The Great Britain team takes gold at the FEI Jumping European Championship for Ponies 2026 in Le Mans (FRA). ©FEI/ Libby Law

Throughout four days and five rounds of Jumping, 15-year-old Briton Sophia Rogers and Neil 55 left every jump standing to secure Individual gold at the FEI Jumping European Championship for Ponies 2026 on 2 August in Le Mans (FRA).

Ireland’s Ted Fagan and Ballyfore Rosie finished with the silver medal, while Great Britain’s Lucia Nicole Caroline and Holly Blue took bronze.

Rogers is no stranger to winning gold medals; earlier in the week she helped the British team to its third Ponies gold medal in a row. Despite three Team golds to her name, Individual honours had eluded her until now.

There were six double-clear rides in the Individual final over a course set by Xavier Trouilhet (FRA), but it was a rail down from the final rider, Fagan, that boosted Rogers to the win with a final tally of 3.63 penalties. Fagan finished with 4 penalties, while Caroline had 4.65 penalties. The top seven in the Individual final all hailed from Great Britain or Ireland.

“I’m quite ecstatic,” said Rogers. “I knew that once I jumped a clear, the worst I was coming out with was a silver. It’s a dream to even get to the European Championship and get on a podium. It’s an honour to win.

“I want to thank my mum, because she helps me behind the scenes and got my pony ready for me while I was staying calm with my trainer. Everybody plays a part in this achievement of mine.”

Rogers took over the reins on Neil 55, a 14-year-old gelding by Otangelo x Koriander, from her sister Izabella, who won Team bronze at this event in 2023. Neil has been a part of the Rogers family since the pony was three years old.

“He’s the best pony I could ever have asked for,” added Rogers. “I trust my pony with my whole heart, and I love him so much. It’s worked out so well.”

Although Fagan’s rail moved him from the gold to silver medal position, he was still pleased with the result.

“I feel great,” said Fagan, who was riding in his first European Championship. “To get two silver medals here is unbelievable. I didn’t expect to win a medal at all.”

Great Britain’s Caroline also made her debut in a European Championship this year. “I didn’t expect to come home with two medals,” she said. “My pony is brave and tries her hardest all the time. She’s the best.”

Rogers became the first athlete to win Individual and Team gold since her compatriot Jack Whitaker completed the feat in 2016. Her future plan is to “hopefully take the reins of my sister’s horse to do Juniors next year.”

Meanwhile, led by Chef d’Equipe Clare Whitaker, Great Britain landed the top position on the Team podium in Le Mans. Rogers and Caroline were joined by Henry Leggott on Blossom’s Big Claim and Raphaela Dawson, riding Woody Allen Van Duysverputten.

Great Britain’s win came after finishing on 14.14 penalties, thanks to double-clear performances from Leggott, Caroline, and Rogers, who only carried through their penalties from the first Table C individual round, which was a new format for 2026.

“I’m really proud of them all,” added Clare Whitaker. “They all rode well. I just keep telling them to concentrate on what they’re doing and not worry about anybody else.”

Ireland placed second with the team of Charlie Flynn and Montana, Ted Fagan and Ballyfore Rosie, Robbie Sheehan and Pjotr van de Groenheuvel, and Sam Widger with BP Bon Jovi on 15.35 penalties.

The bronze podium position was filled by Belgium, with the team of Elise Thirion (Dane Floor du Cauroy), Maureen Bourse (Galliano d’Argan), Imke Boden (Cappuccino van Paemel Z), and Feline Matthees (Karday van Orchid’s) ending with 38.50 penalties.

Beyond the medals, the championship highlighted the quality and depth of Europe’s young Jumping talent. Outstanding performances, accomplished riding and impressive partnerships with their ponies ensured an unforgettable week in Le Mans.

FULL RESULTS