Down High win

Down High win

13 December 2023

DOWN High School’s open team proved to be victorious at the end of another very exciting inter-school equestrian league recently. 

The Down High representatives had been top of the show jumping league from the start of term, but their rivals were closing the gap as the final approached. 

The team had pulled out all the stops, competing with only three riders, but Cara MacNabb, Ellen MacNabb and James Murphy were not going to let that deter them. 

The sisters, Cara and Ellen, each jumped a double clear round on Melody Maker and Bonecastle Lass, in very respectable times and as the final rider entered the arena, it was game on. 

Three months of challenging competitions had ensued and the outcome of the inter-school final would come down to the last rider. 

The chef d’equipe, Ruth Adams, could barely watch as James entered the arena with his horse Roundstone Star Express. 

The horse certainly lived up to his name as his gutsy rider cut every corner to complete a double clear round in the incredible time of 27 seconds. 

A huge cheer resounded from the stadium as he crossed the line, having secured yet another win for the Down High Flyers. 

Congratulations to all the inter-school teams for a thrilling final competition and thank you to the sponsors TRI equestrian for the prizes. 

The Down High team now hope to travel down south to compete in the All-Ireland show jumping final in April.