“The best day of my life!” - Callington Sparklers take the 70cm Just For Schools Final
Tuesday 08 August 2017
It was a win for Callington Sparklers team, from Callington School in Cornwall, in the 70cm 'Just For Schools' National Championship Final on day one of the British Showjumping National Championships. The four members of the team; Isobel Thomas, Holly Hale, Megan Busby and Tilly Bassett, travelled up from Cornwall last night having won all of their league competitions throughout the year.
Whilst three of the team members played it safe to secure team standing, Tilly Bassett riding Grattons Moonbeam were the last to go for the team and raced to the finish line in the jump off in just 27.00 seconds securing the team’s first place result. “It is the best day of my life!” Tilly exclaimed, beaming from ear to ear. Tilly also placed fifth as an individual. Megan’s pony, 20 year-old Totally Unreal, has even been brought out of retirement this year to compete in the league; they placed sixth individually. Second in the team placings was Llandovery Hawks and third place was Cottesloe School.
Ronie Thomas representing John Kyrle High School, came first and third individually riding Bobby XIV and Didi II respectively. Completing the top three was Issie Thompson riding Silver Grain.
The new incentive which was brought in last year has proved increasingly popular, organised by British Showjumping in conjunction with The Pony Club and British Riding Clubs. It allows schools and colleges across the UK to submit teams of three or four riders and individuals within a specific height category: 70cm-1.10m. Each of these height categories are underpinned by a league table to determine who makes it through to the Championships as well as there being two direct qualifiers. For more information on 'Just For Schools', visit http://www.britishshowjumping.co.uk/membership/Just-for-Schools-Membership
