Posted: 2nd June 2015 | Back to news feed
With the sun threatening to appear at any time, the gates finally opened to herald the launch of St Teresa’s Equestrian (STE) after months of planning, preparation and construction of our superb new complex.
STE is managed by our newly appointed Equestrian Director, Jen Pogacic, and her growing team of helpers. A special mention must also go to Alison Craig, who has been so valuable in helping to guide the project through to fruition.
Thanks must also go out to William Kear (Contract Manager) and his father, Bill (Managing Director) both of Bill Kear Ltd, who were responsible for all the groundworks for the project over nine months. A challenging project completed successfully, on time and on budget!
The crowds began to flock in promptly at 3.30pm, and our first activity – “decorate your own horseshoe” – was an instant success; so much so that we quickly ran out of stock, but will hopefully offer this again in September for those who missed out.
A queue quickly formed for the barbecue, where over 250 Conisbee burgers and 250 sausages were served up by the wonderful Harrisons Catering Team, with vegetarian options also available.
Actress and author Susan Jameson of “Grandpa in my Pocket” fame was signing copies of her book “Pony Tails”, which proved very popular. Forelock Publishing are offering St Teresa’s girls 20% off all their books, so please ask Jen for details. Forelock Publishing also kindly donated a full set of their books to the St. Teresa’s Learning Resource Centre for the girls to read in their own time.
The “Design your own Showjump” activity was also popular, with some beautiful and colourful entries submitted on the day. This competition is still open for entries in case anyone took theirs home; entry forms available from Jen but must be submitted by Friday 29th May. The winner will receive a free riding assessment lesson.
The wonderful BB and part time team member Katherine did a stirling job offering lead rein rides at the beginning and end of the day, and these proved to be extremely popular!
Our first demonstration came from Year 12 pupil Eleanor Craig-Fisher and her Coach, Alison Craig, who did a great job of demonstrating the paces of the horse (Wizard), as well as showing off some of the higher level moves required in competitive dressage.
The second demonstration came from the Prep School team of Mia Sherazee with Curly, Soraya Kamal with Ellie, Emma Nelson with Wilf and Lexi Watkins with Chessy. Together, they performed a dazzling Drill Ride display, highlighting what can be achieved when combining teamwork and riding skills.
Visitors enjoyed meeting the other horses on the yard which included Celine, a very tall Chestnut (ginger) horse, and Piper, a smaller Bay (brown) pony. These have been approved for use in the riding school in our recent Council Licence Inspection, and are certain to become firm favourites with our young riders and spectators alike.
It was soon time for the Opening Ceremony and an entertaining and heartfelt speech from Mr Michael Bray, our Chairman of Governors. Mr Bray spoke with passion of the discipline and pleasure that riding demands, and the rewards that it provides in return. He pointed out that learning ro ride is great fun – apart from the odd tumble – but does require self-discipline and effort. Riders learn to appreciate the value of systemic, progressive training and, by applying this approach to their academic work, they can learn how to stay focused and appreciate the benefits of hard work. Importantly, he remarked how looking after horses reinforces the values of a healthy lifestyle, including the importance of excersise and nutrition. STE has adopted ‘Sportsmanship, Teamwork, Empathy’ as its mantra; values which Mr Bray endorsed wholeheartedly in his speech.
He took time to thank many of those responsible for seeing the project through to completion, including Headmaster Mike Farmer for the initial concept, Bursar Alan Miller for project management, and the equestrian professionals Alison Craig and Jen Pogacic for their ongoing work with STE.
Finally, the ribbon was cut to great applause, marking the opening of an exciting and significant new chapter in the life of St Teresa’s.
Jen spent the remainder of the afternoon chatting with parents and children and answering questions, commenting afterwards how thrilled she was to have met so many keen riders… “I can’t wait to get started with everyone!” she exclaimed.
For more information please visit the website: www.st-teresas.com
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