Elsie Coppins and Woodfield Alfie Secure National Championships Qualification at Parwood

The STX-UK Pony British Novice Second Round at Parwood Equestrian Centre provided an exciting afternoon of competition at the weekend, with pony rider combinations battling for a coveted place in the Final at the British Showjumping National Championships this August. 

Course designer Alison Naylor set a technical track that proved influential throughout the class. Despite a strong field coming forward, only two combinations managed to keep all the fences intact through both the first and second rounds, setting up a thrilling head-to-head jump-off. 

Taking top honours was Elsie Coppins aboard Lisa Church’s Woodfield Alfie. Holding their nerve when it mattered most, the pair delivered a polished clear round in the jump-off, crossing the finish line in 48.10 seconds to secure victory and their qualification for the Championship Final. 

Second place went to Nelly Gatter riding Pav Valentine. Looking set to challenge for the win after posting a rapid time of 33.48 seconds, an unfortunate rail at the final fence added four faults to their score, leaving them to finish as runners-up. 

With qualification now secured, both riders can look ahead to the British Showjumping National Championships in August, where they will join the country's leading pony combinations in the STX-UK Pony British Novice Championship Final. 

“We got Alfie as a 5 year old  just over 2 years ago, but he unfortunately sustained a bad field injury not long after we got him and spent a year recovering.  He’s now fully recovered, but it’s been a slow process, and he can still be quite green at times.  I’m so happy with how Alfie jumped in all 3 rounds, as it was our first time at Parwood.” Elsie said. 

STX-UK Pony British Novice Second Round  

Parwood Equestrian Centre, Saturday 21 June 2026 

1st – Elsie Coppins & Woodfield Alfie – 0/0/0 48.10 

2nd – Nelly Gatter & Pav Valentine – 0/0/4 33.48 

NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results.    

Image: LRG Photography