Great Britain’s Sophia Rogers capped a memorable week at the FEI Jumping European Championships for Ponies by adding Individual gold to the Team title she helped secure earlier in the competition, becoming the first British rider in a decade to achieve the coveted golden double.
The 15-year-old and her talented pony Neil 55 produced five faultless rounds across four days of competition in Le Mans, France, leaving every fence standing before claiming the Individual title with just 3.63 penalties carried forward under the championship’s new competition format.
Ireland’s Ted Fagan and Ballyfore Rosie claimed silver, while another British combination, Lucia Nicole Caroline and Holly Blue, completed an outstanding championship for Great Britain by taking bronze.
The result marked a milestone for Rogers, who had already helped Great Britain secure its third consecutive Pony team gold earlier in the week. While she had previously celebrated team success, the Individual title had remained just out of reach until now.
“I’m quite ecstatic,” said Rogers after securing victory.
“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.”
She also paid tribute to the people behind her success.
“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.”
A family partnership rewarded
Neil 55 has been part of the Rogers family since he was just three years old, with Sophia taking over the reins from her sister Izabella, who won Team bronze at these championships in 2023.
The partnership has flourished, and the 14-year-old gelding proved once again why he has become such a special pony.
“He’s the best pony I could ever have asked for,” Rogers said.
“I trust my pony with my whole heart, and I love him so much. It’s worked out so well.”
Her victory also saw Rogers become the first rider to complete the Team and Individual gold medal double since fellow Briton Jack Whitaker achieved the feat in 2016.
Looking ahead, she hopes to step up to Juniors next season.
“Hopefully I’ll take the reins of my sister’s horse to do Juniors next year.”
Great Britain retains team crown
Earlier in the championships, Great Britain successfully defended its Pony team title under Chef d’Equipe Clare Whitaker.
Rogers and Lucia Nicole Caroline were joined by Henry Leggott aboard Blossom’s Big Claim and Raphaela Dawson riding Woody Allen Van Duysverputten to finish on 14.14 penalties, comfortably securing a third successive European team title.
The new championship format introduced for 2026 meant only penalties from the opening Table C speed round carried forward, with Rogers, Caroline and Leggott all delivering superb double-clear performances when it mattered most.
“I’m really proud of them all,” said Whitaker.
“They all rode well. I just keep telling them to concentrate on what they’re doing and not worry about anybody else.”
Ireland earned the team silver medal on 15.35 penalties, while Belgium completed the podium with bronze.
Britain leaves Le Mans on a high
With Team gold, Individual gold and Individual bronze, Great Britain’s Pony Jumping squad enjoyed one of its strongest European Championship performances in recent years.
For Sophia Rogers, however, the week will be remembered as the moment she etched her name into British Pony Jumping history, joining Jack Whitaker as the only British rider in the past decade to complete the prestigious European Championship golden double.
