A newly formed Equestrian team at Brentwood School has been a huge success.  Sporting a larger team than expected, the dedicated, enthusiastic and talented members have been training and competing since the beginning of this school year. The first main event the team competed in was the Felsted Inter Schools Show Jumping and Dressage Competition, held on Sunday 11^th October, at Norton Heath Equestrian Centre in Blackmore.  In order to prepare for the day, Team Manager, Mrs Chris Rees organised a vital training day for the team beforehand. The day consisted of Dressage and Show Jumping training under the expert instruction of Annette Philpot BHSI.  Annette was extremely supportive of the new venture as is an Old Brentwood herself.   Ten riders in total took part with a promising and useful session.

On the day of the competition, all members performed excellently and impressed all with the level of commitment and skill on display. Pupils Jack Cooke and Emily Smith obtained double clears in both Individual and Team Show Jumping, with Jenna Miles and Fran Easton narrowly missing out with four faults.

In the Team Dressage, students Fran Easton, Emily Smith and Jack Cooke achieved 2^nd place out of eleven schools with marks which reflected their accurate well executed tests; while Francesca Webb, Libby Anderson, Alice Begg and Emma Giles all completed superb tests in the individual competition but unfortunately were not placed.

Team Captain Emily Smith commented: "The day was a huge success, and a very creditable first competition. All the riders are extremely pleased that the school is supporting our club and has agreed we should join the National Schools Equestrian Association and future events are already being organised".  A team training schedule has been made for the rest of the year, which will encourage and improve the teams riding skills. Plans are underway to enter the Inter Schools Show Jumping Competition at Woodbridge School on the 13^th December. 

Brentwood School may also host its own Hunter Trail or One Day Event in the early part of next year.