PUPILS from a school near Devizes are riding high after qualifying for an event at one of the most prestigious show jumping arenas in the world.

The four girls from Lavington School have qualified for Hickstead by putting their ponies through their paces in eventer challenge classes in Somerset.

Assistant head Anna Woodman said: “Our fabulous Lavington equestrian team qualified for Hickstead in two classes at 70cm and 80cm.

“Over two challenging courses and riding with speed, accuracy and precision, our young horse riders negotiated two courses consisting of more than 20 show jumping and cross country jumps in an arena eventers challenge, competing against schools teams from across the country.”

The team made up of Sam Harding, Molly Scriven, Amelia Tanner and Daisy List Rose took first place in the team event in the 70cm class and then produced three clear rounds in the 80cm class.

Ms Woodman said: “In the first class Molly, Amelia and Sam jumped super clear rounds with Amelia finishing 5th individually and Sam 7th.

“In the second class they went clear again.

“At the end the smiles said it all. There were amazing team and individual achievements. Hickstead here we come in May.”