ISABELLA ARMSTRONG, aged eleven, from Knaresborough, secured two impressive wins last month in the Schools 70cm and 80cm League Classes at Leamside Equestrian. Riding for Boroughbridge High School, Isabella and her pony Sweet Salsa were on top form jumping two double clears to place ahead of the field of strong competitors.

Speaking afterwards about her performance Isabella said “Sweet Salsa loves to jump, she is very fast and reacts quickly if I ask her to turn tight or jump at an angle. However, at 21 years old she is very opinionated and knows every trick in the book, so you really have to ride her to get the best out of her”.

Isabella’s mum Abby enjoys seeing the children cheer each other on at the competitions and added “Just for Schools’ gives Isabella the chance to ride different classes, compete with different children and meet new people. I also love that ‘Just for Schools’ has its own Summer Championships and Winter Championships”.

Isabella added “I'm really pleased that ‘Just for Schools’ has given me the chance to represent my school as I am so busy with my ponies I don't really have time to be in other school sport teams, so this is a great opportunity for me. I love seeing the school name on the league tables and hearing it announced at shows and enjoy competing for something bigger than just me. My Head Teacher has been so supportive and made me feel very proud”.

The ‘Just for Schools’ League run by British Showjumping offers riders the chance to compete Individually or as a Team in classes ranging from 70cm to 1.10m with the chance to qualify for the Championships. To find out more call 02476 698824 or visit; www.britishshowjumping. co.uk/nationalschools