Hanford Triumphs at National Championships
As everyone set off for their half term break, a team of girls from Hanford (Chloe FP, Emily G, Fleur S, Florrie H and Liv M) were on their way, with their ponies, to the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) National Championships at Addington Equestrian Centre.
The day started early with the girls getting their ponies ready and their parents also getting stuck in to polishing and plaiting! Then it was off to the jumping rings and the girls put in four quick rounds of near perfect jumping to put the team in first place early on in the competition, as well as Liv M sitting first individually. After a tense few hours waiting for the other competitors to jump, the first round of competition ended with Hanford in first place as a team, and Liv M 2nd individually.
This took us in to the final where the top eight teams and individuals jumped again to claim the top spots. The atmosphere was electric and, to add to the tension, the Hanford girls were the last team to jump. When their moment came, each girl put their foot to the floor and gave it everything. When the final results were in, Hanford were crowned reserve national champions at 70cm, only being pipped to the post by 1.3 seconds.
Charley Baillie, Head of Riding, said "The stables team, and the wider Hanford community, are so proud of the girls. To come second in the National Championships is an incredible achievement. They dealt so well with the pressure and supported each other throughout the weekend, as well as showing great sportsmanship to the other competitors. Many congratulations to all the team and a huge thank you to the parents, without whom it wouldn't be possible."
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