3 Podium Finishes at the National Schools Equestrian Championships
Article by Faye Barker, Equestrian Team Manager
Our team of 15 riders and 16 horses travelled to the National Schools Equestrian Championships at Addington Manor, Buckinghamshire, during the October half-term. After a year of dedication and hard work, the team arrived with excitement, ready to represent their school at the highest level. Their goal was clear: stay focused, give their best, and, most importantly, have fun and enjoy the experience as a team.
Sedbergh’s equestrian team had an extraordinary competition, with every rider contributing to the overall success. The team’s spirit was palpable, with riders, coaches, and parents supporting each other every step of the way. Special thanks were given to the amazing support crew of parents, family, and coaches, whose efforts made these achievements possible. The **team spirit** was unlike any other, and the event was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and memories to cherish.
Regardless of where individuals and teams were placed, the entire team embraced the true spirit of sportsmanship, embodying Sedbergh core values of humility, ambition, resilience and kindness. A special mention must be made to Any Calvert, who, despite her own horse being injured, made the selfless decision to stay and support her teammates throughout the competition.
We are so proud of every rider and horse that participated, and we look forward to seeing what this incredible team will achieve in the future.
A Fantastic Team Effort
It was unforgettable experience for Team Sedbergh, filled with triumphs, team spirit, and memories to last a lifetime. As Faye Barker concluded, “Sedbergh were the first to arrive and the last to leave, but every minute was special with the most amazing bunch of people who helped each other every step of the way. We can’t wait to look back at Nina’s daily blogs and clips as reminders of these fun days, especially when the going gets tough in the midst of winter.”
Day 1: Arena Eventing Success
The competition kicked off with an impressive performance in the Arena Eventing. Both the Gold and Navy teams finished in the top 8, a significant achievement that showcased the depth and talent of the Sedbergh team. The course was tough, with tricky combinations, challenging lines, and a demanding time limit.
- Gold Team: Elsie, Emma, Sophie, and Harriet finished 3rd in the UK, earning a coveted podium position.
- Navy Team: Hattie, Izzy, and Olivia secured 7th place, another top 8 finish for the school.
Team Manager Faye Barker shared, “It was very special to see both teams finish in the top 8, especially with the challenges the course presented. It really showed the riders to never give up, even when things don’t go perfectly. We are so proud of everyone’s efforts.”
Day 2: Show Jumping Triumphs
The second day brought the 80cm Show Jumping competition, and Sedbergh had 3 teams qualify for this prestigious event—no other school had that many teams represented. The Gold Team set the bar high, producing four beautiful and fast clears, leaving the crowd in awe and support crew just so happy that it all came together for each rider.
- After a tense wait and over 200 riders later, the Gold Team secured a spot in the top 8 with 2nd place against 50 teams, making it to the evening final.
- The Navy and Winder Teams performed admirably, gaining valuable experience at such a high level of competition.
Meanwhile, 90cm Arena Eventing was also underway, with both Sedbergh teams facing a tough and technical course. The Gold Team was in the lead for most of the event but narrowly missed out on victory, finishing as Reserve National Champions, an incredible achievement. Elsie, Emma, Sophie, and Harriet gave everything to secure the runner-up spot with Sophie making the top 8 individually with an impressive 4th place.
In the afternoon, the 80 Show Jumping team fought hard and finished 2nd overall, just two seconds off the top spot. They performed incredibly well under pressure and were crowned Reserve National Champions, just missing out on the title by 2 seconds, an unforgettable moment for riders Ella, Sophie, Harriet, and Elsie.
Day 3: Dressage and Individual Successes
The third day saw Sedbergh’s riders take to the Team National Dressage, with Bella Kirby, Tom Park, Sophie Lupton, and Zara Brodie Greer representing the school in a challenging atmosphere. Tom Park’s participation was particularly special with being your youngest rider and from our Prep School.
Individually, Sophie delivered an impressive performance in the 1m Arena Eventing, finishing 7th in a highly competitive field. Ella also showcased remarkable bravery in the 1.10m Pony Show Jumping, finishing just outside the top 8, but earning admiration for her skill and courage in jumping such large fences on a pony.
Day 4: Individual Dressage and Show Jumping Finals
The final day brought individual competitions, with Bella finishing 4th in the Novice Dressage test on her beautiful grey horse, making Sedbergh proud. Sophie and Zara also competed as individuals, gaining valuable experience in the massive 60 x 20m arena.
In 1m Show Jumping, although tired horses led to a few poles down, Ella put in an exceptional performance, finishing 4th in the individual final—a remarkable achievement in such a high-pressure event.
“The Team down there was so supportive and made the experience wonderful, even if your round didn’t have the outcome you wanted. It felt like one big family.”
“I think nationals went extremely well. Both of my ponies jumped amazing getting placed in both of the finals. I really enjoyed being there and seeing all the other riders do really well too.”
“Everyone loved it! The team spirit was at a high level throughout, even if we had the best rounds and results or not!”
“It was a real privilege to support the team at nationals and to get to know the riders and their horses better. Very proud of all that Sedbergh achieved there and deserve a huge Well done.”
“I had a really amazing time at the nationals this year. It was so great to compete at such a big venue in really competitive classes and a huge atmosphere. A highlight for me of my time at Addington was probably when our 90cm JWS team came 2nd.
It was a really rewarding feeling being stood on the podium with my teammates, happy that all our hard work paid off. One thing I really loved was how supportive everyone in the team was of each other, and it was so nice being able to support them and celebrate their success.”
“It was a fantastic experience with all of the team. My horse and I gained lots of experience in a high level environment.”
“Nationals was a great experience to be able to learn how to cope with the greater pressure that comes with the bigger competition atmospheres. I personally had a very successful nationals, not only in results, but in the experience and confidence I gained throughout the process and am very much looking forward to next year.”
“I loved going to Nationals for the first time and competing with the seniors for the school. Watching the older riders was really inspiring and I want to try and qualify for more classes next year. The atmosphere was huge, and it felt really special to be there.”
“I would say Nationals is the best the team has ever performed, with top placings across all elements. The courses weren’t easy. Our training and determination beforehand and during, is what put us ahead of other schools.”
“It was such a privilege to represent Sedbergh at the National Championships as both a rider and co-captain. It was a brilliant opportunity to learn and improve as a rider with the results reflecting the hard work and commitment of the team that is growing in both confidence and achievements with each and every event.”
