Samantha Wiseman records stunning success in Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Championship
Friday 09 October 2026
Day two at the Horse of the Year Show concluded with a pulsating Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Championship that was won by Samantha Wiseman and A.S His Lordship.
First contested at HOYS in 1954, the Senior Foxhunter is widely regarded as the most prestigious young horse championship in Britain, attracting more than 20,000 horse and rider combinations during its initial qualifying rounds.
And the 2026 showpiece certainly lived up to expectations as Samantha, who is from Aberdeenshire, memorably triumphed on her HOYS debut.
Just three combinations from 23 starters made it through to the jump-off, but she kept her composure admirably to win by a comfortable margin from Seamus Taylor and Billy Wolsey, with Douglas Duffin and Omex Star HBF finishing third.
An emotional Samantha was cheered on to success by a sizeable number of travelling supporters, soaring to victory in what was her first competitive 1.45m class. Of all the great successes the Foxhunter has witnessed during its 72-year history, Samantha's was up there with the greatest of them.
Scarcely able to believe what she had achieved, Samantha said: "It is just incredible. It was a big, big ask.
"We have worked really, really hard. It has been a real journey, travelling many, many miles to get to these qualifiers."
Samantha worked in mechanical engineering for seven years, and now owns an equestrian centre in Aberdeenshire, with horses playing more and more of a prominent role in her life.
"I was incredibly nervous," she added. "But the horse gave me a good feeling and I told my coach before I went in that I would try my hardest. I just put my trust in the horse, and trust in my coach.
"I am so passionate about horses, and I want to go as far as I can go. This will take a while to sink in. We will have a party tonight, then I am back for the Grade C Championship on Sunday."
Image: 1st Class Images
