This weekend (5-6 April, 2025), the British Eventing Project Pony Observation Trial at Larkhill was an action-packed event, with young riders showcasing their talent and dedication. Alice Fraser, riding Bookhamlodge Pennylane, claimed victory with a standout performance across all three phases.

Alice finished on her impressive dressage score of 36.0, showing exceptional skill in dressage, a solid showjumping round, and a brilliant cross-country run. Bookhamlodge Pennylane, a 15-year-old mare out of Thorneyside the Terminator and Tireve Jewel, has been with Alice for the last couple of years, and together they’ve formed a strong partnership ready for the 2025 season.

Reflecting on their success, Alice said: “I was quite nervous as it was my first Novice, but Bookhamlodge Pennylane gave me a great feel across all three phases and flew around the cross-country! Our plan is to go to Osberton, then Belsay and see how we go. Thanks so much to everyone at Larkhill for putting on such a great event.”

We wish the partnership the best of luck for the rest of the season.

Darrell Scaife, Head of Youth at British Eventing, congratulated the winner saying: “Huge thank you to Andy Welsh and his team at Larkhill, we had a wonderful day of competition. Congratulations to Alice on a super performance.”

The British Eventing Project Pony Observation Trials form a key part of the Youth Eventing framework, providing aspiring young riders with the training, education, and competition opportunities needed to reach their full potential. The next trials in the series will take place at the following venues:

• Kelsall Hill PT Novice (17 – 20 April)
• Nunney PT Novice (13-15 June)
• Aston Le Walls Final Trial PTN (4 – 6 July)
• Bishop Burton PT 105 (26 – 28 July)

Project Pony will also continue to support other important events in the pony eventing calendar, including:

• Thoresby International (27-30 March)
• Osberton International (1) CCIP2*S (1-4 May)
• Belsay International CCIP2*L, incorporating the British Pony Championship (28 May-1 June)
• Osberton International CCIP2*S (3-6 October)

The trials are generously supported by Project Pony, which helps nurture young talent in eventing. To find out more about British Eventing’s Youth Offer and how to get involved, visit British Eventing.

Image credit: MH Photos