The John Kyrle High School Equestrian Team took part in the National Schools Equestrian Association competition on Sunday, January 20th. The school had four teams and an individual entered for the County Championship qualifier at King’s Equestrian Centre Bromyard.

Only the first placed team and Individual in Herefordshire were to go through to the national championships held in April at Bury Farm Leighton Buzzard.

Headteacher, Nigel Griffiths, and Assistant Head, Mark Croad, made the trip to Bromyard to support the teams. In the 70cm event the team consisted of Archie Thomas and Evie Bennett, both in Year 7 as well as Lara Marshall and Zoe Whitehouse, both in Year 9.

The team finished a creditable fourth. In addition, Archie finished first in individual qualifying and will go on to represent Herefordshire at Bury Farm in April. Evie Bennett finished third individually.

The 80cm black team of Evie Bennett, Ronie Thomas and Zoe Whitehouse in Year 9 and Verity Wallbridge Year 10 won their category and were the first team to have qualified to represent Herefordshire at the national championships.

Evie Bennett finished third individually.

Meanwhile the 80cm red team of Honor Verney, Lara Marshall, Lucy Powell Year 10 and Zara Powell Year 9 rode really well, some on young, less experienced horses. The 90cm team of Evie Bennett, Lucy Powell, Verity Wallbridge and Zara Powell came 4th.

The John Kyrle team has developed a fantastic team ethos and all competitors are looking forward to the next competition on Monday, February 18th.