Future Stars Make Their Mark at Hickstead

he All England Jumping Championships got underway at Hickstead today (1st Feb 2012), with some of the most talented young horses in Britain aiming to qualify for the age class championships.

Jane Annett from Sevenoaks got off to a flying start, winning the Five Year Old qualifier on Non Stop III, as well as the Six and Seven Year Old qualifier with Do Wot. Hickstead has often been happy hunting ground for Jane, who won the Bunn Leisure Derby Tankard here back in June.

A total of 56 horses qualified for the Four Year Old Championship, which will conclude tomorrow in Hicksteads International Arena.

With 70 combinations entered into Fridays All England 1.40m Open, it is set to be one of the most hotly-contested classes during the show. The class has been brought forward to a start time of 9am.

The All England Jumping Championships have been designed to promote British breeding as well as encourage grassroots competitors. The amateur classes have been particularly well supported, with Leesa Long and Tammys Girl heading The All England 1.20m Amateur Championship 1st qualifier. Leesa, from Surrey, was a winner here at the Longines Royal International Horse Show when she took the Hickstead Amateur Championship.