Equestrian The King’s Ely equestrian team booked their place in the national championships with a star showing at a regional qualifier.

A team of three riders took part in the qualifying event held at Norton Heath, in Essex, last week.

Taking part were Freia Gould, on Spice, Phoebe Plumb, on Bob, and Katie Cameron, on Maylands Delight.

At the event, riders have to jump a number of show jumps and then go straight to cross country jumps, all held in an arena. The riders are also marked on their style of riding and partnership with their mount.

The same team qualified for the national championships last year, in the 80cms height.

The girls rode three clear rounds in the first class at 80cms, but despite this were unlucky not to secure a placing. There were 29 teams in this class, and a total of 134 riders. Katie Cameron secured an eighth individual placing.

The next class was at 90cms, where there were 18 teams and a total of 98 riders. The course changed dramatically in terms of technicality and not just height, which proved really challenging.

And a bolder approach paid off for the team as a first place finish secured their position at the championships again, to be held at Addington Manor, in October. Phoebe Plumb also gained a fourth individual placing and Freia Gould an eighth place.