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Westonbirt’s Equestrian Team: Growing Together, Riding with Spirit

19th September 2025

At Westonbirt, opportunity and community go hand in hand, and nowhere is this more evident than in our flourishing equestrian team. From Prep through to Sixth Form, pupils are discovering not only the joy of riding, but also the resilience, teamwork, and confidence that comes with it.

This term, our equestrian team hosted an equestrian afternoon at school to celebrate the team’s growth. Pupils and families enjoyed horse-shaped biscuits, afternoon tea, and a stunning exhibition of Jo Hanford’s equestrian photography, all while learning more about how to get involved.

Bryony Read, show jumping team manager, explains:

 “Currently we have over 35 members, ranging from Prep right up to Year 13. When we first began, there were just 8 pupils riding, and now we’ve become one of the largest school equestrian teams in the area. The ethos is simple: to have fun, give it a go, and be part of a supportive team. Riding isn’t always predictable – sometimes it’s the pony’s day, sometimes it’s not – but that’s where resilience is learned, and camaraderie shines through.”

That spirit was clear to see at the NSEA Show Jumping event hosted by Cheltenham Ladies’ College at Rectory Farm, Cirencester on Sunday 14th September. Despite the challenging weather, 15 Westonbirt individuals competed across a range of classes, with fantastic results:

  • 1st place in the 70cm class
  • 3rd place in the 80cm class
  • 2nd place in the 90cm class

 

Both the 70cm and 90cm teams have now qualified for the National Championships at Addington in October, while the 50cm Grassroots team qualified for Hickstead in May 2026. Every rider also placed in the top 20 of their individual classes, a tremendous achievement with more than 40 riders in each. Westonbirt pupils rode with professionalism and team spirit throughout, supported by parents who braved the weather to cheer them on.

Westonbirt riders are also given access to expert training from leading professionals. Sessions with international event rider Nick Gauntlett and equestrian lead and coach Helena Sherwood allow pupils to develop their skills in dressage, show jumping, arena eventing, and one-day events. These sessions are not only about perfecting technique but also about building confidence and supporting one another.