Riders from British Showjumping Academies gathered at Forest Edge Arena for the first Regional Academy Championship Show of 2026, organized by the Norfolk Academy. The event featured competitions across various height classes, with strong performances from Norfolk, Kent, and Essex teams. Kent Academy dominated several categories, while Norfolk secured multiple wins.
The East Regional Academy Championships took place last week at Forest Edge Arena in Norfolk, providing a competitive yet supportive environment for young riders from local British Showjumping Academies.
In the 70cm Mini Individual class, Camilla Fitzalan-Howard of the Norfolk Academy won aboard Thornberry Skylark in 29.86 seconds, followed by teammate Alexa Comben on Crocadon Wild Girl in 30.44 seconds and Molly Brooks of the Kent Academy on Sheanmore Mata in 30.64 seconds. The Mini Team title went to the Norfolk Polywiggles—Demi Gaskin on Duffy’s Luck, Camilla Fitzalan-Howard on Thornberry Skylark, Alexa Comben on Crocadon Wild Girl, and Charlotte Self on Reign—with a clear round in 90.95 seconds. The Kent Dare Devils finished second in 96.99 seconds, and the Beds & Bucks Brightstars took third in 102.38 seconds, both clear.
The 85cm Midi Individual was won by Mia Stathopoulos of the Kent Academy on Kilea Tina in 32.46 seconds, with Josh Evans of Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire on Off The Hook second in 34.03 seconds, and Charlotte Self of Norfolk on Peggy Sue third. In the Midi Team, the Kent Rubies—Mia Stathopoulos on Kilea Tina, Harry Evans on Violet Banks Barberalla, Mae Phillips on Sultan Du Barry, and Poppy Hodgson on Rian’s Boy—claimed victory with a clear in 112.12 seconds. The Essex Red team placed second in 118.49 seconds, and the Essex Green third in 120.92 seconds, all clear.
Norfolk Academy excelled in the 1m Maxi Individual, where Lola Batch won on Oh Riley in 33.55 seconds, Poppy Webb on Boom Shakalaka was second in 37.45 seconds, and Evie Bond Smith on Tilly’s Luck third. The Maxi Team win went to Norfolk Rocks—Lily Newson on Swaggermuffin, Savannah Hibbs on Bealby Entertainer, Ella Fitzalan-Howard on Hiloa De Yonat, and Florence Newstead on Realta Beag—with the only clear in 120.10 seconds. Norfolk Canaries took second with four faults in 110.40 seconds, and Kent Divas third with four faults in 127.40 seconds.
In the 90cm Intermediate Individual, Crystal White of Essex won on Metro Politan Harry Potter, ahead by 4.68 seconds over Zara Goodman of Kent on Lazebel I in 38.01 seconds, with Gabriella Frediani of Kent on Ringwood Charmer third. The Intermediate Team was led by Kent Emeralds—Sophie Bacchus on La Mauniere Grace, Gabriella Frediani on Ringwood Charmer, Sky Penfold on Cian of Kilkenny, and Mia Stathopoulos on Mon Ami—with four faults in 117.25 seconds. Kent Sapphires were second with eight faults in 123.22 seconds, and The Believers third with eight faults in 124.19 seconds.
The 1.05m Advanced Individual saw sisters Lissie Day and Milli Day of Kent take first and second, with Lissie on Lady Zaire in 37.54 seconds and Milli on Le Dorado HK in 39.66 seconds; Gemma Waller of Norfolk was third on Manderville Crescendo in 39.73 seconds. Kent Diamonds won the Advanced Team with a clear in 120.61 seconds—Gabriella Frediani on Ringwood Charmer, Lissie Day on Lady Zaire, Milli Day on Le Dorado HK, and Mia Dwyer on Tiger Lily I—while Norfolk Broads placed second with eight faults in 125.66 seconds.
