This year we had 3 individuals enter the NSEA National Championships which was held Oct 17th – 20th at Addington Equestrian Centre in Buckinghamshire.

This was Lily P’s first visit to the NSEA National Champs. The 70cm Individual Showjumping class is always highly competitive, and this year was no exception with 84 competitors. Lily P had 2 unlucky poles, so despite a quick time, it was not her day in terms of placings but a lot learnt for future events.

Combined Training is an event in which riders complete the same dressage test but qualify at different Showjumping heights. It was the first time competing in this event for both Emily L, riding Sam, in the 80cm class which was held on Sunday, and Chloe D, with Misty, in the 90cm class which was held on Monday.

Emily & Sam delivered a very solid dressage test but picked up 8 faults in the showjumping phase to finish in 12th.

Chloe’s dressage test wasn’t the smoothest, with Misty objecting to the driving rain, so they were in 12th going into the showjumping phase, which fortunately was held indoors. Chloe & Misty went clear to finish in 9th.

Chloe also qualified as an individual in the Prelim dressage class, which took place 30 mins after the Combined Training dressage class. Misty was again less than impressed with the weather and struggled to stay focused. Despite some really strong marks for individual movements, their overall score left them out of contention.

As always the riders represented QEGS to the highest standards; immaculately turned out, supporting each other where possible, respectful and considerate of officials, fellow competitors most importantly their ponies.

Thanks, as ever, to parents for all their efforts & support to make competing in these events.