Equestrian

Horse riding has been recognised as beneficial for children; it’s a fantastic form of exercise, requiring flexibility, balance and coordination as well as developing life skills such as patience, responsibility and determination. Now, more than ever, there is a greater interest in riding as a serious sport, not just a hobby and, as such, at Shebbear College we have developed our Equestrian offering over the last few years.

We are now home to a number of talented riders, who compete as a school team at the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) events – travelling to the National Finals at Hickstead each year. The NSEA is the official body for equestrianism in schools throughout the UK, providing inter-schools competitions for team and individual riders, and the Hickstead competition is a huge event, with up to 300 riders and 55 school teams in each section. In 2024 our team finished the competition with four Top 10 team slots in show jumping and arena eventing, an impressive achievement!

Our riders also take part in various other competitions around the country and in 2024 one member of the team competed at the prestigious Badminton Grassroots Championships, securing a place after beating 105 competitors in her BE90 class at Bicton and even making the national press with an article in Horse and Hound magazine!

It’s been an exciting year for the team and it’s been really rewarding seeing the team develop their skills and gain some fantastic results at the various competitions, including the national finals!

Marie Webber, NSEA Team Manager