With a variety of interschools competitions over the year, there were many opportunities for our BHS Equestrians to shine, whatever their chosen disciplines in 2023.

The first competition up was the Canterbury Interschools Show Jumping Championships, with Equestrian Team Captain, Lucia Shanks, being our only representative.

Lucia was riding TE Florintina in the 95cm classes, having an unfortunate rail in one round before going clear and placing 8th in her second class.

Next up was the Canterbury Interschools Dressage Championships, where we had a full team - Lucia Shanks and Lil Ogano riding at Level 2 and Wendy Zhang and Hayley Beswick at Level 1. Both Lucia and Lil produced some lovely tests, each scoring over 70% in one, gaining a couple of 4ths (Lucia) and a 2nd and 6th placing (Lil). Wendy did very well in her first official competition and Hayley can be commended for her determination after knee surgery, having her first competition back (and it was also her pony’s first dressage competition!) Overall the team placed 9th out of 28 teams.

Burnside combined with CHCH Adventist and STAC for the Interschools ODE Championships with good performances again - Lil finishing 2nd in her arena. Their combined team placed 7th overall out of 22 teams so a great result.

The South Island Equestrian Championships at the Dunstan Fiber Fresh NEC during the Winter Tournament saw Lil and Wendy competing in the Dressage competition. Lil’s best result was a 3rd placing and Wendy’s an 8th.

The last Equestrian outing for the year was the last day of Term 3 with the South Island Secondary Schools Mounted Games. Held in utterly dismal weather, Lucia and Hayley did amazingly well and were just pipped into runner up position.

Well done to the girls and their respective horses this year.