Wysdom House made history to win Burford School’s one-day equestrian event.

It is believed to be the first time a state school has held such an event.

Zoe Sheehan and Verity Carpenter, who train for junior England teams, were among the pupils who took part.

It was the idea of the state school’s head of science Clare Brown, a keen horsewoman, who runs an equestrian team as an extra-curricular sport.

She said: “I wanted to reflect links with our rural community.

“Up to now house competitions have been mainly sports and athletics. “I wanted to let students shine in another way.”

More than 30 studentstook part, which ranged from best turned out to dressage and showjumping. The cups and rosettes were presented by Youth Olympic gold dressage rider Charlie Hutton.

The school’s equitation (the art or practice of horse riding or horsemanship) team is open to all – including those without horse or pony. Running for nine years, it boasts 30 members.

After school, students study the BHS Horse Owners Certificate Level 1.