FORMED in late 2018, the Blessington Community College Interschools team has much to be proud of as the team of Sibeal NicGiolla Coda, Jessica Flood, Katelyn Lynham Clark and Ellie White will travel to Hickstead to compete against some of the best teams in the UK at the Hurst College National Schools, Pony Club & NSEA Championships.

Starting on August 1st, The National Championships are for both junior and senior schools and are open to teams of three or four riders from any school, and for Pony Club teams who have qualified in advance.

It was been a whirlwind of success for the West Wicklow team this year, kicking off with a win in their first outing. Their good form continued throughout the year with many victories in the novice class, which included the Mullingar Cup, which has been passed down from school to school since 1995. Then not only did they qualify their team to represent Ireland in Hickstead against some of the top teams in England, they also had an individual champion in the 90cm class. The team take great pride in what they do and along with great results, they scooped out the best turned out at every show that the they appear that.

Not only are they competing in Hickstead for the first time, the team is also stepping up to compete against the open teams, which they have never done before. They have been trained by Heidi Slott Joergensen who resides just outside Blessington. Heidi, who has great faith in the team, believes even with such a big step up these girls have a great chance of a placing over in England.

The team are grateful for the generosity shown by Holmstead Saddlery, Wexford Horse Transport, Bramhams of Buckingham and Blessington Credit Union in helping them make this trip possible.