Bishop Burton riders’ joy in student finals

Bishop Burton was the only college or university to qualify for both leagues of the prestigious competition held at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire.

The series is unique in equestrianism as all riders must compete on borrowed horses; removing any barriers for students who don’t own their own. Competitors take part in both dressage and show-jumping rounds with the combined scores making up the overall result.

The Beverley college’s Trophy team, made up of North Wales’ Hannah Williams, Northumberland’s Emma Brodie, Bedfordshire’s Katherine Stephens and German student Hannah Krieg, was sixth overall. As a team they were second in the show-jumping element while Stephens was fourth individually and Williams third individually in the show-jumping. The second team, known as the Championship team, consisted of County Waterford’s Susi Lonergan, Lincolnshire’s Ruth Holroyd, Tadcaster’s Charlotte Whittle and Otley’s Izzie Scott. They were first in the dressage, third in the show-jumping and second overall.

Bishop Burton College’s Hannah Ward said: “Getting to – and then doing so well in – the national final was a tremendous experience for the students. The whole process of qualifying was one that will stand them all in very good stead for their future equestrian careers.

“Monica Zetterqvist Sheppard trained the teams prior to going on maternity leave in January this year while Cheryl Hawley has trained them since with support from me in the run up to the finals. They’ve also all benefited from monthly coaching with the Bishop Burton-sponsored four star event rider Ginnie Turnbull.”