Equestrian team flies the flag

On Sunday 30 April the 2017 Dominic College Equestrian Team, Bella Lee and Neave Schofield, proudly represented Dominic College at the 2017 Inter-Schools Horse Trials.

Held at Huntingfield Pony & Riding Club grounds at Howden, with an 8.00 a.m. start, team members and their trusty steeds were on the road early to get to the venue and perform all the ritual preparations required be ready to compete looking their very best.

Both of the riders performed commendably throughout the day. Bella and Neave started with dressage test in which the riders are required to perform a set sequence of walk, trot and canter manoeuvres around the arena in a 6-minute test which they have committed to memory. This is not an easy task under the pressure of having every step scrutinised by the judges. It was a very impressive effort.

The afternoon session featured the cross country phase. For our team competing at grade 4, this meant an adrenalin-fuelled canter around a 1.8 km course involving 17 jumps in 6 minutes!

Both riders got round the course with Neave clear of any penalties and Bella experiencing a shaky start incurring penalties at the first two jumps but then completing the rest of the course clear.

Finally, we came to the show jumping phase, which saw both riders eliminated during their rounds. Despite this both girls did a magnificent job of representing Dominic with pride and enthusiasm. This effort puts us in good stead for future years in the School Equestrian Event.

Congratulations to both Neave and Bella and their wonderful horses and support crew, the Dominic Community is proud to have you representing us.

Mark Nolan - Year 7-10 teacher