Great Britain jumps into third place in the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final for Ponies at Peelbergen in The Netherlands
Monday 14 September 2026
Great Britain claimed a podium place in third in the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final for Ponies at Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in Kronenberg, The Netherlands.
Britain had led the way on day one on a zero score as all four riders provided clear rounds, but strong opposition witnessed a battle for supremacy. Only five of the original eight teams qualified for Sunday’s Final of one round with a jump-off if required. In the second qualifier, the British team dropped to third on a total of just four faults but it ensured qualification for the Final.
Star of the show and in her final pony year, Sophia Rogers and the superstar Neil 55 supplied a clear round every day, crucially keeping Great Britain in the hunt.
Lucia Caroline was first out with Holly Blue, coming home on a total of eight faults. Raphaela Dawson countered with a clear round on Woody Allen Van Duyversputten to keep Great Britain in contention.
Ella Kay only made one mistake on Lucy Clover Boy for four faults and, as has happened on several occasions, the results rested on Sophia Rogers’ shoulders in the anchor position. As in previous occasions, she delivered. The wonderfully consistent Neil pulled another clear round out of the bag for Sophia and Great Britain, earning third place on the podium with a team total of four faults.
Ireland proved the runaway winners on a zero score with The Netherlands also on four faults but proving six seconds faster than Britain.
“The team jumped very well on the two qualifying days and were a little unlucky in the Final. We got very wet on the final day, it rained heavily and we were soaked,” said Chef d Equipe Clare Whitaker. “Lucia’s pony didn’t jump as well as he could do in the rain; Raffy’s [Raphaela) Woody jumped very well, Ella was unlucky to have four faults and Sophia;s Neil is unbelievable a clear round jumping freak.”
The British Children on Horses team narrowly missed out on qualifying for the final but won the Challenge Cup in a tense jump-off with Denmark.
Pathfinder Mia Breen on Crack 41 gave her team a brilliant start with a clear round, and Charlie Barker followed suit with Special Summer. Anya Dewey Clark returned four faults on Jewelino but anchor Poppy Dorise guided Cicero’s Boy HD into a clear for Britain to post a zero score. Denmark’s fortunes took a downward turn and they finished on eight faults, handing the win to Great Britain.
“The Children were unlucky not to qualify for the Final, but excelled in the Challenge Cup in the jump-off,” said Clare.
FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final for Ponies, Peelbergen, The Netherlands – 13 September 2026
1st Ireland – 0
2nd The Netherlands – 4 239.21 seconds
3rd Great Britain – 4 245.51 seconds
Lucia Caroline & Holly Blue – 8
Raphaela Dawson & Woody Allen Van Duyversputten – 0
Ella Kay & Lucky Clover Boy – 4
Sophia Rogers & Neil 55 – 0
Image: FEI & Leanjo de Koster
