Penultimate weekend of Equiyd National Amateur Championship Second Rounds conclude at Chard Equestrian
Monday 12 October 2026
The penultimate weekend of Equiyd National Amateur Championship Second Rounds concluded at Chard Equestrian with some exciting competition as riders stepped up their game in a bid for qualification. With the Equiyd National Amateur Championships at Aintree Equestrian Centre now just around the corner, the event featured two full days of jumping action with well-built and flowing courses designed by Roger Hughes. The competition was on with determination, skill and accuracy all tested.
Susan Le Moucheux tops the bill in the 85cm
The set of four qualifiers began with a competitive Equiyd 85cm National Amateur Championship Qualifier where fourteen horse rider combinations took on the challenge testing on both speed and precision. Six clears were achieved qualifying those riders for the jump off where the leading combinations produced strong performances with two double clears recorded over all . With a constant and accurate double clear in a time of 52.77 seconds it was Susan Le Moucheux who took victory riding her own Dungarvan Flyer. Second place went to Daniella Hopkins riding her own Hazel 21 in a time of 55.25 seconds. Third was Al Shama Golden Spirit, owned and ridden by Abbie Painter, producing a quick time of 47.55 seconds but unfortunately picking up 4 faults.
Ffion Hier keeps cool to win the 95cm.
Day two’s second rounds kicked off with the Equiyd 95cm National Amateur Championship Qualifier which required accuracy and consistency of the thirteen combinations all vying for a qualifying spot. Four riders were successful in achieving the much sort after clear rounds in round one, however with accuracy being the key just one double clear was obtained to take pole position. It was a cool double clear for Ffion Hier and her horse NLS Diva Sophia Cool after posting the fastest round of the class in 39.54 seconds. Second place was claimed by Isla Lamont riding Clare Lamont’s That'll Do, who completed their round in 43.56 seconds, picking up just four faults. Third went to Lucie Eiles-Clarke riding her own Clarity II in a time of 51.90 seconds with an unfortunate 4 faults at the final fence.
Billy Salute speeds to victory with Emily Proud in the 1.05m
Twelve competitors came forward in the Equiyd 1.05m National Amateur Championship Qualifier to produce an exciting contest. Of the twelve, three combinations proceed to the jump off having left all the fences intact in the first round. The jump off was hotly contested with all three leading combinations delivering faultless rounds under pressure. It was Emily Proud who took top honours riding her own, Billy Salute, recording a very competitive time of 37.92 seconds which could not be beaten. Second place went to Molly Burnell riding her own, Quality Moment, who stopped the clock in 50.09 seconds, and with less than a second between them third was secured by Arabella Surguy aboard Equine America Billy Marmite, owned by Linus Gabriel Surguy, in a time of 50.98 seconds.
Lucy Gilsenan scoops 1.10m success
Last but by no means least the Equiyd 1.10m National Amateur Championship Qualifier saw the second rounds at Chard draw to a close. A small but strong field of seven combinations headed into the competition which rewarded both skill and careful riding throughout. Clear rounds were hard fought with just two coming through to round two in which the clock would be the deciding factor, with both riders piloting their rides accurately to bag a duo of double clears. It was Lucy Gilsenan who scooped the win riding her own, Play Girl II, after recording the fastest clear effort in 44.08 seconds. Second place was secured by Arabella Surguy riding Linus Gabriel Surguy’s Equine America Billy Marmite, they completed their round in a time of 49.74 seconds.
All roads lead to Aintree
With the Second Round qualifiers now complete at Chard Equestrian, the focus turns firmly towards the Equiyd National Amateur Championships at Aintree in November.
For those who have secured their place, the countdown is officially on. With national titles on the line, competitors will now have their sights set on producing their very best performances when they return to the arena at Aintree.
Congratulations to all the riders who competed at Chard Equestrian and to those who have progressed through to the Championships. We look forward to seeing you at Aintree in November!
NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results
Images: ESP-Photographic
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