A winning day at Royal Windsor for Wellington College CCF riders

Three of Wellington's top CCF riders competed at the Royal Windsor International Horse Show in the prestigious Inter-services competition in the Castle Arena...

Three of our top CCF riders competed at the Royal Windsor International Horse Show in the prestigious Inter-services competition in the Castle Arena. Annabelle Turner, Millie Hockenhull and Georgie Murrin rode brilliant rounds to finish on a team score of 16 faults: Georgie ended up as top individual in the first round in the fastest time with no faults, while Millie had a few undeserved poles but nonetheless rode incredibly well despite a last-minute change of horse. Annabelle had just one unfortunate pole, but coached round her home-produced young horse like a true professional.

After an anxious wait, the team found out that they had made it into the top 12, qualifying to jump-off for the placings in front of Her Majesty The Queen, with Georgie selected to be the College’s designated rider. The pressure was immense with a full stadium, media and, of course, The Queen watching, but Georgie rode calmly under the circumstances proving extremely quick but with an unfortunate two poles down. The trio finished the competition in sixth place and the girls were absolutely fantastic, demonstrating their riding finesse and proving to be excellent ambassadors for the College.

Also competing individually was Third Former Claudia de la Hey who managed to go even further by winning her class on her part-bred Arab, Ollie. This a remarkable achievement for such a young rider as the class of showing (a form of dressage), in which Claudia competes, is open to U18 riders and the fact that she managed a score of 49/50 in front of The Queen is a moment she will never forget. Claudia and Ollie ended 2016 ranked 5th in the UK in their category and this success will only strengthen their position moving forward. Claudia also deserves special mention for single-handedly raising £1500 for the Orange House charity – Mityana in Uganda – via a sponsored 50-mile ride with Ollie. What a year it has been!

Wellington College is a coeducational boarding and day school for pupils aged 13-18.