Sophia Rogers continued a golden year with victory in the Pony Newcomers Championship at Horse of the Year Show.
The 16-year-old, from Essex, had a summer to remember by winning individual and team gold medals at the Pony European Championships in France as Great Britain dominated.
In her final year on ponies, Sophia added the Pony Newcomers Championship to her growing list of achievements, building on her 2025 HOYS success when she was crowned Leading Pony Showjumper of the Year.
It proved a thrilling contest between Sophia, riding Fabreeker V, and Ella Kay on Luna’s Star, with just 11 hundredths of a second ultimately separating them following the jump-off.
Sophia clocked 30.08 seconds, with Ella posting a time of 30.19, while third place went to Olivia Brightmore aboard Inis Sle Anorah Stone.
“My trainer Jason Moore has guided me all the way through since I’ve been around these top tracks, and we had our plan, stuck to the plan and it hit off in the end,” a delighted Sophia said.
“This is my last year on ponies, so it will be my last time jumping in the pony classes at HOYS, and it is one of my favourite indoor events.
“I think what I love the most is my whole family came here to support me and were on the sideline as I went into the arena. It’s comforting, knowing they are all there and helping me through it,”
Reflecting on her double European triumph, she added: “The double gold hadn’t been done in quite a long time by a British rider. There is nothing that I expect when I go into a ring – I don’t expect to come out with a win or anything.
“I just love to get from the start to the end, and you have to stay calm to try and prove yourself. It was a really good jump-off today.”
ENDS
For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2026, please contact:
Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd.
Tel: 02476 858205
Email: press@hoys.co.uk
Image: 1st Class Images