Teamwork, determination and dreams of Arena UK shine at Team Quest semi-finals
Written By:British Dressage | Maddie Hinchliff
Published:Sat, 26 Sep 2026 16:00
Last weekend (19 – 20 September), teams from across the country made the journey for their Quest Semi-Final competitions as they complete their campaign for a spot at the Quest Championships at Arena UK (13 – 15 November). Unlike with My Quest, where the top three from each level, in each category will qualify for the Championships, Team Quest qualification is based on ratios relating to the teams who finish on the relevant Semi-Final leaderboard. We spoke to some of these top teams who have taken their victories over the weekend.
Kingswood Equestrian, Wolverhampton
Starting in the North & West, Kingswood Equestrian played host to an incredibly competitive set of teams from both the Open and U21 riders. For the U21’s, it was longstanding Team Quest team WMDG Bluebirds who took the win on 68.66%. The team, comprised of Molly Green, Beatrice Rogers and Chloe Pointon, produced three incredibly strong scores of 69.90%, 69.00% and 67.08% respectively across the Preliminary and Novice levels. The West Midlands Dressage Group (WMDG), who is run by long-standing supporter Carrol Simpson, has been a part of Quest since its first year in 2014 and qualified three teams for the semi-finals. Carrol, who spoke on behalf of the team, told us that “A week before the Quest Semi Finals at Kingswood - teams selected, entries made, final training planned. What could go wrong? Two of our riders sustained serious injuries (both progressing well), one pony stepped on a nail out hacking and the school was unable to release our reserve!
“Three cheers for our Team Captain and the team at Kingswood as we were able to form three teams of three, and it turned out to be just one of those special days. Despite one or two not achieving as hoped – dressage is a sport, so ups and downs are inevitable – the Bluebirds had a wonderful day. It was certainly a day to remember for determination, team spirit and friendships and for me, the pleasure of being a part of this, while watching the skills practised in our clinics in the arena. WMDG was there at the start of Quest and is still going – Sunday was definitely a day for us all to remember!”
In the Open section it was the Poole House Prancers who claimed the top step of the podium with 67.00%. The team, comprised of Joanne Green, Laura Foxon, Chloe Bata and Cathrine Gibbs, produced a super set of results, scoring 70.00%, 65.90%, 65.10% and 60.30% respectively across the Introductory and Novice classes. When reflecting on the team highlights, team member Catherine Gibbs told us that “The highlight for me was the moment I heard ‘we’ve won’ total disbelief, then ‘you’ve got two minutes to tack up!’… I was in a complete panic as I’d packed everything away ready for leaving! So, team spirit kicked in, two people tacked up Sam while I got myself changed. It was AMAZING …what a day”.
Fellow team member Chloe went on to say that “Earlier this year I’d actually decided to step away from horses, so finding Paris and then just a few months later being welcomed into the Poole House Prancers and heading to the semi-finals has been quite a whirlwind. To then be trusted to step in for our team manager with my young, green mare was a pretty special opportunity. The highlight had to be cantering around the white boards for our lap of honour in our sash and rosette; I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder of her. Being able to do all that alongside such a supportive group of friends from Poole House made the whole weekend even more special.”. Joanne Green further expanded on her experience with Quest, telling us that “To be part of a team is fantastic, we are together to enjoy & support all the highs & lows. Marley is an absolute star who just takes everything in his stride; he’s not a dressage horse by any means he is my happy hacker, and we decided to just go out and have a go. He is doing great this year with his scores. We had a personal best at our last outing before the semi-finals... So, I couldn’t be prouder of him & also the team, we have all worked so hard to get to this point.”
Finally, Laura Foxon reflected on her favourite moments from the weekend, telling us that “B-Boy (or Bolt, as he's officially known) getting to wear a sash, which was something I never thought we'd do, and cantering a lap of honour with the team” was a real highlight, and that “B-Boy was enjoying the energetic canter so much, he managed to bounce his rosette off halfway round! A particular highlight for me was sharing the day with all of our 'ground crew', and especially our trainer, Olivia Mottram. She has poured so much into getting B-Boy and me ready (as well as the whole team), constantly encouraging us to improve and giving us lots of advice. Having her there to enjoy the moment with us was so special. I love taking part in Quest because it's a chance to compete in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere surrounded by friends. It's good to be able to track where we're doing well and where we need to improve. There's always more to learn, and getting to do it all with my heart horse and seeing him having fun too means the world to me.”
Aster Academy, Kent
Down in the South & East, the Aster Academy saw some top scores in contention for the top spots, but ultimately it was The Seedlings that came out victorious in the Open section. On a team score of 68.83, team members Sharon Garner, Helen Hill, Helen Farlow and Charlotte Hall, who scored 71.25%, 68.17%, 67.08% and 66.46% respectively, took a commanding win to earn the team five points to count towards the final leaderboard standings. Competing in the Introductory and Preliminary sections, this formidable four stormed into the lead to claim their sashes. Reflecting on their win, the team told us that the event was “A fantastic day of competition, teamwork and team spirit, with some truly wonderful results for everyone involved. Despite the long journey, everyone arrived with such positivity, enthusiasm and a fantastic attitude. A special mention must go to our captain Mialee and trainer Tessa, whose support and presence throughout the day were hugely appreciated. The whole team rode some lovely tests, which ultimately resulted in a team win, which a fantastic achievement and a real testament to the hard work, preparation and team spirit of everyone involved.
“And finally, a very special mention to our smallest team member, Tiny, ridden by Sharon G, who achieved the highest score of the day from the lead judge! What an incredible result and a very proud moment for the team. A brilliant day from start to finish, filled with determination, camaraderie and some fantastic performances. Huge congratulations to everyone who competed and contributed to such a memorable event!”
In the U21’s the Hoofbeats and Heartbeats team, comprised of Charlotte Mercer, Mariella Gentile, Sienna Price and Dylan Woodward, finished on a team total of 65.87 having scored 68.17%, 65.38%, 64.06% and 63.20% respectively. A spokesperson for the team told us that “There is something incredibly special about Team Quest. Dressage is normally such an individual sport but Team Quest turns it into something completely different. Suddenly it isn’t just about your own test or your own score it is about supporting the other riders, celebrating every little success together and genuinely wanting each other to do well.
“That is exactly what Hoofbeats & Heartbeats has become. These children didn’t know each other at all before coming together as a team, yet in such a short space of time they have created the most lovely bond. They cheer each other on, help one another, laugh together, calm each other’s nerves and are genuinely thrilled for each other when things go well.
“Of course they all want to ride good tests and get the best results they can so winning really was the icing on the cake, but what has become so special is that the results almost feel like the bonus. Watching four children who started out as complete strangers become a proper team, seeing the friendships grow and the wonderful camaraderie between the children and the parents too!! has been every bit as important. Hoofbeats & Heartbeats really does sum them up perfectly: lots of hoofbeats, lots of heart and a little team we are all incredibly proud of.”
Kings Sedgemoor, Somerset
Down in the South & West at Kings Sedgemoor, The Main Man and The Magic conjured up a spellbinding win in the open section with a final score of 69.63%. Becky Andrews, Dan Andrews, Hollie Pitman and Stacey Newton all produced a super set of the results in the Prelim and Novice classes, scoring 71.50%, 69.90%, 67.50% and 65.83% respectively to give them a two percent lead on their final team score. “Our team formed in January 2026 as a desire to compete as part of a team, and it has turned into something so much more than we could ever have imagined. We wanted the support, camaraderie and slightly questionable emotional stability that comes from doing something together, and Quest has certainly delivered all three! Our team involves a rather eclectic collection of horses: Banksy and Rodney the Connemaras; Millie and Mo the Cobs; Picasso the Irish Sport Horse; and Sam the KWPN. Between them, they have provided us with rosettes, nerves, excitement, frustration, laughter and quite possibly a few more grey hairs!
“Rodney also deserves a special mention: at 18, he proved that age is very much just a number and put in a fantastic performance at the semi-finals, despite suffering an asthma flare-up in the week leading up to the competition. He even came away with a personal best, which made the achievement all the more special.
“We have such a fabulous group of people, and as time has gone on, we’ve learned how to bring our individual strengths together. We’ve supported each other through the good days and the less-than-good days because, as anyone involved with horses knows, there are always plenty of both! We’ve shared nerves, excitement, celebrations, disappointments and an unhealthy amount of horse-related conversation. We’ve encouraged each other when confidence has wobbled and celebrated every little success along the way. We’ve also been incredibly lucky to have the support of our trainer Moira Bonner, who has helped us develop as riders and as a team. And behind every rider is an army of supporters and long-suffering people who listen to us talk about horses endlessly… so a huge thank you to all of our families too.
“The regionals themselves were an amazing experience. To come away with sashes, rosettes, plaques and flowers was something we’ll never forget. There was definitely a moment of thinking, ‘Blimey… this is actually happening!’” Excitingly, the team have also been nominated for the Team Quest awards by their region, which are held at the AGM meeting in October. “we’re incredibly excited about! We’re looking forward to attending, soaking up the atmosphere and then heading along to HOYS for the dressage afterwards… partly to be inspired and partly to remind ourselves what we’re aspiring towards in the future!”
“But if we’re honest, the best part of our whole journey hasn’t been the sashes, rosettes, plaques or qualifying. It’s been the friendships that have been formed. What began as a group of riders wanting to compete together has grown into genuine friendships and a team that looks out for one another. We’ve laughed together, worried together, celebrated together and occasionally questioned our life choices together… usually somewhere between the warm-up arena and the lorry park.”
In the U21 category, the Stonar Planets, made up of riders Sofia Ashley-Jones, Lucinda (Lucy) Smith and Henrietta Henton, took to the top step of the podium on a final score of 66.10%. The three riders competed across the Prelim and Novice classes, scoring 68.30%, 67.29% and 62.71% respectively, to take a half percent lead on the final team score. The youngest team member at just nine years old, Henrietta, told us that “I enjoy doing Quest as part of a team because this makes it really fun. I like supporting my teammates and watching them perform their tests. Waiting for all the team scores to come through is very exciting. I also like getting ready for the Quest competitions and trying to make my pony (Norman) look as smart as possible with his plaits.”
Henrietta was accompanied by fellow teammates Sofia (17) and Lucy (15), and the team is led by the Riding Academy Lead Coach at the Stonar School, Elizabeth Allen. Telling us about the school’s previous involvement with Quest, Elizabeth told us that “Stonar School have had teams competing in the Quest competitions for several years now, it’s a wonderful way to make dressage more fun and accessible for our riders. As well as being able to aim for Regionals and Championships. For us it’s also a brilliant way of helping interactions between pupils, our winning team had a rider from the prep school, the senior school and from the Sixth form.
“As a coach, I have been involved with Quest, both open and U21 since the start. With a mix of pony club teams, the Stonar teams and teams of U21 riders that I coached privately. Qualifying for the Nationals each year is such a highlight for everyone! The atmosphere is fantastic and it’s a fun weekend for all regardless of the results.”
For Lucy, this year hasn't all been plain sailing, as she told us that "My horse, Kiwi is coming back from an injury and so Team Quest was a great environment to get her out, especially being able to reintroduce her to a well-dressed arena and busy atmosphere, but in such a relaxed environment." And finally, speaking about her excitement towards the Finals, Sofia told us that “I am looking forward to taking Dreamboy to the Quest Finals as it will be great experience for the both of us, in addition to the fact that we will have the opportunity to represent the school at national level.”
Pickering Grange, Leicestershire
In the North & East Pickering Grange saw ten senior teams and five U21 teams go head-to-head in a tight battle for those coveted top spots. In the U21’s, the MGS Centre Line Survivors, made of Beatrice Tiley, Amelie Stephenson, Farah Rebel and Lilly-Mae Crawford, claimed victory on a final score of 67.19% having scored 68.13%, 67.71%, 65.73% and 61.67% respectively. Speaking to Farah Rebel, the team captain, she told us that “Even being at the Semi Finals and then to win it is a total dream come true for me and my £1 pony. Winning the Semi Finals is honestly the greatest feeling. I am so proud of my team and my pony.
“It has been fantastic being a part of team quest this season and the progress seen in myself and my teammates is fabulous, strong friendships have been made in my team with a real sense of support for each other. The atmosphere at Pickering Grange was something I’ve never experienced before and I totally loved it. There was so much joy seen from everybody on the day, I don’t think I stopped smiling.”
In the Open section, Goldilocks and the 3 Teammates also claimed a narrow victory by less than half a percent with a final score of 66.90%. The team, comprised of Issy Simons, Jane Boulton, Fleur Bletsoe-Brown and Chrystel Adams posted a set of solid scores of 69.17%, 66.44%, 65.10% and 59.81% individually across the Preliminary and Introductory classes. Speaking on behalf of the team, Fleur told us that “We were all over the moon with our win! We did not expect it as the competition was fierce and we’re not your run of the mill team; our eldest horse is 22, and two of the horses are hunters for their day job! But we all had a brilliant day, and the best part of Team Quest is that we share in our wins and losses as a team- it makes it far more fun!”
Netherton Equestrian, Perth
Up in Scotland at Netherton Equestrian, the U21 team Undercover Unicorns came out of hiding to claim their win on a final team score of 66.81%. Riders Eilidh Forrest, Annabelle Williamson, Kiara Buchan and Holly Simpson campaigned in the Introductory and Preliminary classes to score 68.13%, 67.12%, 65.19% and 62.60% respectively. Speaking after the event Kiara’s Mum, Jemma, told us that “My highlight was how encouraging everyone in our team was, also on a personal level, Kiara's reaction to the bio before she started her first test. For me, to encourage Kiara to do dressage as she loves doing things with her friends so it ticked both our boxes. Although I think she likes dressage as much as being with her pals now, so that's a win win!”
Furthermore Tara, Eilidh’s Mum told us that “Eilidh has thoroughly enjoyed doing Quest previously on a mixed open team, so this was a super step to have a go at U21s with her pony club pals. She is very much a dressage diva, and it is nice to do something without the pressure of having to jump, which is often the focus of PC. Highlight of the weekend has to be Sundays test, it was beautiful to watch and great to experience all the jazz that goes with a semi-final show”.
Alongside of the Undercover Unicorns, fellow team member Madison Reid was competing for the sister team, the Seriously Undercover Unicorns who finished closely behind in second place. Madison’s Mum, Leigh, told us that “Madison does dressage because, most of all, she loves spending time with her chums, riding her pony and having a good laugh along the way. Since joining the team, her riding has improved immensely. She has gained confidence, learned so much and really enjoys being part of the team. It’s not just about the competition for her — it’s about having fun, making memories, enjoying her pony and sharing her passion for riding with her friends.”
The GDG For Piaffes Sake team claimed their sashes in the open section on a final team score of 67.69%. Amy Forbes, Kerry Balment, Charisse Deigan and Lucy Little posted four consistent scores of 69.48%, 66.88%, 66.70% and 64.04% across all of the levels to earn themselves four team points to put forward on to the leaderboard. "It's been a challenging year for our team. We've had to overcome injuries to both horses and riders, and most significantly, the loss of our much-loved teammate Major (Allison Bruce’s Thorneyside Casino). There were times when getting everyone to the next competition felt like an achievement in itself. What got us through was our team spirit. The support, encouragement and friendship within the group has been incredible, and by the time we reached the Semi-Finals the atmosphere around the team was absolutely electric. To come away as Scottish Champions after everything we've faced this season is something we'll always be proud of."
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.
