NSEA National Schools Championships 2026

After spending the previous 12 months working hard at local venues to secure qualifications, it was finally time for our riders to take on the national stage at the NSEA National Schools Championships, held at Addington Manor, Buckinghamshire, from 16-18 October 2026.

Unfortunately, a number of riders who had worked so hard to qualify were unable to attend due to other commitments. In addition, several of our older students completed their studies at the end of the 2025/26 academic year and were therefore unable to compete at the Championships they had qualified for. As a result Hurst was represented by a younger team of riders this year. For many it was not only their first National Championships but also their first stay-away show.

The Championships provided a fantastic opportunity for our young riders to gain valuable experience at a large event and to prepare for what they can expect in future years.

Hurst Equestrian travelled to Addington Manor with six teams, consisting of eleven pupils, ready to compete over fences ranging from 70cm to 1.10m. Riders began arriving on Thursday, with the final competitors departing on Sunday after an action-packed weekend.

Friday

The Championships began on Friday with two Hurst teams competing in the Mini 70-75cm National Team and Individual Show Jumping Championships. Both teams performed admirably, finishing on just four faults apiece. Every rider either jumped clear or finished on four faults. While this was a highly respectable result in such a competitive class, although it was unfortunately not enough to secure a top ten finish and progress to the jump off.

The evening saw Hurst competing in the New Windsor Team Challenge Championships, 90-95cm, with Rosie C, Darcey G and Rosie YJ. This prestigious final is open only to teams that have won one of the fiercely contested qualifying classes, a feat achieved by the Hurst riders back in March.

The team finished on a score of four faults and, as the fastest of the four-fault teams, claimed an excellent third place. Congratulations to all involved. Rosie C also produced one of the fastest clear rounds of the class, although the competition was judged on team results only.

Saturday

Saturday brought the Novice 80-85cm National Team and Individual Championships. Unfortunately, it was not the Hurst teams' class, with both teams collecting a number of faults in a challenging competition.

Later in the day, attention turned to the Regional Points League Championships Team Challenge. Throughout the year, schools earn points through NSEA competitions, with the top four teams in each region qualifying for this Championship class. Teams may field up to eight riders, with a maximum of two riders at each height, and the best four scores count towards the overall team result.

The Hurst team consisted of five riders, all of whom produced a series of strong performances. They finished on a score of four faults and secured 10th place, narrowly missing out on a rosette position.

That evening, it was time for the prestigious NSEA National Schools Nations Cup. This invitation-only class featured, for the first time, a Hurst rider selected to represent her region.

A huge congratulations to Rosie C, who represented the South East of England in this exciting competition. The Nations Cup features mixed-height teams, with Rosie competing over the 80cm course. She jumped a superb clear round, helping her team secure an impressive fourth-place finish.

Sunday

The final day of competition saw both Rosie C and Darcey G compete in the Intermediate 90-95cm Individual Championship. Both riders finished on four faults, unfortunately knocking fences while chasing the fast times required to qualify for the jump-off.

The final Hurst appearance of the Championships came in the Open 100-105cm National Team and Individual Championships. Darcey G delivered an outstanding clear round and was agonisingly close to qualifying for the final, missing out by just one place and a mere 0.23 seconds.

Looking Ahead

Well done to all the riders who attended and represented Hurst Equestrian so brilliantly throughout the Championships. While there may not have been many podium finishes this year, the experience gained by our younger riders was invaluable.

They have now experienced everything that the National Championships have to offer, gained confidence competing on a major stage, and know exactly what they will be striving for next year. The future of Hurst Equestrian looks very promising indeed.