Anabel Cluer and Ciao Bella Z Claim NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League Victory at Weston Lawns

A competitive field of 74 rider combinations came forward for the NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League Qualifier at Weston Lawns Equestrian at the weekend, all taking on Stephen William’s challenging track in a bid to secure qualification for the next stage of the prestigious series. 

With riders battling it out for those all-important qualifying places, 29 combinations managed to produce clear rounds through both opening rounds to earn their place in an exciting jump-off. 

Rising to the top of a closely fought class was Anabel Cluer riding Tom Cluer’s Ciao Bella Z, who delivered a superb clear round in the jump-off to stop the clock in a winning time of 34.86 seconds. 

Second place went to Catherine Vale aboard Quiz IV, who also jumped a stylish clear in 36.09 seconds, while Molly Bennett and Gardentio completed the podium after another faultless effort in a time of 36.68 seconds. 

“I’ve had Bella since the start of February, we weren’t planning on moving onto horses so soon as I actually still have this year on ponies, but the opportunity came to buy her, and I’m so glad we did as we clicked almost straight away, and has made me such a better rider. She gives me the best feeling over jumps and always tries her very hardest which is what I love so much about her. She’s a small horse but has the biggest heart and you can tell by her face when she’s going round that she genuinely loves the job. 

“For the class I was feeling confident leading up to it but seeing the competition on the day, the size of the last round, and how fast everyone was going, I didn’t think I would secure a place to qualify for the semi-final. It was the biggest round I had ever jumped and was expecting a pole or to not be fast enough, but I knew I was going to try my hardest which is what Bella and I did, and we actually won. I think Bella wanted to win more than I did as she flew round leaving scope over every jump.  

“Our plans for the summer are to get good placing at some competitions like Bolesworth, but the main goal is to get the ticket to hoys, it’s been my dream since I was young to compete there, so we’re going to train really hard and do everything we can to be well prepared as it would mean everything to me if we could go, especially with my horse of a lifetime Bella. I couldn’t have done any of this or even have Bella if it wasn’t for my amazing dad, Tom and trainer Jenna Palmer Evan’s who’s been with me every step of the way.” Anabel said. 

Qualified riders will now set their sights on the semi-finals taking place later this summer, with hopes of securing a coveted place at the Final at the Horse of the Year Show in October. 

NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League Qualifier 

Weston Lawns Equestrian, Saturday 23 May 2026 

1st – Anabel Cluer & Ciao Bella Z – 0/0/0 34.86 

2nd – Catherine Vale & Quiz IV – 0/0/0 36.09 

3rd – Molly Bennett & Gardentio – 0/0/0 36.68 

NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results. 

Image: Simon Coates Photography