EQUESTRIAN

With many horses failing to recognise the need to selfisolate, it was a busy year for the Equestrian Centre! On a serious note, we were particularly fortunate not to have experienced lockdown to quite the same extent as many other areas. Indeed, we continued to make the most of our facilities; the round pen for rider position work, the small ménage for lunging, bareback riding and first ridden and, of course, the Olympic sized school for show jumping, grid work, and dressage.

The tranquil surroundings provided something of a welcome sanctuary from the chaos of the outside world. That’s certainly not to say that we didn’t experience more than our fair share of challenges. However, it was comforting to observe the familiar ebb and flow of the Equestrian Centre as the seasons rolled on; our fourlegged residents blissfully unaware.

I was once told that “The difference between a good clip and a bad one is about 10 days!”. I never forgot that. With that in mind, autumn saw our horses receive a smart trim, with students on our British Horse Society Assistant Instructor course also able to observe and hone the techniques required. In fact, with trips to the hairdressers briefly curtailed, we may have missed a trick in not offering our services to the general public! The pampering continued over the following weeks with a visit from the Equine Dentist and frequent wardrobe changes in the form of an ever-expanding selection of rugs.

As the months advanced, the fields undertook a programme of rolling and harrowing; ensuring that lumps were ironed out and the soil was aerated and, as it softened, our horses began pounding the ground safely once again. I must add that “safely” refers to the ground’s

“The tranquil surroundings provided something of a welcome sanctuary from the chaos of the outside world. ”

benefit and not the horses, who would happily gallop with abandon given half the chance.

Whether it was the fresh air, parents longing for their children to reconnect with a community, or simply being able to take part in a socially distanced activity that wasn’t golf; Lucton’s Pony Club thrived and, not only did we actually welcomed more riders than ever during this period, we were even able to hold our very own Lucton Pony Club camp.

Our Equestrian Team was delighted, not only to take part, but to achieve success in several notable qualifiers including the NSEA Show Jumping and Hickstead; providing a well-needed focus for riders, parents, and horses alike, during such a turbulent time.

To survive the previous 12 months relatively unscathed would be reason enough to celebrate. However, to emerge stronger than ever with a bright future ahead is testament to the hard work and support of the team, students, and parents. Onwards and upwards!

Ms Coates Equestrian Manager

Christmas Show Jumping

The Prep School Christmas Show Jumping event has become something of a quirky tradition at the Equestrian Centre. Awards in three classes were up for grabs. The Fancy Dress Award was won by Milla and Emma. The Riding Style Award was won by Emily, with notable performances from Cordelia and Milla. Last but not least was the Horse & Hopper Award; as the name implies, this was an unusual combination of show jumping and space hopping! Congratulations to Emma who, with a little help from Zola, scooped the win. Great fun was had by all despite the blustery weather.

Three Counties

Ms Coates spent a busy weekend at Malvern organising the Royal Three Counties with Rebecca, Livia and Emily Grace accompanying as runners. All represented Lucton excellently, with many very positive comments from competitors and staff. Matthew was also there riding his Shetland pony, where he had enjoyed a fantastic weekend, winning his WHP class; jumping a particularly complicated and tricky track and gaining qualification for the Horse of the Year Show.

Pony Club Camp Days

March saw a welcome return to Pony Club Camp. The children who attended spent many happy hours grooming ponies whilst learning about the brushes and tools required for a smart turn out; an area that Miss Coates excels, no doubt having one eye on the upcoming showing season. Plenty of riding was also on offer, in addition to lots of fun mounted games and of course the inevitable clean afterwards! The Pony Club is a fun way for children to learn every aspect about caring for ponies and horses whilst gaining achievement badges and certificates along the way. We’ve no doubt that next year’s event will be bigger and better than ever!

Lucton School Equestrian Team

Unfortunately, like many sporting activities over the last year, the Lucton School Equestrian Team haven’t been able to compete at many events. We have, however, managed to attend a few competitions, all of which have been great fun and particularly successful for our teams.

Hickstead Qualifier Event

In May 2021, we attended the NSEA Hickstead Qualifier Eventer Challenge at Kings Equestrian. The day started well with grassroots riders Ted and Henry coming 2nd and 3rd in the 50cm, and Ted winning the 60cm class with Henry coming 3rd.

Later in the day were the much-anticipated Hickstead qualifier classes. Once again, Lucton didn’t disappoint with the 75cm team of Freya, Oliver, Mia and Hannah achieving Team 3rd, which qualified them for the Championships at Hickstead. Mia also came individually 1st and qualified too. Not to be outdone, the 85cm team excelled by winning the class! Sophie, George, Freya and Mia all completed super rounds to gain a team 1st, with Mia also taking an individual place of 4th; again, all qualifying for Hickstead.

Somerford Park Trip

During May half term, we organised a three-day trip to Somerford Park; a huge equestrian centre with incredible facilities based in Cheshire. It was an amazing trip with great weather, brilliant company, excellent instructors, excited ponies and enthusiastic children! A total of 14 children and horses and nine parents took part; great fun was had by us all as well as gaining significant experience training over the cross-country course and show jumping arenas.

NSEA Show Jumping Qualifier

Before the end of the Summer term in June 2021, we also competed at the NSEA Show Jumping County Qualifier competition. We entered teams in most of the classes from 65cm up to 90cm, again with terrific results. Despite an early start for some, the day was extremely enjoyable with many of our riders gaining clear rounds. The 80cm Team of Freya, Mia and Oliver won their class and qualified for the championships, as well as Mia winning the individual 90cm class too.

We are looking forward to getting out and about again very soon now that the events have all started again.