Brentwood School Equestrians enjoy ‘fabulous day at the office’

Brentwood School’s Equestrian team had a fabulous day at the office on Sunday while competing at the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) Eventer Challenge qualifiers.

The sun shone at last for the team’s first event of 2022, held at Brook Farm Equestrian Centre, Stapleford Abbotts, with successful riders destined for the National championships at Hickstead in May.

Ben Hogarth, Elizabeth Lewis, Emma Philpot and Sophie Philpot set off in determined style in the 90/95cm class to come out in top position for the team event with 4th and 6th placings individually for Emma and Sophie.

After the jumps were raised to 100/105cm for the next and final class of the day, all riders rode with great skill and confidence showing no signs of pressure even when a couple of the horses decided otherwise. Ben Hogarth, Emma Philpot, Sophie Philpot and Lily Tappin took a fantastic first place again for Brentwood with the second team of Elizabeth Lewis, Sophie Philpot and Lily Tappin a superb second. Top three rostrum individual placings included a win for Emma, second for Lily, third for Sophie with a further fourth for Lily, making sure Brentwood had firmly put their stamp on the day.

Team manager and trainer, Mrs Annette Philpot, said: “Brentwood qualified three teams, with any individual top four placing gaining individual qualification too. This, added to the double team and individual qualifications for the same championships contested last December, mean Brentwood will be very busy in May!

“A big thank you as always to our wonderfully supportive parents, Mrs McCleod for bringing our lucky mascot (daughter Sophie) and to our riders for their commitment and dedication required to achieve these results through continuous training. Well done!”