Quinton's First Equestrian Show !

Show Jumping success

Quinton House school girl Bethany Wells qualified and competed in 2 major show jumping championships this holiday - Trailblazers at Stoneleigh Park and the Great British Show Jumping Championships at the David Broome Event Centre, South Wales.

In the Trailblazers Championships Bethany was in the open class i.e. not in a restricted age group and so was one of the youngest entrants competing against many older and more experienced riders.  Bethany did particularly well on the first round and made it through to the jump off where she did another fast clear round, qualifying for the Championship classes on day 2.  She again rode a clear round getting her into the jump off.   She was an incredible 8 seconds up on the leader when disaster struck at the final jump where she cut the corner tight.  Unfortunately her pony was on the wrong leg and was unable to jump.  He stopped short and poor Bethany went over his head bringing her hopes of a win to an end   Fortunately she was fine (if a little bruised) although naturally disappointed to have been so close to winning a major title.

At the Great British Show Jumping Championships in August Bethany and her family arrived in South Wales with the 2 ponies on which she had qualified.  However, it soon became obvious during practice that one of the ponies (who had recently been ill) was not performing to his full potential and Bethany took a mature approach and decided to withdraw him for his own good rather than risk injury to him.

On the day of the Champtionship Bethany rode a clear round in the morning and was awarded 8th place (the top 10 are placed). In the afternoon in the Championship class she achieved 3rd place which was beyond her wildest dreams.   Overall Bethany was awarded 7th out of the 300 competitors in the 12 and under section and she was approached by one of the judges not only to commend her on her riding ability but also the care she showed her pony.

Bethany is now about to affiliate with the British Show Jumping having come either 1st or 2nd at every unaffiliated show she has attended this year, winning many other trophies and shields.

The School offers its congratulations to Bethany for her incredible success over the summer and indeed to her younger sister Megan who, at the young age of 6, has also competed and won her show jumping classes this summer.