As Horse Insurance specialists, supporting equestrian associations and events is something that is incredibly important to us at SEIB Insurance Brokers.
For over 10 years, we've sponsored the SEIB Novice Winter Championships, and we're delighted to announce the full list of horses and riders who have qualified for this prestigious final.
We wish all competitors the very best of luck and we're looking forward to watching you all in action!
Thank you to British Showjumping and the fantastic event centres for hosting the qualifiers.
Aintree Equestrian Centre | Date: Sunday, 15 October 2023
Alana Hood and Malibu Sunset B secured the first of the winter season’s SEIB Winter Novice qualifier at Aintree Equestrian Centre back in October 2023.
Alana from Fire, Scotland made the trip worthwhile by guiding the seven-year-old Celtic Hero B Z daughter Malibu Sunset B into a narrow 0.12 second win.
Image: Alana Hood and Malibu Sunset B (Majestic Photography)
William Walker and the six-year-old Millfield Cascade x Salvator mare Titanium IV secured second place, earning their spot at the SEIB Winter Novice Final at the Royal International Horse Show.
1st Alana Hood & Malibu Sunset B - 0/0 31.26 seconds
2nd William Walker & titanium IV - 0/0 31.38 seconds
3rd Graham Babes & Nanieta P - 0/0 32.31 seconds
Northcote Stud | Date: 5 November, 2023
Tom Dovkants outpaced all his rivals to take victory in the SEIB Winter Novice Championship Qualifier at Northcote Stud in Lancashire, with Anita and Dean Miles’ Princess Volo.
Fifty-one competitors came forward to face the course designed by Nigel Jess and starting at a height of 1.10m with 16 supplying all the answers to move forward into the jump-off. Tom used his draw two from the end to win by an amazing three seconds.
Image: Tom Dovkants riding with Anita and Dean Miles’ Princess Volo (Majestic Photography)
Sophie Wicks earned her place in the Royal International Final with second place on the Chacoon Blue x Animo 7-year-old Billy Hepburn – a mare bred at the Billy Stud who joined Cumbria-based Sophie in April.
Northcote Stud Winter Classic
1st Tom Dovkants & Princess Volo – 0/0 - 32.50 seconds
2nd Sophie Wicks & Billy Hepburn – 0/0 - 35.50 seconds
3rd Declain Irvine & Duplicate II – 0/0 - 35.78 seconds
Arena UK Winter Classic | Date: 18 November, 2023
Derek McCoppin secured his first win with Concento TW to claim a place in the SEIB Winter Novice Final at the Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead, with victory at Arena UK.
Twenty riders from the original 45 starters returned for the jump-off with Derek executing the tightest lines to edge ahead by the narrow margin of 0.10 seconds with the German-bred Conthargos x Centadel 8-year-old jointly owned with David McPherson.
Adam Taylor steered breeder Lily Ennis’ 6-year-old Basingwerk Imagine (Findoctro x Dick Z) into second to claim the other Hickstead qualifying pass.
1st Derek McCoppin & Cencento TW – 0/0 - 37.94 seconds
2nd Adam Taylor & Basingwerk Imagine – 0/0 - 38.04 seconds
3rd Zoe Smith & Keep In Mind – 0/0 - 38.73 seconds
Morris Equestrian Centre, Kilmarnock | Date: 18 November, 2023
Annabel Shields was in flying form to take the SEIB Winter Novice qualifier on B.E. Flygold at Morris Equestrian Centre in Scotland back in November 2023.
A speedy Annabel was the sole rider to break the 30 second barrier to take the premium spot with 0.48 seconds in hand.
Annabel Shields on B.E. Flygold Image: Jamie Agnew Photography
“He’s naturally quick and careful but can be quite a character. He can be spooky, especially at a new place, but he’s a nice one and likes to keep the jumps up,” said Annabel
Graham Babes also picked up a coveted Hickstead ticket for the Royal International Horse Show Final in July with Hercule De La Villa, a Diamant De Semilly 6-year-old out of an Arko III mare competed for the past eight months.
1st Annabel Shields & B.E. Flygold – 0/0 - 29.84 seconds
2nd Graham Babes & Hercule De La Villa – 0/0 - 30.32 seconds
3rd Chloe Templeton & Great Joy – 0/0 - 31.07 seconds
Arena UK Winter Classic | Date: 3 December, 2023
Harriette Rushton bagged her place in the SEIB Winter Novice Championship Final at the Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead, with victory on Chacstar Z in the competitive qualifier at Arena UK’s Winter Classic in Grantham, Lincolnshire.
Harriette Rushton with victory on Chacstar Z Image: courtesy of Arena UK
“This means so much as we bought him as a 2-year-old and we’ve done everything with him,” said Harriette, who sought out Chacstar as she owns and competes his Mum, I Am Legend Z.
“We almost didn’t go. I looked out the window and it was snowy and almost turned around and went back to bed but I’d paid the entries so made the effort – and I’m so glad I did!” said Harriette, who will make her debut at the Royal International Horse Show – I’ve jumped at Hickstead before, but never qualified for the main arena.”
Jessica Cunnington slipped the five-year-old Maloubet De Pleville daughter Nakante into second place to take the other qualifying place on offer.
1st Harriette Rushton & Chacstar Z – 0/0 - 35.07 seconds
2nd Jesscia Cunnington & Nakante – 0/0 - 35.23 seconds
3rd Jessica Baugh & Monkeal Alfie – 0/0 - 35.76 seconds
Hartpury University Winter Classic | Date: 22nd December
Ronnie Lee Jones quickly established a rapport with catch-ride Iron Bru to take the SEIB Winter Novice qualifier at Hartpury University’s Winter Classic in Gloucestershire.
“I met him for the first time on the morning of the class but he was super-easy,” said Ronnie, on Lynsey Register’s Dutch Design x Lewito 10-year-old.
Ronnie Lee Jones riding Iron Bru. Image: courtesy Jasmine Punter Photography
Twenty of the original 46 starters posted initial clears over course-designers Krissy Spiller and Paul Connor’s 12-fence track, which started at a height of 1.10m. Ronnie drew a favourable late draw and used his penultimate effort and Iron Bru’s scopey stride and carefulness to commandingly forge ahead by 1.32 seconds.
“Lynsey bought him for herself and Angie Thompson to ride but, as Angie was attending a funeral that day, the horse only has a few points left to jump in the class and they wanted a crack at the final, I received a phone call the night before asking if I’d take on a catch-ride,” explained Ronnie. “Angie knows him well and she sent a message exactly how to ride him, so I just followed instructions and stuck to the plan.”
Charlie Atkinson claimed the second qualifying place on the 10-year-old mare Ballingowan Leia (Future Trend x Master Imp) to confirm his place in the Royal International final.
1st Ronnie Lee Jones & Iron Bru – 0/0 - 37.00 seconds
2nd Charlie Atkinson & Ballingowan Leia – 0/0 - 38.32 seconds
3rd Laura Jackson & Pria Blue PS – 0/0 - 39.79 seconds
Onley Ground Equestrian Complex | Date: 5 January 2024
Leo Lamb annihilated all opposition to take victory in the SEIB Winter Novice Championship qualifier on Jaguar Moon at Onley Grounds Equestrian Complex’s Winter Classic in Warwickshire, securing a finalist place at the prestigious Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead.
Leo Lamb rides Jaguar Moon to take the SEIB Novice Winter Qualifer: Image KB Photography
“He’s always been talented but he’s quite a big horse and has taken a little longer to learn his trade, but he’s very competitive now,” said Leo.
It was a good day for British breeding as two home-bred six-year-olds claimed the two coveted qualifying places. Thirty-three competitors came forward over course-designer Mark McGowan 11-fence 1.10m track with 12 riders providing initial clear rounds to head into an exciting jump-off.
The home-bred Jaguar VD Berghoeve x Concordance six-year-old has been produced jointly by Leo and his mother Carron Nicol from his British Novice four-year-old days.
“My Mum competed his sire herself and she bought his mother Veramoon from Holland,” explained Leo, who acted as midwife at the birth – “I helped pull Jaguar Moon out when he was born and now, almost six years later, he’s qualified for the main ring at Hickstead."
Thomas Pritchard took the second qualifier of the day on the six-year-old Double M Sensation (Firkov Du Rouet x Up To Date Miltoo).
1st Leo Lamb & Jaguar Moon – 0/0 - 36.15 seconds
2nd Thomas Pritchard & Double M Sensation – 0/0 - 37.97 seconds
3rd Jessica Baugh & Monkeal Alfie – 0/0 - 38.14 seconds
Kelsall Hall | Date: Wednesday 17th January
Graham Babes emerged triumphant in a hard-fought jump-off to take the top spot in the SEIB Winter Novice Championship qualifier at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre with Nanieta P.
Graham set off with grit and determination, risking an angled turn into the two-stride double breath-takingly close to the left-hand wing and speedily straightening Nanieta to the second element. Executing another tight line to the penultimate oxer and running down to the final vertical secured the win.
Graham Babes riding Nanieta P Image: courtesy KT Equine Photography
Graham’s father George bought Nanieta P – a Dutch-bred six-year-old with Harley VDL x Diarado bloodlines – as a foal.
“He’s a lovely horse, I love him, he’s very competitive, I have all the faith in him on turnbacks and galloping to a fence – he’s as eager to win as I am and I’m very excited for the future,” said Kilmarnock, Ayrshire-based Graham. “He’s what I call a show horse, he wants to get to a show and perform, he’s a winner and nothing fazes him. Nonetheless, he has a lot of character, you don’t want to be asleep on him but he’s keen to do his job.”
Molly Bennett, who had led from mid-draw, held on to take the second qualifying Hickstead place on the 15-year-old gelding PSH Convivial, a former 4* eventer with China’s Alex Hua Tian.
1st Graham Babes & Nanieta P – 0/0 33.17 seconds
2nd Molly Bennett & PSH Convivial – 0/0 34.98 seconds
3rd Will Edwards & No Strings Attached – 0/0 35.21 seconds
Aintree Equestrian Centre | Date: Saturday 27th January
Ryan Page jumped to success at Aintree Equestrian Centre with Zoe Snedker’s Curraghgraigue Q Hill, in a hotly contested SEIB Winter Novice Championship Qualifier.
Ryan Page with Zoe Snedker’s Curraghgraigue Q Hill Image: courtesy of Majestic Photography
An impressive 6 combinations flew round the jump off to claim double clears, but it was Curraghgraigue Q Hill who secured the win, edging out Calgary Boy I and James Whitaker by a thrilling 0.74 seconds.
"We found her [Curraghgraigue Q Hill] as a 3-year-old at the Go for Gold Sale when she was six years old. She is really fast, careful, and brave."
James Whitaker & Calgary Boy I secured the second qualifier for the SEIB Winter Novice Championship.
1st Ryan Page & Curraghgraigue Q Hill - 0/0 - (32.19 seconds)
2nd James Whitaker & Calgary Boy I - 0/0 - (32.93 seconds)
3rd Elysia Heagren Bond & Reborne De Royal Horse - 0/0 - (33.77 seconds)
South View Equestrian | Date: Saturday 17th February 2024
Rachel Arnott and Thomas Pritchard shared Victory in SEIB Winter Novice Championship at South View Equestrian.
Out of the 25 competitors, nine successfully completed with double clears. However, an unexpected turn of events saw two riders achieving the exact time of 28.57 seconds, resulting in a rare joint victory. Rachel Arnott, riding Martin Arnott’s Quick Pleasure Van De Nachte – Gaele, and Tom Pritchard, aboard Julian Mincher and Double M Stud’s Double M Extrovert, clinched the top spot.
Image: Phil Hillier / Landscape and Horses Photography
Reflecting on her win, Rachel Arnott expressed her determination as she narrowly missed out on qualification at Kelsall earlier in the year, stating, “She’s a special horse and great fun to ride, naturally quick across the ground. I took her to Kelsall Hill for the same class, where she went into the jump off and beat the winning round by 3 secs but rubbed a fence to have it down. I think this made me more determined going to South View, to get that qualification."
Joining Arnott atop the podium, Tom Pritchard, with Double M Sensation, secured his second qualification for the final, following a previous second-place finish at Onley Grounds Equestrian earlier in the year. Tom expressed gratitude towards the support of his owners, emphasising Double M Extravert's talent “I was relaxed going into the jump off, in order to keep the horse relaxed, and happy. He’s a really talented horse, who can be quite sensitive. I’ve really enjoyed riding him and am so grateful for the support of his owners Julian Mincher and Suzanne Fowler for all their help and support”.
Heading to the SEIB Winter Novice Final at the Royal International Horse Show, Tom will debut at Hickstead with Double M Extrovert and Double M Sensation.
1st Rachel Arnott & Quick Pleasure Van De Nachte – Gaele – 0/0 28.57 seconds
1st Tom Pritchard & Double M Extrovert – 0/0 28.57 seconds
3rd James Ingham & Altesse 2 VN Z – 0/0 29.21 seconds
Addington Equestrian Centre | Saturday 2nd March
The SEIB Winter Novice Qualifier Wrapped Up at Addington Equestrian Centre with Alice Ellison and Georgie Strutton Claiming Last Final Spots.
Aiming to secure the last coveted spot in the final, Alice Ellison and Audrey Grahame’s Babette de Landry Z set a pace early on to prove unreachable.
Alice Ellison and Audrey Grahame’s Babette de Landry Z Image: courtesy of Spidge Photography
Reflecting modestly on her recent win, Alice commented, “We didn’t expect to perform this well – she's just slotted right into our routine. I love her personality, she's bubbly and really comes alive in the ring – it really helps when you’ve got a bit of ‘oomph’ behind you!”
This marks Alice’s first qualification for a championship final at Hickstead, and it will be her debut ride in the renowned main arena. “It’s definitely a bucket list moment; it'll be a huge experience. I owe a big thank you to Bella’s owner, Audrey, for giving us this opportunity. We’re incredibly fortunate. I know Audrey is thrilled to see her little horse excelling at what she loves – she was working in the collecting ring at Arena UK but she called me screaming with excitement as soon as the results were announced!”
Also securing their place in the final is Georgie Strutton and Aginiali Z, who pipped John Crippen and Aquila IV to the post by a nail-biting 0.01 second
SEIB WINTER NOVICE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
| RIDER | HORSE | STATUS |
| Rachel Arnott | QUICK PLEASURE VAN DE NACHTE - GAELE | Confirmed |
| Charlie William Atkinson | BALLINGOWAN LEIA | Confirmed |
| Graham Babes | HERCULE DE LA VILLA | Confirmed |
| Graham Babes | NANIETA P | Confirmed |
| Molly Bennett | PSH CONVIVIAL | Confirmed |
| Jessica Lily Cunnington | NAKANTE | Confirmed |
| Thomas Dovkants | PRINCESS VOLO | Confirmed |
| Alice Ellison | BABETTE DE LANDRY Z | Confirmed |
| Alana Hood | MALIBU SUNSET B | Confirmed |
| Ronnie Lee Jones | IRON BRU | Confirmed |
| Leo Lamb | JAGUAR MOON | Confirmed |
| Derek Mccoppin | CONCENTO TW | Confirmed |
| Ryan Page | CURRAGHGRAIGUE Q HILL | Confirmed |
| Thomas Pritchard | DOUBLE M EXTROVERT | Confirmed |
| Thomas Pritchard | DOUBLE M SENSATION | Confirmed |
| Harriette Rushton | CHACSTAR Z | Confirmed |
| Annabel Jane Shields | B.E. FLYGOLD | Confirmed |
| Georgie Strutton | AGINIALI Z | Confirmed |
| Adam Taylor | BASINGWERK IMAGINE | Confirmed |
| William Brannan Walker | TITANIUM IV | Confirmed |
| James Ian Michael Whitaker | CALGARY BOY I | Confirmed |
| Sophie Wicks | BILLY HEPBURN | Confirmed |
The SEIB Winter Novice Championship is a popular series made up of ten national qualifying rounds which are held ahead of the Championship Final, which will once again be run during the prestigious Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead (24 - 18 July 2024).
For more details, visit hickstead.co.uk
