Leigh Smallacombe Secures British Novice Championship Final Ticket at Dorset Showground

The Ariat Senior British Novice Championship Second Round at Dorset Showground attracted 16 ambitious rider and horse combinations at the weekend, all hoping to secure one of the coveted qualifying places for the British Showjumping National Championships Final this August. 

Course designer Phil Ashworth set a testing track that required accuracy and consistency throughout. Seven combinations successfully negotiated both the first round and second round without fault to earn their place in a competitive jump-off. 

Rising to the challenge was Leigh Smallacombe riding her own W.F Contagious. Producing a smooth and efficient round, the pair left every fence standing and stopped the clock in an impressive 42.02 seconds to take the top spot and book their place in the Championship Final. 

Finishing in second place was Charlie Piper aboard Zadok D. The partnership also delivered a faultless jump-off performance, crossing the finish line in 43.65 seconds. 

Completing the podium was Lois Robinson riding Lowton Alejandro. Another clear round secured third place, with a time of 44.43 seconds. 

The class showcased the strength of talent coming through the British Novice ranks, with competitors demonstrating both speed and precision under pressure. For the leading combinations, attention now turns to the British Showjumping National Championships in August, where they will compete for national honours in the Ariat Senior British Novice Championship Final. 

“I bought Molly as a five year old in November last year, having said I didn’t want a five year old! Adam Botham, [who coaches us] sourced her for me, she was bred by Micheal Whitaker and is by Valmy De La Lande. I’m so lucky really, she is super brave, super careful and scopey! She started quite late and hadn’t been in the ring until this year, but she’s been fantastic. She jumped her first Foxhunter on Saturday, where she was double clear and 2nd. She’s so consistent, an absolutely incredible mare. She’s going to have a very bright future. She got her double clears very quickly. We didn’t really get going until March, as there’s not much in the south west over the winter, but we have been able to step her up already. She just loves it, always looking for the next fence. 

“Molly had jumped the two days before the second round, and the course was really good. Phil Ashworth had done a really nice job building. Molly will turn and jump, but will also gallop and jump, so no matter what was built, it would suit her to be honest. Fence eight, she nearly jumped off I just pressed her going in, and she jumped huge. She’s got all the jump in the world so turning back to fences suited her. 

“We picked up the Nupafeed Discovery qualification last weekend at Bicton, so it will be great to head to the Nationals with two qualifications. She has her Newcomers double clears, but we won’t do those this year; there’s no rush. I am so lucky with her, she wants to jump the fences more than I do, and the best thing about her is she has heart, a huge heart and will give you everything. I am so excited for the future with her. I’d love to maybe get on the veteran teams next year if we can.” Leigh said. 

Ariat Senior British Novice Championship Second Round 

Dorset Showground, Sunday 21 June 2026 

1st – Leigh Smallacombe & W.F Contagious – 0/0/0 42.02 

2nd – Charlie Piper & Zadok D – 0/0/0 43.65 

3rd – Lois Robinson & Lowton Alejandro – 0/0/0 44.43 

NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results.  

Image: Fuchsia Media