Sedbergh Success at Royal Windsor Horse Show

The Sedbergh Equestrian Team recently finished 3rd nationally at the Royal Windsor Show. The team of 3 competed against 38 qualified schools from across the Country in the Land Rover Inter Schools Show Jumping.

Royal Windsor Horse Show first started in 1943 to help raise funds for the war effort. It has continued to run every year since and is now the only show in the UK to host international competitions in Showjumping, Dressage, Driving and Endurance.

The trio of Kate Sanderson, Miki Crossley and Alicia Newing formed the Sedbergh team that qualified for the event back in February in Northallerton. After a day of brilliant performances, Sedbergh were leading the way until two of the last three teams nudged them off the top down into a very credible third place.

Team manager, Faye Barker, was absolutely delighted with the result. “The riders and support team of family and friends are buzzing with the final result.  Our riders were nervous with the large crowds and on very excited horses but handled the pressure well.  Memories have been made for life competing at this prestigious event, seeing the Royal family and in the company of International riders.”  

Faye and the team were honoured to walk the course with William Funnell, one of the UK’s leading showjumpers, who provided them all with indispensable advice and encouragement ahead of their round. “We are very thankful to William Funnell, who took time out of his busy competing schedule to walk the course with our riders” said Faye.

Following a physically, and mentally, exhausting day competing, the team got to witness the grand spectacle of the Pageant in the evening. With this year being the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria there was a special 90-minute show featuring over 500 participants, 400 horses and 30 carriages. Faye said, “We thoroughly enjoyed the Pageant in the evening on the life of Queen Victoria in the company of Queen, Prince Philip and Prince Harry. It was a truly magical weekend.”

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