It was a weekend to remember for Burgess Hill Girls as the school’s equestrian team stormed to victory at the National Schools Equestrian Championships — winning two national titles and making NSEA history in the process.
The Burgess Hill Girls Equestrian Team has made history at the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) Championships, held at Addington, Buckinghamshire, from 17–20 October, by becoming the first school ever to win both the 80–85cm and 90–95cm team titles at the same event.
Competing against more than 200 school teams from across the country, the riders delivered outstanding performances throughout the weekend.
In the 80–85cm team event, Burgess Hill Girls took 1st place, the only team out of 36 to have all riders go clear in both rounds, clinching victory by a combined margin of less than one second.
They went on to triumph again in the 90–95cm class, beating 28 other teams. Despite entering the second round in fifth place, the girls’ exceptional performances secured a commanding win — with a combined lead of over 24 seconds.
The winning teams were:
80–85cm: Viola M, Darcey W, Millie W, and Heidi R
90–95cm: Viola M, Evie W, Darcey W, and Heidi R
There were also excellent individual results: Darcey finished 36th and Viola 38th out of 72 in the 80–85cm; Viola placed 24th and Heidi 26th out of 76 in the 90–95cm; and in the 1.00–1.05m class, Heidi achieved 13th place and Viola 34th out of 53.
Headteacher Heather Cavanagh said:
“This is a phenomenal achievement for our riders and a truly proud moment for Burgess Hill Girls. The girls teamwork, determination, and composure under pressure exemplify the spirit of our school. To make NSEA history by taking both national titles is an incredible achievement. We are so proud of all the girls and grateful to everyone who supports our equestrian programme, both in school and beyond.”
The NSEA Championships attract hundreds of riders each year and represent the pinnacle of inter-school equestrian competition in the UK.