A look back at our sponsored riders as their summer competition season comes to an end
As another competition season comes to an end, we couldn’t be prouder of our sponsored riders. From five-star debuts to exciting young horses stepping up the levels, they’ve each had a season full of milestones, hard work, and determination. Here’s how 2025 wrapped up for Melissa Chapman, Holly Richardson, Lucinda Atkinson, Jemima Stratton and Sara Bowe, five strong and talented women who inspire us to get in the saddle and keep on working hard.
Melissa Chapman
Our favourite dressage diva Mel has recently taken a well-earned break in Spain, not long after being sidelined after a nasty fall at the end of September. Of course, anyone who knows her won’t be surprised to hear she barely stopped, even during her recovery - reports of Mel hobbling to and from the house to teach lessons did not surprise us! She’s also hosted her popular camps, been busy with coaching and lessons and held her coffee and cake days. Homemade cake and Mel’s fabulous riding tuition - who can resist!
We’re already looking forward to seeing her back out competing soon and will share her progress on our social media, but we’re glad she’s taken some time for herself. She’s also shared details of a syndicate opportunity for Tom, a four-year-old Dutch gelding who’s showing all the makings of a future dressage star - you can find out more over on the Team Chapman Equestrian Facebook page.
If you’re planning to use the winter months to reach your own training goals, Mel’s ‘Stay and Train’ packages could be just the ticket, offering lessons, test riding, overnight stabling and even a lorry hook-up so you can make the most of your visit.
Holly Richardson
Sponsored event rider Holly Richardson’s highlight of her season was a five-star debut at Burghley Horse Trials for the gorgeous grey Ballyneety Silver Service (Butler at home!). Their week got off to a flying start with a stunning dressage test that placed them inside the top ten going into cross-country day, an incredible achievement for a ten-year-old horse tackling his first five-star.
The duo stormed round Derek di Grazia’s cross-country track, going clear bar a handful of time penalties. Showing a little lack of experience on the biggest stage in eventing, Butler rolled a couple of fences in the showjumping ring which meant they finished in 14th place – but what an outstanding start to the horse’s top-flight career. Roll on 2026 and we can’t wait to see what Holly and Butler achieve.
As if that wasn’t enough, Holly also piloted four finalists in the Burghley Young Event Horse Championships making for one very busy week. Since then, she’s continued to impress, with a top 20 finish at Cornbury in the Young Event Horse Championships on King of the Mojo and a win at Alnwick Ford in the BE100 on Urezzo Van’t Goolder.
Jemima Stratton
Our Wiltshire-based sponsored event rider Jemima has, in her own words, had a tough season with her top ride Global Exotic out of action with an injury. We’re so proud of how she’s rallied after a low confidence patch during the middle of the season and some worries over her horses’ wellness. In September her season picked right back up, and she racked up a string of impressive results, including plenty of top ten finishes.
We were very impressed with her 5th spot in the Intermediate Novice at Swalcliffe with Warrenstown V De Muse and 6th in the Novice at the same event with KPCM Hugo Boss. Jemima’s ex-racehorse Biggles also hit a sweet spot back in September with a 10th placing in the BE100 at Little Gatcombe.
The end of her season saw Jemima step Warrenstown V De Muse up to CCI-S 3* and KPCM Hugo Boss in the CCI-S 2* at Bicton, and while she didn’t come away with any podiums, she’s pleased with how both horses went. We can't wait to be cheering them on in 2026 and hope Jemima enjoys her winter break!
Lucinda Atkinson
Event rider Lucinda took a superb win in the CCI-L 2* with PRF Made In England at Belsay International Horse Trials in June, and her form since then has been fantastic. Lark De Triomphe and Parkview Gamble, both very exciting six-year-olds, made the step up to Novice an impressive one with clears across country at every event they competed at including the Young Horse Championships at Cornbury House Horse Trials in September. Finishing her season off a little earlier than usual, Lucinda has been focusing on coaching and the next crop of exciting youngsters including PRF Sing Hallelujah who has taken a first and second in his BE90 events.
Sara Bowe
It’s been a strong season for our eventing and showjumping supremo Sara Bowe, who’s seen her partnership with Captain Morgan GZ reach new heights. The pair stepped up to Intermediate at Oasby near the end of the season, finishing seventh after adding just a few cross-country time penalties to their dressage score. That came hot on the heels of a fourth place and super double clear at Alnwick Ford in the Novice and a 21st place finish at Askham Bryan, where they impressed in the dressage but picked up some unfortunate cross-country penalties.
Sara’s run at Blenheim 3* ended abruptly after an unfortunate fall from Rinwood MJ while flying cross-country, a real shame for a partnership that was having such a great run. They bounced back, to complete their season in style with a 23rd place in the 3*L at Osberton, rolling just one showjumping fence to finish on 39.9. Bring on next year! Now that the eventing season is over, Sara’s keeping the momentum going, staying busy with her youngsters and hitting new heights at showjumping competitions. We’ll keep you updated throughout the winter.
From top-level achievements to bringing on the stars of the future, our sponsored riders are an amazing bunch, and we love sharing their news with you. We’re incredibly proud to support them as they rest, regroup and get ready for another exciting season ahead.