Young Talent Shines at the Final Winter Small Pony Premier at Arena UK
Monday 09 March 2026
The final Small Pony Premier before the championships delivered a fantastic weekend of competition at Arena UK, with talented young riders and their ponies battling it out across a host of Winter qualifiers and handicap classes.
Saturday’s Winter 128cm Qualifier
Nineteen combinations came forward to contest Saturday’s Winter 128cm qualifier, but only three managed to keep their scorecards clear across all three demanding rounds.
It was Alfie Bailey who dominated the class, taking the win aboard Jessica William’s Ice Queen TW. The pair produced the only triple clear of the competition, stopping the clock in a quick 38.41 seconds to secure the top spot. Alfie’s excellent form continued as he also claimed second place riding Stambrook Belvedere, while Lilly-Mae Waldron completed the podium in third with Castlepark Giant.
Saturday’s Winter 138cm Qualifier
A strong field of 27 combinations stepped forward for the Winter 138cm qualifier, where the competition proved equally fierce.
Victory went to Henry Barker riding Stephen Whitaker’s Made You Look. Delivering three faultless rounds, the pair produced the fastest time of the class in 35.81 seconds to take the win. Charlie Barker followed closely behind in second place aboard Another Barney, also jumping three clear rounds in 36.88 seconds. Anya Dewey Clarke secured third place riding Fredaine De Blonde, completing the podium with another triple clear in 38.36 seconds.
Saturday’s 128cm/138cm Handicap
The day continued with the 128cm/138cm Handicap, attracting 26 combinations.
Taking top honours was Alfie Billington aboard Sarah Billington’s Renaissance Racinda. The pair jumped a polished double clear, stopping the clock in 42.46 seconds. Pippa Howson followed in second place riding Creaghduff Charlotte, also clear in 45.27 seconds, while Lorena Lamb finished third with Giant Rebel VII.
Sunday’s Winter 128cm Qualifier
Competition resumed on Sunday with 16 combinations lining up for another Winter 128cm qualifier.
This time it was Anya Dewey Clarke who took the top spot riding Anna Clarke’s Kilcreene Snapdragon. The pair produced three impressive clear rounds, securing victory with a time of 36.10 seconds. Oakley Nash claimed second place riding Sonic 1 in 43.01 seconds, while Kiki Arthur finished third aboard Colliyers Pal Joey.
Sunday’s Winter 138cm Qualifier
Eighteen combinations came forward for Sunday’s Winter 138cm qualifier, where an impressive performance secured the win for Evie Mae Whitaker riding Katie Whitaker’s Fifty Fruit. The pair delivered the only double clear in the class, opting to withdraw before the final round to secure victory.
Felicity Watts took second place riding Latoons Full Back, rounding off another competitive class.
Final Class – 128cm/138cm Handicap
The show concluded with the 128cm/138cm Handicap, bringing the curtain down on a brilliant weekend of pony competition.
Taking the win was Arabella Nielsen aboard Brooke Nielsen’s Thistledown Joyride, producing a stylish double clear in a winning time of 33.84 seconds. Lucy Jearum-Stone followed in second place riding Limekiln Rosslare in 38.56 seconds, while Conor Barnes secured third with The Silver Horse.
With impressive performances across the board, the final Small Pony Premier proved a fitting finale ahead of the upcoming championships, showcasing the depth of talent coming through the pony ranks. Riders and ponies alike delivered exciting rounds and set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating championship season ahead.
NB Results pending final grading
Image: ATG Photography
