TWO teams of riders from Tavistock College travelled to Addington Manor, Buckinghamshire last weekend to compete at the National Schools Equestrian Association’s Showjumping Championships.

Earlier in the summer Tavistock’s riders had proved they are among the best in the west by beating teams from schools across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall and so earned their place at the championships.

Heidi Littlejohns, Jade Coupland, Natalie Rowe, Becky McArthur, Frankie McKechnie and their horses made the 450 mile round trip to Addington to represent their school. With some superb riding by team members they were unlucky when a couple of poles rolled and they failed to make it through to the final jump-off because of just four penalty points. They came 12th against 46 top teams from across the UK.

Natalie Rowe in particular was excellent, going fast and clear on her ponies in both rounds, as was Becky McArthur when she rode on the Sunday and Frankie McKechnie in Friday’s event.

Frankie also qualified to compete as an individual as well as a team member. He rode a great round against more than 45 talented riders and finished in sixth place.

Team manager Karla McKechnie said: ‘It was a long and exhausting drive to Addington and we slept for three nights in cramped conditions in lorries and caravans, but it was worth it to see how Tavistock’s riders are up there with the best. They all rode to a high standard and were smartly turned out on their fit and well-groomed horses and are a credit to their school.’

She added: ‘We are indebted to those who so kindly supported and sponsored the Tavistock College Teams, principally Devonport Royal Dockyard Trust as well as Alex Warne’s Equitour Sporting Holidays, Postbridge, H and M Laser Ltd, Tavistock, Abbey Garage, Tavistock, Simply Flowers by Samantha Eggins, The Rock Complex, Yelverton and Maunder and Sons, Agricultural Merchants, Launceston. Their generosity made the trip to the championships possible.’