Young Talent Shines at the South West Regional Academy Championships
Thursday 12 March 2026
Young riders from across the region showcased their skill and determination at the South West Regional Academy Championships held at Chard Equestrian over the weekend, where a packed schedule of individual and team competitions delivered exciting sport and impressive performances.
Mini Individual
Twelve combinations came forward to contest the Mini Individual Championship, where speed and precision proved crucial. It was Harriet Lister who secured the top spot riding Jane Davenport-Lister’s Bower Pegasus, producing a superb clear round in a winning time of 30.02 seconds.
Hot on her heels was Frankie Drury aboard Hearnesbrook Cassiopeia, also delivering a faultless performance to take second place in 30.67 seconds. Third place went to Grace Prowse riding Ballyglisheen Lass, completing the podium with another clear round in 35.28 seconds.
Midi Individual
Thirteen combinations came forward for the Midi Individual Championship, where once again Harriet Lister demonstrated excellent form. Riding Jane Davenport-Lister’s Cashmir Jumper, she produced a swift clear in 27.97 seconds to take her second title of the day.
Grace Davies secured second place riding Lets Get Dizzy with a clear round in 35.57 seconds, while Fletcher Watts finished third aboard Cuppana Girl, also clear in 35.57 seconds.
Maxi Individual
Nine combinations contested the Maxi Individual, with Grace Davies stepping into the spotlight. Riding Annouchka Nelson’s Lets Get Dizzy, Davies delivered the fastest clear round of the class to take victory in 31.37 seconds.
Second place went to Lottie Phillips riding Lily Bell Off Tullykittagh, who also jumped clear in 40.82 seconds, while Isla Brown secured third place with the final clear round aboard Little Field Twilight in 43.11 seconds.
Intermediate Individual
In the Intermediate Individual Championship, it was Lily Burdge riding Melissa Ford’s Presto who claimed the title, producing the only clear round of the class to secure a well-deserved victory.
Advanced Individual
The Advanced Individual Championship proved another competitive contest, but it was Grace Davies who rose to the challenge once again. Riding Georgia Johnson’s Kaleo Van Orchid’s, Davies delivered the only clear round of the class in 35.99 seconds to take the win.
Second place went to Lily Burdge riding Presto, who unfortunately picked up four faults in the jump-off, finishing in 58.24 seconds. George Roberts took third place aboard My Dream Girl, also incurring faults in the jump-off to finish in 46.43 seconds.
Team Competitions
Mini Team Championship
Kindly sponsored by Equine Giveaways
Eight teams came forward for the Mini Team event, with the Bristol & Somerset Ladybirds emerging victorious after a strong team performance. The winning quartet consisted of Frankie Drury (Hearnesbrook Cassiopeia), Poppy Warford (Bilbo), Holly Morris (Dancer) and Cara Rogers (Cleggan Gold).
Second place went to the Gloucestershire Snowdrops, represented by Ivy Hathaway (Jasmine), Harry Clare (Aquilas Spotted Melody), Cecelia Benstead (Star Theillet) and Ellie Blunt (Maghera Fadda Son).
Third place was secured by the Dyfed Dragons, made up of Scarlet Walsh (Ozzy Lifestyle), Gwen Davies (Vox Pop) and Imogen Hooper (Black Jack Vincou).
Midi Team Championship
Kindly sponsored by HorseHage
Seven teams took to the arena for the Midi Team competition, where the Bristol & Somerset Sunflowers claimed the title. The winning team included Bonnie Evans (Athena), Scarlet Rosedale (Leith Fandango), Lola Brace (Cassinos Jackpot) and Cara Rogers (Mullagh Alanlah).
Second place went to the Devon Delights with Hettie Fletcher (Silver Beau Suga), Seren Stephens (Woodview Jane), Sylvie Ferguson (Miss Diplodocus) and Lottie Phillips (Lily Bell Off Tullykittagh).
The Dyfed Academy finished third, represented by Scarlet Walsh (Ozzy Lifestyle), Gwen Davies (Vox Pop), Imogen Hooper (Black Jack Vincou) and Summer Braine (Snow 1V).
Maxi Team Championship
The Bristol & Somerset Apples proved the team to beat in the Maxi Team competition. The winning lineup featured Lucy Rogers (OG Button WFS), Bonnie Evans (Charlie), Grace Davies (Lets Get Dizzy) and Olivia Banwell (Fairfield Gort).
Second place went to the Bristol & Somerset Lemons with Theo Wills (Bango), Isla Brown (Little Field Twilight), Elsie Coppins (Lea) and Lola Brace (Cassinos Jackpot).
Third place was claimed by the Devon Dazzlers, consisting of Ruby Fryer (Mountrode Eoin), Lottie Phillips (Kiltormer Grey Alert) and Sophie Elliott (Rosina’s Joy).
Advanced Team Championship
The final team title of the weekend went to the Bristol & Somerset Fairys, whose winning team comprised Leah Wills (Dexter 2KC), Grace Davies (Leo), Lily Cordery (Llanan Glyndwr) and Hattie Miller (Billy Moon).
Second place went to the Bristol & Somerset Devils, represented by Monty Mole (Igor Pegeinon), Briony Wariner (Beryl the Peril), James Lee (Killycloghan April Delight) and Lily Cordery (Landauiddy Lowen).
The South West Regional Academy Championships once again highlighted the depth of talent within the region’s young riders, with many combinations delivering confident and polished performances throughout the weekend. With both individual and team honours on offer, the competition showcased not only individual brilliance but also the camaraderie and teamwork that lie at the heart of the Academy programme.
Image: ESP Photographic
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