On Saturday, Woodbridge School took two teams to the NSEA Championships Showjumping Qualifier at Bury Farm, Buckinghamshire.
This was a huge experience for most of the riders; none had competed in an International Arena before over a full course of imposing fences.
The Team in the 70cms of Fleur Ludgrove, Perdi Ludgrove, Olivia Lubbock and Ada Marson just missed out on qualifying for the National Championships by coming 3rd overall. However, this did qualify them for the NSEA Plate Championship which takes place at Keysoe Equestrian Centre in Bedfordshire in December.
The 80cms Team of Fleur Ludgrove, Tabitha Wilson-Smith, Rowena Wilson-Smith and Farncesca Aitchison did exceptionally well, producing 4 clear rounds and finishing 2nd overall and qualifying for the Main National NSEA Champs at Addington Arena in October.
On Sunday we attended the Grass Roots Qualifiers at Tendring Hundred Riding Club in Essex.
Out of 5 height classes and teams in each class, Woodbridge gained two team 2nd places, two team Wins and one team 4th, as well as numerous individual placings.
Results of note were Zoe Newman and Rosie Hunter-Blair,who were both making their debut as team members. Both were placed individually, and both took 2nd place in their respective classes.
Overall, all riders rode consistent clear rounds with good times, resulting in our good team scores.
At one point, we had 9 Woodbridge riders walking the course in preparation for their class – quite a sight!