harmony between horse and rider than previous events where the horse's technique was all important.

A member of the organising committee said "It was an amazing victory, especially as Bexhill were a rider down to all other schools"

To round off a successful weekend Alia narrowly missed out on first place in the intermediate individual event but still qualified for the National finals.

Claire Cole who lead the triumphant team said "The girls were outstanding in their approach and execution. They performed brilliantly under pressure and can now go to the National Championships full of confidence"