Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Masters Delivers Thrilling Competition at the British Showjumping National Championships
Sunday 10 August 2025
The Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Masters at the British Showjumping National Championships was a true spectacle of talent, determination, and precision riding. With 30 rider and pony combinations coming forward to contest the class, the standard was exceptionally high, and the competition fierce.
From the initial round, it was clear that many combinations had their eyes firmly set on a jump-off place, with 18 riders producing clears to return for the deciding round.
Taking the top honours was Jack Waddington with Halo Joy, whose outstanding performance saw them deliver a double clear and set the winning time of 33.58 seconds in the jump-off. Their round combined speed with flawless accuracy, securing them the prestigious title.
"Hollie went fast and she kept a really good pace around the corners and kept it level so, I think because she's [Halo Joy] got a shorter stride and is a bit quicker across the ground, I think that helped out - but really just to go quick and kind of, just keep it as good as I could and help the pony out as much as I could - and she helped me."
Jack looks forward to jumping the Newcomers and Foxhunter at HOYS in what will be his final year. Talking about his pony he says: "She's very clever and hopefully she goes on to do well with my little sister."
In second place, Hollie Gerken with No Limit X also produced a superb double clear, crossing the finish in 34.47 seconds, just shy of the winning time. Their polished round impressed spectators and judges alike.
Completing the podium, Raphaela Uma Dawson aboard Woody Van Duyversputten added another clear round to the tally, clocking 35.66 seconds to take third place.
With so many quality rounds and competitive times, the Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Masters was a fantastic showcase of the rising stars of British showjumping. The class demonstrated not only the talent of the young riders but also the exceptional calibre of their ponies, setting the stage for an exciting future in the sport.
NB: Results pending official grading.
Image:1st Class Images
