A 22-year-old Fjord mare was crowned 2024 SSADL in-hand supreme champion at the London International Horse Show.
Natalie Jefferies led her own Aplhaugs Lilja to the crown on what was their debut in London.
Natalie, who works as a senior carer in a care home and has three children, has owned Lilja for five years. She came over from Norway after being the ultimate all-rounder, doing particularly well as an endurance horse, competing at FEI level as part of the Norwegian junior team.
“She’d also competed western and in carriage driving over there, and we’ve done dressage, jumping and even tried side-saddle together,” Natalie said. “She’s a mare of many talents.”
Lilja has been to the Royal International twice and earlier this season she was ridden supreme at the SSADL national championships and finished second at Royal Windsor.
“She’s a very laid-back horse but can be strong; she’s nicknamed Rhino at home,” Natalie added. “She’s currently teaching my kids to ride, too. When you put a jump in front of her, she pricks her ears and just goes. She loves showing, too, and is a joy to show.”
Lilja is the first Fjord to have ever won at London International.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“You don’t often see them around and she always turns heads,” Natalie says. “It’s nice to showcase the breed as they’re a great animal that can do so many things.”
Natalie added: “I was not expecting to win at all. My legs were shaking so much and I was crying. When our sash was presented, my kids and Mum were right in front of me, which was amazing. We never chase these moments, we just go out to enjoy ourselves, so to be champion was something I never even dreamed of.”
In reserve was 16-year-old Exmoor stallion Blackthorn Poteen, handled by Kestra French who has owned him since he was a weaned foal. This was Poteen’s second appearance in London, having finished eighth last term.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Former H&H showing editor and deputy features editor
Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.
