Louie Cunningham clinches his second Hickstead ticket in thrilling finale at Kelsall Hill Winter Classic
Wednesday 05 November 2025
The SEIB Winter Novice qualifier provided a fitting finale to Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre’s Winter Classic in Cheshire, as Louie Cunningham produced a masterclass of control and speed to secure his second ticket to the final at Hickstead aboard Sarah Billington’s Orkney V.
A strong field of 49 starters came forward to tackle course designer Rafael Suarez’s technical 1.10m track, which demanded accuracy through related distances and tight turns. The challenges were met head-on, with 21 combinations posting initial clears to progress into the first jump-off, ensuring a thrilling conclusion to the show.
With only two Royal International Horse Show tickets on offer, the pressure was on as 11 riders returned for a fast and furious final round, Louie claiming two of the rides, underlining the depth of his talent and consistency already in this winter season. As the penultimate rider to go with the talented six-year-old Orkney V, he delivered a breathtaking round full of tight turns and forward lines to cross the finish more than two seconds ahead of his nearest rival — sealing victory and a coveted Royal International Horse Show qualification.
Michael Fursedonn slipped his own Harley De La Bouverie into second place to take the final Hickstead qualifying place on offer, whilst Sonny Broberg, riding Jessica Hewitt’s Taffia VD Berghoeve Z, took home third.
SEIB Winter Novice Qualifier
Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre
1st – Louie Cunningham & Orkney V – 0/0/0 33.20
2nd – Michael Fursedonn & Harley De La Bouverie – 0/0/0 35.34
3rd – Sonny Broberg & Taffia VD Berhjoeve Z – 0/0/0 36.41
NB Results pending final grading
Image: KT Equine Photography
 c. KT Equine Photography.jpg "Victory for Emily Ward and Wild Star HF in the Winter Grand Prix at Kelsall Hill Winter Classic")
