THE Thomas Hardye School equestrian team finished second after travelling to Bicton Arena in Devon to compete in the NSEA Jumping With Style Qualifier.

The team, which was made up of George Rodgers, Elliot Bowman, Victoria Clarke and Rosie Russell, achieved a great result as they battled it out with 25 other teams.

Their success saw them qualify for the Great Britain Championships at the elite Addington Manor from October 23-25.

Following this achievement,the school took a team of young riders to the NSEA showjumping qualifier at Bryanston School.

All four members performed brilliantly and secured first place in the competition.

This was a fantastic result for the team of new members, who joined the school in September, in what was their first competition representing Thomas Hardye.

In gaining gold, the team of Connor Pullin, Charlie Ainsworth, Jasmin Edwardson and Molly Russell have also now qualified for the championships later this month.

Molly Russell achieved a brilliant third place as an individual on the second day of the competition and a senior team of Rodgers, Mattio Apettio, Saskia Foley and Rosie Russell also gained the school third place and bronze medals.

Rosie Russell managed to secure two places in the championships after winning the 1.05m and 1.10m showjumping at the Bicton Arena on her horse Flying Skittles.

Also qualifying for the championships, Rosie Russell and Molly Russell both had great results during the dressage competition held at Millfield School earlier in the year.

Both students won their classes individually and gained a place at the finals.

Team manager Sue Russell spoke very highly of the team effort and enthusiasm shown by all competing.

She said: “We are so proud to have so many members of the school heading up to Milton Keynes for the NSEA Great Britain Championships at the end of October.

"This is the first year we will have teams and individuals competing in all three disciplines held at the championships.

“It is an outstanding result, proving the dedication and commitment the children and parents put into the sport.

“Also a big thank you from myself and the students to the Thomas Hardye School for their support towards these teams.”