Sammie-Jo Coffin Kicks off the International Stairway Series with a Win at Devon County Show
Monday 19 May 2025
Devon County Show kick started this year’s International Stairway series as a total of 23 combinations came forward to face the 1.50m track in the beautiful green turf of the main arena. Six combinations cleared the challenging track to return for the jump-off, including the ‘Master of Faster’ Mark Edwards who was riding for a win for the third consecutive year in this class.
However, it wasn’t to be for Mark as the first win of the 2025 season would go the way of Sammie-Jo Coffin and Chaccomo Blue, the 15-yo gelding owned by Emily Smallman. With an early draw, Sammie-Jo knew she had to set the target to beat and did just that, producing one of only two double clears in a time of 57.38 seconds.
Phillip Miller rode a decisive jump-off with Don Royale, jointly owned by the Brendon Stud and Penelope Cornish, despite several off the jumps falling victim to the wind half-way round his jump-off. The established pair finished with a superb double clear and just 0.42 seconds off the winning time to take home second place
Joe Whitaker slotted into third place with his own Hulahupe JR. Jumping the fastest four fault round, the pair just fell fowl at the last fence after riding the quickest jump-off time of the afternoon.
Talking about her win, Sammie said: “There were some good people in the jump-off, and we were quite early to go. I managed to take a lot of inside lines, and he actually went quite fast for him. Those who followed tried to chase but they had poles, so I’m really pleased with how he jumped.
“He’s a good horse, so I never say never but he’s not naturally fast and can be quite busy. Luckily, he’s very scopey and has a big stride so I can afford to take those tighter inside lines. I’m very lucky to have him; He was started late so was a bit awkward for a while, but he truly loves his job and just keeps getting better and better.
“Our next big aim for him would be the Hickstead Derby which is really exciting but before that we’ve got some good county shows lined up as well as some more local ones to us,” added Sammie.
The International Stairway takes place across a number of county shows where winning combinations accrue league points that count towards the Final which takes place at the British Showjumping National Championships in August at Stoneleigh Park. The series culminates with a high-profile championship where, not only is the National Champion crowned, but three Horse of the Year Show International Wild Cards are up for grabs.
The International Stairway Series is supported by the British Showjumping Business Partnership, which includes ClipMyHorse.TV, Charles Owen, HorseQuest, Ariat, and Zebra Products, to whom everyone at British Showjumping is extremely grateful.
Find the full International Stairway league here: https://www.britishshowjumping.co.uk/rankings/lists/International-Stairway-Series. The next International Stairway competition takes place at Suffolk County Show on the 28 & 29 May 2025.
Devon County – Friday, 16 May 2025
British Showjumping Business Partnership International Stairway Series
1st - Sammie-Jo Coffin & Chaccomo Blue – 0/0 57.38 seconds
2nd - Phillip Miller & Don Royale – 0/0 57.80 seconds
3rd - Joe Whitaker & Hulahupe JR – 0/4 56.16 seconds
4th - Laura Renwick & Marseille – 0/4 56.49 seconds
5th - Oliver Tuff & Pica De Muse – 0/4 57.20 seconds
6th - Mark Edwards & Royal Tale – 0/RET
NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results.
Image: Jaysphoto
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