Lisette-Marie Roberts and the wonderful lightweight cob Randalstown Aristocrat took home top honours to become the 2026 Topham-Barnes BHSA Supreme Amateur champions at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead.

This duo endured heartbreak after a costly misunderstanding in this class last season said this year’s victory “means the world” after returning to claim the title with a horse she describes as “a darling boy”.

This combination were left devastated 12 months earlier when a miscommunication between Randalstown Aristocrat and the ride judge proved costly, leaving them out of the placings despite an otherwise strong performance.

”Last year we were pulled top, and he had a miscommunication with the ride judge and ended up not being placed at all,” said Lisette-Marie. “So for us to be pulled top again this year, I just had that in my head and I was thinking, ‘Is it going to happen again?’”

Fortunately, history did not repeat itself and the pair delivered a performance that impressed the judges, with Lisette-Marie taking particular satisfaction from the feedback she received.

“The judge said he gave such a good ride,” she said. “I’m chuffed to bits with him.”

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Lisette-Marie credited much of the success to Randalstown Aristocrat’s generous nature, despite admitting he can sometimes be his own worst enemy.

“He’s a worrier,” she explained. “He’s always a little bit stressed that he’s going to do something wrong, and if he does do something wrong, he can’t cope with it.”

Although naturally anxious, Lisette-Marie said Randalstown Aristocrat’s temperament away from the pressure of competition is second to none.

“He’s got the loveliest temperament – my daughter rides him and she isn’t the most confident, and she feels really safe on him. He’s just a really likeable chap.”

Randalstown Aristocrat’s has changed yards during his career, having previously been based with Jane Ross before moving to Elliee Stunt, where Lisette-Marie carries out all of his day-to-day work as well as competing him.

“I had him with Jane Ross previously, but I wasn’t riding him and I wanted to ride,” she said. “He’s now with Elliee, and I get to ride him at home and I do all the riding at the shows, so that’s lovely.”

Lisette-Marie believes that consistency has helped strengthen the partnership, particularly with such a sensitive horse.

“He doesn’t need a lot,” she said. “He just needs working in to get him relaxed. It’s not for any other reason, just to help him settle.”

Despite his tendency to worry, Lisette-Marie said Randalstown Aristocrat’s straightforward nature makes him a pleasure to have around the yard.

“He’s no trouble. You can do anything with him,” she said. “He’s just a darling boy, honestly.”

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