Young equestrian talents from the South West region displayed impressive skills at the Regional Academy Championships held at Chard Equestrian over the weekend of 12 March 2026. The event featured individual and team competitions across multiple levels, with clear rounds and strong teamwork leading to several standout victories. Bristol and Somerset teams dominated the team events, highlighting the region's depth of young riders.
The South West Regional Academy Championships took place at Chard Equestrian, starting on Thursday, 12 March 2026, and continued through the weekend. Riders competed in individual categories from Mini to Advanced, as well as team events, emphasizing speed, precision, and clear rounds in showjumping.
In the Mini Individual Championship, twelve combinations participated, with Harriet Lister riding Bower Pegasus to victory in 30.02 seconds with a clear round. Frankie Drury on Hearnesbrook Cassiopeia finished second in 30.67 seconds, and Grace Prowse on Ballyglisheen Lass took third in 35.28 seconds, both clear.
The Midi Individual saw thirteen entries, where Harriet Lister again won, this time on Cashmir Jumper in 27.97 seconds clear. Grace Davies on Lets Get Dizzy placed second in 35.57 seconds clear, tied with Fletcher Watts on Cuppana Girl for third.
Grace Davies claimed the Maxi Individual title on Lets Get Dizzy in 31.37 seconds clear among nine competitors. Lottie Phillips on Lily Bell Off Tullykittagh was second in 40.82 seconds, and Isla Brown on Little Field Twilight third in 43.11 seconds, all clear.
Lily Burdge rode Presto to the only clear round in the Intermediate Individual, securing the win. In Advanced Individual, Grace Davies won on Kaleo Van Orchid’s with a clear in 35.99 seconds, while Lily Burdge on Presto took second with four faults in 58.24 seconds, and George Roberts on My Dream Girl third in 46.43 seconds.
Team competitions showcased regional rivalries. The Mini Team, sponsored by Equine Giveaways, was won by Bristol & Somerset Ladybirds (Frankie Drury on Hearnesbrook Cassiopeia, Poppy Warford on Bilbo, Holly Morris on Dancer, Cara Rogers on Cleggan Gold). Gloucestershire Snowdrops finished second, and Dyfed Dragons third.
The Midi Team, sponsored by HorseHage, went to Bristol & Somerset Sunflowers (Bonnie Evans on Athena, Scarlet Rosedale on Leith Fandango, Lola Brace on Cassinos Jackpot, Cara Rogers on Mullagh Alanlah), ahead of Devon Delights and Dyfed Academy.
Bristol & Somerset Apples won the Maxi Team with Lucy Rogers on OG Button WFS, Bonnie Evans on Charlie, Grace Davies on Lets Get Dizzy, and Olivia Banwell on Fairfield Gort. Bristol & Somerset Lemons were second, Devon Dazzlers third.
The Advanced Team title went to Bristol & Somerset Fairys (Leah Wills on Dexter 2KC, Grace Davies on Leo, Lily Cordery on Llanan Glyndwr, Hattie Miller on Billy Moon), with Bristol & Somerset Devils in second.
The championships underscored the talent and teamwork in the Academy programme, with confident performances across the board.
