Rising Stars Shine at the Winter Just For Schools Finals at Cricklands
Friday 27 March 2026
The Winter Just For Schools Finals delivered an action-packed weekend of exciting competition at Cricklands, where talented young riders from across the country came together to showcase their skills in a fantastic celebration of grassroots showjumping. With impressive rounds, tight timings and plenty of clear rounds on the board, the atmosphere across the finals was electric from start to finish.
Individual Finals Highlights
Kicking off the individual competition, the Winter Individual Schools 60cm Final saw a competitive class where every second counted. Taking the win was Alba Morton riding Olivia Morton’s Crossroads Buck, producing a brilliant clear round in 29.78 seconds. Close behind in second place was Georgia Keel aboard CUI Barley Blue, also clear in 30.06, while Rose Scale secured third with Martel May Bee, clear in 31.45.
In the 70cm Final, Poppy Dayment and Sarah Wakeham’s Westerlake Fagus claimed top honours with a stylish clear in 33.78. Lily Mitchell followed in second riding Doylan Gorgeous Gift (37.91), while Rose Scale enjoyed another podium finish, taking third with Martel May Bee in 38.14.
The 80cm Final saw Tabitha Prothero and Rhiannon Prothero’s Galtee Francis take a well-deserved victory with a fast clear in 31.80. Poppy Dayment continued her successful weekend, finishing second with Westerlake Fagus (33.35), while Nancy-Rae Churchouse took third with Witchhill Checkmate (34.99).
In the 90cm Final, Eve Giannotta and Lynette Kerry’s Oreo Patches delivered a standout performance to take the win in 31.51. Phoebe Lodge followed in second with Lisnavaragh Lou Lou (36.00), and Daisy Broome completed the podium in third with MP Ollwyn (36.91).
The 1.00m Final produced another strong class, with Grace Davies riding Annouchka Nelson’s Lets Get Dizzy taking victory in 39.75. Amelie Bigmore secured second aboard Derryinver Rocky (41.27), while Olivia Banwell took third with Fairfield Gort (42.83).
Rounding off the individual competition, the 1.10m Final saw Lilymay Dawe and Suki Stripp’s Marino III take the top spot with a winning time of 47.36. Olivia Banwell added another podium finish to her tally in second with Fairfield Gort (49.77), and James Lee finished third aboard Killycloghan April Delight (50.80).
Team Finals Highlights
The team competition brought fantastic camaraderie and school spirit to the forefront, with riders working together to deliver impressive results.
In the 60cm Team Final, Hugh Sexey Middle School claimed victory thanks to strong performances from Laycie Hoffman (Lazyacres Raine Dancer), Pippa Dark (Polarislady) and Russell Sucksmith (Noah III). Millfield School took second place, while Queen Elizabeth’s School finished third.
The 70cm Team Final saw The Dixie Grammar School Equestrian Team Gold 2 take the win, with Grace Barker (Montruth Mission Impossible), Luchia Dawe (Ardlea Perry One), Rosie Broome (Thistledown Gregorys Girl) and Millie Oram (I I Captain) all contributing to a standout team effort. Hugh Sexey Middle School finished second, with Millfield in third.
Victory in the 80cm Team Final went to the Greenhill High Flyers, made up of Isabelle Allen (Laurina Nook), Mati Davies (Carrowkeel Knight), Liberty Seccombe (Reylem Maggie May) and Hollie Beynon (Portnard Las). The Dixie Grammar Equestrian Team Silver 2 followed in second.
In the 90cm Team Final, the Kings of Wessex Cavaliers topped the leaderboard, with Hattie Quick (Killycloghan Natalia), Theo Wills (Bango III) and Grace Evans (I Kanndo Too) delivering strong rounds. Sidcot Stars secured second, while Guildford High School took third.
The 1.00m Team Final saw Sidcot Stars take victory, with Olivia Banwell (Fairfield Gort), Harriette Milnes (Muis V), Cornelia Lee (Ballynanny 2) and Charlotte Smith (Big Data) forming a winning combination. Kings of Wessex Cavaliers finished second, with Guildford High School once again taking third.
Across all classes, the Winter Just For Schools Finals highlighted the depth of talent within the next generation of riders. From confident first finals appearances to polished, competitive performances, it was a weekend full of memorable moments and outstanding achievements. Congratulations to all competitors, teams and supporters who made the event such a success—what an incredible showcase of school sport and showjumping talent!
Image: Showground Photography
.JPG "Honey Bowes Closes the Winter Championships with a Win in the Winter 1.35m Championship")
.JPG "Anya Dewey-Clarke Enjoys More Success With a Win in the Winter Children-on-Horses Championship")
