PEEBLES High pupils did their country proud at the weekend by reaching the podium at the National Schools Equestrian Association Championships.

More than 800 riders and ponies competed over four days at Addington Manor in Buckinghamshire.

And for the Peebles High team, who qualified last month, the 700 miles round trip was worthwhile.

The team of Persia Bhatia, Daragh Ramage, Libby Davidson, Natasha Thorp, Alice Bryce, Alanna Furness and Maddie Collins exceeded all expectations against the cream of equestrian clubs and schools from all over the UK.

A spokeswoman for the Peebles High team told us: "Despite having to contend with injuries for both riders and horses at various times throughout the event, the pupils showed great team spirit and resilience."

In Friday's Regional Showjumping Competition the Peebles High pupils were joined by Biggar High's Jenny Mowat on Reuben and Earlston High's Gabby Purves aboard Warrior for the team event.

Excellent performances from Maddie Collins on Beau, Persia Bhatia on Gem, Libby Davidson on Harvey, Natasha Thorp on Paddy, Alice Bryce on Belle and Daragh Ramage on Aniels, along with Jenny and Gabby, were rewarded with an overall second place out of the 23 teams.

Persia on Gem also came a highly creditable 7th in the Dressage warm up competition.

The faultless displays continued into Saturday with Alice on Belle, Natasha on Paddy, Libby on Harvey and Persia on Molly narrowly missing out on third place in the 95cms Arena Eventing.

The Peebles High quartet eventually finished fourth of the 40+ teams.

Persia and Molly also picked up an individual 6th place, and a short time later the same pairing finished eighth in the 115cm competition.

Several of the Peebles riders were also in action for the Scottish Nations Cup teams.

Natasha and Paddy helped the 95cm team to silver, then Alice on Belle, Libby on Harvey, Daragh on Aniels and Persia on Gem all rode well to help the 105cm team to a further silver too.

Daragh and Persia were also part of the 115cm Scottish show jumping team.

Sunday was taken up with the Nations Cup Dressage competitions.

Libby on Harvey, Alanna on Chesney, Natasha on Paddy and Persia on Gem secured a team bronze for Scotland.