Equestrian

The Dean Close Prep school equestrian programme has continued to develop and broaden with new and exciting riders joining the prep team riders. Despite the season being very stop-start with Covid restrictions and limitations the prep riders have secured some fantastic results and achievements, with National, Plate and Grass Roots qualifications. With over 20 Boys and Girls from the Prep-School either competing or learning to ride this year. There has been a huge increase in our team riders and the results are showing for themselves. Once again, this year the Dean Close Prep team riders have played an integral role this season, joining with riders from across the Foundation to qualify for major finals and secure national qualifications.

The Michaelmas term campaign saw a new event for the Dean Close equestrian programme as we hosted an Eventer Challenge NSEA National qualifier. Team came from across the country and our own Dean Close Senior team took the 90cms win. Arthur Clarkson, Year 7, produced a lovely round over 24 very challenging fences.

Eventer Challenge Dressage

Over the October half term prep riders Maddie Melville Smith, Year 7, and Ella-Grace Dovey, Year 6, joined with the Senior team riders to contest the National NSEA dressage qualifiers at Kings Bromyard. Both riders rode beautifully to support the team to take two team National qualifications and Maddie achieved individual National qualification in the Prelim.

NSEA Dressage Grass Roots

Fenella Cradock, Year 5, and Marielle Del Valle headed out to the Grass Roots Dressage qualifier in December at Kings Bromyard both girls rode lovely tests to achieve qualification in both Intro and prelim finals. These were delayed due to lockdowns until March 2021. Again, both girls did some fabulous riding, Fenella took reserve champion in both Intro and Prelim Grass Roots National South West Finals.

New Partnerships

Ella- Grace Dovey, Year 6, started a new partnership with DST Don’t Panic, they have an impressive start to their dressage career together achieving individual National and County Cup qualification for both prelim and novice. Outside of school Ella-Grace has continued to progress with the BD youth team and achieved huge success in winning the Novice Petplan Bronze dressage finals.

NSEA Eventer Challenge National Qualification

Once again Dean Close Prep riders have been riding in all disciplines this year. Maddie Melville –Smith made the most of being able to compete again in April and secured her first National Eventer Challenge qualification in the 70cms. Maddie travelled to Hickstead in May for the Eventer Challenge National Finals, where she jumped a skilful clear to take 21st place from the 70+ competitors.

Dean Close SJ event

It was wonderful to be able to once again the Dean Close Show Jumping event at Rectory Farm in June. A hugely popular event with schools from across the country attending. Prep riders Joey Webb, Marielle Del Valle, Fenella Cradock, Arthur Clarkson and Maddie Melville- Smith all representing DCP with some excellent riding. Marielle, Year 4, did an impressive fast clear in the 70-75cms to secure individual 4th place and her qualification for the NSEA Plate championships, a fabulous achievement for this exciting young rider. Gabriel Mattle, Year 8,jumping with the Dean Close Senior riders rode a brilliant clear in the 1-1.05m to help the team secure 2nd place overall and take their qualification to the NSEA National Championships. He then contested the 1.10 which was causing issues for many of the riders, he jumped a skilful round to take individual 5th place and his qualification for the NSEA Plate Championship finals. Well done to all the riders who have been out and competed for DCPS this year - your results are a representation of your hard work and dedication during one of the most challenging years to date! If you are a keen rider with your own pony there are lots of opportunities to represent the Foundation from Grass Roots level to more advanced, therefore if you would like to be involved and be part of the Dean Close Equestrian team for the Prep School, please make contact with the Director of Equestrianism, Fleur Cradock.