The 16th running of the annual Kilgraston Scottish Schools Equestrian Championships at Gleneagles Equestrian Centre saw 30 teams and 20 individuals, representing 24 schools from all over Scotland competed over three age groups for the prestigious combined training, dressage and show jumping championships.

In the 12 and under section Kilgraston’s team of Iona Wilson, Rachel Menzies, Gemma Hayward and Sophie O’Neil made a great start to the day by taking the dressage, showjumping and combined training championships with Sophie O’Neil on Bailey of Kilgraston taking first place in the best individual showjumping class. Beaconhurst School took second place in the dressage with High School of Dundee and Ardvreck taking the second position in showjumping and combined training respectively. Beaconhurst’s Rachael Snowie on Hydehill Heavens Above took first place in arena A in the individual dressage with a score of 24.6 and Ardvreck’s Olivia Strang Steel on Rufus taking first in arena B with a score of 35.

It was Strathallan School who scored well in the 14 years and under class taking first place in the team dressage, showjumping and combined training. Kilgraston came in a close second taking the runner up position in dressage and combined training with The Mary Erskine School taking the second in showjumping. Kilgraston’s Georgina Chalmers-Gray on Permanent Wave came off well in the individual competition winning the best individual dressage in arena A and best individual combined training. From St Margaret School’s Caitlin Padfield on Freefield’s Spirit won best individual dressage in arena B with Jessica Tinson of High School of Dundee on Pebbly Grey Fox taking the win in the individual showjumping.

The Kilgraston Senior team of Emily Ryder, Terri Hurrell, Heather Graham and Mhairi Miller also performed outstandingly in the 15 years and over class winning the team dressage and combined training with a second place in the team showjumping just behind Strathallan. Kilgraston’s Terri Hurrell on Little Richman performed well in the individual showjumping class as best individual taking home the Jenny Storer Cup. Dollar Academy’s Rosie Kieth and The Mary Erskine School’s Alex O’Mara took best individual showjumping in arena A and B respectively.

Speaking after the event, Kilgraston’s equestrian manager Elaine Shand said: “We were delighted that we had such a wide range of schools taking part in this year’s championships, a total of 24 schools from both the independent and state sectors. In total we had over 160 young riders. Kilgraston understands that riding is a very important activity that brings together so many young people from all social backgrounds and as always we are especially pleased to be associated with what has become the major annual equestrian event for school children in Scotland.”