Equestrian Team

Akeley Wood Are National Champions!

On Thursday 4th August, whilst many pupils were on hot, sunny beaches, six intrepid pupils from Akeley Wood represented the School at the National Showjumping Championships at at a very wet Hickstead where over an inch of rain fell in a very short time.

The six pupils from Akeley Wood made up two teams of three - one Junior team - Ellie Davis, Georgia Wakelin and Philippa Stacey and one Senior team - Megan Elphick, Calum Leary and Harriet Doherty. In order to qualify for the finals each time had to qualify in the top ten from the morning's rounds. This was no mean feat as there were 27 teams in the Junior Class and 63 in the Senior Class!

The Junior team were sixth to jump in their qualifying class. As the rain poured and the mud splashed they all jumped clear rounds. This was a promising start, but qualification for the finals depended on the team's overall speed, as if there were more than ten triple clear rounds, the ten fastest teams would go onto the finals. There was a long wait ahead.

The senior team jumped soon after, the arena for their class was not as well drained as the ring in which the Juniors were jumping, and the course had to be moved three times during the qualifying rounds as the mud was making the take off and landing areas potentially dangerous. The rain was absolutely hammering down when the Seniors jumped their qualifying round, The slippery ground and the heavy rain contributed to a total of four fences being knocked, but it can honestly be said that Megan, Callum and Harriet rode sensitively and appropriately for the treacherous conditions, As a representitive of the school I couldn't have been more proud.

Eventually the Junior qualifying rounds finished and we were pleased to discover that Akeley Wood had been successful - the Juniors were to ride in the Main Arena at Hickstead - a true privilege. All three scores counted. Everyone associated with Akeley Wood seemed to hold their breath as the girls jumped the challenging course. 

We finished with a total of 4 faults (one fence down) This was a fantastic achievement - highlighted that it materialised that Akeley Wood had the best score along with Cranleigh School. There was to be a jump off. 

A jump off is where one member of each team jumps a shortened course as fast as possible. The fastest round (with all the fences left intact) is the winner. Akeley Wood nominated Georgia Wakelin. We were fortunate to jump second so Georgia knew what she had to do to win. The pupil from Cranleigh School jumped a careful clear round so Georgia had to go faster and leave all the fences intact - a difficult task indeed. 

The bell rang to signal the judges were ready and the audience fell silent. Georgia jumped a spectacular round. She was clear and fast. Akeley Wood had won and become National Champions!

The three girls not only won a trophy for the school, but they won 3' long rosettes, rugs for their horses, fantastic sashes and medals. They were also accompanied by an immensely proud teacher! 

The conduct, supportiveness and team spirit of all the pupils was superb and they were a real credit to the school. They all represented the true supportive and family spirit of Akeley Wood. However, none of the competitions would be attended if it wasn't for the enormous support of the parents who keep the ponies and provide transport to the enormously time consuming competitions. I wholeheartedly thank every parent who has been involved in the Equestrian Team over the last year. 

The Akeley Wood Equestrian Team is an active group of young riders and enters competitions aimed at all abilities. If you are interested in representing the School in the Equestrian Team then please contact Georgie Hart in the School Office.

Helen Dickens