Equestrian

Equestrian

The school’s stunning location in the heart of West Sussex, naturally attracts children from rural environments and participation in equestrian events is becoming increasingly popular. Membership of the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) enables these pupils to attend inter-school competitions in show jumping and cross country style disciplines at both local level and indeed nationally. NSEA competitions are becoming hugely popular across the country and we are lucky enough to have some excellent local venues that host NSEA fixtures.

At Dorset House we are so proud to have children from every class from Reception to Year 8 as members of the Equestrian Team. The children start with Grass Roots Competitions which would range from a cross pole up to 70cm classes and then potentially can progress to the County and National Championship Qualifiying classes which range from 70cm to 1m10. The team attends approximately 4 competitions per term across all disciplines and we currently have children competing right up to 90cm.

2017 has seen the team develop and grow considerably and we were thrilled that DH had a team of 4 riders qualify for the NSEA Championships held at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre in Buckinghamshire at both 70cm and 80cm where they competed against 45 other top qualifiying schools from all over the UK and were one of the highest placed pure prep schools in the 70cm. One of our talented riders, Alice Crowley, achieved a national 6th place individually at this height.

Since the Champs we have gone on to qualify a 70cm team for the NSEA National County Show Jumping Championships to be held at Bury Farm in April 2018.

At Grass Roots level we are delighted that we have qualified 4 teams across the 40cm, 50cm and 60cm classes at the Inter Schools Grass Roots Regional Showjumping Championships to be held in November 2017.