Annie Russell Norton Claims Victory in Ariat Senior British Novice Championship Second Round at Barleylands

Barleylands Equestrian Centre provided the setting for a competitive Ariat Senior British Novice Championship Second Round at the weekend, with 52 rider and horse combinations coming forward to take on a technical track designed by Stuart Young. 

With a place in the Ariat Senior British Novice Championship Final at the British Showjumping National Championships in August up for grabs, the pressure was on from the outset. Riders needed to jump two clear rounds to earn a place in the deciding jump-off, and by the end of the first two rounds, only 12 combinations had managed to keep all the fences intact. 

It was Annie Russell Norton who rose to the challenge, producing a confident and composed performance aboard Lesa Russell’s Chaccolicious. The pair delivered a superb clear in the jump-off, stopping the clock in 39.12 seconds to secure the win. 

“I am absolutely over the moon especially as she is the first horse I have bred, and to come jump three clears in a second round and win the class is amazing. I also have her brother starting out this year, so I am very excited about both horses. She is bred from a mare I had and competed myself, which makes it even more special. 

The course was very nice and inviting for young horses with just the right level on technicality. There were quite a lot of clears in the first and second rounds, but the jump-off reduced the field. I saw an opportunity, and I am so pleased I decided to give it my all, and it paid off. 

This is my first time qualifying for the British Showjumping National Championships, Choccolicious has also qualified for the Nupafeed Senior Discovery second rounds, so it would be great to qualify for both. My plan is to keep her confident and ticking over until the championships, alongside the other horses I am competing and producing.” Annie said. 

Hot on her heels was Lola-Rae Travers riding Royal Mint 22, who also jumped a faultless round in the final phase, finishing in 39.40 seconds to take second place. 

Third place went to Jasmin Dawson riding Kiss the Girl, who completed the podium after another polished clear round in a time of 40.74 seconds. 

The class highlighted the strength of competition at this level, with riders balancing speed and precision as they chased qualification for one of the most anticipated finals of the summer. Those who secured their places at Barleylands will now look ahead to August, when they will return to compete for the prestigious Ariat Senior British Novice Championship title at the British Showjumping National Championships. 

Ariat Senior British Novice Second Round 

Barleylands Equestrian Centre, Saturday 25 April 2026 

1st – Annie Russell Norton & Chaccolicious – 0/0/0 39.12 

2nd – Lola-Rae Travers & Royal Mint 22 – 0/0/0 39.40 

3rd – Jasmin Dawson & Kiss The Girl – 0/0/0 40.74 

NB Results pending official grading 

Image: Cool Equine Photography