Eleanor Archibald Rises to the Top in NAF Five Star Summer Silver League Qualifier at Morris Equestrian Centre

ESI Baltimore leads the way as riders secure their place in the next stage of the championship 

The NAF Five Star Summer Silver League Qualifier at Morris Equestrian Centre attracted 20 horse and rider combinations, all hoping to secure qualification for the next stage of the championship by tackling John Bedford's technical course. 

The track proved a demanding test, with only four combinations producing two faultless rounds to earn a place in the jump-off. 

Leading the way was Eleanor Archibald riding Ross Archibald's ESI Baltimore, who delivered the fastest clear of the jump-off to stop the clock in 37.84 seconds and take the victory. 

Hot on her heels was Cassi McDade aboard FF Victor R, who also produced a superb clear round to finish second in 38.98 seconds. 

Completing the podium was Amy Ogilvie riding Ashton Orbit, recording the final double clear in a time of 39.23 seconds. 

With qualification now secured, the successful combinations will turn their attention to the NAF Five Star Summer Silver League Semi-Finals later this summer, where they will compete for a coveted place in the championship final at the Horse of the Year Show this October. 

“I’ve only had Baltimore to ride since the start of the year; my sister [Madeline] was away, so she had lent me the ride on him. So, I took him on, but I have big boots to fill as Balti was at the Silver League final last year with my sister and was third. I have been working away with him, and he jumped really well at Royal Highland. He has such a funny character; he’s the best. I am so happy with the result; I’ve not been on horses all that long. 

“It was a good class, the course was nice and technical in a way… then it was actually quite big! I wasn’t expecting it to be a big as it was, there were quite a few clear rounds in the first round, so it did go up in the second round. Balti jumped great, and I was last to go in the final round, so I had to either get a clear or fastest four faults. I wanted to get a quick clear and we ended up winning! 

“The semi final will be our main aim now, the other aim was to qualify for a class at Royal Highland, which we did and came second in the Ron Brady Classic and we also won the Mini Major but it was weird me being the Major part of the team!” Eleanor said. 

NAF Five Star Summer Silver League Qualifier 

Morris Equestrian Centre, Sunday 28 June 2026 

1st – Eleanor Archibald & ESI Baltimore – 0/0/0 37.84 

2nd – Cassi McDade & FF Victor R – 0/0/0 38.98 

3rd – Amy Ogilvie & Ashton Orbit – 0/0/0 39.23 

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

Image: Jamie Agnew Photography