News
High spirits, top scores and team triumphs at the 2026 Senior Home Nations
- Written By: British Dressage | Maddie Hinchliff
- Published: Mon, 07 Sep 2026 12:00
The rain didn’t stop the high spirits at the 2026 Senior Home Nations, hosted by the North and East region at Pickering Grange, Leicestershire (29 – 30 August), with the North and East team claiming top spots in both individual and team events.
© Barry Barnard Photography
North and East rider Harley Snell conquered the Preliminary Individual competition, posting a six-point lead over second place, to finish on a final score of 146.177. Harley dominated over the two days of competition, winning both the Preliminary 5 and 6 with 71.984% and 74.133% aboard her own 13-year-old mare Issey Magic W.H (Eye Catcher x Ferro). “The Senior Home Nations was a really special weekend for me and one that I’m incredibly proud of”, Harley explained, “A highlight for me was that both of my tests were the most harmonious I’ve ever ridden, I feel it truly reflects the strong partnership we have built. Izzy was incredible, she tried so hard for me out there and performed the best she has ever felt… one judge gave us a new personal best of 82% which still feels surreal.
“This year with Izzy has been a challenging one at times, especially with her health, and there have been moments where getting back into the ring and competing sometimes felt unimaginable to comeback to during summer season. It’s made me appreciate the good days and the opportunities we’ve had even more, and I’m incredibly proud of how she has come back and continued to give me her all. The journey has taught me a lot about patience, resilience and trusting the process, and I feel that our partnership has grown stronger through those challenges. In May this year, after recovering from ulcers, Izzy unfortunately had a freak accident in the field that resulted in an eye ulcer which quickly became secondary uveitis. I can’t thank our vets enough for the daily support and guidance helping us help Izzy to get back to herself.
“I’m really excited for what the rest of the year holds and look forward to continuing training with Jess Carr. I feel very fortunate to have a horse who has given me so many opportunities and continues to teach me. I’m really grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way, none of this would be possible without the team around us. I believe our difficult start to the year has been the biggest blessing in disguise for our partnership. From riding Izzy on a lunge because I was completely terrified after not riding her during her issues, to now feeling wholeheartedly confident in us as a team. Izzy is one in a million, and I hope our story inspires those that when times get hard, those imaginable dreams might just be around the corner waiting for you.”
In the Novice championship, fellow North and East rider Samantha Wood was another rider who took a commanding lead, finishing on a final score of 143.623 aboard her own seven-year-old gelding WFS Prince of Hearts. Samantha took to the top of the leaderboard in both the Novice 5 and 6, scoring 72.333% and 71.290% across the two days. “The highlights this weekend were being part of team North and East. The team atmosphere was fantastic. Everyone was super supportive of each other. The opening ceremony and prize giving had such a great atmosphere.
“The highlights for my riding where that WFS Prince of hearts gave me absolutely everything. I whispered to him on the way into the test ‘we have got this’ and he replied by dancing his socks off for me. He was full of power and did both tests with his ears pricked forward. He absolutely loved showing off. Two weeks previously he won three classes at the Onley Area Festivals at both Novice and Elementary. He has had the best season this year. He also won the North and East Novice championships.
“I have been riding him for two years and he was to be my little project pony but he has ended up turning into my horse (or pony) of a lifetime. He will contest the Area Festival finals in October, and then we will spend the winter learning his flying changes. He truly is a showman and absolutely loves his job!”
Anna Richardson broke the North and East winning streak, claiming victory in the Elementary with a final total score of 140.407. Anna, who is a part of the North and West team, won both the Elementary 5 and 6 with 70.104% and 70.303% with her own 13-year-old gelding Mercury (by Mooiman). Reflecting on the highlights of her weekend, Anna stated that “on the whole I was pleased with my tests, and thrilled to hit over 70% on each day, especially with three judges. Most importantly, I simply enjoyed the feel Mercury gave me across the two days. Mercury and I are a relatively new partnership, we only purchased him at the end of May this year, so it really has been a baptism of fire for us both. We went to our first show after a week of owning him, and we’ve not looked back since. He has the most amazing character, and we seem to have clicked really nicely.”
When talking about their future plans for competing, Anna explained that they will be attending the Petplan Area Festival Finals in October, and then focusing on their training over winter, ready to go again for the next competition season.
South and West rider Jane Littlejohn won the Medium championships, taking the lead by nearly three points to finish on a final score of 137.203. Aboard her eight-year-old gelding Not Just Anyone (Just Wimphof x Tolando), also known as Jet at home, Jane won both the Medium 5 and 6 with 68.222% and 68.981%. Jane has owned Jet since he was two years old, and this was her third year of representing the South and West region at the Home Nations. They have previously won the Preliminary and Elementary individual championships, and this year’s victory has only added to their impressive streak of success. “I’ve been working on getting the canter more collected with my trainer Alice Peternal and last weekend it’s really starting to sit more and it felt so much better in the ring”, Jane explained, “when I’m warming up, Jet is constantly trying to pull to get into the arena he just can’t wait to get going! He is such an amazing horse to ride he is 100% focussed on me and what we are doing next.
“His extended trot felt amazing; he couldn’t wait to power off as soon as I asked. He is super chilled in the stable before half asleep and he looks like he won’t make it through the test! But after the test he is so full of himself and proud; he definitely knows he has been a good boy! Two consistent tests in two days… first on both days and an overall win – I couldn’t be prouder. My teammates were fantastic – we unfortunately lost our fourth member, so pressure was on for us all to do well, which we did and ended up in fourth.
“My daughter Mia and her friend Matilda were amazing helpers and mascots to the team dressed up in duck clothes! Four of us sleeping in the lorry certainly made for a lot of laughs, and team spirit was high in spite of the rain! We are off to the Nationals next week at elementary and medium, and then it’s time to crack on with advanced medium.”
Finally, for the Advanced Medium and Prix St Georges Championships, the North and West’s own Tessa Ryley won with a final combined score of 135.049. Piloting her own 14-year-old gelding Little Jo (by Londontime), the pair topped the Advanced Medium 5 and 6 classes, winning on 66.623% and 68.426% respectively. “It is always a pleasure & a privilege to be picked to ride for your region in the Home Nations competition. The team spirit and camaraderie make it really special. I was absolutely delighted with Joey who now feels confirmed at this level. To win on both days and be overall Advanced Medium and PSG champion standing on top of the podium was a real bonus.
“We seem to be on a bit of a roll at the moment. We won the Advanced Medium Area Festival at Onley, did an advanced test for 67% then came to the Home Nations. We’re heading to the Area Festival Championships at the end of September. I’m planning on doing another advanced test & then aiming for PSG. I couldn’t be more pleased with my very special dancing partner!”
For the Team Championships, North and East Reading’s, comprised of Hollie Jepson, Sam York, Sarah Wall and Harley Snell, won the championship title with a combined total score of 415.74. Following closely behind in second place on 413.73 was the North and East Glastonbury team, made of Clare Bosley, Wendy Birch, Samantha Wood and Jenna Tate. Finally, the Wales Caernarfon’s completed the top three with 411.14, made up of Georgina Williams, Kerry Bevan, Twm Cernyw and Anita Jones.
Thanks go to the organisers and team at Pickering Grange for delivering a superbly run event, and congratulations to all riders and connections for their hard work and excellent performances throughout.
Individual results – top five
Preliminary
1. Harley Snell and Issey Magic W.H, 146.117 (N&E)
2. Vicky Lacey and Garthfach Endeavour, 140.178 (S&W)
3. Millie Jones and Victoria Enfys, 140.114 (WAL)
4. Melvina-Ann Jones and Bailey’s Brother, 139.416 (WAL)
5. Lynsey Gibb and Ruadhan, 137.079 (SCT)
Novice
1. Samantha Wood and WFS Prince of Hearts, 143.623 (N&E)
2. Alice Kneen and Springtime Marvel, 141.143 (S&W)
3. Twm Cernyw and Demira EM, 141.093 (WAL)
4. Jennifer Howarth and Mount St John Felixkirk, 139.364 (N&E)
5. Thomas Eastwood and Santino CF, 137.653 (N&E)
Elementary
1. Anna Richardson and Mercury, 140.407 (N&W)
2. Rebecca Parsonage and Mr T STW, 138.225 (N&W)
3. Alys Matravers and Jannick, 137.904 (S&W)
4. Christy Shuall and Shaq O’Neal, 137.444 (WAL)
5. Anna James and Caramia’s Voice, 136.815 (S&W)
Medium
1. Jane Littlejohn and Not Just Anyone, 137.203 (S&W)
2. Sam York and Oakring Santino, 134.630 (N&E)
3. Maddie Wilson and Hawtins Fiorano, 133.408 (N&W)
4. Wendy Birch and Free State, 133.343 (N&E)
5. Lilly Godfrey and Knoxville, 132.250 (SCT)
Adv Med/PSG
1. Tessa Ryley and Little Jo, 135.049 (N&W)
2. Alison Timmins and Johnny Fletch, 133.521 (N&E)
3. Rebecca Mcnab and Lamborghini IV, 132.865 (N&E)
4. Chelsea Donovan and Frankie Zenturio, 131.579 (S&E)
5. Heather Urquhart and Crafty Wizard, 130.887 (N&E)
Team Results
1. N&E Reading, 415.74
2. N&E Glastonbury, 413.73
3. Wales Caernarfon, 411.14
4. S&W Donald Duck, 411.08
5. N&W Burning Man, 410.19
