Ffion Hier secures her third consecutive Equiyd 85cm National Amateur Championship
Sunday 16 November 2025
Ffion Hier left until the final moments to land her third consecutive Equiyd 85cm National Amateur Championship at the Equiyd National Amateur and Veterans Championships at Aintree Equestrian Centre riding Kimberley Buckley’s Oakford Maisie May.
“I’m in disbelief, I never thought I could do it again. I knew I had to wing it and give it my all but it was all down to her, the speed she can take on the fences is unbelievable,” said Ffion, who had planned to drive home to Wales tonight but decided to stay at Aintree for a night of celebrations.
It was the biggest jump-off of the week as 38 competitors from an entry of 59 qualified for the jump-off – and they were all gunning for a win. The lead changed several times before Scotland’s Laila Seath on Westonhouse Buachaill Mor batted away several challenges, until the late round from 2023 and 2024 winner Ffion was determined to hold on to her title.
Setting off a flying pace on her 2024 winner Oakford Maisie May, Ffion took every risk on the 14-year-old Lauriston daughter to wipe 0.42 seconds off what had seemed an unbeatable time.
“I was drawn late but had got nervous watching all the very competitive rounds, especially Laila, and I wondered if I could possibly beat them. Maisie May is little – she’s like a big pony with a pony stride – she can make the horse strides because she has such a big heart. I had make all the turns and she loves the speed,” said Bridgend-based Ffion. “She’s quick and careful and took a win and a second earlier in the week, and then I think she saved herself for this class.”
Ffion has been supported by the show sponsors Equiyd this year – I’m so grateful for their support, both emotionally and financially – they are fabulous,” she added.
Equiyd National Amateur and Veteran Championships, Aintree Equestrian Centre
Equiyd 85cm National Amateur Championship
1st – Ffion Hier & Oakford Maisie May – 0/0 26.77
2nd – Laila Seath & Westonhouse Buachaill Mor – 0/0 27.19
3rd – Megan White & Young Loula – 0/0 28.02
Image: Majestic Photography
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