National Eventers Finals at Hickstead qualifying event

Last Sunday our riding team of Flora, Emily, Josh and Anna had a very early start.

Due to the huge number of schools entries (over 80 in each class) we were drawn to start competing before 8am. This meant alarm clocks going off at around 5am, ponies being groomed and all heading off to Pontispool Equestrian Centre just outside Taunton. The ultimate aim of the day was to try and qualify for the National Eventers Finals at Hickstead in May. To achieve this we had to finish either 1st or 2nd as a school team or an individual. 

Despite the early start and the very wet conditions all of our Hazlegrove competitors did superbly and one of our teams finished in 2nd place in Class 1 – well done to Anna, Emily and Josh. Emily also won Class 2 as an individual. This event is always particularly tricky as you are riding to an optimum time and as well as going clear, you have to try and judge the correct speed of your round.

As at all of the NSEA riding events, there is no age limit, and we often find ourselves competing against much older children. The riders did incredibly well at this event and we are very proud of their achievements.