EVENTERS are riding high after qualifying for a prestigious national final.
Richmond School and Sixth Form College will field riders in the National Schools’ Equestrian Association Eventers’ Challenge Championships at Hickstead on May 28.
The competition will see them vie for glory with some of the best young riders in the country, most from independent schools, tackling 12 show and rustic fences against the clock.
In the qualifying event at Richmond Equestrian Centre, the 90cm team, of Cassie Ramsay, Imogen Thornton, Laura Mathias and Kelly Pierson came first in their class.
The qualifier also saw Ellie Rutterford, Ellie Rogers, Laura Matthias, and Rosie Langstaff come 2nd in the 80cm class, sufficient to qualify for Hickstead. In the 1m class Cassie was second and qualifies as an individual rider.
Imogen also got a first as an individual and Kelly second, both qualifying to compete as individuals as well as part of the team.
For Imogen it will be the second year running she has competed at Hickstead.
Imogen, 17, of Aldbrough St John, said: “It is a massive event and we are aiming to do as well as possible. We are training hard at the moment; it’s all about jumping in the optimum time.”
Team manager Kirstie Thornton said: “The girls have done exceptionally well to qualify and Hickstead will be an amazing experience for those taking part. We are all really proud of their achievements.”