KING Alfred’s equestrian team were crowned champions at the National Schools’ Equitation Association competition.

Ella Ackrill (15), Mollie Hawkins (13), Kayleigh O’Neil (12) and Rex Winfield (12) triumphed in the 80cm fence class.

Despite suffering a tyre blow-out on the way to the event at Dauntsey School in Devizes, the King Alfred’s pupils proved a class above their rivals.

More than 80 school teams entered the event, but King Alfred’s came out on top, with the best three scores from their riders counting towards their overall total.

Hawkins also claimed an individual fifth place on her horse Coquette, while O’Neil and Louisa Lawrence (12) achieved clear rounds in the 70cm and 90cm fence classes respectively.