Promotional Feature
The King's School's equestrian team proved they have one of the strongest squads of young riders nationwide at the National School's Championships.
Held at Hickstead, the spiritual home of English equestrianism, King's riders achieved a brilliant double in the Eventers Challenge with a stunning seven top places in seven other classes.
It was due reward for the hours and hours, not only of riding time, but of grooming and mucking out that all the young men and women put in to build that special winning relationship between horse and rider.
With teams entering from schools drawn from all corners of the country, the results proved that young Cheshire riders are among the crème de la crème. The squad of Rubi Ambrey Brosnahan, Emily Carter, Poppy Holding, Oliver Ravenscroft, Lacey Barton Firbank, Ruby Barton Firbank, Libby James and Nina Robinson have had a stellar 2025 season.
They qualified for a stunning eleven championship classes across three disciplines: Eventers Challenge, Show Jumping and Dressage.
The winning double came in the Eventers Challenge, a heart-pounding combination of show jumping and cross-country fences, including logs, ditches, and water, all in one continuous round of around 25 jumping elements. Rubi, Emily, Poppy and Oliver kicked off the weekend in style, taking first place in the 105cm class and another first place and national title in the 95cm class.
King's other Eventers Challenge teams also put in top class performances, with Poppy, Lacey, Ruby and Libby securing 9th in the 85cm class, and Lacey, Ruby, Libby and Nina achieving a respectable 19th in the 75cm class.
In Show Jumping, Lacey, Ruby, Libby and Nina jumped their way to a brilliant 4th place in the 75cm class. Libby, Lacey, and Ruby, also tackled the 85cm class, finishing 17th. With two national titles under their belts, Rubi, Emily, Poppy and Oliver earned a fantastic 2nd place in the 95cm class and a solid 6th place in the 105cm class.
King's riders then demonstrated their nerveless prowess in Dressage. The preliminary team of Emily, Oliver, Libby, and Poppy performed beautifully, securing 6th place with the Open team of Poppy, Rubi, Emily and Oliver impressing the judges with their elegance and precision, earning a well-deserved 3rd place. Rubi Ambrey Brosnahan also superbly qualified as an individual and rode to a fantastic 3rd place in the Novice Individual Final.
Two of the young stars Poppy Holding and Rubi Ambrey Brosnahan have earned national selection for the Wales and West Midlands team and will compete in the prestigious Bishop Burton trials this month.
Poppy Holding, 15, from Somerford, and her horse Macy, 8, have worked together tirelessly for many years. Poppy, who wants to pursue the sport as far as she possibly can, with the ultimate dream being Olympic selection, said: "The bond you build with your horse is just as strong, if not stronger, than a bond an owner will form with their dog. Riding consumes your life. It's exciting, fast paced and suits my competitive spirit. It's also been wonderful to be part of such a strong team."
Rubi Ambrey Brosnahan, 16, from Langley, who rides Kieran, aged 13, said: "You spend twice as much time grooming and caring for your horse as you do riding, but it's worth every second." Academic high-flyer Rubi added "My long term goal is to become an equine vet and I'm sure this has developed because of my relationship with Kieran."
Photos
The King's Equestrian Squad
Rubi Ambrey Brosnahan and Poppy Holding on Kieran and Macy.
Smile please you're a National Champion, Emily Carter on Buachaill Acla.
