Sadie Smith capped a remarkable opening day at the 2025 NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships with a hat-trick of national titles – rounding it off in style by winning the PDS Saddles elementary freestyle gold on Peter Belshaw’s Times Oddjob (Vitalis x Damon Hill) with 73.85%.
Earlier in the day, she had already claimed victory in the Baileys Horse Feeds novice freestyle gold on Sue Garrard’s six-year-old mare River Rise Onassis (Glamourdale x Amsterdam), scoring 79.82%, following on from her HorseHage prelim gold win in the previous class.
“That was a personal best for her,” said Sadie of River Rise Onassis’ performance, as she grew increasingly familiar with post-test interviews. “She’s needed a lot of time – she’s quite tall and was a bit weedy when she was younger – so we’ve taken it slow. But she’s much stronger now.”
“This was her first championship, and she handled the atmosphere really well. I couldn’t have asked for much more. My halts could have been neater, but her way of going was brilliant.”
When Sadie spoke to Horse & Hound, the elementary title hadn’t yet been confirmed, and she hadn’t expected to stay at the top of the novice class either – especially with Dannie Morgan still to ride several of his top horses. He pushed her close, finishing second with Verity I (79.54%), third with Emphatic (78.43%), and fifth with Freya VII (77.59%).
Sadie Smith and Times Oddjob secure the third of Sadie’s three titles on the opening day of the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships. Credit: Kevin Sparrow
River Rise Onassis performed to a freestyle featuring tracks from Curse of the Ice Queen and Snow White and the Huntsman – music that has become something of a lucky charm for Sadie over the years.
“I’ve now won three titles with that music,” she laughed. “The first was a novice gold 10 years ago, with the mother of River Rise Pizzazz [who won the prelim gold]. I also came third with Imhotep here using it once, and I use the same trot and walk music for Swanmore Dantina’s freestyle.
“I might need to upgrade it at some point, but I love twinkly, emotive music – and I found these tracks myself years ago, so it’s quite personal.”
With the River Rise duo, five of Peter’s Times horses at home, and her top ride, Swanmore Dantina, Sadie is developing a powerful and diverse string.
“They’re all so different – that’s why I’m so chuffed,” she said. “I don’t put any pressure on us. I’m still surprised Dannie didn’t win, to be honest! I am competitive, but I also want the horse to have a good experience. Until today, they’ve all been really green – we didn’t have the best regionals – but today, it’s all come together.”
Realising she’d end day one of the Winter Championships with three national titles, Sadie said: “I never thought we’d win all three! With Oddjob, I knew it was a good score, but I didn’t think it would be enough to take the win.
“I’ve won three in a day once before – at the winters in 2018 – but never on three different horses. It’s amazing. Days like this don’t come around often, and you work so hard that when it does all – finally – come together, it’s such a buzz. It gives you a real confidence boost in what you’re doing.”
As for the celebrations? “I think I’m just going to go to bed,” she laughed. “I’ve been riding since seven this morning!”
Winter Area Festival Championships: Two riders win their first-ever national titles in the later classes
Mia Smith and Dutch Discovery win the PSG silver at the Petplan Winter Area Festival Championships. Credit: Kevin Sparrow
Mia Smith and Dutch Discovery (DJ) claimed the prix st georges (PSG) silver title at the Petplan Winter Area Festival Championships with a score of 67.99%, edging out Daisy Hills and Midtgaards Gijon (67.3%) and Lucy Mills with MSL Saltarello Hit (67.01%).
Despite a small mistake in the first walk half-pirouette and a blip in the second line of changes, Mia and DJ impressed across the board, finishing as the unanimous winners among the judges. Their early trot work earned multiple eights, helping them to secure the top spot.
“It’s only our second nationals, and I’ve had him just a year and a half, so this is very, very exciting,” said Mia. “I’m really grateful for everything he’s given me.
“I know some of the other combinations in our class – they’re really good – so I didn’t expect to beat them at all.”
It’s clear how much DJ means to Mia, and how much fun she’s having with him: “He’s a selective horse – he lets you know if he likes something – but he’s so friendly. I taught him to do tricks so I could give him more treats. He can smile and kiss, and he always tilts his head when he tries because he doesn’t quite get it, but it’s very cute.”
Looking ahead, she added: “I’d love to aim for the young rider Europeans next summer, but this year, my friend and I want to do the under-25 grand prix at Sheepgate – just for fun, since it’s unaffiliated!”
Anna Wheeldon and Jackie-Bertha R win the medium bronze at the Petplan Winter Area Festival Championships. Credit: Kevin Sparrow
In the medium bronze, Anna Wheeldon and Jackie-Bertha R took top honours with 68.78%, followed by Annabelle Wesley and Vanir Kamira – the former Badminton winner clearly enjoying a second career – on 67.56%, and Susan Bill with Flamenco Princess close behind on 67.45%.
“It feels amazing to have won – it’s a really good feeling,” said Anna. “It’s been a long journey, and a lot of hard work. She’s a tricky mare – very spooky – but I’ve been training with Jess Dunn, and she’s helped me so much.
“She was there for my warm-up and reminded me to keep my leg on and ride with confidence. She told me, ‘Ride it like you’re going to win it,’ and I gave it my all. She was with me every step.”
Anna’s win meant a lot: “You watch other people win national titles and say, ‘That’ll be me one day.’ Now it is!”
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