Hartpury College in Gloucestershire played host to the latest SEIB Winter Novice Qualifier and it was High Wycombe’s Emma-Jo Slater who secured a first place finish after two gripping rounds of competition. 

The class started with 48 combinations all looking to gain one of the two qualification places on offer for this year’s Championship Final which will be held at the prestigious Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead, West Sussex later this summer. 

The stakes rose as thirty three riders made it through to the jump off and it was left to the all-important clock to decide the winner.

Riding Lady Charlotte Steel’s 11 year-old chestnut gelding, Milestone Gold, Emma-Jo claimed top spot with a speedy double clear performance full of class and style to beat her opponents.. 

Travelling from south Bucks, this partnership put their foot down to cross the finish line in 32.07 seconds. 

Jumping in to second place was Nicholas Edwards from Leatherhead, Surrey riding Rensa, a seven-year-old bay mare owned by Claire Edwards.

This pair delivered their double clear in 33.93 seconds. 
Slater will be hoping to continue her good form at the final at the iconic Hickstead later this year as she continues her meteoric rise up the show jumping ranks, challenging for top honours at some of the country's biggest events.