Rachel Proudley Soars to New Heights in British Showjumping

A Golden Year for British Showjumping’s Rising Star

Rachel Proudley has captured the Young Rider Individual Gold title at the 2025 Youth European Championships, adding to the Team Bronze she helped secure earlier in the week. The 20-year-old from North Yorkshire’s remarkable achievements throughout 2025 have established her as one of British showjumping’s brightest talents, demonstrating exceptional skill in both championship competitions and specialist events.

European Championship Triumph

Remaining impressively composed, she delivered yet another foot-perfect round on the 14-year-old mare, producing a masterclass championship performance to win Gold on her European Championship debut. Riding HK Horses’ Quality Street, Proudley maintained an almost flawless record throughout the competition. Rachel Proudley and HK Horses’ Quality Street jumped clear rounds every day leading up to the final, showcasing the consistency that defines championship success.

Puissance Dominance and Record-Breaking Heights

Beyond championship success, Proudley has demonstrated remarkable prowess in puissance competitions. Rachel Proudley repeated her win from 2024 in the London Horse Show puissance tonight – and went higher than she and class specialist Easy Boy De Laubry Z have ever jumped before when they cleared 2.21m (7ft 3in). This achievement at the London International Horse Show in December 2025 marked a personal best for the partnership.

It was a historic victory for Proudley, the European U21 Individual gold medallist, who became the first female rider to win the Puissance in 61 years when she triumphed at the Dublin Horse Show in August, clearing 2.15m with apparent ease.

Recognition and Future Prospects

Proudley’s exceptional year has earned her prestigious recognition. The Horse & Hound Awards winners were nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which was decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We recognised both the big names who have made 2025 special, with Proudley receiving the Young Rider of the Year 2025 award.

Working closely with HK Horses and owner Graham Ward, Proudley has developed multiple talented horses including Quality Street, Easy Boy de Laubry Z, and Guess Du Mont. Her success represents not only individual achievement but also the strength of British youth showjumping development. As she continues to compete at senior levels whilst still eligible for young rider classes, the equestrian world watches with anticipation to see what heights this talented rider will reach next.