Alongside his own studies and helping his horse Elska overcome injuries, school Prefect Hugh hopes to increase the number of riders at the school.
He said, "I've been at Strathallan for six years and in that time our Equestrian team has grown but it would be great to see more pupils get into the sport. Given that there's plenty of time to study and ride during a school day and with stables close by, we are in a great position to develop our team.
"Ultimately, I want everyone to have a good, successful year. We have some School competitions coming up and I'm excited to see our team continue to perform well.
When asked why he enjoys riding so much, he said, "I can't really explain it. It's this overwhelming feeling you get after a tough training session and you know you've worked well with the horse, that sense of accomplishment and connection is what spurs you on to get better together.
"You have to be tough to be at the top of any sport but I think more so for eventing. The number of events usually held in a two-day competition push riders and their horses to their limits. It's tough but it's exhilarating."
The Equestrian team has already saddled up for competitions this term with senior pupils Kyle F, Sophie B, Mischa S and Millie W competing at Warwick Hall, Carlisle in the BE90 U18 class. Millie finished in 2nd place, Kyle in 5th place within a very competitive field of older junior riders. Sophie and Mischa finished in 7th place in different groups. It is fantastic to have them all finish comfortably in the top 10. Another student riding well is Georgia G who recently competed in the Northallerton Horse Trials, also performing very well.
More recently, Strathallan Prep School pupil Francesca W competed at Foresterseat Cross Country, and with her pony Hazel they won the 80cm under 17-year-old class.
Riding into the start of term ðð
— Strathallan Sport (@strath_sport) September 7, 2020
Well done to Francesca W and Emily S for placing so high in the Strathearn Hunter Trial
Here's Francesca with Hazel ð´ in the Junior Novice Class ð#blueandgold #horseriding pic.twitter.com/FdmUNzKkRz
Closer to home, seven Strathallan pupils represented themselves and the school at the Forgandenny Horse trials, with Sophie B coming 3rd in the BE90 class.
It wasn't just students who saddled up, Mrs Waugh, Former International Modern Pentathlete now PE Teacher at Strathallan also came double clear in the BE90 at Forgandenny.
Mrs Waugh showing us how it's done with her stunning horse Olga at the Forgandenny ð´ Trials ð#leadingtheway #TeacherTuesday pic.twitter.com/08OVkVcoIx
— Strathallan School (@StrathallanSchl) September 22, 2020
2020 has also been a great year for pupil Kyle F who has progressed from BE80 to BE90s and finished the season with two successful BE100’s as well as coming 1st in the Blue Chip Pony Newcomer class in British Showjumping.
British Showjumping for Kyle & Buttons this weekend - finishing 2nd in the Discovery and 1st in the Blue Chip Pony Newcomer class. We are reminded yet again how lucky we are and that Kyle has a pony of a lifetime 𥰠@strath_sport #littlemissbuttonsblue #ponyofalifetime pic.twitter.com/URFgiuAcQ6
— Kathryn Forgan (@wynnumwynnum) October 18, 2020
Those interested in finding out more about equestrian activities at Strathallan can register for our next Virtual Open Morning on Saturday 31st October or get in touch.