Area and Regional Showjumping Qualifiers 2024

On the last weekend of June 2024 Essex and Suffolk PC members and helpers had a busy time at the Grassroots and Area Showjumping qualifiers at Frenches Farm, hosted by the East Essex Pony Club.

On Saturday we had 70 Grassroots Showjumping team of Jemma Caley, Emila Ward, Antonia Gorbitz and Lucy Parr. Some fantastic rounds securing the Team a podium finish of 3rd sending them off to the Regional Championships August. We also had Antonia jumping as an individual collecting 4th place and qualifying for the Regional Championships and Imogen Loosely Fox in the 70 Plus.

In the 80 after a little swap around Essex and Suffolk had one team of Charlie Rutland, Charlie Parr, Mia Peason, Antonia Gorbitz. A big well done to both Charlies who have qualified as individuals and off to the Regional Championships.

On Sunday Essex and Suffolk had Fergus Quinn and Molly Nicholls as part of an Area 8 Mixed team, Molly finishing individually 2nd securing her place at the National Championships.

The 90cm qualifier Blue team consisted of Lois, Ben, Matthew and Harry. Lois and Matthew were clear in the first round, Harry had a pole at the last fence and Ben’s pony took a surprising aversion to the pony club jump. Second round Harry went clear, Lois a stop at the last fence (water tray) and Matthew’s pony was out of puff having already done 2 rounds in the 100 and had 3 poles. Ben made us all giggle as his stirrups fell off not once but twice in the second round, he managed to stay on but had to retire as ran out of time.

Alfie Lax , Isobel Hinde, Sophie Feeney and Ottie Goldklang made up the 90cm qualifier Red Team. Isobel and Sophie had super clear rounds with Ottie having an unfortunate pole and Alfie a pole and refusal. In the second round the jumps increase to 95cm , Isobel gave another super clear , Alfie and Ottie had one pole down each, Sophie a pole down and a refusal. The team placed a very respectable 7th .

Isobel had a super jump off with another lovely clear earning her 5th place overall.

The Red team consisted of Lois, Ben, Matthew and Harry. Lois and Matthew were clear in the first round, Harry had a pole at the last fence and Ben’s pony took a surprising aversion to the pony club jump. Second round Harry went clear, Lois a stop at the last fence (water tray) and Matthew’s pony was out of puff having already done 2 rounds in the 100 and had 3 poles. Ben made us all giggle as his stirrups fell off not once but twice in the second round, he managed to stay on but had to retire as ran out of time.

4 members represented us in the 100 Area Qualifier, Molly Nichols, Matthew Caley and Fergus Quinn and Lois Landon.

A super weekend (and very long hot days!) was had by all. Big thanks go out to Mary and Nicky for their endless time and support and also to all our Essex and Suffolk members who kindly agreed to be pole pickers.

Many thanks also to Nikki, Julie, Helen and Nicky B for the write up and photos – we love hearing about our members adventures!

Good luck to those heading off to the Championships!