Jack and Kitt qualified for the National Tetrathlon Championships which took place in Yorkshire in August. They competed against competitors from around the UK and Southern Ireland, as individuals and as part of a team from Brecon. A tetrathlon (from the numerical prefix “tetra-” meaning four) is a team competition organised by Pony Clubs for its members. It is a variant of the modern pentathlon, without fencing. Thus it comprises the four disciplines of shooting, swimming, riding and running.
In the individual Junior competiton, Jack, a Year M10 pupil, won his category and was crowned the 2014 National Junior Tetrathlete Champion.
Jack said: “It was a fantastic way to finish my time as a Junior as this was my last Junior competition before moving up to intermediates next year.”
Jack took his title with a Personal Best final score, achieving consistently high scores across all four disciplines, coming 2nd in the Run with a PB in that discipline too. He also went clear Cross-Country jumping over a big and technical course.
With all three of the Brecon & Talybont Hunt team members having clear rounds, team mate Tom Jones then won his Cross-Country run. This meant the team had a series of great scores throughout, which meant they won the 2014 UK Junior Boys team title too!
Jack commented: “It’s a great result for the team and a brilliant result for Kitt (age 12 and a Year J8 pupil). Whilst it’s my last year as a Junior, it’s his first year as a Junior. He displayed real determination as he gritted his teeth before setting off on his horse around the Cross Country course, over jumps which were frankly enormous for him!”
Thankfully they all came home safe and sound and the icing on the cake was to receive their awards from Champion Jockey, Frankie Dettori!