Brentwood School's Eloise Squibb scoops showjumping gold

Super showjumper Eloise Squibb’s faultless performance at the Home Pony International saw her scoop a team gold for England and a solo win in the 128cm Grand Prix.

Eloise’s outing at The English Home Pony 2017 event at Southview Equestrian Centre, Cheshire, was the third time this year that she has been selected to represent her country.

Twelve-year-old Eloise, who is in Year Two at Brentwood School, rode two beautiful clear rounds in the half-term competition to help England win the coveted gold medal.

She then went on to take the 128cm Grand Prix crown on the same pony, Wyndham Tom Thumb, jumping three clear rounds with a super-fast jump off.

Eloise’s equestrian success is a tribute to her hard work and dedication. She is at the stables training with her ponies most days and most weekends is out competing. It takes a considerable amount of hard work to keep the ponies fit and competition ready, and Eloise sometimes trains at 6am before heading off to School.

Proud mum, Mrs Sarah Squibb, said: “We are bursting with proud at Eloise’s successful year; qualifying for every major final possible, being selected three times to represent her country and winning two big Grand Prix finals.

“We are also proud of how Eloise balances her showjumping and school work, her grades are excellent and she really does work hard all round.”

Eloise started riding at the tender age of six and joined the BSJA (British Showjumping Association) when she was 10 years old. Eloise, who also rides for the National Champions, Brentwood School Equestrian Team, is now busy training for Olympia in December where she will be joined by her sister. Ten-year-old Tia Squibb, who is in Year Six at Brentwood Preparatory School, has also qualified for the event.

Headmaster Ian Davies said: “This is really excellent news. All of us at the School are very proud of Eloise's achievements.”

*The Brentwood School Equestrian Team also enjoyed a truly spectacular set of results at the NSEA National Championships in October.

Jumping with style, Sophie Philpot, Charlotte Cooke, Niamh Mills and Imogen Pohl won the 75cm event, with Imogen Pohl also winning as an individual. Grace Parrish, Thomas Philpot, Emma Philpot and Ellie Burrell won the 90cm Show Jumping Championship.

The School also won the Regional Points league with Charlotte Cooke, Imogen Pohl, Grace Parrish, Ellie Burrell, Emma Philpot & Thomas Philpot. Sophie Philpot was runner up in the British Eventing 80cm League and finally England won the 90cm Nations Cup with Emma Philpot and Ellie Burrell in the team.