Teenage riders are preparing to compete at the Hurstpierpoint College National Schools and Pony Club Jumping Championships.
The competition is held at Hickstead Showground on Wednesday 6 August with the final round in the International Arena — home of the Derby Bank.
Schools and PC branches from across the country will be represented, with teams of three ponies and riders competing in Pony Club, junior (under 14) and senior (under 19) sections.
Last year’s senior winners were Stonar School; Falstead Prep won the juniors and the Burton Hunt branch won the Pony Club class.
This is the first time Hurstpierpoint College, has supported the event.
Headmaster Tim Manly said, “Equestrianism helps young people to grow in personal confidence, act responsibly, identify and address challenges. It equips them to assess and manage risk, all qualities that are of great value to youngsters not only now but throughout their lives.”
Winners will receive perpetual trophies and members of all winning and placed teams will be awarded Hickstead gold medals.
This is the last competition of the season at Hickstead and follows the Royal International Horse Show last week and the Hickstead Derby meeting.
