EQUESTRIAN AT KINGSLEY

Following the disruption and uncertainty of the pandemic, it is wonderful to be able to report that we once again have a thriving riding squad at Kingsley!

Our monthly dressage and show jumping training sessions are led by Kingsley alumnae Beccy and Keri Bates of Ekko Equestrian and Stephanie Faulkner at Valley Farm Equestrian. It is satisfying to see the progress our riders are making with their very able coaches. Girls are already competing in NSEA competitions and other national events and we have been able to order more of our splendid Kingsley blue and silver numnahs. We are planning to introduce cross-country training in the near future, and also hope to arrange a pony trekking holiday at our favourite centre in the Brecon Beacons for July 2023. Watch this space! Our new Riding Captain, Georgia R (now in Year 12), took part in her first ever two-day event at Princethorpe College at the end of May. Georgia and her horse Maizie did an excellent dressage test, gaining a personal best score and coming second in their section. Unfortunately, Maizie so enjoyed her role as a dressage diva that she decided not to commit fully to her show jumping round (usually one of her favourite disciplines) and was eliminated! Having seen the determination with which Georgia was riding her at a recent show jumping training session, we doubt Maizie will make that decision again! Georgia is already looking forward to next year’s event. On Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th June, members of the Kingsley riding squad had a very successful weekend. Riding Captain, Georgia R, followed her personal best dressage score at the Princethorpe twoday event with a win in her section at Onley Grounds, bringing her closer to her goal of qualifying for the British Dressage Petplan Equine Summer Area Festival at Onley.

Ottie M, Amelia M and Francesca B (now in Years 10, 8 and 7 respectively) represented Kingsley in an NSEA show jumping event at Rectory Farm, Ottie and Amelia riding for school for the first time. Ottie had two excellent clear rounds at 70 and 80cms, and Amelia came 5th in the 60cms class and qualified to jump at Hickstead in August. Francesca, who has already represented Kingsley on many occasions, came 8th in the 1.05m class and qualified for the NSEA Show Jumping Finals in October. At the Princethorpe Schools’ Dressage Event, Georgia R won both her classes. She also successfully qualified for the Area Dressage Championships. Prep pupil Belle H came first in both of her classes and her younger sister, Dottie, came second, so it was a great day for Kingsley! Our thanks, as always, to our wonderful parents for their invaluable support, to Ekko Equestrian and to Valley Farm Equestrian. Last but not least, a huge thank you to Mrs Jessett who has looked after Kingsley’s riding squad for many years, and whose enthusiasm and commitment never wane. We are always happy to welcome new members to the squad and are nearly always looking for people (girls or parents) to help at events. Please don’t hesitate to contact Sue Jessett via the School Office if you would like any further information.

ABOVE: Riding Captain Georgia R and Maizie at the two-day event at Princethorpe (courtesy of emmpix.co.uk)

OPPOSITE PAGE: Georgia’s horse, Maizie, has been the subject of several of her GCSE Fine Art paintings. We love this one of her splashing in the sea!