Bristol and Somerset Update
Monday 09 February 2026
Welcome - To all our members new & old, please read on to discover what’s happening with the area this year.
Points Championship
Each year we present awards for our area members achievements.
We have 7 different awards available.
These points are allocated based on double clears and placings in each class. Additional points are awarded if the class is a qualifier or a championship class.
To enter the Points Championship for 2025, please fill out this Form
Academy Training
Our Academy holds (grouped) evening training sessions for both ponies & horses with UKCC accredited coaches Jayne Smart or Gemma Hallett. These are usually held fortnightly from September to July in one of the many venues we are able to choose from, such as Badgworth Arena, Leyland Court, KSEC, Chard Equestrian, Mendip Plains & Millfield School.
Upcoming Training dates can be found on the British Showjumping website. Or you can stay updated by joining our Bristol & Somerset Academy Facebook Group, or in our WhatsApp Community Group - Bristol & Somerset Academy - Training Sessions
All bookings are made via Horse Monkey (Search Bristol Somerset Training).
We hold unmounted sessions throughout the year which have proven very informative, such as evenings with Farrier Paul Horner FWCF and Vet Duncan Ballard MRCVS
The Academy is a great place to make friends that last way beyond Academy itself and in some cases even beyond horses for both children and parents!
Academy 2 Day Training
We have the opportunity to offer two days of training at Chard Equestrian Centre on 18th/19th February.
Training Includes:
-
Flat Work Sessions with Andrew Lovell BSHI & Jo May BECC 3
-
Jumping Sessions with Jayne Smart FBHS
-
Ride Straight Simulation with Gemma Hallett UKCC 3
-
Mindset & Psychology Session with Conscious Equine Coaching
-
Pilates for Riders with Form & Function Equine
-
Overnight Stable
Bookings are Open on Horse Monkey
Overnight Accommodation can be booked via Horse Monkey, Meals are not included, Café will be open for lunch.
Academy Teams
Your chance to represent the Bristol & Somerset Academy.
(Riders to have attended a Bristol & Somerset Academy Session within 12 months prior to competition)
NEW For 2026!
South West Regional Academy Show at Chard Equestrian
7th & 8Th March
-
Academy Team Pony Competition 65cm/75cm
-
Academy Team Pony Competition 80cm/90cm
-
Academy Team Pony Competition 90cm/1m
-
Academy Team Horse Competition 70cm/80cm
-
Academy Team Pony Competition 90cm/1m
To register your interest to be part of these teams, please fill out this Form
Academy Team Dates for your Diary
-
Area 33 Rising Stars Academy Team Show – 31st March at Allens Hill Equestrian Centre
-
Academy Championships – 11th/12th August at Stoneleigh Park
NAF Star Performance Awards
Order your NAF Booklet here
The NAF Star Performance Awards have been designed to support your progression in showjumping; by working through each level with a British Showjumping Coach, you will gain knowledge that will help you and your horse to reach your full potential. You can work towards each level through the British Showjumping Academies or one to one with a British Showjumping Coach.
Senior National Team Jumping
Your chance to represent the Bristol & Somerset Area.
Qualifiers:
Bicton Arena – 12th-14th June
Wales & West – 26-28th June
Should we qualify, riders would be expected to attend the Final which is held in the GRASS Arena at the British Showjumping National Championships 4th-9th August. Only one Area per team can qualify.
Good Luck for the season ahead!
Katie Smith
Bristol & Somerset Area Representative
| Recent South West News | |
|---|---|
 |
South West Regional Academy Championships 15/01/2026 |
 |
British Showjumping is Looking for Non-Executive Directors to join its Board 03/02/2025 |
 |
Members' Council Nomination 09/12/2024 |
 |
The biggest agricultural event in the county, Devon County Show returns 16-18th May. 03/05/2024 |