Championship dreams continued to come true on day three of the 2026 Petplan Summer Area Festival Championships, with more titles decided across a packed schedule at Arena UK. From rising stars making their mark to experienced combinations delivering personal best performances, competitors produced plenty of memorable moments as the celebrations rolled on.
Petplan Prix St Georges Silver
Lynn Wickes and Furstino, 68.137%
Our first champions on day three were Lynn Wickes and Furstino. The duo won the Petplan Prix St Georges Silver, with a great score of 68.137% from the judges in arena three, Lotte Olsen (C), Susie Douglas-Osbourne (E) and Tom Graham (M).
Reflecting on her test and the feeling of winning, Lynn shared, "It is lovely, it is such a privilege to win a championship, I am highly delighted with my horse. He was a star in the arena, he stayed with me, there were various bits and pieces I could have done a bit better, but overall, I was delighted with him."
Lynn speaking on their highlights in the arena joked, "The last halt was my favourite moment!" There were lovely moments in the test, rewarded by the judges, "My trot work tour was much more established this time round, he has only just started at Prix St Georges level, this is only his sixth test, so we are still both quite green. He is getting more cadence in the trot, he is getting more balanced with his carriage, that was more of my highlight."
Sharing her journey with the black gelding, Freddie, Lynn explained, "I brought him as a rising five-year-old, I went to Germany to source him, and I loved him the moment I sat on him. We got him back here, we started competing him as a six-year-old, we started him at Prelim and he has been placed at National level from Prelim all the way to Advanced Medium, so he has been quite a consistent horse at the levels. He was Advanced Medium Silver Champion at the Winters this year, I am so lucky to have him."
Lynn, describing the nine-year-old, said "He is a determined horse, and has endless energy and never gives up, which is great when you want to get to the higher levels. He has become braver in the arena, he used to become quite strong with me and spooky, but he is now getting used to the bigger occasion and gaining more confidence all the time." This was their first time competing at Arena UK, having travelled four hours to get here, "I have been thrilled with him today, he's been a very good boy."
Lynn trains with Dannie Morgan, and looking ahead to the future shared, "I would love him to go Grand Prix, he is learning his piaffe and passage, I mentally struggle with the one time changes, he probably doesn't but my timing just isn't quick enough at the moment, so I have got to get my head around that one. I think because he has so much natural impulsion and desire, he probably has the mentality to do it, if I can learn to ride the test then we could do it."
The Area Festivals series was the perfect place for the duo, Lynn shared, "I wanted to gain more experience in a championships and because we are new to this level, I just thought this was a wonderful place to come and help him to realise that this is what life is all about, I also think it is a lovely, friendly sort of show and it is a great training and competing exercise for getting them used to the environment."
Hannah MacMillan and Brookeborough Lad were our second-place finishers, with 68.039% and we had Mandy Brown riding Catherston Tiffany and Tabitha Leicester with Eires Rock were joint third, on the same score of 65.441%.
Petplan Elementary Freestyle Bronze
Heidi Wickington and Lankill Rebel, 70.449%
15-year-old Heidi Wickington took the joint win aboard her 11-year-old Connemara pony Lankill Rebel on a final score of 70.449% in front of judges Moira Richardson (E), John Robinson (C) and Nick Bigland (M). Heidi and Rebel qualified from the Speedgate Area Festival, where they finished third with 68.53% and took the win in the Novice Freestyle. “He was a bit excited going in at first because he doesn’t really like indoor schools because it’s quite a big atmosphere for him. But he was really good, he kept it all together, and he was quite forward… yeah, he was really good overall.”
Heidi and Rebel danced their way through their music, which featured Havana from Camilla Caballo, She Bangs by Ricky Martin, and Whenever by Shakira. They received 7.5s across the board for their music and interpretation, and well as two 7.5s and one 7.0 for their choreography.
When reflecting on the highlights from their test, Heidi explained that “The trot leg yields were really nice, he came off my leg really well.” Since qualifying in August, the pair have been focusing on establishing the medium work at home, and made their medium debut in mid-September, which Heidi attributes to their success today: “Doing the half passes and medium work has really got him together for the elementary. Because he is now working at the medium movements, he is finding the elementary work easier. He’s not established so the scores haven’t been amazing, but I’m going to keep working on them over the winter”.
Unfortunately, the run up to this show hasn’t been the most ideal, as Heidi badly sprained her knee a couple of weeks ago. This clearly didn’t stop this incredible duo, as they also achieved 7.0s across the board for their harmony.
Looking towards the winter, Heidi hopes to carry on their training to establish themselves at medium, and create their medium freestyle with the hopes of re-qualifying next year.
Petplan Elementary Freestyle Bronze
Ava Godley and Godello, 70.449%
The second half of our fabulous joint winners in the Petplan Elementary Freestyle Bronze were Ava Godley and Godello, who also received a fabulous score of 70.449% in the indoor arena during the morning.
Ava was over the moon to have won, "Oh my god, it is an absolute dream come true, he has just been amazing all show, and I couldn't be prouder of him." Ava chose to use Spanish themed music in her freestyle because, Dello as he is known at home, is a Spanish PRE, I want to show off to everyone that Spanish horses can do the same thing as all the warmbloods. We have a bit of Vida Loca, and he loves it, I think it brings out his personality."
Having owned the grey gelding for five years, Ava shared some of their journey together so far, "I have been competing him for the last three years, he came from Spain and didn't have any knowledge, he was a little baby. We both basically have grown together because I had not done any of this before, so we have taken it all in together."
Ava describes the 15-year-old as, "A diva at home, everyone knows that Dello has first of everything, first care." Horses are everything to Ava, she shared, "Life for me without horses isn't my life, I am always with the horses, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Ava has competed in the series for the last two years now, "The Area Festivals is such a good series, it is just so well run. It makes you feel like you actually have a chance of achieving which is so nice to feel." Looking ahead to the future, Ava shared, "I would like to try and get up to Medium next year and do another freestyle. I love the freestyle, I feel like I am at home when I hear music. I will just see how far he wants to go and we will listen to him when he has reached his limit on what he wants to do."
Anna James on her own bay mare, Caramia's Voice were in third place, with another great score of 69.295%.
Petplan Elemenatary Bronze
Karl Bowman and Millfield Unimaginable, 71.302%
Our Petplan Elementary Bronze Champions were Karl Bowman and Millfield Unimaginable, who impressed the judges in arena one. Cherry Elvin (C), Sandra Edwards (E) and Les Smith (M) awarded the combination a winning score of 71.302%.
Speaking on how it felt in the moment and reaching this point after only six months of partnership, Karl shared, "I am delighted, it is very unexpected! We recently changed tacked with Mikey a little bit, he has primarily evented in his early career, he is nine-years-old now. I evented him as well, but we decided to changed his career a bit and focus on the dressage, so this was our main goal over the last six months, to get here was very good, but to win, that was very unexpected."
The duo and their support team had a very long wait for all those scores to come in, with 38 competitors in the class, "We were third to go in the draw this morning, so it has been a tentative wait with my wife and his owner Jackie, we are just delighted."
Mikey took in the atmosphere of the big event, and shone in the arena, "His test this morning was brilliant, he was really with me all the way and it was a clear round. We are just really excited about him, we think he could climb up the ladder, this is all new to me, I am a showjumper and I have evented a little bit, this is my first championships, so I am looking forward to developing my sitting trot to go forward to medium."
It was Mikey who made Karl's decision to step between the white boards, "I am really fond of the horse, we have a great partnership, I feel as though we get on really well and I understand him. There are ups and downs, he is a bit of an introvert, but also can have his moments as well. I think as we go on and develop further, I think we are a good team and I can't wait to see what we can do."
The bay gelding is known for being a big character at home, "He tries to let himself out the door, so we have to have three different latches on the door, so he can't undo them like Houdini. He loves his turnout and is quite quirky sharp at home to work and ride, but because I know him he is fine, I know he is not going to be too much silly."
"Like with the rug situation, it was more like, 'no Karl get off' because we were going to be gone. He would just panic, so it is about trying to encourage his talent and give him the confidence to just go for it." Mikey wasn't to sure about having his presentation rug and rosette on, so Karl opted to go without during their lap of honour to make sure Mikey was happy, which he looked, cantering around in the spotlight.
The Area Festival series was the perfect choice for the duo and also to help build Mikey's confidence, "It was the right choice for us, I have a full time job, I am a fashion designer and have my own small fashion label. My wife runs a very small yard. She does everything at home for me and I just turn up and ride, she is just amazing."
This horse has a very exciting future, and seems to have loved turning his hoof to dressage, "I would to try and develop a bit more connect with him and step up to Medium in the upcoming months, I am really quite excited, I think he is talented and I want to develop my riding in a new way to become a more 'stabilised' sitting trot dressage rider. My mother, keeps telling me to put my stirrups down, going from the jump event saddle to this saddle over the last few months has been quite a change."
Helen Jackson and Adams Park were our second place finishers, with a great score of 69.219% and Anna James riding Caramia's Voice were in third with a score of 68.906%.
Petplan Freestyle Elementary Silver
Amy-Lauren Fillingham and Lincoln LDS, 72.885%
Amy-Lauren Fillingham and Lincoln LDS are our 2026 Summer Petplan Elementary Freestyle Silver champions, winning the hotly contested class with a great score of 72.885% on day three of the championships.
"It really amazing, I came here saying I would be really happy with a top ten and he exceeded all expectations" Amy commented following their moment in the spotlight during the lap of honour.
Reflecting on the test, Amy shared, "All of the test felt good, he loves his Elementary music, he knows that test probably better than I do! It is really nice when he turns onto those mediums and just goes 'I've got it I'm going' that would be my favourite bit."
The duo danced to a medley of Queen songs, from 'Fat Bottomed Girls' to 'We are the Champions', Amy spoke on why she chose to compete in the freestyle class, "I really enjoy them because you get to bring out your horse's personality in them, you get to pull their strengths and really showcase them in the best way. They are also fun and if that day it is not going to plan you can always pop a circle in and no one would know."
The lovely KWPN gelding is owned by Phyllis Oconnell, who bred the now ten-year-old Amy explained, "I took over the ride just under two years ago after taking a long break from competing. Our first show was actually here [Arena UK] at a High Profile; she proper chucked me in at the deep end! We then started our youth journey, he had already done a bit of BD Youth, so he held my hand through that. We did a bit of D Squad, the moved to A Squad but now I am too old. We have done a bit of everything, he is just fab, there is nothing he wouldn't do for you."
Describing the 16hh bay, Amy shared, "He is pampered pet; he lives the life of luxury. He is a proper mommy's boy, even if I am sat on another horse, he is furious, he also loves his time out in the field but equally he loves to be tucked up in bed at night."
Amy has found the Area Festival series really enjoyable, "I like how friendly it is and everyone is always really supportive. The venues always put on a really big show and all the decorations are out and it's such a really nice atmosphere. I have always really enjoyed it, I had done a couple of Area Festivals before, but I just love it atmosphere and everyone is really lovely."
Looking ahead to the future for this exciting combination, Amy concluded, "By the end of the year I would like to be out at Advanced Medium, he is very clever, so I have had to plan things each year and not touch the changes until this is over. So, we can now crack on with the changes, I would like to qualify for our next Area Festival at Advanced Medium if we can pull our socks up."
In second place we had Samantha Wood and WFS Prince of Hearts, with a very close score of 72.565%. In third spot was Kathy Staples, continuing a successful championships with another podium finish, this time with Valton S, on a score of 71.987%.
Petplan Elementary Silver
Kathy Staples and Valton S, 70.157%
Kathy Staples continued on her huge success from this week, picking up her second Championship title, but this time aboard her own six year old Valton S. In front of judges Sandra Smith (E), Janet Surr (C) and Lindsey Dawes (M), Kathy took her win with 70.157% in an incredibly tight field of competitors, where there was less than one percent separating first and seventh place.
Reflecting on her final test of the week, Kathy told us that “I was really pleased with him, to be honest. He's been here since Tuesday afternoon because I've had other horses. So I rode him on Wednesday, and he felt brilliant. Thursday, he felt a bit more tired, and today he's definitely like ‘Yeah, I am a bit tired!’ but he's a real try-hard. He never lets you down, even if things aren't perfect. He always tries his hardest. That's just his mentality. We really can't fault him for that.”
Reflecting on the highlights from their test, Kathy explained that his trot work is always solid, where she earned sevens all the way down the test sheet: “he's still a baby, and a bit green, weak and just gangly. So, he's got a lot of strengthening up to do. But all that's coming, and the canter’s getting stronger. He did a good medium canter today, and yeah, just generally a case of getting him a bit stronger and building up.”
Kathy and Valton S have been a partnership for a couple of years now, after Kathy purchased him as an unbacked four-year-old, and has subsequently produced him herself since, “I've had three horses here this week that have all come from the same place, all come unbacked, and I've backed them and started to have done everything with them, so we've had a pretty good week. I’m very proud of them.” Furthermore, Kathy’s first love was in eventing, of which she competed in for a number of years, until her last event in 2021. “We needed a bit of a change. Back then I had a 15hh Connemara pony, that didn't agree with eventing and doing cross country, so I said right, well, let’s do a bit of dressage and see how we go. I then qualified and won the Prelim Regional. And then we went to the Nationals, which were at Stoneleigh at the time, and finished fourth. And I thought I actually quite like this! So, let's do a bit more! And then after that, I had an eventer that was about to retire, so we took him dressaging, and he did quite well as well, before he fully retired. I just got the bug for it, really.”
Looking forward to their future goals, Kathy explained that the young gelding will have a bit of holiday for a few weeks: “he went to the Nationals in September at Novice level, and then this, so he'll just have a couple of quiet weeks just to chill, and then we'll work on strengthening him up a bit. We are going to be working towards Medium, getting him a bit more solid at this level.
“I know he's had a great result today, but he's still got to strengthen and get more solid and confident with it, and then start stepping him up really and working towards mediums and see where we go.”
Simon Lawrance finished in a very close second place with Poetin on 70.000%, and Anna Richardson finished in third place with Mercury on 69.688%
Petplan Freestyle Prix St Georges Silver
Tabitha Leicester and Eires Rock, 69.583%
Tabitha Leicester was our final winner of the day with her 17-year-old mare Eires Rock, who is known as Elsie at home. In the Silver Prix St Georges Freestyle class, Tabitha took a commanding win on 69.583% to her toe-tapping Lady Gaga themed music in front of judges John Robinson (E), Sharon Butterworth (C) and Caroline Peterson (M). Speaking to us about her music, Tabitha explained that “I think it's our favourite test to do. I absolutely love riding it. It's a bit different. It's some Lady Gaga music, so it's quite jazzy. But I just have so much fun when I'm riding it, and I think near the end I got a little bit behind my music, so I had to slightly change the ending. But I let her do her party piece, which is the extended trot down the centre line, and she has so much fun with it. So I just have to let her go!”
Tabitha purchased Elsie as her first ‘proper’ dressage horse, having competed up to elementary level on her previous ride. “She's also a previous event horse, so she she's done a lot with her life. And then she's brought me through the levels. I had to catch up to her a bit, and then now we're progressing on together. We're just learning the ropes together, and we’re still having a play at PSG. There's still a lot of work to do, but we're just seeing where we can go, and quite excited for the future!”
Tabitha qualified from the Onley regionals, having finished second on 68.50% back in August, “We went to the Nationals for the Advanced Medium there, and then I don't think we've done a PSG since Area Festivals, but we just train at home. We've had lots of lessons working on the test, and then I actually went back to uni two weeks ago, so she's had to stay at home for that. Mum's been riding her for me for the last couple of weeks, so I've been quite lucky, and she's been keeping her ticking over for me, and then I drove back last night, had a quick ride, and then here we are! It's perhaps not been everybody's 100% best run-up, but it seems to have worked quite well!” Tabitha is at the ARU Writtle studying an MSci in Veterinary Physiotherapy, and has just gone in to her fourth and final year.
Speaking about what Elsie is like at home, Tabitha explained to us that “she's the easiest horse ever on the ground at home. She's just like a little dog. She just follows you around. I mean, she just stands here. She won't move a foot unless you tell her. In the training, she's so willing. She almost overthinks a bit, though, so she can get a little bit worried if she doesn't do something 100% correctly. So you have to say, ‘no, we're fine!’ But no, she always just wants to try so hard, and it is so lovely to work with a horse that wants to try so hard and wants to do so well for you.”
Looking forward to their next goal, Tabitha explained that they will keep solidifying the PSG work, especially with the pirouettes, and are working towards the half steps with the goal of working towards the Intermediate I work.
Jenny Downing finished in second place with Farben Frohe on 67.042% and Sue Snell completed the top three lineup with Foxboro Rock DJ on 65.167%.
