THE Queen Elizabeth’s School Equestrian team has returned home victorious, after becoming the 60cm British Showjumping Just For Schools Champions at Stoneleigh Park on Monday, August 11.

The four-strong equestrian team from Queen Elizabeth’s School drove 170 miles up the M5, battling with tourist traffic leaving Devon, to arrive at Stoneleigh Park, the home of British Showjumping, late on Sunday afternoon.

Debbie Huskinson explained: “At 8.30am on the Monday morning and jumping first, the team delivered three clear rounds to proceed to the jump-off.

“In the jump-off, Jasmine Rattenbury, on Ambre Isca, dealt beautifully with the pressure of going first and delivered a confidence boosting clear round in 33 seconds.

“Next up was Maisie Weeks on Knockmenagh Pepppoli (Pepe). The experienced pair whizzed round in 31 seconds taking some tight turns and adding the second clear.

“The third rider was Chloe Rattenbury, who battled through her nerves on her veteran pony, Tiff Toff, to bring in the crucial third clear in a remarkable 37 seconds.

“On the final leg, with the three clears secured, Megan Huskinson on her youngster, Bryn and Tonic, was able to zoom round clear in 28 seconds to keep the pressure on the teams following them.

“The following teams were unable to match the QE team’s combination of speed and accuracy, and so QE were announced as Champions!”

Debbie added that the horses were dressed up in their winners’ rugs and the team were festooned with sashes, rosettes and medals before being presented with the winners’ shield.

She said that they then had great fun leading the lap of honour at full pelt around the arena.