Emma-Jo Slater Wins SEIB Winter Novice Championship 22 years After Last Winning the Title
Thursday 24 July 2025
Buckinghamshire’s Emma-Jo Slater won the SEIB Winter Novice Championship at the Agria Royal International Horse Show, riding Kimba Luidun.
It was back in 2003 when Emma-Jo Slater last claimed the title with Uttah Van Het Indihof. But in 22 years of return visits to Hickstead, the title had eluded Emma-Jo – until today, when she piloted Kimba Luidun to a double clear, stopping the clock at 41.80 seconds in the jump-off to secure victory by just over a tenth of a second.
“I didn’t really believe we’d win it today, but actually, she’s been going really well,” said Emma-Jo. “She jumped amazing in the first round, and then in the jump-off, I always ride better – and she’s really good, too, because she’s quite careful. She’s quite a busy horse, and can be a bit anxious, but she’s mega talented and scopey, and she doesn’t like having poles, so the jump-off keeps her brain occupied.”
Like Uttah Van Het Indihof two decades earlier, Kimba Luidun is already an active part of the Kimba Stud breeding programme – a good omen, perhaps, for the sporting futures of the foals she has on the ground for owner Kim Barzilay, Emma-Jo’s longtime business partner.
“We’re delighted today,” said owner Kim. “We’ve always done alright in this class since that win, but we’ve not quite managed it – but I had a feeling this could be our day.”
The Agria Royal International Horse Show takes place at Hickstead in West Sussex from 23-27 July. Tickets are available at the gate or from www.hickstead.co.uk. The action will also be shown live on ClipMyHorse.TV.
Image: Boots and Hooves Photography
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