Burgess Hill Show Jumpers Compete in front of the Queen

Sophie Duffield on Amber – West Sussex Champion at Felbridge
Photograph courtesy of Felbridge Photography

Four Burgess Hill School for Girls’ pupils took part in a NSEA Inter-Schools’ Show Jumping competition in front of Her Majesty the Queen, as part of the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Sophie Duffield, 14, Katie Finnerty, 13, Vicky Henderson, 14, and Olivia Hibbert, 14, represented Burgess Hill School for Girls at the event which was held at Home Park, Windsor Castle.

The Burgess Hill team competed against 38 schools from across the country.  It was the first time they had taken part and although the girls were not placed the event this year, it is one which the school will continue to compete in.

Monica Carruthers, Head of Equestrian activities at the School, said, “It is not often that the girls take part in a competition where the jumping comes to a halt and the riders in the warm-up arena have to dismount to allow the Royal Horse Artillery to fire their guns in salute to the Queen!”

Another Burgess Hill School pupil, Rachael Hawkins, 14, showed her pony, Duke, at the show.  They performed an exciting first class where Duke was a little over exuberant, but the pony settled well for his second round and they were placed sixth in a high class field.

On the same weekend, Sophie Duffield and her horse Amber also competed at Felbridge Showground where she represented Burgess Hill School as an individual in the 1m class.  Sophie won the West Sussex Champion title after riding last in a small but strong class.

Alice Reffin, 14, rode an accomplished clear round on her new mount Henry, finishing sixth in her class; whilst in the 60cm class, Francesca Turner, 11, Charlotte Turner, 10, and Eleanor Reffin, 12, won fourth place ribbons.