Beating top riders at the age of 12: young showjumper qualifies for major championship

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12-year-old showjumper Alex Leggott and Blossom's Billy Heinz beat top riders to qualify for the Blue Chip Winter Showjumping Championships.
12-year-old showjumper Alex Leggott and Blossom's Billy Heinz beat top riders to qualify for the Blue Chip Winter Showjumping Championships.
(Image credit: ATG Photography)

At the recent Arena UK Winter Classic (27-30 November), 12-year-old Alex Leggott took on some of the country’s leading showjumpers and beat them to secure a coveted ticket to the Blue Chip Winter Showjumping Championships in April.

Riding his father John’s mare Blossom’s Billy Heinz, Alex found himself out in front of the likes of Jack Whitaker (who finished second with Lilli Langtry) in the Blue Chip Dynamic B&C championship qualifier. But he wasn’t done there as the talented young rider also netted a 1.30m open win.

Jennifer Donald
Jennifer Donald
Showjumping and racing editor

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.