Equestrian

We currently operate two separate strands for Equestrian activities: Students who have their own horses and own Transport are part of the National School’s Equestrian Association (NSEA) team and Students who do not have their own horses, or simply anyone who has an interest in horses, can join Chilton Equestrian Society.

The NSEA
The National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) is an independent body that organizes events for schools to compete against each other at both local and national level. Chilton Cantelo School has been a member of the NSEA for five years. In previous years the team has been managed by Mrs J Ridewood. This year the running of the team is in the hands of Miss M Smith. The aim of this team is to allow students to compete in events against other local schools, hopefully qualifying for national events.

Chilton Equestrian Society
The aims of the society are to allow all students who have an interest in horses and horse riding to meet together six times a year; to allow students to learn some basic stable management; to participate in some fun activities related to horses and horse riding as well as pony trekking, Own a Pony Days, horse related visits and trips.

This year we will meet on the following dates:
• Autumn Term 2011 meetings: Tuesday 20 September and Tuesday 29 November
• Spring Term 2012 meetings: Tuesday 17 January and Tuesday 5 March
• Summer Term 2012 meetings: Tuesday 1 May and Tuesday 26 June

All of the activities are free and open to all students who have signed up to be part of Chilton Equestrian Society.

Horse riding for me isn’t just an activity, it is something that informs my entire life - it is escapism, challenge and above all it is fun! I started riding at the age of 7 in a local riding school, but my confidence grew and by the time I was 10 years old I owned my first pony and I haven’t looked back since!

Over the last 20 years I have been a riding instructor and worked with the RDA. I have also been a groom on three professional competition yards. I have competed at both regional and national level in Eventing, Dressage, Cross Country, Show Jumping and Endurance Riding. I am also currently studying for my BHS PTT to become a qualified horse riding instructor. I own and compete a 7 year old Connemara pony called Killiney Windberry. I regularly go to local shows and events and spend most of my free time with my horses.
 
I really enjoy both aspects of the Equestrian Activities. Horses play an enormous part in my life and I really like sharing that with the students, be it teaching them about stable management or encouraging them when they are competing. Everyone is welcome at the Equestrian Society meetings, and we all have a lot of fun. So if you love horses this is the place to come!

Mel Smith | Equestrian Team Leader