The Chase Equestrian Team Shine at National Championships

On Friday 23 May, twelve riders from The Chase School’s equestrian team, accompanied by their families and Ms Diment, travelled to the prestigious National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) Championships at Hickstead, near Brighton. Over four busy days, the team competed in eight classes across dressage, show jumping and Eventer Challenge disciplines, having qualified earlier in the season.

Upon arrival, horses and ponies were settled into their stables and the team began setting up their ‘basecamp’ of chairs and gazebos alongside the horse lorries where families and riders were staying.

Saturday began with an early start as our Team Dressage riders - Alice Woodward, Lexie Van Ufford, Mimi Van Ufford and Ariana Hughes - prepared their horses and rode beautifully to win the class outright, becoming National Team Dressage Champions. The celebration didn’t stop there, as Mimi also competed in the Individual Dressage Championship later that day and delivered an exceptional test on her horse, Mr Socks, securing the individual national title as well.

As a result, our dressage riders proudly took home the iconic NSEA prize buckets, sashes, rosettes, saddle cloths and a generous £25 voucher each - a phenomenal achievement and a moment of real pride for The Chase.

Later that day, the 70 - 75cm Eventer Challenge team of Amelia Mills, Angus Swift, Beth Macdonald-Black and Elena Edwards faced a challenging and professional course that combined show jumps with solid cross-country fences, including a water complex. Out of 38 teams from across the country, they placed a commendable 9th, narrowly missing out on the rosettes. Notably, Angus made school history as the first male rider to represent The Chase in equestrian competition - an exciting and proud milestone for the team.

On Sunday, our 70 - 75cm County Show Jumping team - Angus Swift, Olivia Bingham, Jess Lewis and Elena Edwards - rode superbly to finish in 10th place. Elena was also awarded the ‘Best of the Rest’ prize, having posted a time less than half a second behind the individual winner, despite not being an individual qualifier herself.

The 80 - 85cm Eventer Challenge followed, with riders Amelia Mills, Alice Woodward, Beth Macdonald-Black and Ariana Hughes delivering solid rounds over a technical and bold course. Mimi Van Ufford, also competing individually, placed an impressive 5th out of a large field, while the team finished 14th out of 36.

Monday brought another full day with three classes. Our 80 - 85cm County Show Jumping team - Amelia Mills, Elsie-Mae Jackson, Lexi Edwards and Lexie Van Ufford navigated a big track with strong competition, finishing 16th overall. Next came the 90 - 95cm County Show Jumping, where Amelia Mills, Alice Woodward, Beth Macdonald-Black and Mimi Van Ufford stepped up to face an enormous and technical course. Despite some faults keeping them out of the top placings, the team demonstrated impressive riding throughout.

To round off the event, our 90 - 95cm Eventer Challenge team - Alice Woodward, Ariana Hughes, Mimi Van Ufford and Elsie-Mae Jackson - tackled a testing course featuring cross-country lines through water complexes and over solid fences, finishing a respectable 16th in a large class.

Beyond the results, the weekend was a celebration of teamwork and community. On Saturday evening, riders, siblings, parents and even grandparents gathered to surprise the Woodward family with a party, in recognition of their seven years supporting The Chase equestrian team - first with Molly, and now with Alice, who finishes Year 13 this summer. It was a heartfelt and joyful moment that captured the spirit of the team.

Ms Diment would like to thank all the families and supporters who made this incredible experience possible, and extends special thanks to Will Van Ufford. As well as being dad to Lexie and Mimi, Will gave his time and expertise as an event rider and coach, walking courses and advising riders morning and evening, and assisting in warm-up arenas — a contribution that made a real difference.

As one of the few state schools competing in what is typically a private school sport, The Chase is proud not only of its results, but of the dedication, sportsmanship and camaraderie shown by every rider.