Equestrian Life July 2016 Edition

EDUCATION
NSEA, the National Schools
Equestrian Association.
More and more schools each year are
introducing Equestrian into their sports
curriculum – and it’s not just the domain
of the Independent sector either. Many
state schools are now taking an interest
too. A large part of this movement
can be attributed to the ongoing work
and success of the NSEA, the National
Schools Equestrian Association.
As an organisation they believe that
introducing Equestrianism into the
curriculum can really benefit the school
and pupils alike - not only is it fully
inclusive for all pupils, but there are
many additional social and educational
benefits.
The NSEA is a recognised body within
equestrianism, sitting under the
National Equestrian Federation. They
run over 140 competitive interschool
events across the year for both team
and individual riders which cover all
disciplines - including dressage, show
jumping and eventing plus county and
national championships. Recently they
have introduced the Grass Roots series
to give less experienced riders a taste of
competition with help and support.
One recent event was the NSEA’s
Eventers Challenge Championships at
Hickstead. This was the big final for the
NSEA Eventers Challenge Series 15/16,
which has seen schools across the UK
competing in a series of regional events
over the past 6 months. The teams and
individuals that placed 1st and 2nd
in each event within these regional
competitions automatically secured a
place at the Championships.
There were three schools from the local
area that qualified to take part in this
competition with some good results.
Isadora Wadd from Uppingham School
in Rutland came first in the NSEAs
Individual Eventers Challenge 80cm
Champion. The school also did well in
the Team 80cm event, coming 5th out
of 12. The team consisted of Amber
Baldwin, Lily Finch, Isadora Wadd, Eliza
Wadd.
Scarborough College also had some well
earnt success at Hickstead after taking
nearly 6 ½ hours to get there , coming
2nd in the Team 1m event and 4th in the
90cm. Their team consisted of Hannah
Marley, Edward Bradley, Tilly Fenton and
Harriet Stephenson. Harriet also took
part in the 95 Scurry.
Easingwold School’s Holly Claydon did
well in the regional Eventers Challenge
Series to qualify for both the 90cm and
95 Scurry events at the Championships,
placing 12th and 6th respectively.
The popularity of the NSEA’s
competitions is growing every year.
To take part, your school take up
membership with the NSEA and affiliate
their riding squad. There are now over
10,000 riders registered with the NSEA,
with more and
more schools
getting involved
each year.
For more information on the NSEA and
how to get your school involved go to their
website www.nsea.org.uk.
WWW.MHPHOTOS.CO.UK
Classes Galore
at Equifest 2016
Want to compete in a fun, summer party
environment with your friends and family
there for support?
Equifest – The
Festival for Horse
Lovers - has hundreds
of classes to choose
from and they could involve your horse or
pony and even your canine friend!
Featuring the most extensive range of
showing classes to suit every type of
horse, pony and rider, from heavy horse
classes, to re-trained racehorses, coloured
classes to miniatures, variety is key when
it comes to this equestrian summer party.
New for 2016 is the Veteran Rider - 40
years and older class which will provide a
great competition and a lot of fun at the
same time.
Held on August 17 to 21 at the East of
England Showground, Peterborough this
phenomenal event promises to deliver
five amazing, action packed days.
You can be confident you will find the
right class for you and your horse or
pony at Equifest as well as experiencing
fantastic shopping and entertainment.
Why not try the Horse and Hound
Fun Pairs class? This is a fun relay
competition with a horse and rider and a
dog and handler combination.
Horse and rider jump a course of fences
against the clock before changing over to
the dog and handler who will have a small
agility course to complete before racing
across the finishing line.
Throughout the class time will be added
for penalties occurred and the fastest
combination will take the honours.
For further information contact (01733)
363500 or visit www.equifest.org.uk
Fancy a University Challenge!
Every year thousands of students take
part in equestrianism at university in one
form or another. This may be joining a
lesson once a week for fitness reasons, the
firsts BUCS squad or the firsts polo team
as a competitive members. Whatever the
reason for joining the equestrian club at
university and whichever horse-sport you
are trying, the over-riding consensus is
that you are meeting up with like-minded
people, sharing your passion and bond for
the horses as well as maybe indulging in a
little socialising along the way!
Horses as a sport are one of the most
popular within the university sector
and many offer different opportunities
for getting involved including lessons,
competitions, volunteering and holidays.
The first stop for any student needs to
be the Freshers Fayre that is usually held
during the first couple of weeks, where
the equestrian club is most
likely to have a stand and
will welcome you with open
arms, regardless of your skill level. If
you are one of the unlucky ones to find
that your university does not yet have a
club then head for your athletic union
and have a chat… but you may well find
yourself as the keen leader of a shiny new
club before you leave!
Get involved at www.bucs.org.uk
18 July 2016 Equestrian Life