On Saturday 22nd September, a young ERGS team set off for the first of 6 events in the Inter schools Tri League series. A maximum of 4 riders compete with the best 3 to count.
23 teams entered the Novice (85cm) event, of which we were number 16 in the running order – a nerve-wracking wait for most, but I do believe I was more nervous than our riders!
After the course walk (where the riders learn the order of the jumps) and the warm up, our first rider was up – Natalie Somerville. She set off calmly, capably managing her horse (even though they have only been riding together for a short time). With a steady hand, she guided her horse (ISHD Convoy) around the course for a double clear and a solid time. Next up was Hannah Jones on Rocket – and what a little rocket he was. The pair had a strong, quick run round the course, with Hannah keeping a cool head on her young shoulders. Unfortunately, one pole came down at the start which was frustrating after such a quick ride. Third into the arena was Sophia Williams on Clonlee Red River. Used to the higher fences, this was a chance for Sophia to work on her speed with the bonus of a smaller height. This she did excellently, posting a very fast time and a double clear to boot. 2 riders clear – could we get a third and be in with z chance of placing in the top 6? Time would tell as the youngest member of the team, Patrick Williams on Coill Dearmad William, entered the arena. Cool as a cucumber, he launched himself and his pony at the fences with a superb turn of speed. No stopping this pair, they meant business! After a double clear with the fastest time of the 4 riders, Patrick rode out to join his happy team mates.
After a wait for the final 7 teams to jump, the results were announced…. We were placed!
Huge congratulations to the ERGS team on achieving 4th place in the first event in this League. A super start for our jumpers.
Meanwhile, some of the riders entered the unregistered events, where Hannah Jones got a double clear in the 80cm and Sophia Williams did the same in the 90cm. Patrick Williams had one fault in the 90cm and Tiana Grace Abbott had one fault in the 80cm.
The final event of the day was The Individual 85cm where Tiana Grace Abbott was competing. It was a long wait as she was number 68 of 75 registered jumpers. As the riders went, Tiana Grace watched as many of them struggled with the tight turns of the course, with a good number knocking down poles, refusing or even falling off their horse! When called, she entered the arena and calmly began to go round the course. Unfortunately, she was also to succumb to a couple of poles going down however, she still left the ring smiling! Well…. that’s showjumping!!!
Very well done to all the riders- an early start and a long day!
Thank-you to the parents for their support (transporting riders and mounts to the event) and giving up their Saturday to allow the pupils to compete for their school.
Next event in the Tri- League is on Saturday 6th October.
