The King’s School’s equestrian squad has appointed former Great Britain show jumper Tom Davison as their new coach.

Tom, whose father Richard is captain of the British Olympic dressage team, and whose family is steeped in horsemanship, will be working alongside King’s equestrian squad founder and organiser, Rachel Maddocks, the school’s head of politics.

From humble beginnings 10 years ago, the school’s equestrian squad is now one of the largest and most successful of any day school in the UK with 25 boys and girls through the divisions competing in showing, dressage, jumping, hunter trials and eventing.

Their successes have been coming thick and fast: in September Jack Mantel won a National Schools’ Equestrian Association (NSEA) one-day event at Kelsall.

Charlotte Horne was third at the Horse of the Year Show at the NEC in Birmingham on her Show Hunter Pony on October 9 and was also Working Hunter Pony champion at this year's Cheshire County Show.

Imogen Ashwood competes at advanced medium level dressage and competed at the Home International show this summer.

Rachel Maddocks said: "The squad gives students the opportunity to represent King’s in their sport that usually would be an individual endeavour, and they can qualify for the NSEA’s national finals, where Hattie McCance claimed a show jumping title in 2009 and dressage national title last year."

She added: "There are approximately 35 schools involved in the NSEA competitions. Equestrianism gives the students opportunities to develop their sense of responsibility and achievement.

"Most students keep their horses at home and have to balance academic work with caring for and training their horses as well as the demands of competing regularly."

Rachel concluded: "Tom brings with him his pedigree as an international show jumper, his father has represented Britain at the Olympics, his mother is an international eventer, while Tom has competed at international competitions.

"His knowledge, experience and expertise will be invaluable."