Spotlight on Our Equine Students!

Equine students recently had the opportunity to experience the competitive side of the horse-world by taking part in an Interhouse Dressage Competition, judged by Head of Land-based Danielle Fox.

Students spent the weeks prior to the event learning their tests with their ponies, whilst on the day a prize was awarded for “Best Turned Out” – which was given to all competitors as it was simply too hard to judge!

Firstly, Level 2 students took to the arena to compete with results as follows: –

1^st Place – Lois Toner
2^nd Place – Nicole Scaife
3^rd Place – Lillie Rigby
4^th Place – Savannah Sutcliffe
5^th Place – Lottie Richards
6^th Place – Ruby Holmes-Rhodes
7^th Place – Abi Murgatroyd
8^th Place – Isabelle Lockyer

Then Level 3 Year 1 students had their opportunity to show their skills with results as follows: –

Intro A

1^st Place – Megan Alderton
2^nd Place – Alex Reville

Prelim 2

1^st Place – Alicia Cross
2^nd Place – Tamsin Ayres-Taylor
3^rd Place – Paige Cleaver

Danielle Fox, Head of Department for Land-based said “I felt privileged to judge the end-of-year dressage competition. These events are so much more than a showcase—they’re a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and skills our students have developed throughout the year. It’s inspiring to see them demonstrate their professionalism, horsemanship, and passion in such a meaningful way.”

Ellie Stephenson, Lecturer in Equine Studies added, “Taking part in the interhouse dressage competition offered students a valuable opportunity to develop their test riding skills, improve their ability to memorise and execute a dressage test, and build confidence through consistent practice. Furthermore, they have all pulled together as a team to support one another. All riders did a fabulous job of presenting themselves and their horses to industry standards, we are very proud of them all!”

Alicia Cross, who won the Prelim 2 class on pony Polly said “The competition was really good, I really enjoyed it. I had to change horse just before the competition, but I’ve ridden Polly before, and I know she goes nicely even though it was my first ever time testing on her.”

Find out more about Horse Management Courses at Craven College and events at Craven Arena!