Regional Academy Championships Finale Shines at Allens Hill

The final British Showjumping Regional Academy Championships took place at Allens Hill on 1 April, bringing together rising stars for a thrilling end to the 2026 series. 

Individual Championships 

The Mini Individual Championship saw 22 combinations come forward, with Lilly Mitchell claiming victory riding Jo Mitchell’s Doylan Gorgeous Gift in 28.64 seconds. Harriet Lister finished second with Bower Pegasus (28.97), while Cecelia Benstead took third aboard Star Theillet (29.07). 

In the Midi Individual Championship, 26 combinations contested the class, with Alexander Thomas-Cheffings taking the win riding Danny Hubbard’s Treflan Nero in 25.78 seconds. Lilly Mitchell added another podium finish in second with Doylan Gorgeous Gift (27.19), while Cecelia Benstead once again featured, finishing third with Star Theillet (27.34). 

The Maxi Individual Championship saw Lola Brace top the leaderboard riding Laura Brace’s Casino’s Jackpot with a clear in 26.64 seconds. Savanah Berry took second aboard Ozzy Lifestyle (27.79), and Maisey Du Heaume claimed third with Amias Little Plum (28.92). 

In the Intermediate Individual Championship, Chloe Seal took top honours riding Hollie Bowen’s Kannzo Z, producing a clear in 34.25 seconds. Matilda Orr followed in second aboard Nala III  (34.71), with Molly Ann Staite securing third on You’ll Do Indianna  (34.96). 

In the Advanced Individual Championship, Matilda Orr secured victory riding Joanna Orr’s Nala III, clear in 33.23 seconds. Chloe Seal finished second with Kannzo Z (four faults, 33.73), while Grace Learoyd Hill placed third aboard Lucky Luca (four faults, 35.47). 

Team Championships 

The Mini Team Championship title went to the Gloucestershire Snowdrops, represented by Henrietta Henton (Doylan Gorgeous Guy), Harry Clare (Aquilas Spotted Melody), Cecelia Benstead (Star Theillet) and Ivy Hathaway (Jasmine VIII). Bristol & Somerset Academy took second place, with the Gloucestershire Primroses finishing third. 

In the Midi Team Championship, the Gloucestershire Cowslips claimed victory with Clara Clarke (Stardust II), Isla Hughes (Heartlands Hopes and Dreams), Maisey Du Heaume (Amias Little Plum) and Alexander Thomas-Cheffings (Treflan Nero). The Gloucestershire Daffodils finished second, with The Mighty Dragons in third. 

The Maxi Team Championship saw the Delightful Daffodils take top honours, represented by Savanah Berry (Ozzy Lifestyle), Summer Braine (Snow IV), Imogen Hooper (Black Jack Vincou) and Isabelle Medcraft (Gtown Sunrise). Second place went to the Gloucestershire Bluebells, while Bristol & Somerset Academy secured third. 

In the Intermediate Team Championship, Area 33 claimed victory with Molly Ann Staite (You’ll Do Indiana), Caitlin Smith (Tias II), Matilda Orr (Nala III) and Chloe Seal (Kannzo Z). 

Area 33 continued their success in the Advanced Team Championship, where Grace Learoyd Hill (Lucky Luca), Molly Ann Staite (You’ll Do Indiana), Matilda Orr (Nala III) and Chloe Seal (Kannzo Z) once again delivered a winning performance. 

Looking Ahead 

The championships provided a fantastic showcase of emerging talent across all categories. A sincere thank you goes to Area 33 and Hannah Jackson for their invaluable support in delivering the final Championship. 

With another successful year concluded, we look forward to welcoming riders back for the Regional Academy Championships again next season.