On Monday 1st April, six of our pupils took part in the DIC Inter schools Showjumping event at the Ecclesville Centre, Fintona.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, instead of two teams in the Open, we had to pull one team. These athletes, being very understanding, entered other aspects of the show.
To start with, Tiana Grace Abbott joined 2 pupils from Erne Integrated College and one from Mount Lourdes to make up a mixed team fondly dubbed ‘ Totally Integrated’ by their Chef d’équipe Jeanette Abbott!!! Very apt. A strong team who performed superbly earning them a 2nd place in the Intermediate competition.
We then had two individual riders in the Intermediate section – Natalie Somerville and Hannah Jones. They both jumped well, but unfortunately not quickly enough to place in the top 6.
In the Open competition, the last Balmoral Qualifier, there were 13 teams entered, all trying to clinch the last qualifying spot for the Balmoral show. Being biased as only I can be, I really felt that our team performed excellently. There was a lot riding on this and so everyone was rather nervous.
There were two phases to the ride. The 1st phase wasn’t timed whereas the 2nd phase was. They also put a limit on the time allowed to complete this phase – 54 seconds. Anything over this time would incur time penalties.
Adrianna Hurst was first into the arena on Cheeky Blonde. She made short work of the course, a great double clear inside the 54 seconds. The best start for the ERGS team, helped settle some nerves.
Second in was Patrick Williams on Coill Dearmad William. He was quite anxious until he got the first jump out of his way, after that he was very comfortable and jumped strongly. A second double clear but just outside the time allowed.
Third came Natalie Somerville on ISHD Convoy. She has really come along well on this horse and was jumping easily. Unfortunately, she had a slight wrong turn which incurred a fault and added precious seconds to her time. Despite this, she had a strong round with no fences down but slightly over time.
Finally it was Sophia Williams’s turn on Clonlee Red River. Last to jump, but safe in the knowledge that everyone was round with no fences down. Time for her to see if she could put in a faster time to push the team up the ranks. This she did, getting round the course in a double clear and comfortably under the 54 seconds.
We didn’t have long to wait until the results were announced. We were pretty sure that we’d placed in the top 6, just not where. As the competition was playing out, we had recorded times and scores for the other teams, so we knew that the last qualifying spot was beyond our reach. However, it would be nice to place.
Results in… Loreto Grammar, Omagh were 1st and 2nd , Hunterhouse were 3rd, St Joseph’s Grammar 4th, ERGS 5th and Drumragh Integrated 6th.
Rosettes again for the team – excellent achievement.
So – not to be this year for Balmoral, but as this is our first year attempting the qualifying height of 1m, I would say… watch this space. We have a very talented group of athletes who are keen to improve their performances as much as they can.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents and students who make these showjumping teams a reality for ERGS. Their dedication at all hours of the day and night to train and care for their horses is second to none. I have been delighted to be a part of it all and look forward to next year when we can do it all over again.
Enjoy the break from schools competition.
