Thomas Pritchard Takes the Win in SEIB Winter Novice Qualifier at Kelsall Hill

The SEIB Winter Novice Championship Qualifier provided plenty of exciting competition at Kelsall Hill over the weekend, as riders came forward with their sights set on securing a coveted qualification place for the prestigious final at the Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead, in July. 

A total of 56 horse and rider combinations took on Rafael Suarez's course, with 24 successfully jumping clear across the first two rounds to progress through to the jump-off. 

With qualification places up for grabs, the jump-off proved a competitive affair, but it was Thomas Pritchard who claimed the top spot, riding Double M Stud's Double M Calista's Girl to a faultless round in a time of 36.20 seconds. 

Sofia Stubbs secured second place aboard Sea Bumble Thing, also producing a clear round in 37.45 seconds, while Thomas returned to the podium for a second time, this time riding Ch'adore De Cartier to another clear in 37.57 seconds to take third place. 

"Izzy is homebred by Julian Mincher and the Double M Stud who I ride for, he is very fond of her as he rode both her Dam and Sire. She has always been a super competitive mare and did qualify for this class last year when she was just a five year old and I think it will be even better to go back and jump it with her as a six year old. She has gained quite a bit of experience this year and also jumped at Lanaken, where she had quite a good show, so she will be in good form for next year. 

"The class went very well, although we weren’t expecting quite so many through to the third round and probably it was a bit quicker than I thought it was going to be, but she is super quick and very competitive, so it wasn’t a problem for her. The more you push her, the better she is. 

"She has had a great year; this was the main qualifier we wanted to do with her and she’s achieved it very quickly. I think we will probably aim at doing the Blue Chip qualifiers and get back to that Championship again with her." Thomas said. 

With another exciting qualifier complete, attention now turns to the final at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead in July, where those who have secured their qualification will have the opportunity to compete for the SEIB Winter Novice Championship title on one of the sport's biggest stages. 

SEIB Winter Novice Championship Qualifier 

Kelsall Hill, Sunday, 01 November 2026 

1st – Thomas Pritchard & Double M Calista’s Girl – 0/0/0 36.20 

2nd – Sofia Stubbs & Sea Bumble Thing – 0/0/0 37.45 

3rd – Thomas Pritchard & Ch’adore De Cartier – 0/0/0 37.57 

NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results 

Image: KT Equine Photography