The Scottish National Equestrian Centre (SNEC) was buzzing with excitement as it hosted the debut of the Harry Hall One Club ACE Scotland Championships on Sunday 6 April 2025.
This dynamic ‘Anyone Can Event’ arena eventing-style competition, which runs from winter to spring, offers riders the perfect opportunity to sharpen their skills, have fun, and stay competitive during the shorter daylight months. With qualifiers across the country, and a variety of height classes ranging from 70cm to 1m, the series welcomes riders aged 10 and up, encouraging combinations of all ages and abilities to get involved.
This was the first time an ACE championship had been held in Scotland, and thanks to the support of Harry Hall Once Club, it certainly had a championship feel.
With four coveted championship titles on the line – 70cm, 80cm, 90cm, and 100cm – the atmosphere was electric, and every competitor was ready to give it their all in pursuit of glory!
Rounding up a fabulous day of competition, Liz Hopper, CEO at Harry Hall, said: “The championships at SNEC were a brilliant success and the feedback from the participants has been that it’s a fantastic competition and environment for riders of varying ages and abilities to have a go at arena style eventing. We’re proud to play a part in such a special event and partner with British Eventing. The expansion into Scotland is a testament to the popularity of the ACE series, and we are now very much looking forward to the championships at Aintree Equestrian Centre in June!”
Scotland Chair Grace Moran added: “We’ve had a wonderful day of competition at SNEC! Congratulations to all of our worthy Scottish finalists and winners. There were some very impressive rounds which bodes well for the start of our Scottish eventing season at Kirriemuir next weekend. Next year’s ACE championship has already been booked for 29th March 2026, so I would encourage Scottish eventers to note that date, and get out at ACE qualifiers later this year. Thanks to all of the BE Scotland volunteers for their hard work today, and the team at SNEC for hosting.”
Opening the debut championships was Amy McDonald and her 14.1hh, 10-year-old mare Beechmount Anna. The pair pulled off a fabulous performance to win the Harry Hall One Club Scotland ACE 70cm Championship.
“I’ve had Anna since I was 11 and she was four, and she’s just fabulous!” smiled Amy. “It’s been great to learn together, which makes today’s win even more special.”
Runner up went to Aiden Archer and Paddy XXII, while third spot was awarded to Heather Lewis and Anna’s Billy Elliot.
In the 80cm ranks, it was Larisa Cathro and her 12-year-old, 16hh mare Murrisk Countess, aka Cindy, who pulled out all the stops to finish top of the podium and earn the title of 2025 Harry Hall One Club Scotland ACE 80cm Champions.
“She was so good today,” said Larisa. “It’s actually Cindy’s birthday today! She’s 12 now and has had the best day. Thanks so much to the organisers.”
Second place went to Caz Mosley and Fairlight Athena, while Vanessa Hamilton and Trenouth were third.
It was Claire Johnstone and her 16.2hh, 11-year-old mare Hanleen Armani who were crowned Harry Hall One Club Scotland ACE 90cm Champions.
Claire said: “Armani is a lovely horse – I’ve had her for six years. Through confidence issues and more, she’s stayed with me, and today’s victory is unexpected but lovely!”
Vanessa Hamilton and Trenouth went one better on their third place in the 80cm championship to finish in second place in the 90cm championship, while in third was Daniel Ireland and Garfunkel 2nd.
Our Harry Hall One Club Scotland ACE 100cm Champions were Coral Black and 16.1hh, 14-year-old gelding Leandro VD Eikelboscherheide.
Coral said: “I’ve had Leo since Christmas and we’ve not done that much to date – but this win is a fantastic late festive present!”
Our runner up was Nell McGregor and Too Hoots while third went to Sarah Page and Aghamore Cruising.
Congratulations to all our competitors – we hope you had a fabulous day! A big thank you to Harry Hall One Club for sponsoring the championship classes and to SNEC for putting on a fabulous event. And of course, a huge thank you to our wonderful volunteers who made the day possible.
For more information on ACE, click here.
To find out more about the Harry Hall One Club, a supportive community, solving practical and real problems for horse owners and riders through insurance, products and membership, click here.
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