Riding High: Homewood’s riders saddle up for success with new sponsor

Despite the challenges of the last year the Homewood riding team has been thriving. Even though actual championships have been postponed several times and are still on hold, the team has continued to train and compete successfully through virtual events and gained a new kit sponsor into the bargain!

The team’s new sponsor is auto locksmith business South East Car Keys, based in Cranbrook, Kent. Thanks to their generous support, the Homewood Riding Team now has a fresh new kit in which they can compete at all levels, including softshell jackets, saddle cloths and hoodies, all supplied by GG’s Tack.

For company MD Josh Talbot, it was an easy decision to sponsor the team as his son George is not only a member but one of its most successful riders.

Josh said: “I’m absolutely delighted to sponsor the Homewood School riding team. As a local business it is great to support young people fulfilling their passions in outdoor sports.”

Formed in 2018, the team has been going from strength to strength. They started the current school year in a strong position with 3rd and 4th places in show jumping competitions over the Summer break plus a number of strong individual placings. This was followed in September by placings for two of the team’s newest recruits. October half term show jumping events delivered a team second place in the Grassroots Championships and then three 4th places at each competition height which contributed to the Regional Points League.

Since then, another rider – Jack - has qualified twice for the Grassroots Regional Championships and George has qualified from the Lockdown Pop-Up Dressage virtual competition to represent Kent at 70-75cm in the County Championships, both of which have been postponed several times and are still on hold.

In the latest Arena Eventing/Jumping with Style event on Saturday 8 May three riders battled the elements and were placed in three of the competition heights: George 6th in 80-85cm and 10th in 90-95cm; James 6th in 70-75cm, and Molly 9th in 70-75cm.

As lockdown lifts, team manager Lucy Stephen hopes that many more live events will resume and postponed championships can take place. In the meantime, she couldn’t be prouder of the way Homewood’s riders have coped with the situation, and has nothing but praise for their commitment to always doing their best and supporting each other as a team.