THE Grange School is celebrating after a successful few days at the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) Championships at Addington.

Owain Carlick, 17, had plenty of reasons to smile.

In the 1.10 showjumping, he came fifth out of 41 which took him into the nailbiting evening jump-off with the top-eight competitors.

The venue was packed out with spectators but Carlick stayed calm, performing a clear round to place him in first place with the help of his horse, Dolly.

Keeva Stott, 16, came second of 28 riders in novice dressage, which took her through to a ride-off where she came fourth overall – an achievement to be proud of especially as her horse is only six-years-old.

Overall, the school’s young riders dealt with the wet and soggy autumnal conditions well.

Having come third in the region to achieve qualification, The Grange equestrian team comprising of Sofia Stubbs, Verity Sellers, Aisling Stott, Madi Carlick, Keeva Stott and Owain Carlick were placed eighth.

Lindsay Sellers, the team’s coach, said of the experience: “Arriving on Wednesday afternoon, the team bedded down the stables and pitched two gazebos in prime position to be base camp for the duration.

"The parents were great sports and threw themselves into everything, even rescuing the gazebos when the wind got so strong it lifted one of them!

"A huge well done to The Grange equestrian team and the students whose hard work paid off and they kept smiling throughout. Nothing could stop the team aiming high and enjoying the big event. We’re looking forward to 2020.”