Great Britain Opens Youth Nations Cup Season with Podium Success in Compiègne
Monday 20 April 2026
Great Britain made a strong start to the 2026 Youth Nations Cup season at the opening fixture in Compiègne, with the Children on Horses squad producing the standout performance of the weekend to claim an excellent second place against nine other nations.
Representing Great Britain in the Children on Horses Team Nations Cup, Tabby Morgan-Evans and Zilveren's Swizzle Time BDA were first into the arena and delivered a superb clear round, with just a single time penalty to add to the team score. Mia Breen followed aboard Crack 41, also jumping clear but collecting two time penalties. Douglas Breen then looked set for a faultless round with Avalon du Carpont before an unfortunate tap at the final fence added four faults, while Alexander Leggott and Blossom's Billy Heinz also finished on four faults after just rolling the first element of the final double.
At the halfway stage, Great Britain sat third on a team total of seven faults.
Returning for the second round, Tabby Morgan-Evans set the tone with another immaculate clear, this time inside the time allowed. Mia Breen again jumped clear, adding just a single time penalty, before Douglas Breen produced a crucial faultless round. Last to go, Alexander Leggott maintained the momentum with another clear to secure Great Britain's place on the podium.
The team finished on a final score that moved them into second place behind Belgium, who took victory.
FEI Children on Horses Nations Cup – Compiègne, France
Saturday, 18th April, 2026
1 – Belgium – 4
2 – Great Britain – 7
Tabby Morgan-Evans & Zilveren's Swizzle Time BDA 1/0
Mia Breen & Crack 41 2/1
Douglas Breen & Avalon du Carpont 4/0
Alexander Leggott & Blossom's Billy Heinz 4/0
3 - France - 11
The Pony Team also delivered a determined performance to finish joint third with the Netherlands.
Henry Leggott and Blossom's Big Claim opened with four faults, matched by Amy Capper and Oscar Van de Beekerheide. Holly West aboard Runard Lass and Raphaela Dawson with MHS Glow each added eight faults, leaving Great Britain fifth after round one on 16 faults.
In the second round, Henry and Amy both produced impressive clears, while Holly and Raphaela each added four faults to lift the team into a share of third place. France secured victory, with Ireland finishing second.
FEI Pony Nations Cup – Compiègne, France
Saturday, 18th April, 2026
1 – France – 8
2 – Ireland – 9
=3 – Netherlands – 20
=3 – Great Britain – 20
Amy Capper & Oscar Van de Beekerheide 4/0
Henry Leggott & Blossom's Big Claim 4/0
Holly West & Runard Lass 8/4
Raphaela Dawson & MHS Glow 8/4
The opening Nations Cup of the year provided an encouraging start for Great Britain's youth squads, with valuable early-season form and a podium finish to build on for the remainder of the international campaign.
A thank you to Coldstream for supporting the Youth Teams with their team jackets, and LeMieux for supplying the team saddle pads.
Image: The Breen Team
