Brooke Priory Showjumping Competition - Saturday 18th June 2016

On Saturday 18th June, I was lucky enough to be able to watch the Copthill showjumpers in action. The children represented the school beautifully and I was incredibly proud of their determination, especially when things didn't always go to plan! It was lovely to see the smiles on their faces as they were riding and to hear their enthusiasm and support for each other. Please read Mrs Wilson's report for full details! Well done to all of you - you were brilliant! Lisa Lamb A great fun morning was had by the Copthill showjumpers at the annual Brooke Priory Showjumping Competition on Saturday 18th June against Brooke Priory, Laxton JS and Witham Hall.    Copthill were able to field two teams this year -  a junior team consisting of Tommy Gee, Flo Pennell, Clara Wilson & Charlotte Gee and a senior team consisting of Max Kettlewell, Izzy Durrands and Ags Pennell.  The Copthill juniors were by far the youngest and “greenest” of the teams in attendance but the children all rode brilliantly. However, as we learnt last year, success at showjumping depends on the willingness of the pony as well as the skill of the rider and unfortunately not all the ponies were quite as brilliantly behaved as their jockeys! Both Flo Pennell on Inca and Tommy Gee on Drummer rode super clear rounds, ably assisted by their mummies, but Charlotte Gee’s pony Hazel was very excited to be there and couldn’t quite keep her mind on the job ( in fact at one point actually jumping out of the arena!!). this was followed by Clara Wilson’s pony Rupert, going beautifully until he decided to stop and relieve himself right in front of the last fence -  I guess when you’ve got to go you’ve got to go!!! Nonetheless our juniors still came in 7th place and had a lot of fun in the process. A great experience for them to build on.  The Copthill seniors looked a lot more professional and their improvement from last year was remarkable! Max Kettlewell on Tommy, Izzy Durrands on her new pony Alfie and Ags Pennell on Bob, all rode beautiful and flowing first rounds and then really came into their own with super rides in the jump off. Copthill finished 4th overall which was very impressive given the highly competitive nature of the field, and Max on Tommy did absolutely brilliantly to finish 3rd individually -  well done boys!  The next class was a big jump up being a full height 75cm class and Max and Tommy were the only Copthill partnership to take it on. Yet again Max rode a super round and Tommy didn’t let him down, jumping a cracking clear (whilst Max’s mum could only watch from behind David Pennell!) This class was even more competitive and so despite riding two fantastic clear rounds, unfortunately Max didn’t get placed, but judging by the grin that he had from ear to ear I don’t think he minded too much!!   Everyone had a great time and Copthill’s team work and support for each other really did stand out -  well done to all! Mrs Wilson.