THE New England Girls School’s equestrian vaulting team has excelled at its very first competition.

The nine-strong team, comprising students from Years 1-12, competed at the NSW Vaulting Championships held at Somersby near Sydney during the school holidays and either won or placed in at least one class.

They have had just 10 weeks of training since being introduced to the discipline, which is the art of gymnastics on horseback and encourages balance, coordination, strength and flexibility, while improving confidence working with horses.

NEGS Equestrian Centre manager Sarah Venamore said the team was complimented on its attire, behaviour and vaulting skills.

“The team made me very proud,” Venamore said.

“We took two horses down to the competition – King Toblerone and NEGS Renazo – and nine vaulters.

“All of the girls won or placed in at least one class, which was an absolute credit to their dedication and

training.

“A special thank you to Thyme Lythgo, who is a member of the team and due to injury couldn’t compete, but was there to support the girls.”

Casey McGaw and Emilie Hann won the school its first blue ribbon, winning the Novice Horse Pas De Deux.

NEGS collected the quinella with Katherine Tullie and Natalie McNeill finishing second.

McGaw (Year 12) also picked up second in the ‘E’ class, with McNeill (Year 9) taking third.

They also linked up with Katherine Tullie, Claudia Nash, Hann and Laura Strelitz to place fifth in the team of 6.

Sophie Sutherland (Year 1) was the baby of the NEGS team but also one of their best performers with a second in the ‘E’ Class Novice.

Madison Attenborough (Year 2) was fifth in the same event, the pair then teaming up to finish fourth in the Barrel Pas De Deux.

NEGS filled fourth to sixth spot with McGaw and Hann, and then Tullie and McNeill.