LeMieux Nationals 25: Day four

On the final day of the LeMieux Nationals, eleven titles were awarded, with Sadie Smith taking the crown as the 2025 National Champion. 

Kudos Grand Prix Freestyle Gold 

Winner: Sadie Smith and Swanmore Dantina, 77.050%  

Not even a storm could stop Sadie Smith and Swanmore Dantina from shining bright, as they delivered a stand-out performance in the Kudos Grand Prix Freestyle, becoming LeMieux National Champions. With no mistakes and countless highlights, the pair earned 77.050% to finish four percent ahead of the field.  

The way of going is without doubt an example of what riders at all levels should aim for. Even in the midst of billowing gales and stormy weather side effects, Sadie presented ‘Dia’ with harmony and lightness, it’s clear that from young horse classes to Grand Prix, their journey has been one of friendship and teamwork.  

“It’s a bit surreal to be honest,” Sadie said after being presented with the National Champion trophy, “It’s something I’ve always dreamed of – even as a kid I’ve dreamed of riding here but to be National Champion is a real career highlight for me. To be on there with some of the names who’ve won this title is amazing. I’ve had Dia since the start and we’ve done everything together through the levels; it’s extra special that she’s my horse and we’ve done it together, she’s like my best friend.” 

“That’s what makes her such a good horse – her temperament. She’s got a heart of gold, she always tries and she never lets me down. Even if we have mistakes, it’s generally my fault! That’s the first time I’ve managed to do the Freestyle with no mistakes, so that was the aim. I was so pleased; today it was nice because she was relaxed but I had more power. I couldn’t have asked any more – especially with the weather – the seating was whipping away when I was warming up! But she’ll keep going and fight to the end for you.” 

Reflecting on the journey and the training that’s brought the pair to this level, Sadie analysed: “She had three nice paces when she was four but because of her brain she really learnt to move in the trot. I’ve been able to develop the trot, she found it easy to find suspension, and she’s always been very balanced and straight. She doesn’t have a massive canter or trot, but she can present the movements in a really correct way; she’s always been very adjustable. Over time she’s learnt the expression. I always go for correct, nice riding. We still need to get the piaffe and passage stronger, but it’ll come. It just shows that you don’t need a massive moving young horse to get to the top.” 

“This show has a big atmosphere and this year the horses are a year older, they’ve done a bit more and all bar one have finished in the top three in their sections,” Sadie concluded reflecting on an immense show. “Every day I work so hard to get them better, it’s so rewarded to come here and see your work pay off when they go well. I’ve got a great string of horses, lovely owners and my girls (Sophie Lee Amies and Maddy Biddle) have worked so hard. They’re flat out getting the horses ready, getting to the warm up, feeding, haying and it’s all those things that go on behind the scenes that’s so important to allow me to do my job well. It’s almost more important than the riding in some ways! Without them I wouldn’t have been able to do what I’ve done these past three days.” 

Those who braved the weather and stayed to enjoy an exciting class were treated to an Iberian showcase for the top spots. Richard White and Lynda Cameron’s Heroi de Seixo scored 73.875% to place as Kudos Freestyle runners up; whilst Gareth Hughes and Lufada MVL closed the show with a lovely performance, set to Classic Briolinca’s former freestyle music, earning 73.875% - an equal score to Richard with just a fraction less on the artistic points.  

Rothera Bray Under 21 Championships 

Children on Horses 

Winner: Melissa Hargreaves and Lagerfeld W, 74.375% 

At just 14-years-old, Melissa Hargreaves secured herself her first National win on her own horse Lagerfeld W, also known as Carl at home. The duo scored a very impressive 74.375% by judges Anne Keen, Claire Ballantyne and Sascha Schulz. 

Melissa told us how it felt to take the win, “It’s been incredible, I’ve only been working with Carl for less than a year now and for him to have gone from eventing to dressage in such a sort time, I’m just so proud of him.” Talking about her test, Melissa added “I was really happy with it, especially the pirouette because I have been really struggling with it and also his walk so that was a big bonus. He is the sweetest horse in the stable but he is a bit lively at home as we have a very spooky arena but for him to come out to a show and him being calm is amazing.” 

Speaking about what went into the preparation for the Nationals, Melissa told us “I’ve done a lot of work with my trainer Sarah Higgins and test riding at home.” Sarah has also had a successful week at the Nationals, it's clear Melissa is putting in the hard work. 

Discussing future plans Melissa told us “I’m looking to work towards Junior level now, Carl needs to get his changes and then hopefully we will do that.” 

Oriana Mcnamara and Lafite followed behind in second place with a score of 71.125%. Lillian Waller and Mcsweeney Willinga Park Sky Diamond placed third with a score of 68.875%.

Pony Riders 

Winner: Queenie Moule Amden and Supreme Golden Dancer, 69.667% 

Having always dreamed of competing at the Nationals, Queenie Moule was taken back once she found out she won the Pony Riders Championship. Queenie rode her own gelding, Supreme Golden Dancer. The judges of the class were Anne Keen, Sascha Schulz and Claire Ballantyne which scored Queenie a respectable 69.667%. 

“Our test today was overall really good, I was so happy with him he’s the best. Our canter work and our simple changes were what we wanted to nail today and that’s exactly what he went and did. A couple of little blips but overall perfect.” Queenie added, “I’ve always wanted to come here from since I can remember and the fact that I’m here today and I’ve won is just insane to me.” 

We asked Queenie what she has been doing in preparation to the Nationals, and she told us she has been doing, “A lot of training, I’ve been going to the gym quite a lot. Just so much training and hard work in preparation.” 

Talking about her gelding Supreme Golden Dancer, she explained “He’s the best, he’s so nice and I’ve only had him for just over a year, I’ve never done a FEI in my life so that fact he's taught me all of that in such a short space of time and we’ve come here and won is just amazing.” 

Queenie went on to reflect on her future goals; “Next year my overall goal with Leo is to go to the European Championships with him and our upcoming plans, Wellington CDI next month.” 

Congratulations to Georgie Morgan and Brouwershaven's Jasper who followed closely behind on a score of 69.429% placing them in second. Ever Sinfield and Day Machno Excalibur who came third on a score of 68.666%. 

Junior Riders 

Winner: Isla Sully and Vagabond De Massa, 70.808% 

Following on from Isla Sully’s medal winning team success at the Europeans earlier this summer, Isla has also had a successful Sunday here at the LeMieux National Championships, winning the Junior Riders class on a score of 70.808%. Isla had the ride of her own gelding Vagabond De Massa. 

Reflecting on her test Isla told us “It felt really good, he was amazing in the warm up, really nice and forward and powerful and everything. Slightly disappointed as went I went into the test I forgot to use my leg which is always helpful, but it still felt amazing, and the walk was a lot more improved than how it used to be so I’m really happy.” 

“I’m planning on going to the Wellington CDI later in the year hopefully and then I haven’t really got much else. Just training over the winter.” 

“We have been just training a lot at home, working a lot on walk and the bits that need improving in the test. Also having fun with him to keep thing interesting for him, he’s defiantly a diva so we’ve got to keep him happy.” 

Abigail Gray and Empire B came in second in the Junior riders on 68.939% followed by Penny Smith and Rembrandt GSH in third on 66.616%. 

Young Rider  

Winner: Teghan Cantrell and Woodlander Donna Summer, 72.157% 

It was a clear win for Teghan Cantrell and Woodlander Donna Summer as they took the Junior Rider Champion title on a score of 72.157%.  Woodlander Donna Summer, known as Dona at home is a 20-year-old mare owned by Teghan’s mother, Christine, Cantrell. 

Reflecting on her test, Teghan explained “It is our last Young Riders test together and we came after Europeans which was the highlight of my season and then we decided we weren’t going to come then we decided we were going to come to the National Championships and the only aim was to just have fun and we won so that's further than what I asked for from Dona today” 

Teghan added, “My season has been the best season I have ever had. Dona has had a lot of down time as well as a lot of training but we keep everything very simple, she is a very smart mare, she knows the moves, it's all down to relaxation. So we spend a lot of time working on suppleness then she also receives a lot of down time because she is 20.” Tegan describes Dona as “the yard favorite, she's very aloof, likes her space. We call her “Queen”, if someone is dealing with Queen then they are dealing with Dona.” 

Looking to future plans, Teghan said “With Dona it will be next season, we might step up to U25 Grand Prix, it all depends on how she feels. Other than that I have two young horses I need to bring out over the winter.” 

Reflecting on her time at the Nationals, Teghan told us “It’s been so much fun, it’s my first Nationals ever so I will definitely be coming back.” 

To round up, Tegan wanted to mention her biggest supporters. She told us “My mum is here today, she is my biggest fan and she is also Dona’s owner and also my Nan who is currently on a flight. She brought Wi-Fi on the flight just to see how I did so I would say they are my two biggest supporters. Here today is my mum and Will, my boyfriend.” 

Isobel Lickley and Katniss placed second in the class on a score of 69.804% and third place went to Francesca Cawley and Dame Blanche with a score of 65.833%. 

The Centre Line Prelim Gold  

Winner: Sadie Smith and Times Rococo, 74.267% 

Sadie Smith’s enjoyed a fantastic championships, in rain and shine! On Sunday morning, it was Peter Belshaw’s Times Rococo to take his turn in the spotlight, scoring 74.267% to win The Centre Line Prelim Gold.  

KBIS four-year-old champion Raver TC went close to a second title of the week, scoring 73.867% with Anna Burns in the saddle this time around. Kerry Mackin and Finest Romance also earned a fantastic score of 72.800%, giving them a well-earned third place in a class that provided one of the Championships highlights.  

Bret Willson International Advanced Medium Gold  

Winner: Dannie Morgan & Fever Tree, 77.25% 

Dannie Morgan and his ever-impressive Foundation-sired Fever Tree added another title to their collection, going one better than their placing in the KBIS 7YO final, to earn the Bret Willson International Advanced Medium Gold. Their winning score was a marvellous 77.250%, for a test that Dannie credited as ‘perhaps his best to date’.  

“I was really pleased with Fever Tree today,” the successful Hampshire-rider commented, “I contested the seven-year-olds on him and he was a little bit tight yesterday and had definitely got a lot of energy, so today he was able to show more relaxation and I was thrilled I think it was probably the best test we have ever done.”  

The combination haven’t yet attended a BD championship without bringing home a title, and today they had a masterful pair of eyes-on-the-ground at their side: “It is really exciting to come and do it here. Carl was a big help warming up this morning. We have done a lot of training with Carl and Sadie Smith, who is having such a great week. Carl is so good because he is so relaxed, so small little tips that all helps with your confidence really and the fact he was here for me to do and get that score is really cool.”  

“I think this is his seventh or eighth title, I think he has won at every level to Advanced Medium which is really special as a seven-year-old. I just love him to bits, he makes me really happy, I am so lucky to have him.”  

Fever Tree, having recently represented Great Britain at the FEI WBSFH World Breeding Championships, has a well-earned reputation of being one of Britan’s brightest prospects for the future. “He is really talented, so I am very lucky that I don’t have to train too much. It is just building strength with him really. He is very clever and picks up things well, our changes were green earlier in the season, and they have really come along now. I am just guided a lot by Carl, with what he thinks we should aim him for, he is just really exciting.”  

“I will probably give him the winter now and not aim for the Winter Championships next year but try and establish him at small tour and go to some CDI’s next year.”  

Dannie and his team return home with two titles, as Lauren Burrows also joined him on the top step of the podium: “It has been a busy week, we have eight horses here between me and Lauren, Lauren grooms for me and Sarah Wheeler is here grooming for me as well, they have worked really hard as it’s been long days. We all work hard to come here and do this; I couldn’t do it without them. I am really pleased Lauren has had a great week too, she has really turned into a consistent rider and is talent and a winner. She comes and leaves no stone unturned, and I have been very proud watching her.”  

Bret Willson International Advanced Medium Silver Championship  

Winner: Laura Hill and Jobarde - E 

Laura Hill and Jobarde-E earned their ticket to the National Championships through a wildcard and did a test worthy of winning! The duo claimed the title of Bret Willson Internatinal Advanced Medium Silver Champions with a score of, 69.972%. 

“I was really happy with my test, he was a bit nervous at the start of the trot but as we got going, he started to swing along and come up and move” Laura told us whilst reflecting on her test. Sharing the highlights Laura said, “I was happy with the walk, sometimes it can be our downfall but he kept marching. The canter started off a little bit tense, but he held it together beautifully, I was really happy we nailed the serpentine, because at the Regionals that’s where we became a little bit unstuck, so I was pleased overall.” 

Having owned ‘Romeo’ since he was three-years-old, now at age eleven the gelding has grown up around Laura’s three children she explained, “it has been a long journey so far, he’s been stopped and started because of having my three kids. But he’s just the absolute yard favorite, he’s the king of the yard. He’s so special, the teachers pet as a young horse.” 

With a string of previous impressive top five results Laura was overjoyed with today, “he came fifth in the four-year-old final, fifth in the Hickstead International five-year-old class, fifth in the Novice as a six-year-old, so I thought we might come fifth again to be honest! I would have been really happy with that.” 

“I’ve just stepped up to PSG, and I hope he’ll do Small Tour and have fun going up the levels. He is really established at Advanced Medium, he won his Winter Regional , but if he gets nervous like he did at the Winter Championships, that’s where it can all go wrong, he was on the cusp of that today but he held it together beautifully.”  

As a part of the family, Laura described Romeo as, “really easy, nothing phases him, he’s not spooky” The duo haven’t put any added pressure on themselves in preparation leading up to today, “he’s been on really good form this week, I’ve not done too much with him. I’ve been training with Keith Robertson, had some great lessons with him recently. He’s only done one show since the Regionals, back in July so he doesn’t need too much prep, he’s just a dude really.” You will next see Laura and Romeo out at the Summer Area Festival Championships where they have qualified for the Prix St Georges class!  

In this hotly contested Advanced Medium Silver, the top five were separated by only one percent. Jennifer Harkness and Inouk finished in second place with a score of 68.806% and closely behind was Liam Wattrus with Fürstenvae, receiving 68.722%.  

HorseQuest Elementary Gold  

Winner: Sonnar Murray-Brown and Devina B, 74.788%  

Sonnar Murray-Brown produced an outstanding test with his shining star Devina B, earning the HorseQuest Elementary Gold title on Sunday. Their winning score was 74.788% rewarded by Islay Auty, Jane Critchley, Mary Anne Horn, Sarah Leitch and Debbie Wardle; in a class of immense quality, the contest for the top placings was close – Dannie Morgan and Freya VII placed second with 74.485% and Bryony Goodwin was just a fraction behind on SJL Niko with 74.273,%. 

“I was very pleased with her, especially in these conditions – although I got the beginning of the rain! I had two little blips but generally I was really happy with the way she delivered and she felt a bit more secure in all the work. I was really happy with most of it, the mistakes were a little annoying and I thought it cost me! She has so much talent, there’s obviously a long way to go but it’s really promising that she’s come here for her first Nationals and delivered.” 

Sonnar found his superstar from the recommendation of a friend, “I looked at the video and thought actually... I quite like this! When I sat on her I thought ‘oh my god’, she was raw but she gave a great feeling.” 

“Her attitude is second to none, she comes off the lorry, looks where she is, takes it all in and I swear she’s lived before. It’s amazing to have something that’s wise beyond her years.” 

“She’s a big girl and she’s a big mover, she’s finding balance now. It’s lovely to work with people who want the best for her,” Sonnar credited his team of owners who’ve been part of Devina’s journey, with plenty of time taken to allow her to grow and thrive, “I really hope there’s a long journey to come.”