Sidcot School Equestrian Team Crowned National Champions
The Sidcot School Equestrian Team has been reaching new heights this year in competitions across the country. Following on from recent success at the NSEA National Championships at the prestigious Hickstead venue, the team took part in the national final of the British Showjumping Just for Schools event last week in Stonleigh.
The School team had to first qualify for these national championships and they did so throughout the academic year at various venues around the South West, notably Badgworth Arena and Kingsedgmoor Equestrian.
The 70cm team members included Archie stamp (12 years old, from Mark) Erin Crofts (14 years old, from Axbridge) Sophie Lee (13 years old, from Wedmore) and Harriet Blair (12 years old from Wedmore).
The team, along with their support crew, travelled to the impressive venue for the first time. Having never competed at this level before, to come away as champions was a truly outstanding achievement.
Sophie Lee said: “We were so happy, we just couldn’t stop smiling! We have all worked really hard over the year as a team, and we were chuffed at what we had achieved together.”
Zoë Ashton, the School’s Equestrian Centre Manager said: “We couldn’t be more proud of what this young team have achieved. It’s been a fantastic year for Sidcot’s riders. For such a small school to be competing, and winning, at national events such as this is a great testament to the hard work of the whole team.”