SEDBERGH SUCCESS IN NATIONAL EQUESTRIAN COMPETITION

The newly formed Sedbergh Equestrian Team saw success at the National Schools Equestrian Championships in Buckinghamshire on 18th April, beating many other major schools with established teams including Marlborough College. The event put Sedbergh School and Casterton, Sedbergh Preparatory School on the map in the equestrian world.

Storm Straker (L6, L) came second in the individual 90cm Show Jumping competition, riding Salisbury, and only missed out on first place by 0.03 seconds. The team, including Storm Straker, George Rigal (Yr 9, W), Elizabeth Gale (Yr 8, Sedbergh Prep) and Phoebe Thorpe (L6, R), achieved seventh place and in the Warm Up Class, Storm Straker came third.

Sedbergh represented Cumbria, competing against 23 other counties and more than 100 riders. Storm Straker, Sophie Webber and Phoebe Thorpe were part of the initial qualifying team last term but Sophie was unable to compete due to Gold Duke of Edinburgh assessment commitments, meaning that George Rigal and Elizabeth Gale stepped in as the two wild card riders.

Faye Barker, Sedbergh School’s Equestrian Team Manager and the School’s qualified Pony Club instructor, said: “One highlight of the event was in Round 2, when Storm did an amazing clear. She jumped fences at virtually impossible angles and lines, which few riders attempted, and she achieved a fast time.

The fact that the whole team came 7th out of 23 counties was a fantastic achievement, and it was great to come back with so many medals. Thank you to all of the parents for their support and for transporting the horses to Buckinghamshire. Our Equestrian Team is growing in popularity at Sedbergh School and Casterton Sedbergh Preparatory School and we are we are developing an excellent reputation.”

Sedbergh Summer Courses offers trail riding and pony trekking with Alison Roper and Stonetrail for children aged 10 to 15 in July and August this year. Call 015396 22616 to enquire or visit https://summercourses.sedberghschool.org/