In early 2024, current Y9 pupil Inez S worked with the
school to form an equestrian squad under the National Schools Equestrian
Association (NSEA) with the aim being to qualify either as a team or as an
individual for national events against schools from across the UK.
In February and March 3 of our pupils; Inez S, Alice W Y8 and Eleanor W Y8 entered the winter pop up dressage series (virtual dressage judged professionally) with Inez & her horse achieving individual qualification to represent the school at the NSEA National Championships at Hickstead in May. Following this first school event Alice said “I loved recording my Prelim test for the NSEA dressage, and I was so proud of my result and to be representing Wimbledon High on Poppy”.
In April the school had individual representation in the Grass Roots Show jumping qualifiers at Coombelands. The event was a great success with Eleanor winning her 50cm class and Inez also winning her 60cm class. As a result, both girls qualified for their respective heights at the NSEA Hickstead Show Jumping Championships on August 21st at the Championship showground.
In May Inez then visited Hickstead for the very first time
to compete in the NSEA National Championship dressage final, coming 8
“The championship was one of my most memorable experiences. I got to stay away with my horse for 2 days and met lots of new friends from schools across the whole of the UK. Coming away with a national placing from Hickstead was a dream come true.”
In June Eleanor represented the school as an individual in the Grass Roots qualifiers at Felbridge and came away with another great result, placing 3rd in the 50cm and 7th in the 60cm out of a field of 22 participants, reconfirming her qualification for the 50cm August Champs.
“I had an amazing time qualifying at Felbridge and Coombelands while representing WHS. It’s an absolute dream come true to know that I will be riding Maisie at Hickstead for the Championship round in August.”
We are very excited about seeing what the next academic year holds for our equestrian team and hope that we can encourage more pupils who have horses to join in the fun! For any further information please contact the schools team manager Kitty Lewis (k.lewis@wim.gdst.net).