Riding Club riding their way into success this BUCS Season
The Riding Club have had a very successful season so far in the BUCS Equestrian Leagues with multiple wins!
These competitions require riders to compete in both dressage and showjumping on unfamiliar horses, with teams made up of 4 riders. The scores are combined to give an overall individual and team score.
The A and B team have been competing in the Scottish pool of the championship and trophy leagues respectively. Each team competes in 3 pool events, from which the top three teams qualify for regionals, where they have the chance to progress to the nationals down south in the summer. The BUCS format is challenging as riders get only a short warm-up to get to know their horses on the day.
The B team have completed all three of their first stage competitions. In Aberdeen in November, the team of Charlotte Salisbury, Katie Riddick (Vice Captain), Sofia Ström and Kristin Spolander claimed team first, coming individual 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th respectively.
In Glasgow the team came 2nd, made up of Katie Riddick, Sofia Ström, Kristin Spolander and Emily Brown. Sofia won individual first, Katie took 5th and Kristin took 6th.
And finally, at the home show last week, they once again claimed victory! Here the team consisted of Sofia Ström, Kristin Spolander, Ada Catherine Hays and Victoire Morisseau. This time Kristin took individual first, Ada 4th and Sofia 5th.
They are hoping to have qualified for regionals in the spring but are waiting for final league standings.
The A team have only completed one of their first stage competitions, at their home show in St.Andrews on the 15th November. The team of Alexandra Febbraro (Captain), Amy Stewart, Charlotte Salisbury and Lorna Mackenzie took overall 1st with an almost perfect score. They also took the top four spots individually, with Charlotte coming 1st, Lorna 2nd, Amy 3rd and Alex 4th. The final two pool competitions for the A team will take place in Glasgow next week and in Aberdeen in March, where they are hoping to hold their current form and gain regional qualification.
So far this has been one of the strongest years for both the riding teams, and we are immensely proud of their results and commitment. Congratulations to all the team members!