The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
St Margaret’ s riding high with UK title Equestrianism: Team ranked overall schools champions in national contest
St Margaret’s School for Girls’ equestrian team has been named UK schools league champions.
The team of five riders, Marcy Bryce, Jessica Fox, Charley Hamilton, Natasha Hamilton and Catherine Ross, were crowned Just For Schools British showjumping national championships champions at Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry.
The girls won the 1.10 metre class and were also named reserve champions. They also came second in the 80cm and 90cm classes and third in the 1m class. These results meant the team was ranked overall UK schools champions.
Ross, the team captain, said: “Being my last year as captain I would personally like to thank the school for its support, as well as all parents involved, particularly my mum Jenny for taking on the initial role of team manager. We could not have achieved this without them all.”
St Margaret’s also had riders compete in individual showjumping classes to great success.
Hamilton was individual national champion in the 1.10m and 90cm individual classes, while Fox was individual national champion in the 1m class.
“Demonstrated an ethos of excellent sportsmanship”
Anna Tomlinson, head of St Margaret’s School for Girls, said: “Our equestrian team has made us truly proud in what has been a challenging year of training and competing for the whole team.
“Despite Catherine breaking an arm earlier in the year, she continued her lead as team captain, encouraging the other riders and recovered well to take part in this event.
“The girls have demonstrated an ethos of excellent sportsmanship and a dedication towards the competitive equestrian discipline.
“We celebrate their successes at a national level.”