Ophelia Named 2026 British Hanoverian Supreme Champion

Breeding

British Hanoverian

The three year old mare Ophelia was named the supreme champion of the 2026 British Hanoverian Breeding Championships on 27 - 28 August 2026.

Held in Warwickshire, the annual show of British Hanoverian is an all-encompassing event including young horse classes, a stallion licensing and parade and evening performance.

Ophelia, Supreme Champion

Darren Mattia's chestnut mare Ophelia (by Opoque x Dannebrog) started the day in the Mare Performance Test, where she put in an outstanding performance. Test rider Lucinda Elliott awarded her a 10, an exceptional score and one rarely seen in a Mare Performance Test. Ophelia went on to be crowned the 2026 Mare Performance Test Champion.

Her success continued in the Young Horse Championship, which she also won, before going forward to the Supreme Championship later in the day. Hannoveraner Verband International Judge Bo Eitenmüller had no hesitation in his final decision, naming Ophelia Supreme Champion of the 2026 British Hanoverian Annual Show and completing a memorable return to the show for Darren.

Reserve Supreme Champion was Charlotte Nash’s German Miranda (by Furstenball x Quattro B), who also had a very successful day. Miranda finished Reserve Mare Performance Test Champion before going on to take the Mare Championship. She was ridden and presented by Charlotte Dicker of Catherston Stud. Nash bought the mare in Germany only sox weeks ago.

Viva La Vida, Foal Champion

Sean White’s striking filly Viva La Vida (by Viva Vitalis x Totilas) taking the 2026 Foal Championship.

Licensing

The Annual Show also saw three new stallions successfully licensed, with Fire Kracka (by Fidertanz x Diamond Hit), owned by Claire Wyatt, taking the title of Champion Stallion. Bred by Philipp von Thaden in Germany, Fire Kracka was presented by Ruby Hughes.