The University of Birmingham Equestrian team saddled up for success at the British Universities Sports Association Equestrian Championships, taking home a team silver medal last month.
The event, held over 3 days, took place at Field House Stables in Uttoxeter and involved some of the best competitors in the fields of dressage and show jumping.
Up against riders who have their own horses and compete in the British team, it looked to be a tough contest for the Birmingham members, none of whom have horses and only ride once a fortnight whilst at University. Jo Davies, Sarah Johnson, Katie Gannon and team captain Emily Maliphant certainly rose gallantly to the challenge.
A promising start was made in the dressage, with the team taking third place, only narrowly missing out on a place in the final, behind Southampton and Aberdeen.
Friday saw the beginning of the showjumping competition and along with it the upping of Birmingham’s game, as after some tough rounds they were the only team to have all four members progressing to the final 15. This phase of the competition, judged on style and number of faults, concluded with Emily finishing 4th and Jo and Katie joint 8th.
With Birmingham now 3rd in dressage and 1st in showjumping, the team finished 2nd overall to Southampton, promoting them to BUSA silver medallists, having been placed 3rd last year.
Consistent performances throughout the three days also rewarded team members with impressive individual overall placings, with Jo taking 4th place and Sarah 7th, out of 50 competitors.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
The University of Birmingham faced the Universities of Loughborough, Southampton, York, Royal Veterinary College and Aberdeen in the Equestrian Competition.
British Universities Sports Association (BUSA)
The British Universities Sports Association (BUSA) is the governing body of student competitive sport. It organises the inter-university sports programme nationally, as well as co-ordinating the UK representative team for the World University Championships and World University Games. For more information visit: http://www.busa.org.uk
Further information:
Rachel Robson – Head of News Team, University of Birmingham
tel: 0121 414 6681 / email: r.a.robson@bham.ac.uk
Lucy Hood – PR, Media and Promotions Officer, University Sport Birmingham
Tel: 0121 414 2262 / email: l.hood@bham.ac.uk