Brentwood School showjumpers overcome injury hurdle to secure bronze

Brentwood School’s equestrian team started the 2019 season in style with a podium finish at the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) County Show Jumping Championships.

The four-rider team, who were representing Essex schools as the county qualifiers, took Bronze in the 90/95 Championships at the Bury Farm Equestrian Centre in Buckinghamshire.

Team Trainer Mrs Annette Philpot was delighted with the team’s performance: ‘To finish third against 26 county teams from all over the UK was amazing, especially as we were somewhat hampered by horse injuries. I am absolutely thrilled. Thank you to all the amazingly supportive parents too, without whom it would not be possible.’

The team triumphed despite those injury setbacks: Emma Philpot was forced to take back, for the day, her outgrown pony (now ridden by her sister), and Imogen Pohl was subbed in at the eleventh hour for Grace Parrish, whose horse succumbed to a field injury. Sophie Philpot rode her reliable Paddy and it was a team debut for Lily Tappin with her pony Maggie.

The Brentwood School equestrian team is now looking forward to a successful season ahead. Next stop is the Hickstead Eventers Challenge Championships, at the end of May, followed by more qualifiers leading up to the NSEA National Championships at Addington Manor in October.

Brentwood has an enviable track record, having been national champions in numerous different disciplines over recent years.