The Spring Term has been an exceptionally busy and inspiring one for Leweston’s equestrian community, packed with competition success, industry‑leading visits, specialist coaching and meaningful opportunities for riders of all ages. From grassroots achievements to national tours and charitable fundraising, the term has showcased the breadth, depth and ambition of equestrian life at Leweston.
Competition Success Gets the Term Off to a Strong Start
The competition calendar got off to a strong start in January, with excellent performances at NSEA events. Ottie D and her pony Connie secured a fantastic third place at the NSEA Grass Roots Showjumping Regional Championships, jumping a super clear round, while Equine Scholar Annabel G (Year 8) qualified both of her horses for Hickstead at Pontispool, placing strongly in competitive classes. These early successes set the tone for a term defined by commitment, progress and teamwork.
NSEA Arena Eventing and Hickstead Qualification
February brought further highlights, including a sunny and much‑welcomed NSEA Arena Eventing competition at Dorset Showground. Riders enjoyed ideal conditions, with teams and individuals delivering polished performances throughout the day. Congratulations to Team 1 (90cm): Ruby, Grace, May and Josie, who finished 1st, and Team 2 (80cm): Josie, Bessie and Darcy, who secured 2nd place. Darcy (1st, 80cm) and Josie (4th, 90cm) also qualified as individuals for the prestigious Hickstead Championships in May — a significant achievement and a testament to the riders’ dedication and preparation.
Learning Beyond the Classroom: Equine Tour 2026
Alongside competition success, Leweston’s Equine students stepped beyond the classroom on the inspiring Equine Tour 2026. The tour began in Newmarket with visits to the National Horse Racing Museum and the famous Horses Inside Out experience. Seeing anatomy painted onto horses brought biomechanics and movement vividly to life, transforming theory into practical understanding. Students explored career pathways across the racing industry, met professionals working at the heart of the sport and even stepped back in time at the historic Charles II Palace, deepening their appreciation of equestrian heritage.
Industry Insight and Professional Practice
Industry engagement continued throughout the term, particularly for BTEC Equine Management students. Visits to professional yards, including a guided tour of Harry Fry’s operation, gave senior students valuable insight into business models, training regimes and yard management. These experiences linked directly to their studies and reinforced the importance of professionalism and welfare within the equine industry.
Specialist Coaching and Skill Development
Back on site, Leweston welcomed a wide range of specialist coaches and professionals. Regular polework sessions with coaches Kieran, Millie and Ellie focused on improving accuracy, balance and control, while guest coach Moira Bonner challenged our squad and talent pathway riders with progressive exercises, delivering four excellent sessions despite testing weather conditions. The equestrian programme was further enriched by a dressage demonstration from Emily Ormerod, who showcased high‑level training, as well as Andrew Harris who helped riders visualise advanced concepts such as lateral work in action.
Horse Welfare at the Heart of the Programme
Horse welfare remained a central focus throughout the term. During half‑term, academy horses enjoyed a well‑earned rest week alongside health checks with equine physiotherapist Alice Parsons, who works closely with the veterinary team at Gibbs Marsh to maintain both horse and rider wellbeing. Professional standards were further reinforced with a visit from Garrett Saddlers, whose team not only ensured optimal tack fit for the horses but also inspired students with insight into saddlery as a skilled and rewarding career pathway.
Equestrian Life Beyond the Arena
March saw equestrian activity extend into wider school life, with a Sportathon proving a fantastic collaborative event. Prep riders, Equine BTEC students and Sixth Form volunteers worked together to complete an impressive 77 ridden laps, raising funds for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). The event highlighted both riding ability and leadership, made possible by the dedication of Riding Academy staff and the academy horses.
Inspiring Future Welfare‑Focused Equestrians
Educational visits continued with a valuable trip to World Horse Welfare at Glenda Spooner Farm near Somerton. Students learned about the charity’s vital role in rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming horses across the UK and internationally, as well as the business and operational challenges of running a welfare‑focused organisation. This visit reinforced Leweston’s commitment to producing knowledgeable, compassionate, welfare‑centred equestrians.
Easter activities provided a lively conclusion to the Spring Term, welcoming younger riders for lead‑rein mornings, ridden sessions and holiday equestrian camps. These sessions offered an enjoyable introduction to equestrian life at Leweston, combining ridden work, stable management and fun challenges, and reflecting the inclusive, supportive ethos of the programme.
A Positive Start to the Summer Term
With the summer term having started last week, excitement is building across Leweston’s equestrian programme. Competitive riders are now beginning to look ahead to championship outings, guest coaching and continued training as the days grow longer and conditions improve. With a full diary of opportunities ahead, the summer term is set to build confidently on the momentum of a truly successful spring.