Thrilling Competition at Holmside Hall for Penultimate Regional Academy Championships
Wednesday 25 March 2026
The penultimate Regional Academy Championships delivered another fantastic weekend of competition at Holmside Hall, where riders across all categories showcased their talent, determination and partnership with their horses and ponies.
The Mini Individual Championship saw a strong field of 10 combinations come forward, all eager to make their mark. It was Ayda Dryden who ultimately claimed top honours, producing a superb clear round aboard Kiltiernan Bun in a swift time of 28.63. Hot on her heels, Pippa Mills-Butters secured second place with Seaview Mississippi, stopping the clock at 28.82, while Darcy Potts completed the podium with Bruno the First, also clear in 29.84.
In the Midi Individual Championship, it proved a more testing track, with Emily Maw emerging victorious as the only rider to jump clear. Riding Ballylion Hero, she delivered a confident performance to finish in 41.20. Eva Dent took second place with Charisma E, recording four faults in 36.09, while Harriet Taylor followed closely in third aboard Leim Loveheart with four faults in the first round in a time of 39.09.
The Maxi Individual Championship saw Bella McCarthy rise to the top of the leaderboard with a polished clear round on Copshawholm Frankie Boy, finishing in 31.26. Harriet Cutter enjoyed a strong performance to take second place with Sky Bonita 1, clear in 33.22, and also claimed third place riding Touch of Marmite, where four faults in 38.76 kept her just off the top two.
A competitive Intermediate Individual Championship featured nine combinations, with Darcy Potts adding another win to her weekend. Riding Guido, she delivered a clear in 37.21 to secure first place. Lennon McGuire followed in second with Goodwins Princess, also clear in 37.84, while Crystal Hall took third place with My Cruising, finishing clear in 39.25.
The Advanced Individual Championship rounded off the individual competition in style, with seven combinations coming forward. Sophie Baines led the way aboard CBS Blustar, producing a faultless round in 32.19. Crystal Hall continued her consistent form to take second with My Cruising in 34.77, and Mischa Mosey completed the top three with Silvanos Cor De La Creme, just fractions behind in 34.80.
The team competitions brought an added level of excitement and camaraderie across the weekend. In the Mini Team Championship, Durham Hoofing It took top honours thanks to Mia Swailes riding Dylan III, Pippa Butters with Seaview Mississippi, Lottie Potts aboard Bruno the First and Nevaeh Laidler riding Curly Q. Cleveland Cavaliers finished in second place, while Northumbria Mini took third.
The Midi Team Championship saw Yorkshire Shambles claim victory, represented by Phoebe Hill riding Georgia IX, Hammish Scott Willis with Morrigan Stella and Eva-May Macbain aboard Romany Diamond. Northumbria Midi secured second place, with Yorkshire Neigh Bother finishing third.
In the Maxi Team Championship, Cleveland Bit of Banter secured the win with a strong team performance from Harriet Cutter riding both Sky Bonita and Touch of Marmite, Harriett Craggs aboard Thores Blue Raincloud and Emily Maw with Ballylion Hero. Yorkshire Neigh Bother took second place.
The Intermediate Team Championship was won by Durham Stirrup Squad, made up of Mischa Mosey riding Silvanos Cor De La Creme, Lennon McGuire with Goodwins Princess, Stella Corsar aboard Stapleton Uno and Rihanna Coulson riding Splashout. Northumbria Intermediate finished in second, while Durham Canter Banter took third place.
The Advanced Team Championship concluded the event on a high, with Durham Oophs & Over claiming the top spot. The winning team consisted of Crystal Hall riding My Cruising, Darcy Potts with Guido, Harriet Cutter aboard Talullah V and Stella Corsar riding Stapleton Uno.
As the penultimate qualifier in the Regional Academy Championship calendar, Holmside Hall once again provided a brilliant platform for riders to gain valuable experience and produce outstanding results. With just one championship remaining, we look ahead to Allens Hill Equestrian for the final Regional Championship.
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