Down High Reins In Another Win

The Down High Equestrian team are ecstatic with the superb results achieved at the TRI Interschool Show Jumping League. The school had three teams competing in the event which was held at The Meadows Equestrian Centre, Lurgan. The event marked the final of this important event in the equestrian calendar.

The most successful event of the day was the Open Team which consisted of Charis Vinaccia, Charlotte Leslie, Alex Cleland and Jessica Nelson. The girls had battled hard through four qualifying rounds, placing them top of the league on arrival. The team were faced with stiff competition to maintain their lead. However, the girls remained calm under pressure and managed to accumulate enough points to secure the win. Alex Cleland stated that it was ‘team work and determination’ that was the secret to their success as she discussed the result that brought her to tears.

This win qualifies Down High School to compete in the All Ireland Championships which will be held in Balmoral, in May. The four girls have also won the opportunity to have a lesson with a top equestrian instructor. Chef d’equipe, Ruth Adams described the girls’ ‘fabulous achievement’ and emphasised the consistent performance that the team had maintained at all stages of the competition.

Not to be outdone, the Intermediate Team demonstrated their skill by placing first against twenty other schools. The team performed exceptionally, achieving the fastest time in a double clear round with zero faults. This positioned them fourth overall in the league. The strong performance of Lara Kelly, Zara Sharvin, Abby Cummiskey and Abby Brown bodes well for upcoming events.

Jessica Nelson also competed in the Premier Class and achieved an admirable 3rd place against a challenging group, a great achievement for this year 11 pupil.

Principal Maud Perry congratulated the team on their achievements and wished them every success for future competitions.