Hartpury Equine Academy scholars have produced a series of strong performances at national and regional competitions, as fixtures tentatively returned amid strict Covid-19 restrictions.
Iris Nijboer, who is enrolled on the BSc (Hons) Bioveterinary Science course at Hartpury University, played a starring role at her first-ever UK competition, an British Dressage affiliated show at Hartpury.
Iris, an international student from the Netherlands, won both the Advanced Medium and Medium titles with scores of 63.65% and 65.59% respectively riding Hidde Fân Lânsicht.
India Keates-Robinson, who is studying A-levels at Hartpury College, made an impressive start as an Elite Development rider with two top-four finishes aboard her young horse Keyland Fantasia at the annual Keysoe High Profile Show.
Among other Equine Academy riders to impress was Georgia Cabb (Masters in Research), who clinched third place riding Gerania at the Winter Classic British Showjumping competition at Hartpury.
Lizzel Winter, Director of the Equine Academy at Hartpury, said: “It’s obviously been a very strange and difficult year for everyone involved in the Academy, with lots of uncertainty about when and where competitions would be permitted to take place.
“Though not surprised, I’m extremely proud of the way that our students have continued to show tremendous dedication to developing their riding, alongside their academic studies, which has been reflected in a number of impressive performances in various competitions.”
The Hartpury Equine Academy has a proven reputation for supporting and developing talented young riders, both in their competition career and academically.
There are three levels within the Hartpury Equine Academy: the Elite Squad, the Elite Development Squad and the Development Squad, with membership to each based on competition history and successful completion of a trial.
Riders are offered competition support for high-profile events, visits to top-level riders and trainers’ yards and access to a range of professional support services, including rider performance and biomechanical analysis, psychology, strength and conditioning and physiotherapy, both human and equine.
Hartpury’s world-class facilities include the Equine Therapy Centre, which features a high-speed water treadmill, and the Margaret Giffen Centre for Rider Performance.
Picture: Georgia Cabb riding Gerania at the Winter Classic British Showjumping competition at Hartpury (credit www.Jasminepunterphotography.co.uk)
