Jones bounces back to win at Hickstead
Thursday 24 July 2025
Thursday’s hot day of competition at the Agria Royal International Horse Show got underway with the Irish Horse Board Amateur Championship – a fast-paced two-phase class that brought together 14 of the country’s most competitive amateur riders.
Nineteen-year-old Hertfordshire competitor Bryony Jones ultimately bested the class on a final time of 31.75 seconds, despite another strong bid from consistent campaigners Arianna Kuligowski and Ivascalle, who had to settle for third place this year.
Bryony’s win comes aboard Billy Kvitfjell, and represents a milestone in horse and rider’s fledgling partnership: they got together in September of last year, and made their international competitive debut in May at Spain’s Sunshine Tour. In their 11 international classes together so far, they’ve never finished lower than fifth.
“It just means the world to me,” said Bryony, who trains with the horse’s owners, Simon and Abbie Crippen, at Moles Farm in Buntingford. “I had a fall on Tuesday, and after that he’s won every class – I can’t believe it. He’s been the most amazing horse for me all week. He just means the world to me – he’s the best boy. He has his quirks, but he tries his heart out for me every day.”
The Agria Royal International Horse Show takes place at Hickstead in West Sussex from 23-27 July. Tickets are available at the gate or from www.hickstead.co.uk. The action will also be shown live on ClipMyHorse.TV.
Image: Boots and Hooves Photography
