Samantha Wiseman enjoyed a remarkable Horse of the Year Show debut on Thursday evening, claiming victory in the Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Championship aboard A.S His Lordship.

The Aberdeenshire rider produced an outstanding performance in the Andrews Bowen International Arena, winning one of Britain’s most prestigious young horse championships in what was also her first competitive 1.45m class.

With just three combinations progressing to the jump-off from a starting field of 23, Wiseman held her nerve to secure the title ahead of Seamus Taylor riding Billy Wolsey, while Douglas Duffin and Omex Star HBF completed the podium.

A memorable HOYS debut for Samantha Wiseman

Competing at Horse of the Year Show for the first time, Wiseman faced one of the biggest challenges of her showjumping career, but the partnership she has developed with A.S His Lordship proved more than capable of rising to the occasion.

Supported by a sizeable group of friends and supporters who had travelled from Scotland, an emotional Wiseman celebrated a victory that marked a significant milestone in her equestrian career.

Reflecting on her achievement, she said:

“It is just incredible. It was a big, big ask.

“We have worked really, really hard. It has been a real journey, travelling many, many miles to get to these qualifiers.”

Wiseman previously worked in mechanical engineering for seven years before establishing her own equestrian centre in Aberdeenshire. With horses now playing an increasingly important role in her professional life, her HOYS victory represents a major step towards her competitive ambitions.

“I was incredibly nervous,” she added. “But the horse gave me a good feeling and I told my coach before I went in that I would try my hardest. I just put my trust in the horse, and trust in my coach.

“I am so passionate about horses, and I want to go as far as I can go. This will take a while to sink in. We will have a party tonight, then I am back for the Grade C Championship on Sunday.”

Senior Foxhunter Championship continues its prestigious history

First contested at Horse of the Year Show in 1954, the Senior Foxhunter Championship has become one of the most sought-after titles in British young horse showjumping.

More than 20,000 horse and rider combinations take part in the initial qualifying rounds, making qualification for the championship final a considerable achievement in itself.

The 2026 competition delivered a challenging opening round, with only three of the 23 starters managing to secure a place in the deciding jump-off.

For Wiseman, victory on her first appearance at HOYS, and at a height she had never previously contested competitively, made the occasion particularly memorable.

Her success adds another name to the championship’s distinguished history, while providing a significant career highlight for the Scottish rider and A.S His Lordship.