Sophia Parry Takes the Honours in STX-UK Pony British Novice Second Round at Dorset Showground

Dorset Showground played host to the latest STX-UK Pony British Novice Second Round at the weekend, where 19 rider and pony combinations came forward in a bid to secure their place at the next stage of the championship pathway. 

With the standard high from the outset, riders needed to produce three all-important clear rounds to keep themselves in contention. By the end of the class, only eight combinations had managed to achieve the coveted treble clear. 

Rising to the occasion in style was Sophia Parry, who partnered Lynsey Brotherton’s Dun That Well to produce a superb clear round in the jump-off, crossing the timers in an unbeatable 27.90 seconds to claim victory. 

“We’ve had an amazing show also winning the Pony Discovery the day before by 4 seconds. We got Mavis about a year and a half ago, she was just broken and very sensitive. She’s only 5 now but we have built a partnership, she really trusts me now and is much more confident in herself. We only did our first jump off earlier this month at Blue Chip so this this was only her second and third jump off at this show. Because Mavis is quite sensitive and polite it makes her very good off the leg it turns out she’s very competitive against the clock. It was also a nice course in each round which suited us. 

We also have our Pony Newcomers double clears so we are aiming to do those second rounds too. This is my last year on ponies so we would like to get her double clears to set her up for her next rider. We are very lucky to have Lynsey Brotherton as such a great owner. She has supported me through ponies and hopefully as I move on to horses. We’ve had such an amazing journey with Mavis. We knew she was talented, but being so young and green, it was a real leap of faith, but she’s turned out to be phenomenal.” Sophia said. 

The battle for the runner-up spot proved incredibly close, with Seren Stephens aboard Woodview Jane and Molly Brymer riding Abbeyvale High Hopes unable to be separated on the clock. Both combinations delivered polished clear rounds in 31.55 seconds, meaning they shared equal second place. 

The class showcased the depth of talent coming through the pony ranks, with riders demonstrating confidence, composure and determination under pressure. With qualification opportunities becoming increasingly valuable as the season progresses, the Dorset Showground second round provided another exciting chapter in this year’s STX-UK Pony British Novice Championship journey. 

For those who secured their qualification, attention will now turn to the British Showjumping National Championships, where they will have the opportunity to compete against the very best from across the country later this year. 

STX-UK Pony British Novice Second Rounds 

Dorset Showground, Saturday 25 April 2026 

1st – Sophia Parry & Dun That Well – 0/0/0 27.90 

=2nd – Seren Stephens & Woodview Jane – 0/0/0 31.55 

=2nd – Molly Brymer & Abbeyvale High Hopes – 0/0/0 31.55 

NB Results pending official grading 

Image: Fuchsia Media