In another glorious week for young British riders, Sophia Rogers claimed double gold at the 2026 Pony European Showjumping Championships. A succession of superb faultless performances with the brilliant Neil 55 earned the teenage rider both the team and individual titles, the first time this feat has been achieved since 2016 when Sophia’s compatriot Jack Whitaker claimed the brace of golds.
Heartbreaking four faults concludes 2026 Pony European Showjumping Championships
Sophia says she trusts 14-year-old gelding Neil 55 (Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve x Koriander) “with my whole heart” and they produced one of six double clears in the high-pressure individual final.
She benefited from the heartbreaking four faults incurred by final rider Ted Fagan (Ballyfore Rosie) of Ireland to claim her first individual championship title, topping the leader board on 3.63 penalties. Remarkably, the top seven riders all hailed from either Great Britain or Ireland, with championship debutant Ted ending up with silver on his four penalties, with another British rider, Lucia Caroline, winning bronze with Holly Blue.
“I’m ecstatic,” said Sophia, who took over the reins on the multi-medal and championship-winning Neil 55 from her older sister Izabella two years ago, but the pony has been a cherished part of the family since he was a three-year-old. “He’s the best pony I could ever have asked for.
“I knew that once I jumped a clear [in the final round], the worst I was coming out with was a silver. It’s a dream to even get to the European Championships and to get on a podium. It’s an honour to win.
“I want to thank my mum, because she helps me behind the scenes and got my pony ready for me while I was staying calm with my trainer,” she added. “Everybody plays a part in this achievement of mine.”
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Lucia Caroline and Holly Blue win individual bronze and team gold at the 2026 pony European Championships in Le Mans, France.
(Image credit: FEI / Libby Law Photography)
Team honours at the pony Europeans: "I'm really proud"
Sophia Rogers’ heroic gold medal haul began two days earlier when she was part of the British team that topped the podium ahead of Ireland and Belgium. This marked a third successive title for Great Britain’s pony riders, led by chef d’equipe Clare Whitaker.
“I’m really proud of them all,” said Clare. “They all rode well. I just keep telling them to concentrate on what they’re doing and not worry about anybody else.
“It was good, very good, but it went to the wire, and our last two riders had to jump clear to win gold.
Great Britain wins gold, Ireland takes silver and Belgium bronze at the 2026 Pony European Showjumping Championships in Le Mans, France.
(Image credit: FEI / Libby Law Photography)
Sophia and Lucia were joined by Henry Leggott riding Blossom’s Big Claim, who also went on to finish fourth in Sunday’s individual final, and Raphaela Dawson riding her recent Royal International JC championship winner Woody Allen Van Duysverputten.
The team triumphed with a team score of 14.14 penalties, all of which came from the new-format table C opening leg. Only one fence fell across the final two rounds as the British quartet delivered a series of impeccable performances.
Henry Leggott and Blossom's Big Claim winning team gold for Great Britain at the 2026 Pony European Showjumping Championships in Le Mans, France.
(Image credit: FEI / Libby Law Photography)
“I didn’t expect to come home with two medals,” said championship debutante Lucia, the youngest rider on the British team at 14. “My pony is brave and tries her hardest all the time. She’s the best.”
After a nail-biting conclusion, Ireland’s team of Ted Fagan, Charlie Flynn (Montana), Robbie Sheehan (Pjotr Van De Groenhevel) and Sam Widger (BP Bon Jovi) finished barely a point behind on 15.35 penalties to claim the silver medal.
“To get two silver medals here is unbelievable,” said Ted. “I didn’t expect to win a medal at all.”
Raphaela Dawson and Woody Allen Van Duyversputten help Great Britain win team gold at the 2026 Pony European Showjumping Championships in Le Mans, France.
Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.
