Equestrian Team Secure Multiple Qualifications in Early Season Success

The King’s Hawford Equestrian Team is celebrating after a series of fantastic achievements following a busy and very successful start to the season.

NSEA Grassroots Qualification Round

In February, a number of our Hawford team riders attended the NSEA Grassroots Qualification Round at Allens Hill in Pershore.

We entered two teams in the 50cm class; Isla W, Charlotte P and Izzy W made up the first team, while Iona P, Freddie L and Georgie N formed the second. We also entered a 60cm team consisting of Charlotte P, Izzy W, Iona P and Georgie N.

We were delighted with the results. The 50cm team of Charlotte P, Izzy W and Isla W finished in third place, securing a team qualification, while Iona P achieved an excellent fourth place individually, also qualifying.

The 60cm team performed brilliantly, finishing in second place and earning another qualification spot.

With a very early start and this being the first outing after a long winter, all riders and horses performed exceptionally well, setting a fantastic tone for the season ahead.

Pickering Equestrian

On 15th March, Freddie L represented Hawford individually at Pickering Equestrian in Coalville. Riding his aunt’s young pony, Bonnie, in one of their first competitions together, Freddie showed great determination. After a minor navigational error in the 40cm class, he came back strongly in the 50cm, producing a fast and confident round to secure sixth place and yet another qualification for the Hickstead finals later this year. A huge well done to Freddie.

Arena Eventing

Last weekend brought some exciting new challenges, as several team members took part in arena eventing for the first time. The course consisted of a technical 22-jump track, combining coloured show jumps with arena eventing obstacles such as hedges, rolltops, skinny corners and floating logs, all to be completed within an optimum time.

On Saturday, India L competed at both 40cm and 50cm on her pony, Spirit, achieving two fantastic clear rounds. It was a superb performance. Well done, Indie.

On Sunday, Rosie H, Georgia B, Adelyn K and Maysie L formed a 75cm team. For both Rosie and Maysie, this was their first arena eventing competition, yet they rode with great confidence and skill. The whole team performed beautifully, clearly enjoying the experience, and finished in an impressive second place. This result secures another qualification for the Arena Eventing National Finals at Hickstead this May. Adelyn K also competed in the 85cm class for the first time, finishing with just four faults.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all parents for their continued support in helping the team look so smart and professional. For the arena eventing competitions, we introduced new King’s hat silks, as the required attire differs from our usual show jumping uniform, and the team looked fantastic.

We are incredibly proud of the entire King’s Hawford Equestrian Team for their achievements, determination, and outstanding Hawford team spirit.

With the competition calendar only just underway, it promises to be a very exciting year ahead.