Annabel Makes History at Hickstead

Annabel Widdowson

Annabel first took to the saddle at the age of just 3 years old and was instantly bitten by the bug. Her ponies are adored and she spends every possible second with them. Annabel is no stranger to competing in major championships. In 2022, at just 7 years old, Annabel became the youngest rider to ever win a second round, qualifying them for the Royal International 128 championship on Whinney Lass. Annabel continued breaking records in 2023, becoming the youngest rider to ever win a championship in the International Arena at Hickstead, as well as becoming the youngest team member on an England gold medal winning pony team, jumping a double clear in the Home Pony at aged just 8 years old. 2024 was another incredible year, with England Team victories in both the Wales and West and English Home Pony Shows, winning both the Enablelink Ltd 128cm Championship at Horse of The Year Show and The Agria 128cm Championship at The London international Horse Show, and also being awarded the Young Achiever of the year Award by the Welsh Pony and cob Society. Annabel's hopes and dreams are to ride on European teams with Ponies and Children on Horses and one day be on the Olympic team! Annabel who attends the Granville School, looks up to Tiffany Foster, Laura Kraut, Rodrigo Pessoa and of course Nick Skelton.