Burniston-based showjumper Gabriel qualifies for the Horse of the Year Show

Gabriel Hodgson, based in Burniston runs his own professional showjumping yard along with groom Briege Robertson.

After years of hard work, dedication and consistently climbing the ranks in the sport, from starting on ponies at three and gaining confidence and knowledge over the years, qualifying for next month’s Horse of The Year Show marks a significant milestone in his career.

At this year's Yorkshire Show 2026, Gabriel Hodgson and Clarendon Nerokan (Nero) on their way to placing sixth in the 1.30m speed class.

placeholder image — At this year's Yorkshire Show 2026, Gabriel Hodgson and Clarendon Nerokan (Nero) on their way to placing sixth in the 1.30m speed class.

Competing successfully in the company of 80+ top horse and rider combinations, they earned their place at the championship, while competing up in Aberdeen at Bogenraith Equestrian Centre, after chasing the qualification classes round the country.

On two occasions going through all 3 qualifying rounds just missing out on the 2 qualifying placings on offer, this time was third time lucky.

Groom Briege Robertson with Clarendon Nerokan at Chepstow international.

Then going on to qualify for his second final at HOYS at Wolsingham County Show taking the 2nd qualifying ticket out of the three on offer in the Grade C Qualifier.

Their achievement is a fantastic example of local sporting success and reflects the commitment required to compete at the highest level of British showjumping.

Together with one of his horses, Clarendon Nerokan, produced by himself from a youngster right they way through up to 1.40m level they have enjoyed an impressive season producing some of the following results.

Chepstow 2* Spring international 2026: On Clarendon Nerokan – 11th CSI 2* Medium Tour 1.35m (May 2), 18th CSI 2* Small Tour 1.30 (May 1), on Cleveland Way – 4th CSI 1* Gold Tour 1.25 (May 1), 4th CSI 1* Gold Tour 1.25 (May 2).

Stainsby Grange Second Rounds Show 2026: On Cleveland Way - 1st Senior Foxhunter (April 25).

Stainsby Grange March 25: On Cleveland Way - 1st 1.30m.

Bramham International Horse Trials 2026: On Clarendon Nerokan – 5th Bramham Classic 1.30 speed.

Bogenraith Equestrian Second Round Show: On Clarendon Nerokan – 2nd Newcomers 2nd Round (qualifying placing for HOYS).

Great Yorkshire Show 2026: 1.30m speed - 6th Clarendon Nerokan and 10th Cleveland Way.

Wolsingham Show 2026 Grade C Final Qualifier - 3rd Clarendon Nerokan (2nd HOYS qualification)

Whilst in the middle of a busy competition season behind the scenes work never stops and young horses are also constantly being sourced and added to the team with the aim of producing them for top level sport.