Christina Kenyon Claims NAF Summer Silver League Victory at Willow Banks
Thursday 14 May 2026
The NAF Five Star Summer Silver League Qualifier at Willow Banks Equestrian Centre proved to be a competitive affair at the weekend, as 20 rider combinations came forward to take on Piers Warmoth’s challenging track in a bid to secure their place in the next stage of the prestigious championship series.
Riders were tested across the opening rounds, with just 12 combinations managing to produce the all-important double clears to earn their place in a thrilling jump-off. With valuable qualification points on offer, the pressure was on as competitors looked to balance speed with accuracy.
It was Christina Kenyon who ultimately came out on top aboard Flight View Livery & Stud’s Calypsos Rampant Million, producing a superb clear round in the jump-off to stop the clock in an impressive 34.46 seconds and secure the win.
Second place went the way of Charlie Dawson riding TGF Africa, who also delivered a faultless performance in a time of 35.61 seconds, while Maisie Farnham claimed third place aboard Heartstring after crossing the finish clear in 36.01 seconds.
The Summer Silver League campaign now moves on to the eagerly anticipated semi-finals later this summer, with riders continuing their quest for a coveted place in the final at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show in October.
“Rampant is a nineteen year old homebred stallion, he’s jumped all the way up to Grand Prix. He’s been on the Gold League for the last six years or so, previously qualified and jumped in the main arena at Hickstead, Great Yorkshire, won at Bramham International horse trials, all with me and home produced, he’s never had another rider. He missed HOYS itself when it was COVID and held at Aintree, and I felt I would like to drop him down slightly for him and me. I can’t really compete with one horse in Area Trials and International Stairway’s to get to HOYS, so the Silver League seemed like a nice alternative for him, as he has won everywhere else nationally. It would be nice to get a HOYS final on his CV. He lives to show jump, loves his job and gives me his heart and soul every performance he goes out.
“I don’t think people realise how good he is. I have a couple of youngsters by him, and I have sold some of his progeny, people like his build, confirmation and temperament. With him being older, his breeding isn’t as fashionable now, but the great breeding lines are all in there. I am excited to see how his progeny come through. He is still standing at stud and even when he has been covering mares, he’s no different to handle.
“I got a good draw next to last to go in the jump off, to be honest, it wasn’t the best of courses for him, as it was more covering ground and not turning. It was the same route for each rider. Rampant doesn’t mind if you scuff past a wing; he’s a bit like a barrel racing pony! He can go through small gaps that others can’t always get through.
“I wanted to get the qualification this way rather than getting points on the league so I can take the pressure off him. I think the world of him, we have such a great partnership – I love my horse! He owes me nothing.” Christina said.
NAF Five Star Summer Silver League Qualifier
Willow Banks EC, Sunday 10 May 2026
1st – Christina Kenyon & Calypsos Rampant Million – 0/0/0 34.46
2nd – Charlie Dawson & TGF Africa – 0/0/0 35.61
3rd – Maisie Farnham & Heartstring – 0/0/0 36.01
NB Results pending official grading
