THE equestrian team at Ampleforth College are to compete at the national championships after successes in the regional qualifier.

The team had a successful two days at Bishop Burton on September 24 and 25 in the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) showjumping and arena eventing regional qualifier.

Isobel Higginbotham finished in second place on the first day in the 90cm showjumping class, to secure an Individual Qualification for the National Championships.

She also went on to win the 90cm class in the Arena Eventing Competition the next day, while Freddie Fawcett achieved two individual wins at 1m and 1.10m.

Both went on to secure first place alongside Isabella Armitage to qualify as a team in the 1m Class.

Loyce James and Octavia Howard were also placed in their respective height classes, with Loyce coming seventh out of a class of 30 and Octavia achieving tenth place in a class of 156 competitors.

Eliz Cook, team manager, said "More than 300 horses competed across the two days and the standard of competition was high. Our students did exceptionally well and we are very proud of them. The students are now busy preparing for the National Finals."

The college achieved several other team placings over the two days in the 80 and 90cm show jumping classes, and 90cm arena eventing class.

Having one team who already qualified in February for the showjumping finals, Ampleforth College will now have two teams and four individuals competing in the NSEA National Championships which will be held at Addington Manor from October 21-24.