Brentwood School - Brentwoodian 2020

40 Equestrian Brentwood School’s equestrian team had a fantastic 2019 season, winning regionally and qualifying the most teams since its conception for the NSEA National championships in October at Addington Equestrian Centre where over 900 children and horses contest various classes. Unfortunately, injuries sustained to four horses reduced our horsepower, putting pressure on the remaining riders and horses. Charlotte Cooke, Emma Philpot, Sophie Philpot and Imogen Pohl, with their various combinations of horses, absolutely rose to the occasion over the four days. A top ten placing of 7th in the 85, Jumping with Style was an excellent start to the championships. The girls produced a brilliant 5th and 7th team placing in the 95 Jumping with Style, no mean feat, as the same riders made up both teams on their second horses, confirming how accomplished they are, since style, not just clear rounds, are taken into consideration. Emma put Brentwood firmly on the map with a podium place to take third individually in the 105. The team’s versatility and skill showed with 8th placing in the dressage, rounding up successful and full- on championships! The 2020 season kicked off with a fantastic win for Ben Hogarth, Emma, Sophie and Imogen in the 90 Eventer Challenge, qualifying for the Hickstead Championships to be held in May. The trio of Ben, Emma and Sophie then went on to gain an exciting qualification for the100 National Show Jumping Championships in October. The next competition, little did we know at the time, was held just one week before lockdown where Ben, Sophie, Emma and Charlotte produced brilliant rounds in the 90 show jumping, resulting in 2nd place and qualification for the October National championships. As excitement peaked, the same team jumped superbly to be crowned the 100 Essex County National Show Jumping champions. A big thank you to all the riders, hugely committed parents and Annette Philpot for all of her wise words and support at every event. A special mention to Lily Tappin who supported us at Nationals and was instrumental in qualifying four of the teams but sadly her horse was unable to compete. By Emma Philpot