Katie Robinson Tops NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League Qualifier at Northallerton Equestrian Centre
Monday 20 July 2026
Katie Robinson secured victory in the NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League Qualifier at Northallerton Equestrian Centre at the weekend, producing the fastest of three double clears to head a competitive jump-off.
A total of 36 rider combinations came forward to take on Tracey Strangeways' course, with nine combinations jumping clear through the first two rounds to earn their place in the jump-off.
First to claim victory was Katie Robinson aboard Andrea Robinson's Mervs Thanks a Million II, who delivered a confident clear round against the clock in 40.25 seconds to secure the top spot.
Second place went to Connie Parker riding Kojak B, who also produced a faultless jump-off effort, stopping the clock in 46.59 seconds.
Rounding out the top three was Lucy Rennie aboard Nugent HBF, recording the final double clear of the class in 46.82 seconds.
The qualifier proved to be another exciting contest in the popular NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League series, with the successful combinations now looking ahead to the Semi Finals later this summer. Those who progress will earn the opportunity to compete in the prestigious NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League Final at the Horse of the Year Show this October.
“After we got Flexi in 2021, the following year we qualified for HOYS in the Bronze League, it all happened quite quickly. Then in 2023 we returned to HOYS in the Silver League and just had a pole down, which was annoying. We wanted to try and qualify for HOYS again, but Flexi is getting older now and I wanted to step her back down to the Bronze League so she can compete at a height she is comfortable at, rather than trying for the Silver League again. She’s the best, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Last year we qualified for the semi-finals at Chard, but she wasn’t right and refused, which was out of character. It turned out her saddle was pinching so we got a new saddle made to measure and spent some getting her back. It was a bit late to do the league so we did the qualifier at Weston Lawns but had a pole then Northallerton was the last one, so we decided to do the five hour drive, got the treble clear and won!
I usually go to shows with my Dad but he couldn’t come, I look my friends instead and when I jumped the third round there was only one clear before me but four to go after me, it was hard because I kept asking my [not that horsey] friends what I should do! So, I thought it’s on me and Flexi, I know she’s got such a big stride and is quick so if I could just get her round the chances of the four going clear and being quicker was unlikely. I went in with the outlook of having some fun with not too much pressure, she jumped amazing and made all the turns.
We are heading to Chard this weekend for the Semi Final and hope to qualify, then I’d really like to do some fun classes, maybe the ride and drive at Arena UK and have some fun and just enjoy Flexi. If she does well and gets to HOYS I might think about retiring her, but it will be hard, she’s the horse you can just get on it’s never complicated, she’s been a great horse and owes me nothing.” reflected Katie.
NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League Qualifier
Northallerton E C, Saturday 18 July 2026
1st – Katie Robinson & Mervs Thanks a Million II – 0/0/0 40.25
2nd Connie Parker & Kojak B – 0/0/0 46.59
3rd – Lucy Rennie & Nugent HBF – 0/0/0 46.82
NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results.
Image: Paul Dobson Photography
