Regional Academy Championships Shine at Parwood Equestrian
Wednesday 18 March 2026
The Regional Academy Championships delivered an exciting weekend of competition at Parwood Equestrian, with riders and teams from across the region showcasing their talent, determination and skill across a full schedule of individual and team classes.
The Mini Individual Championship saw 13 combinations come forward, all vying for top honours. It was Lucy Poirier who took a well-deserved victory riding Katherine McCoy’s Taboo II, producing a polished clear round in a time of 35.63 seconds. Lottie Titchner secured second place aboard Killala Tom Tom, also clear in 40.19 seconds, while Alice Dixon-Thompson claimed third riding Sparky VII.
In the Midi Individual Championship, Taylor Thompson led the way with an impressive performance aboard Rachel Larking’s Western King. The pair delivered the only double clear of the class, stopping the clock in 38.74 seconds. Lottie Titchner once again featured on the podium, taking second with Killala Tom Tom after picking up four faults in 46.00 seconds, while Sydney Miles-Darby finished third with Rye Lad in 52.46 seconds.
The Maxi Individual Championship saw Dakota Kane rise to the top riding Joanne Kane’s Sellernane King. Their clear round in 45.33 seconds proved unbeatable, while Taylor Thompson added another placing to her tally, finishing second with Western King after four faults in a quicker time of 37.44 seconds.
In the Intermediate Individual Championship, Jack Hamilton delivered a standout round to claim victory. Riding Samantha Seymour’s Warner I, he produced the only clear of the class in 50.87 seconds to secure the win.
The Advanced Individual Championship featured six combinations, with Amber Simpson taking the top spot riding her own Dubai Z. Their clear round in 48.01 seconds set the standard, ahead of Amelia Connolly in second with HK Dot of Gold, also clear in 51.59 seconds. Zara Goodman completed the podium in third riding Lazebel, finishing on four faults in 42.12 seconds.
Team competition added to the excitement across the weekend, with strong performances across all categories. In the Mini Team Championship, the Sussex Spangles claimed victory thanks to consistent rounds from Maisie Conway (Cwmdistaw Hermione), Darcey Gilbert (Cumbak Kid), Rosie York-Johnson (Zander VIII) and Lucy Poirier (Taboo III). The Surrey Unicorns finished second, with the Kent Dare Devils in third.
The Midi Team Championship saw five teams come forward, with the Kent Marvels taking top honours. Ava Brown (C’Hoai Defesquel), Harry Evans (Violet Banks Barberella), Audrey Bell (Currabrown Zanzibar) and Mia Stathopolus (Killea Tina) combined strong performances to secure the win. The Sussex Sparkles took second place, while the Kent Emeralds finished third.
In the Maxi Team Championship, the Kent Gems proved unbeatable. Sofia Scotney (Old Rock Jack), Audrey Bell (Currabrown Zanzibar), Mia Stathopolus (Rivington Melody) and Annie Taylor (Cisco Bay II) delivered a winning performance, ahead of the Sussex Swans in second and the Surrey Rocket Riders in third.
The Intermediate Team Championship saw the Surrey Hot Shots take victory, with Rosie Cullingham (Uptown Funk), Ella Bennett (Carnaween Kate), Keira Baker (Cross Ban Bus) and Ellie Carter (Haven’t Got a Scooby) combining for a strong team result.
Rounding off the weekend, the Advanced Team Championship title went to the Surrey Legends. Joe Norton (April Tempest), Oria McDonnell (Flinstone de Ness), Amber Simpson (Dubai Z) and Rosie Cullingham (Angelins des GY) delivered an impressive collective performance to secure the win. The Kent Pearls took second place, with the Kent Diamonds finishing third.
With fantastic competition across all levels, the Regional Academy Championships at Parwood Equestrian once again highlighted the depth of talent within the sport, providing a brilliant platform for riders to gain experience and celebrate success as individuals and as part of a team.
Image: LRG Photography
 (1).jpg "The Equiyd National Amateur & Veterans Championships will be held at Aintree International Equestrian Centre for its 17th year")
