Equestrian Success

On Saturday 20^th January, Down High School’s Equestrian teams enjoyed a day to remember - despite the January drizzle. Taking place in Lurgan at the Meadows Equestrian Centre, this was the final of the TRI Inter-Schools Show Jumping League. Down High’s Gold team placed an impressive 3^rd place in the Novice competition and went on to win the Novice league competition overall. The girls (Abby Brown. Zara Sharvin and Abby Cummiskey) gained double clear rounds in an impressive time to beat 27 other teams in the competition. This achievement, as well as finishing on an impressive ‘zero score’, reflects the hard work and constant effort that the pupils put into their horse riding on a weekly basis. Meanwhile, the Down High Flyers Open Team were competing in the metre class and, having tasted success in previous inter-school events, Alex Cleland (team captain), Charlotte Leslie, Jessica Nelson and Charis Vinaccia were not going to disappoint. All members of the team rode magnificent clear rounds in a good time which put them into the winning position on the day, securing overall second place in this prestigious league. The teams hope to continue their training before competing against other schools in an All -Ireland show jumping competition at Balmoral Showgrounds in May.

Chef D’Equipe Mrs Adams said she was “extremely proud of our pupils, and they fully deserve their success.”

Intermediate Team members: (L-R) Abby Brown, Zara Sharvin, Abby Cummiskey,

Open Team members: (L-R) Alex Cleland, Charis Vinaccia, Jessica Nelson with Chef D’Equipe Ruth Adams (Behind). Missing from photo is Charlotte Leslie.