Ffion Roberts Rises to the Top at Dean Valley Farm in Ariat Senior British Novice Championship Second Round

Dean Valley Farm played host to an exciting Ariat Senior British Novice Championship Second Round at the weekend, where 36 rider combinations came forward to contest Gillian Milner’s carefully designed track in a bid to secure qualification for the championship final. 

Milner’s course proved influential from the outset, asking plenty of questions of both horse and rider. While many combinations produced polished performances, only 16 managed to leave all the fences standing in the opening rounds to earn their place in a competitive jump-off. 

With the pressure mounting in the final round, riders had to balance speed with precision around a shortened course. It was Ffion Roberts who produced the standout performance of the class, guiding her own Megalulu to a superb clear round in 48.24 seconds to take the victory and claim the top honours. 

Christina Foley delivered a strong challenge with Party II, also jumping clear, to finish in second place with a time of 49.57 seconds. Close behind in third was Harriet Pritchard aboard Mickey Dam, who maintained a faultless round to stop the clock at 53.39 seconds. 

The class showcased the depth of talent in the senior ranks, with combinations demonstrating determination and skill as they chased a coveted championship qualification. 

“I have owned Megalulu since December 2023 when she was 5 and had only done a few shows, then due to sustaining an injury myself she actually had her entire 6 year old year off, only hacking out with my brother, which actually allowed her the time to mature and she’s come out really nice. As a partnership we didn’t really get going until early summer last year and I was pleased to pick up our double clears pretty quickly. 

The class was great, all three courses were nice to ride. I was thinking it would be nice to just go and jump three clears. We jumped at Blue Chip and had some good results so I felt I was able to test her a bit for the first time against the clock. It almost feels like she wants to try a bit harder for me when I ask the question, which is great. There was a clear ahead of me so I did think I still have to go clear to go through to the final but it would be nice to just test her in between, just go up a level in speed and see if she will pick up for me, which she did! You never know how much they can do until you try. 

It’s great to qualify for the Championships again, I haven’t qualified since riding ponies due to some unfortunate circumstances, injuries, and the sad loss of a horse I had produced to Newcomer level, so it’s great to get there again. 

Our plan between now and BSNC is to also do the more local Nupafeed Senior Discovery Second Rounds and possibly qualify that, it would be great to jump two class at the National Championships if we can. Then depending on how she goes I will keep her ticking over, gaining more and more experience and we will be looking to progress to Newcomers second rounds next year.” Ffion said. 

Dean Valley Farm once again provided a fantastic setting for top-level competition, and the Ariat Senior British Novice Championship pathway continues to offer riders a valuable opportunity to compete on a national stage as the season progresses. 

Ariat Senior British Novice Championship Second Round 

Dean Valley Farm, Saturday 25 April 2026 

1st – Ffion Roberts & Megalulu – 0/0/0 48.24 

2nd – Christina Foley & Party II – 0/0/0 49.57 

3rd – Harriet Pritchard & Mickey Dam – 0/0/0 53.39 

NB Results pending official grading  

Image: KT Equine Photography