news Winter Championships at Pickering Grange – a resounding success

The RoR Winter Championships at Pickering Grange, held from 4–6 April 2025, was a resounding success, with a total of 147 former racehorses competing over three days generating 359 entries, including 229 in the championship classes and 130 in the open classes. The event featured a variety of disciplines, including dressage, showing, showjumping, and arena eventing, with Have a Go classes designed for those wanting to get a feel of the competition circuit.

Standout winning combinations included Sarah-Jane Enston and the 22-year-old Prince De Bersy, who triumphed in the RoR Winter Festival Preliminary Veteran Championship Test 4 (2024) with a score of 73.25%. Emma Leak and Chilblains claimed victory in the RoR Winter Festival Novice Veteran Championship Test 5 (2024) scoring a clear 69.16% from the other competitors, while Katie Spitzmaul and Lord Roflow won the RoR Winter Festival Elementary and Medium Veteran Championships.

Emma Littmoden and Rockett Man took the win in the RoR Winter Festival Prelim Restricted Championship Test 6 (2024) with a score of 176.5, while Hannah Chisman and First Fandango won the RoR Winter Festival Novice Restricted Championship. Judy Bradwell and Burrows Light were crowned winners of the RoR Winter Festival Elementary Championship with a score of 72.18%.

In showjumping, Frankie Amatt and Soghan claimed first place in the RoR Show Jumping Championship 0.70m, while Rachel Collins and Rebel Collins won the 0.80m championship with no faults in a time of 34.33. Jenny Bennett and Clancys Cross took the win in the 1.00m Showjumping class and claimed victory in the Arena Eventing RoR Winter Championship 1.00m, while Jude Farr and Loch Arthur were the winners of the Arena Eventing RoR Winter Championship 0.90m.

In showing, the Ridden Champion title went to Loti Innes-Parry and As I See It, with Sophie Candy and Sonneofpresenting taking the Reserve Champion spot. In the In-Hand category, the Champion was Tamzin Smith and Daarik, with Rebecca Starling and The Bold Lord earning the Reserve Champion title.

One of the most heartwarming moments of the event came during the open Rock with RoR Pairs Fancy Dress RoR Dressage test. Olivia Perryman and Ringmoylan, alongside Susan Parker and Mixed Bold Leigh, entered the ring as the ‘Foxy Ladies,’ dressed in cops and robbers' outfits. Their fun and festive attire brought an infectious energy to the event, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that delighted both participants and spectators alike.

The official photographer for the event was Barry Barnard Photography, and all images can be viewed and purchased online.

A special thank you to Liz Prowting Racing for sponsoring the sashes, Stübben for providing the stable plaques, and to all the judges, stewards, and the team at Pickering Grange for their contribution to the success of the event.

Congratulations to all competitors the results can be seen on the RoR Winter Championships web page.