Southerly Roberts and Charisma IX Crowned Minor Veteran Champions
Friday 14 November 2025
Southerly Roberts captured the Minor Veteran Championship title with a superb performance aboard her promising six-year-old mare Charisma IX at the Equiyd Amateur and Veteran Championship Show, held at Aintree Equestrian Centre.
A field of 34 starters came forward to take on Mark McGowan’s flowing and thoughtfully built 1.10m track, which rewarded accuracy, rhythm and careful riding through the related distances. The standard remained high throughout the class, with 17 combinations producing initial clears to earn a place in the jump-off. Of these, eight riders kept a clean sheet for a second time, setting up a fast and closely contested battle for the championship title.
Last year's winners Catherine Vale and Quiz IV set the pace from the mid-draw, stopping the clock at 34.21 seconds, a time that looked difficult to beat. Their smooth, forward round held the lead deep into the class and seemed likely to secure back-to-back titles.
However, as the third to last rider to jump, Southerly Roberts produced a beautifully executed round with Charisma IX, combining a forward pace with smooth lines. Their expertly judged performance saw them cross the finish in an impressive 33.31 seconds, securing the championship by nearly a full second.
Tessa Dollar and Contarno V also delivered a polished double clear to take third place in 34.25 seconds, completing a podium of experienced and competitive veteran riders.
Equiyd Amateur and Veteran Championship, Aintree Equestrian Centre
1.10m Minor Veteran Championship
1st – Southerly Roberts & Charisma IX – 0/0 33.31
2nd – Catherine Vale & Quiz IV – 0/0 34.21
3rd – Tessa Dollar & Contarno V – 0/0 34.25
Image: Majestic Photography
