VPHS Magazine 2014 | Page 165

VPHS trian partnership as it requires the team to compete in Show-jumping, Dressage and Cross- Country (jumping and galloping over natural obstacles over a long distance). Both horse and rider have to be immensely fit, agile and courageous. Kristen-Lee Harrington, who came second in the province, Kelsey Hunter, Nancy-Jane Huntly, Ashleigh Leedo and Danielle Garner were selected for the Eastern Cape Schools’ Eventing team. Attending the SANESA Nationals is extremely expensive, and only four equestrians eventually travelled to Pretoria as members of the Eastern Cape team during the September holiday. The National Final is a huge competition, involving up to 16 provincial/regional schools’ teams (some provinces have A, B and C teams), and over 800 equestrians from all over the country. Although riders compete provincially, recognition is also given to individual schools and the wonderful achievements of the VP equestrians earned the school a THIRD position- an amazing achievement considering that there were teams from more than a 100 schools. All the VP equestrians fared exceptionally well despite facing stiff competition. There are too many individual results to mention but credit must be given to Kristen-Lee Harrington and Danielle Garner who won the Extreme Equitation class – national champions! Thurnher and Nancy-Jane Huntly received the Most Improved Newcomer (Eventing) award. I am extremely proud of my equestrians and their amazing achievements this year. Much of the success of the team may be attributed to their disci pline, determination and dedication, their team spirit, and the commitment and support of their parents. Equestrian captain, Kristen-Lee Harrington, admirably inspired her fellow equestrians to work together .and I am confident that we have the talent, dedication and positive attitude to enjoy continued success in the future. Mrs Donnell Goldberg This year the Equestrian of the Year trophy was awarded to Tori Nienhuis who also won the awards for Showing and Show-jumping. Equestrian captain, Kristen-Lee Harrington, was again the Eventing champion (for the third consecutive year) and the top achiever in Dressage. The trophy for the Most Improved Equestrian was awarded to Ashleigh Leedo, and Kelsey Hunter received top honours in Equitation. Two new trophies were awarded this year to acknowledge the wonderful improvement shown by newcomers in the team. The Most Improved Newcomer (Core League) was awarded to Carmen 165 With best wishes from the Harrington family