News
The countdown to the Quest Championships are on as My Quest Semi-Finals heat up
- Written By: British Dressage | Maddie Hinchliff
- Published: Thu, 24 Sep 2026 09:00
The first set of Quest Semi-Finals came and went with a huge amount of success, as combinations from across the country put their best foot forward last weekend as they campaigned for a spot at the My Quest Championships across five venues (19 – 20 September).
Kingswood Equestrian, Wolverhampton
U21 rider Molly Green blew judges away at the Kingswood My Quest Semi Finals with Jemma Green’s Abergavenny KO, who is known in the stable as Kevin. At just 14 years old, Molly topped the scoreboard in the U21 Preliminary 2 in front of judges Sarah Dobell (C) and Sarah Reddihough (E), becoming the only rider to score over 70% in the My Quest classes. Finishing on a final combined score of 70.76%, securing her golden ticket to the Championships in November. “My biggest highlight was qualifying for the MyQuest Finals and getting such amazing results with Abergavenny KO. I was really proud of how consistent he was, and the whole weekend was such a fun experience.
“I’ve learnt so much with Kevin We’ve worked really hard together, and every competition has helped us grow as a partnership. He’s taught me to be patient and believe in myself, and it’s really special to see all our hard work paying off”. Molly and Kevin made their Quest debut at the beginning of the year, competing in both My Quest and Team Quest competitions as a part of the West Midlands Dressage Group (WMDG) Quest teams. When explaining to us what her favourite part of Quest is, Molly explained that “I love how friendly and supportive everyone is. Quest gives riders of all levels a chance to enjoy dressage, make new friends, and have goals to work towards. I would really like to thank Carol and Geoff Simpson from West Midlands Dressage group for all their hard work and support also the great tuition we have from Sophie Farquharson and Caroline Green.”
In the Open category, Marie Lowndes came out victorious in an extremely close top three in the Open Introductory 3. Aboard her own 20-year-old gelding Ardlea Barry Star, Marie took the win by one collective mark and a final score of 68.52%. Nicola Baird finished in second place with her own Merri Ahoy, and Vicki Hudson completed the podium line-up with her own Solar Storm Legacy on 67.95%.
Aster Academy, Kent
Heading down to the South East, the Aster Academy also showcased a fantastic range of talent. However, U21 rider Scarlett Demello delivered two standout performances with her own 17-year-old mare Farah Van SP. Taking home two outstanding wins, Scarlett scored a brilliant 74.770% in the My Quest U21 Introductory 3 in front of judges Tamara Strapp and Donna Johnson. This score is a personal best for Scarlett in this test, but sits just behind her all-time personal best of 75.68%, which she achieved in the Introductory 1 back in June at the very beginning of their competition journey: “Farah and I started our journey this year, and started competing in June.” Scarlett’s huge score secured this formidable pair the win by a six percent lead, and pave the way for her second golden ticket of the competition by nearly three percent in the U21 Preliminary 2, where she won on a score of 70.540%. “We had a really great time at the MyQuest semi finals the atmosphere was friendly and everyone was helpful.”
Speaking about her tests, Scarlett told us that “my highlights were our trot work in both the tests. Farah felt switched on and tried her best for me. Winning the Intro and Prelim was amazing and I’m really excited about our growing partnership.”
There was also lots of tough competition in the Open competition, but Dana Dobbie and her own ex-event gelding MGH Maybe a Mission pulled off a brilliant test to score 70.670% in the Open Novice 2 in front of judges Emma McGurk and Donna Johnson. Kate Morgan finished in second place with her own Castle Hill Lad on 68.560% and finally Charlotte Hall completed the top-three lineup with her own Tredellans Poppy on 64.230%.
© Martha Morgan Photography
Kings Sedgemoor, Somerset
Down in the South West at Kings Sedgemoor, Stacy Jasper took a commanding win in the My Quest Open Introductory 3 with 68.52%. Aboard her seven-year-old gelding, Stacy brought home the victory with nearly a three percent lead in the combination’s first season the BD competition. “I was honestly pleased just to have qualified for the semi-finals as this is our first year of Quest, and our aim was to have a good solid score and enjoy the experience.”
“He was a little star but to win our class was a bit of a shock and the icing on the cake. I’ve had Nigel for three years now, since he was a recently backed four-year-old and we’ve done a bit of everything. Hunting, fun rides and showing although we give jumping a miss as poles are apparently scary monsters!
“We had a fantastic day, it was well organised and everyone was so friendly and helpful, which since starting Quest is something I have found at every venue we’ve been to.”
In the U21 competition Tilly Jackson brought home a huge win in the Introductory 3, scoring 73.31% to take the lead by exactly five percent. The pair also competed in the Preliminary 2, where they finished second on 66.20%. At just 11-years-old, Tilly and her ten-year-old mare Divine Melody have had a fantastic season so far, where they have grown in confidence over the months and have seen their scores creeping up as the months go on. Most recently, the pair went to Leyland Court, where they scored 70.38% and 74.60% in the Introductory and Preliminary classes. In the Introductory 3, Anya Pearson finished in second place with Fleet House Ezra on 68.41%, and Sophie Vallis finished third on Rathmore Boy with 67.50%. Elouise Webber won the Preliminary 2 with Orkneyinga Loki on 66.30%, and Pixie Kilford finished in third with Cornee Belle on 65.33%.
© Barry Barnard Photography
Pickering Grange, Leicestershire
U21 rider Grace Black produced a set of exemplary scores at the North & East’s Pickering Grange aboard her own Machno Silver-Edition, known as Theo at home. In front of judges Moira Richardson and Alison Pepper, Grace scored 71.250% in the Introductory 3 and 72.280% in the Preliminary 2, where she rode in front of judges Sarah Jacklin and Tina Kazmi. In the Introductory 3, 11-year-old Grace won with just under a three percent clearance, earning her golden tickets to the finals in November. “Theo and I had a rocky start to Quest in March. I had only had him a few weeks and thought what a great way to get to know him, so we signed him up. Well… he hated the signage, a bin next to the arena and at one point jumped out of the boards. Over the next few months, he found his love for those white boards and has become the best dancing partner. We’ve had a great time bonding and developing our partnership together. Neither of us are a fan of walk trot tests as I have ADHD /Dyslexia and get so easily distracted and Theo is very similar. So, the prelim tests became our favourite. We have worked so hard on that concentration.
“The Quest Semi Finals felt so big for us, and we were just so proud and excited to be there. The line up this year was tough and honestly, we hoped to be leaving with a stable plaque and a lovely photo at best. There were no live updates after the competitions and so it felt intense not knowing and waiting for your name to be called at the prize giving… I was on cloud nine that we made it through to the Championships. Then to actually win the intro, I was so happy, I actually couldn’t believe it to start with… but the real surprise was the Prelim. I knew some of the other riders and had never placed above them in other competitions. When second place was called and it wasn’t me, I actually couldn’t believe it… I’ve never been so shocked, happy and proud in all my life. Theo and I had worked so hard on our weaknesses and my anxiety. The suspense was amazing and added to the occasion.”
Grace made her Quest debut last season with her little Cob, Jessie, who she sadly outgrew. Grace went on to explain that “it was our dream to do a dressage competition before she went and we made it to Quest Champs and she went to her new forever home the very next day, that was the end of our journey together. So, to start my journey with Theo at Quest and to get to champs really is a dream come true.”
In the Open section, there was some tight competition with just half a percent separating the top two in the Preliminary 2 competition. However, in the Introductory 3 it was Hollie Taylor and her own Princess Scally who broke the 70% barrier to score a brilliant 70.800% in front of judges Jane Peberdy and Tina Kazmi. This is Hollie and Princess Scally’s first season competing in the BD, and this semi-final competition marked a new personal best score for the pair, bagging them their spot at the championships. Joining Hollie at Arena UK, Genie Creamer finished just behind in second place on Sparkling Diamond Lass with 68.640%, and Emily Pearson finished in third with Caerhos Germonimo on 67.390%.
© HKF Photography
Netherton Equestrian, Perth
And last but not least, up in Scotland Katie Anderson claimed a double victory in the Open Preliminary 2 and Novice 2 competition on her own Cashel Bob. Known at home as Bob, Katie’s own 14-year-old Irish-bred gelding danced his feathers off to score 69.78% in front of Karen Dewar and Carol Wood in the Preliminary, and 67.79% in the Novice. “Saturday was an outstanding day for Bob and I – we travelled three hours up to Netherton for the My Quest Semi Finals where we were taking part in both the prelim and novice classes. Bob absolutely smashed it to win both the semi-final tests and qualifying us for finals. I have owned Bob for around seven years, in which we have spent most of it happy hacking and participating in local fun rides, Riding of Marches and Common Ridings. It wasn’t until just last year my friend persuaded me to bring him along to a local dressage competition to give it a go! In the last year we have done various BD shows and mainly focused on Quest both as part of a team and individually.” Katie and Bob have shown themselves as true stars over the last twelve months in BD, including scoring 77.80% and 76.30% in their last two outings before these semi-finals.
“Saturday was a mega day for us, we had never been to Netherton before, but the venue was fabulous and very welcoming. My highlights from both tests, and as always anytime I go out with Bob, was trotting down that centre line with my best friend! He never fails to amaze me, and he just gets better and better. He is so chilled, loves his work and tries his little heart out for me every time!
“Bob also proves that although cobs may be bred to pull carts, they can be dainty sometimes, cobs can do dressage! I love quest because we have an amazing team who all support one another and we get to spend time with friends and our ponies. I would recommend to anyone to rally up a group of pals and give it a go!”
For the U21 Riders, Shana McGovern stole the spotlight in the Introductory 3 with her own Darrenvale Banjo, scoring 72.73% in front of Joanna Wilkie and Catriona Armstrong and taking the win by a two percent lead. Shana is another newcomer to the Quest family this season, campaigning both Darrenvale Banjo and Hope Of Achindrean with great success this season. Just behind Shana, Orla Bomber came second on 70.68% with Hennesy Firefly and Charley Marioni finished in third with Northwinds Midnight Star on 67.61%.
Thanks go to the organisers and teams at each of the events for delivering superbly run championships, and congratulations to all riders and connections for their hard work and excellent performances throughout.
Results – top three
Kingswood Equestrian
Open Introductory 3
1. Marie Lowndes and Ardlea Barry Star, 68.52% (col – 123.00)
2. Nicola Baird and Merri Ahoy, 68.52% (col – 122.00)
3. Vicki Hudson and Solar Storm Legacy, 67.95%
Open Preliminary 2
1. Christine Edwards and Mr Brownes Boy, 68.04%
2. Bethany Addis and Frank Lad, 67.83%
3. Ella Lyford and Jesmond Shakala, 67.17%
Open Novice 2
1. Isabel Burrows and McCloud Van Vrijhern 68.46%
2. Di Stevens and Moonlit Black Jack, 67.12%
3. Julie Price and Luckiest Clover, 67.02%
U21 Introductory 3
1. Hunny Holford-Challenor and Gorgeous George IV, 69.55%
2. Poppy Hadley and Shanrye Finley, 68.30%
3. Lillyrose Holford-Griffin and Little Miss Candy Cane, 68.30%
U21 Preliminary 2
1. Molly Green and Abergavenny KO, 70.76%
2. Jemima Williamson and Mighty Max, 68.37%
3. Penny Pryce and Wild at Heart T, 68.15%
U21 Novice 2
1. Beatrice Rogers and Jacordi’s Bo’s Barclay, 69.71%
2. Penny Pryce and Wild at Heart T, 68.56%
3. Lois McGrath and Mr Kehlens Vincent, 68.08%
Aster Academy
Open Introductory 3
1. Rhiannon Davies and Harleys Benedict, 67.160%
2. Helen Hill and Derry Lucy, 66.710%
3. Lynn Bruce and Allegre, 64.890%
Open Preliminary 2
1. Helen Farlow and Lucy VIII, 69.460%
2. Helen Richards and Moortown Masterpiece, 68.040%
3. Louise Macdonald and Monday Blues II, 65.870%
Open Novice 2
1. Dana Dobbie and MGH Maybe a Mission, 70.670%
2. Kate Morgan and Castle Hill Lad, 68.560%
3. Charlotte Hall and Tredellans Poppy, 64.230%
U21 Introductory 3
1. Scarlett Demello and Farah Van SP, 74.770%
2. Charlotte Mercer and Winston Domino, 68.410%
3. Mariella Gentile and Tynycaia Lollipop, 66.820%
U21 Preliminary 2
1. Scarlett Demello and Farah Van SP, 70.540%
2. Taylor Thompson and Rosshill Puppy, 67.170%
3. Frèja Noble and Mackney Connies Boy, 65.870%
U21 Novice 2
1. Lauren Preston and Mr Skips, 63.850%
2. Lauren Preston and Lough Melvin Miller, 57.310%
Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre
Open Introductory 3
1. Stacy Jasper and Westridge Diesel's Boy, 68.52%
2. Emma Vine and Devon Blue, 65.80%
3. Kate Ellis and Last Chance, 64.77%
Open Preliminary 2
1. Fiona Russell-Brown and Nye Painted Lady, 69.24%
2. Hannah Care and Brechfa Ciga, 68.59%
3. Ann King and Travellerways Rocky, 68.37%
Open Novice 2
1. Lizette Jackman and Murphy’s Gauntlet, 69.23%
2. Becky Andrews and Tyan Talk of the Town, 68.85%
3. Emma Murch and Gwynfaes Llewelyn, 67.69%
U21 Introductory 3
1. Tilly Jackson and Divine Melody, 73.41%
2. Anya Pearson and Fleet House Ezra, 68.41%
3. Sophie Vallis and Rathmore Boy, 67.50%
U21 Preliminary 2
1. Eloise Webber and Orkneyinga Loki, 66.30%
2. Tilly Jackson and Divine Melody, 66.20%
3. Pixie Kilford and Cornee Belle, 65.33%
U21 Novice 2
1. Isabella Golder, 68.37%
2. Sofia Ashley Jones, 65.67%
3. Lily Stiff and Point Taken, 65.38%
Pickering Grange
Open Introductory 3
1. Hollie Taylor and Princess Scally, 70.800%
2. Genie Creamer and Sparkling Diamond Lass, 68.640%
3. Emily Pearson and Caerhos Geronimo, 67.390%
Open Preliminary 2
1. Caroline Currie and Kilimanjaro HDH, 69.570%
2. Sarah Simpkins and Whoza Bruiser, 69.020%
3. Sally Ramskill and Ballybrit Duke, 68.260%
Open Novice 2
1. Alison Young and MSJ Nigel, 69.420%
2. Poppy Noble and Romantic Sohn, 67.890%
3. Becky Matthewman and San Rock, 66.060%
U21 Introductory 3
1. Grace Black and Machno Silver-Edition, 71.250%
2. Phoebe Stubbs and Rebel Supernova, 68.520%
3. Bree Lawton and Hillside Oslo, 65.680%
U21 Preliminary 2
1. Grace Black and Machno Silver-Edition, 72.280%
2. Rose Cassapi Paskins and Nantfforchog Blue Moonstar, 71.740%
3. Lucinda Lewis and Joiners Rio Verdie, 68.260%
U21 Novice 2
1. Keeley Nundy and Sfumato, 70.670%
2. Millie Bowler and Bathleyhills Chanel Allure, 66.640%
3. Amelia Thomas-Wymark and Rhoswen Tenor, 65.480%
Netherton Equestrian
Open Introductory 3
1. Phoebe Redman and Summer Breeze, 71.59%
2. Lucy Little and Canada K, 69.66%
3. Hellen Rae and Murrayshall Assynt, 67.95%
Open Preliminary 2
1. Katie Anderson and Cashel Bob, 69.78%
2. Kerry Balment and ACHN Jump the Red, 68.15%
3. Jacqueline Coull and Trailtrow Gracie, 68.04%
Open Novice 2
1. Katie Anderson and Cashel Bob, 67.79%
2. James Cameron and Waverhead Fantasy, 66.54%
3. Jill Chapman and My Man Monty, 66.44%
U21 Introductory 3
1. Shana McGovern and Darrenvale Banjo, 72.73%
2. Orla Bomber and Hennesy Firefly, 70.68%
3. Charley Marioni and Northwinds Midnight Star, 67.61%
U21 Preliminary 2
1. Kayleigh Qadeer and Creevelea Sweet Thing, 67.61%
2. Abi Cox and Super Danny, 66.74%
3. Orla Bomber and Hennesy Firefly, 66.63%
U21 Novice 2
1. Kayleigh Qadeer and Creevelea Sweet Thing, 67.60%
2. Harry Moore and Parcybedew Sparkling Diamond, 67.02%
3. Abi Cox and Super Danny, 63.46%
