If the sign of a good rider is to enjoy success aboard a variety of different horses, then Bronwyn Cooper earned her stripes last weekend at the 2026 Rick Smith Memorial Horse Show in Chelmsford.

Cooper not only amassed a total of five champion or reserve ribbons at the event but did so while riding five different horses. Championship performances came aboard Ginger B (1.10m jumper), Clark Kent MCF (adult amateur hunter) and Envy (modified child / adult hunter) while reserve showings were courtesy of Blueprint (high low child / adult amateur - 2'3" - 2'6") and Diamantina (hack division).

Cathy Inch was equally as busy securing champion honours in trillium hunter - 3'3" - 3'6" (Classical), both champion and reserve in open low hunter - 3'0" (Coco Levista / Clark Kent MCF) as well as 2'3" hunter division (Picture Perfect / Dulce De Leche) and champion with Envy in high low open 2'6" - 2'9" hunter division.

The Mini Nations Cup fun class was captured by Team Cache Creek Crew: Karen Storey on Red Hot Chili Pepper; Mia Pilon on Yoda Man; Kate Wilkins Irvine on Chief Wellington.

Pilon and Yoda Man also took top spot in 0.9m jumper grouping and the .75m jumpers while Maëlle Chenier and Rainbow Sprinkles Doughnut showed very well in the short stirrup classes.

A few other winners of note came in the form of Caitlin Grech with Daisy (high low child adult amateur 2'3" - 2'6"), Isabelle Gauthier with Belregazzo (adult equitation) and Krysta Lapointe with Reign (Laura Hales Memorial Hunter Classic), with Emma Pilbacka, Lucy Cantelon and Maëlle Chenier walked off as equitation A/B/C champs respectively.