Just For Schools Summer Championship
Tuesday 08 August 2023
Riders from the length and breadth of Great Britain travelled to Stoneleigh Park to represent their schools at the Just For Schools Summer Championship and to battle it out for the coveted Individual and Team Titles.
Sophie Baines headed a strong jump-off with Lady Bastille IV to land the Summer Individual Schools 90cm Final.
Thirteen of the 22 competitors who originally came forward in this competition made their way into the jump-off with Durham-based Sophie, who attends St Beds Catholic School, flying into the top spot by 0.79 seconds in spectacular style.
“She gets so excited she bucks away around the course, but if she’s not bucking, you know there’s something wrong,” said Sophie, who sits quietly and lets her go her own way – “She’s very consistent if she’s allowed to do her own thing and an absolute pussycat on the ground.”
A chance post spotted on social media 18 months led to the purchase of this 13-year-old mare.
“It popped up on Facebook ‘soon to advertised as rider out of ponies’ so I asked to be contacted before she was advertised,” said Sophie’s Mum Louise. “She’s been jumping in horse classes as her previous rider was out of ponies and only had 44 points on her card, now she’s almost JA.”
Jazzmine Williams steered Glenairley Miss Moneypenny into second place and Ronie Thomas filled third aboard Alfred Red.
Kate Barrett and Marleys Clover secured the win in the Summer Individual Schools 1m Final.
“It’s my biggest win! I started riding in the school competitions when I was six at NSEA competitions and I’m 15 and in year 11 now,” said Kate, who attends Norwich High School for Girls.
The 18 starters were reduced to 10 for the hot, competitive jump-off, Kate edging ahead to win by 0.18 seconds.
“He’s talented but nervous, normally, the first round he’s nervous and difficult but he settles in round two,” said Kate, on the 7-year-old was purchased two years ago via trainer Steve Tibbles. “He has a nice jump and he’s a nice size – 15.1hh – for me coming off ponies.
Isabelle Morris rode Fountain Willow into second and Will Brown claimed third with Kabran De Reve Z.
Rebekka Sutherland, 12, provided the sole double clear in the four-way decider to take the Summer Individual Schools 1.10m Final with Myshall Duncan.
The 16-year-old Duncan was spotted for sale on HorseQuest by Rebekka’s parents two years ago.
“We went to try him and I fell in love with him, he’s amazing and has the heart of a lion,” said Prestwick Academy pupil Rebekka, who travelled six and half hours from Ayrshire to attend this show.
Will Brown finished second aboard Kabran De Reve Z whilst Tilly Fuller secured third place with Billy K2.
Amelie Bradshaw, already winner of the Junior 60cm Club Final, notched up a double in the Summer Individual Schools 60cm Final on the 15-year-old Ocknell Wooden It Be Nice, impressively heading the 20-strong jump-off by two seconds.
“He’s my second pony; Alice taught me to ride and he’s teaching me to win! He’s only got little legs so he’s not the fastest but he’s amazing at turning tight, and the more you dare him the better he is,” said Amelie, who attends Standish High School, Wigan.
Clementina Nottingham slipped into second on Westcoast Express and Katie Govier filled third place aboard Rhyddlad Dancing Boy Billy.
Eve Giannotta lifted the Summer Individual Schools 70cm Final with Oreo Patches. It was no mean feat with 22 in the jump-off but the 12-year-old coloured cob pulled out all the stops for Eve to win by 1.81 seconds.
Windsor-based Eve, 12, who attends St Edwards Ecumenical Royal Free School, loaned Oreo in May from friends of trainer Paul Kelly and scored her biggest win.
“He can be snappy on the ground but he’s cuddly when he wants to be and in the ring he gets very excited,” said Eve. “He’s teaching me to jump a bit bigger and I aim to feel more confident as I move up the levels but it’s lovely to be back here, I’m so happy.”
Darcy Shepherd steered The Flea II into second with Charlotte Noys in third aboard Amners Hot Springs.
Evelina Roberts, 15, topped the Summer Individual Schools 80cm Final with Attyrory Golden Lady. Nineteen of the 25 starters returned for a hotly-contended jump-off with Evelina and Paul Kelly’s 12-year-old Lady edging ahead by 0.07 seconds.
“She’s so much fun, she likes to win and loves a jump-off,” said Maidenhead, Windsor-based Evelina, who won the Pony Club showjumping final and style and performance classes back in February. “She likes going forward, can be a little spooky but not at the fences, in the ring she’s focused.”
Kew House School pupil Evelina has ridden Lady since November and trains with Paul and his wife Kerry Grimster every week – “They also take me to shows and are on hand for advice.”
Darcy Shepherd once again steered The Flea II into second place and Isabelle Medcraft slotted into third with Gtown Suprise.
St Hugh’s, Oxfordshire, claimed both Summer Team Schools 70cm and 80cm Finals. In the 70cm, they outpaced their team rivals where just two teams provided a zero score. The St Hugh’s quartet of Finn Murphy on Kingland Price of Tide, Amalfi Preston with Ketford Angel Delight, Alice de Quincey Adams riding Texas John and Olivia Eglise on Tantassig Miss flew into the top spot by almost 14 seconds.
Clifton College Cobalt slotted into second and Twycross House Grey finished third.
In the 80cm, St Hugh’s again took the win on a zero score, proving the quickest of four teams – Finn Murphy with Carranthomas Flyer, Amalfi Preston on Kelford Angel Delight, Clemmy King riding Paddy from Bargee and Sophie Villiers’ Kingsland Price of Tide.
Dixie Grammar School claimed second place and Hugh Sexey Church of England Middle School finished third.
Dixie Grammar stepped up in the Summer Team Schools 90cm Final, commandingly taking victory with only three on the team and the only zero score – Max Coleman aboard Cayman, Tolly Coleman with Seppelino and Lilymay Dawe on Kill Bill II each nailing a clear round.
Norwich School For Girls finished second and Stonar Blue picked up third.
Wycombe Abbey School claimed the 1m Schools Team Final in a head-to-head jump-off with Mauchline Rockets. Both stood at the top after finishing the first round on four faults with Wycombe Abbey storming ahead in the jump-off with a zero score. So the coveted winning rugs went to Cassandra Cope on Vinella X, Daria Hinkis with Midnight Cruise De Euro and Sydney Gibbons riding Wilma Star .
Mauchline Rockets Team had to settle second and Berkhamstead School claimed third.
The Berkhamstead School trio of Arusha Wise on Coole Lady, Georgia Wise with Sovereign’s Choice and Will Branfield on Hazelrock Rebellion topped the Summer Team Schools 1.10m Final.
Clifton College Cobalt emerged victorious in the Summer Team Schools 60cm Final. Four teams came home on a zero score but the team of Grace Rickards with Talponciau Heirloom, Aiofe Fleming on Indiana IV, Hattie Miller riding Cathael Pegasus and Scarlett Lane aboard Landis Rocket Man 2 proved 5.30 seconds quicker than Twycross House Blue in second. St Hugh’s, Oxfordshire, claimed third.
Image: Sophie Baines & Lady Bastille IV Credit Jasmine Punter Photography
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