Success for College Equestrians at NISS Show Jumping

Last Friday, the College sent an equestrian team of five riders from Year 9-13 to compete in the North Island Secondary School Show Jumping Championships in Cambridge.

The day was a fabulous success and two of our teams of pairs placed 1st and 3rd equal in their event. Each rider competed in three classes from which overall points were calculated.

The Championships tested both horse and rider to a high level with the teams competing against some of the top riders from around the North Island. All team members competed to an impressive level, making for some nail biting moments over the ‘Joker’ and other difficult jumps.

In the 3rd class, the ‘Jig-saw’ event – in which two riders compete at the same time in the same ring, dividing jumps between them and racing the clock – all riders showed planning and teamwork which ultimately led to very successful rides.

Our riders’ determination and team work was to be commended. One rider had to source a new pony at the last minute to avoid letting down the team, and all riders agreed to ride in pairs (rather than four), to give them the best chance at placings.

Over a very long and arduous day, the team made Saint Kentigern College proud with their professionalism and calm disposition.

Team manager, Miss Anneka Rene, said this was particularly seen in the captain, Georgie Alcock, who was an invaluable support to the younger riders during the day.

Miss Rene said she was extremely proud of the riders for the way they presented themselves and for their successes throughout the event.

Team: Georgina Alcock (Captain), Kate Westbrooke, Ginna Auld, Jessica Collinson and Caitlyn Lochore

1st = Team Winners: Ginna Auld and Jess Collinson, 26 points

3rd = Team Winners: Georgie Alcock and Caitlyn Lochore, 24 points

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Photos courtesy of Lorraine Muir