Interschool show jumping success

It was a day of success for the Newhaven College Equestrian Team during round 1 of the 2022 Interschool Show Jumping Series.

The College team enjoyed some of the best results for a long time.

“Everyone in the team stepped up a level, or in some cases two, to compete with success,” said Amanda Price, Head of Equestrian at Newhaven College.

 “The team share a genuine love of their horses and competing and the support they show each other on these long days is very gratifying.”

Olivia Berry on her brumby bred Bella and Meyanna Christensen on Roxy joined the team in competition for the first time and both showed they are going to be a force to contend with in the future.

“Olivia Curtain on her new mount Indi's Mr Zorba Jones moved from the Freshman’s class up two levels to ride with success in the Improvers level and to finish third from 36 riders,” said Amanda.

“This on the back of her very successful year in 2021 where she won Champion in the Freshman’s class at the VEIS Grand Final and also winning Champion in the ISJ Series run across three separate events on her former pony Popeye (Dalgangle Hugs and Kisses).

“Freya Berry on her stock horse Ringmaster Hilton also leapt two classes from Freshman’s non-competitive up to the Improvers level with improvement shown throughout the day.”

Amanda said it had been a few years since the school had a rider at Level 4 in the Progressive section and this year there are two.

“Ella Berry rode her beautiful Harlequin with skill and thoughtfulness showing she is only moments away from finishing at the top of the field.

“Gabe Smith brought his two horses along, riding Blue for a quick time but one rail down in the One Round event and guided his new mount Fly for a sixth from 37 riders in the same class.

“Gabe and Fly went on to ride two clean and quick rounds in the Grand Prix and finished as Reserve Champion for the day.

“With results like these at the beginning of the year, and riders just venturing into these higher and faster levels, things look great for the equestrian team in 2022.”