Down High girls jumping for joy

Down High girls jumping for joy

25 January 2017

DOWN High School were over the moon following the superb results attained at the recent TRI Inter School Showjumping League.

The school had three teams competing in the event which was held at The Meadows Equestrian Centre in Lurgan and the competition marked the final of this important event in the equestrian calendar.

The Open team of Charis Vinaccia, Charlotte Leslie, Alex Cleland and Jessica Nelson were the most successful squad on the day.

The girls battled hard through four previous qualifying rounds, placing them on top of the league table.

However, they were faced with stiff competition to maintain that lead, but remained calm under pressure and managed to accumulate enough points to secure the spoils.

Alex Cleland said afterwards that it was team work and determination that was the key to their success as she discussed the result that brought her to tears.

This win qualifies Down High to compete in the All-Ireland Championships which will be held in Balmoral in May.

The girls have also won the opportunity to have a lesson with a top equestrian instructor.

Chef d’equipe Ruth Adams described the girls’ achievement as fabulous and emphasised the consistent performances that the team had maintained at all stages of the competition.

Not to be outdone, the Intermediate team demonstrated their skill by placing first against 20 other schools. The team performed exceptionally, achieving the fastest time in a double clear round with zero faults.

This positioned them fourth overall. The strong performance of Lara Kelly, Zara Sharvin, Abby Cummiskey and Abby Brown bodes well for upcoming events.

Jessica Nelson also competed in the Premier Ccass and achieved an admirable third place against a challenging group — a great achievement for this year 11 pupil.

Down High principal Maud Perry congratulated the team on their achievements and wished them every success for future competitions.