Amanda Robson Takes Victory in Thrilling NAF Five Star Summer Silver League Qualifier at Dorset Showground
Wednesday 06 May 2026
The NAF Five Star Summer Silver League Qualifier at Dorset Showground provided a competitive and closely fought class at the weekend, as riders battled for valuable qualification points on the road to the semi-finals and ultimately the final at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show in October.
A total of 19 rider combinations came forward to tackle Charles Ashworth’s well-built and technical course, which asked plenty of questions from the outset. Riders had to be precise and efficient throughout, with only 11 combinations producing the all-important clears across the first two rounds to secure their place in the jump-off.
It was Amanda Robson who ultimately rose to the top of the leaderboard, delivering a stylish and confident performance aboard her own Dawn Lancer. The pair produced a superb clear round in a winning time of 40.70 seconds to claim the top spot.
Taking second place was Emma Ashworth riding Riverside Swaziland, who also produced a foot-perfect jump-off round, stopping the clock at 44.47 seconds after a solid and controlled performance. Third place went to Alfie Miles with Di’s Girl, who added another clear to the scoreboard in 45.13 seconds, rounding off a tightly contested podium.
With all three combinations producing clear rounds in the jump-off, it was ultimately speed and precision that separated the top placings in a competitive finish.
“I am so pleased to win the qualifier, riding is more of a hobby for me, being a farmer’s wife and having two children. We live in Cornwall, so it’s not that easy getting about to shows, I feel like this holds her back sometimes, so I am really happy to win. In the jump-off, I had a bit of a word with myself to give it my best shot. When we went into the lead, I really hoped we could keep that place; I got competitive. We jumped the Newcomers second rounds last year, just missing out on qualifying, which I was disappointed about so it’s great to get this qualification, having never been to the Championships. It’s a lovely venue at Dorset, the course was built nicely and followed, it suited us.
“I have had Cash since she was a three year old, just after I had a back operation, and I have produced her myself. We don’t have much at home to train with, so going to shows and competing is part of our training plan. I really enjoy producing young horses, and I have come further with her than any other horse I have had. I am thinking she’s probably now ready to go to a professional who can take her to her full potential. I also have two other horses, one is jumping alongside Cash and the other I haven’t had much time to start. It would be good to have more time for those. Cash has also qualified for the 1.15m Senior Members Cup and 1.25m Final at the Championships, so it would be nice to aim at those classes too.” Amanda said.
With qualification now secured, riders will turn their attention to the semi-finals later in the season, where the stakes will be even higher as they look to book their coveted place at Horse of the Year Show.
NAF Five Star Summer Silver League Qualifier
Dorset Showground, Sunday 3 May 2026
1st – Amanda Robson & Dawn Lancer – 0/0/0 40.70
2nd – Emma Ashworth & Riverside Swaziland – 0/0/0 44.47
3rd – Alfie Miles & Di’s Girl – 0/0/0 45.13
NB Results pending official grading
Image: Fushia Media
