Two Exeter School teams and two individuals in equestrian finals at Hickstead

Exeter School's equestrians are celebrating success at Bicton's National Schools' Equestrian Association (NSEA) Eventers Challenge Qualifier on 23 January.

Two teams and two individuals have qualified for the NSEA Summer Eventers Challenge Finals at Hickstead in May.

The 80cm team comprising Olivia Eden, Celia Nowill, Max Harrison and Ruby Scott finished with zero jumping penalties and came second overall with Ruby coming sixth individually.

The 90 cm team was made up of Olivia, Celia, Sophie Walker and Ruby with Max and Sophie also riding as individuals.

They came first with Olivia placed first individually, Sophie in second place and Celia in seventh.

Equestrian Team Manager Alison Bailey said: "Bearing in mind there were 17 teams and as many as 80 individuals, I can safely say the team smashed it!

"Our good fortune also continued into the 1m competition with Sophie riding two horses individually and producing a second and fourth place."

The results mean that Exeter School has qualified for 80cm and 90cm team finals at Hickstead in May, together with Olivia and Sophie qualifying as individuals.

Alison added: "Olivia, Ruby, Megan and Alice Bailey also made the long journey to Keysoe, Bedfordshire for a National Schools Championships in May, where they were lucky enough to qualify against stiff opposition for the 95cm Show Jumping at the prestigious Royal Windsor Horse Show.

"It made the long journey worthwhile and was testament to the team's hard work and commitment."

Upper Fifth Former Olivia Eden said: "It was one of my best days, to be in the winning and qualifying team against 17 other school teams, and then to win the class individually after about 3 hours of competition. Dapple was a star."

Her mother, Gail Eden, said the parents and children who compete at these NSEA competitions were grateful to the school for allowing and sponsoring much of their equestrian interest.

"The last few years of results are really looking good, and the school input is a massive help to which we are all most grateful.

"Thanks also to Ali who is a brilliant team manager, organising all the entries, the school and the children plus their parents, the shows and timings etc."