Quinton's First Equestrian Show !

New Equestrian Team

Equestrianism is one of the fastest growing sports in the country and there are many different disciplines from enjoying a gentle hack around the coutnryside to cross country and 3 day eventing.

Having riding lessons is a great way to start riding and those who are lucky enough to have their own ponies/ horses and facilities are the envy of many but it is a time consuming, relatively expensive and sometimes not very rewarding hobby (ie when mucking out in the rain or having just been kicked by a stroppy pony) but it teaches young people responsibility and respect for another living being. The competition aspect of riding, whether that be showing, show jumping or endurance riding, to name but just a few disciplines, can be hugely enjoyable and whilst one meets other competitors at events it can be quite a lonely experience when out in the ring i.e. it is just you and your pony unlike sports like cricket and rugby.

A few years ago when my eldest daughter started showjumping I became aware of the inter school showjumping, eventing and dressage competitions that take place and in 2010 I asked Mr Potterton if there was any chance Quinton House had enough riders for a team to take part in the Wellingborough School showjumping competition. Mr Potterton asked around and a team of 4 was hastily put together. The pupils attended the competition on a gloriously warm June day and were positioned a very respectable 4th and 5th in their classes out of a large and strong field. It was the team spirit that stuck in my mind that day.

The aim of the Quinton House Equestrian Team is not only to go out and compete at inter school competitions and to join the National Schools Equestrian Association but it is also to encourage participation in training, to be part of a team and for pupils to assist each other across the ages and skill sets. We are lucky that Mrs Kate Lee and her daughter Sarah, who have connections with the school, have offered to train the pupils at their riding school in Blisworth, to hire out ponies to those who have not yet badgered their parents enough to take that leap into horse ownership (or are just too sensible) and to transport ponies as required.

The ethos behind the Equestrian Team, and I believe, one that supports the schools ethos, is to encourage all pupils who are interested in equestrianism and have some level of riding behind them, whether riding lessons at their local stables or affiliated competitors, to take part and improve their riding skills in a team atmosphere where they can support and inspire one another. Those who are not ready to compete at the levels the competitions demand yet are still part of the team and can aspire to participating in future events.

It is early days for the team - we have met 3 times for training but the pupils enthusiasm, skill and improvement has already been observed. We hope to attend many inter school competitions starting, hopefully, on 8th May at Moulton College but it is the taking part, the team support and having fun that matters not necessarily the winning (although that is always nice).

We would like to encourage as many pupils as possible to take part so that parents can add just another activity to their already hectic weekends and holidays!