Equestrian Success at Rectory Farm

Published by Stowe School on Wednesday 29th of April 2026

On Sunday 22 March the Stowe Equestrian Team set off bright and early to compete in the Eventers Challenge Qualifier at Rectory Farm Arena. The Eventers Challenge consists of 20 jumping efforts, combining both show jumps and rustic, cross-country style fences, providing a true test of versatility and skill. 

With this competition acting as a qualifier for the Hickstead Finals in May, there was plenty to play for, and the team did not disappoint, securing qualification and earning their place at Hickstead. It was a fantastic day for Stowe, with impressive results across the board and two team victories to celebrate. 

In the 90cm qualifier, Harriet Russell (Third Form, Queen’s), Olivia Soto (Third Form, Cheshire), Lola Soto (Fifth Form, Cheshire) and Ale Tafur (Fifth Form, Lyttelton) delivered four excellent rounds to take the team win. Harriet Russell also secured an outstanding Second place individually in a competitive class. 

The success continued in the 100cm qualifier, where Olivia Soto, Lola Soto and Ale Tafur took an early lead and maintained their position throughout, finishing in First place as a team. 

The event also marked a first outing for some of our newer Stowe horses. Jake, owned by Isabella Rivett (Lower Sixth, Queen’s), and Clover, owned by Archer Grant (Third Form, Queen’s), both produced promising and educational rounds, showing great potential for the future. A huge well done must also go to Eliza Hall (Third Form, Stanhope) and Delilah Samartin (Lower Sixth, Bruce), who both rode very respectable rounds and are certainly combinations to watch as the season progresses. 

As always, these events would not be possible without the continued support of parents, our instructor Ginny Howe, and our equine transport provider Sally Burnell.