Hildenborough eventer Archie Humfrey sets sights on GB call-up after season of success with new horse Hokus Pokus is rewarded at South East Eventers League Ball

Hildenborough event rider Archie Humfrey has his eyes on an international call-up after winning two awards at the South East Eventers League Ball.

Humfrey, 18, was named leading under-21 South East event rider and also saw off competition from across the region to win the Rising Star for 2022 award following a hugely successful season on his new horse Hokus Pokus.

Rankings are reset at the start of each eventing season and athlete combinations are awarded points based on where they are placed at all national events held in the south east.

Humfrey and Hokus Pokus were placed first at Chilham Castle and second at Tweseldown and Firle Place and no other horse or rider combination in the under-21 category achieved as many top placings at events in the region during the season.

The pair were also selected to form part of the south east under-18 eventing team for the International Youth Championships of eventing. And not only did they beat all other UK regions, but Humfrey was also the overall individual winner.

He now hopes his victory will lead to selection for the under-21 GB European eventing team and might attract the backing of sponsors keen to share in - and enhance - his future career.

"The Rising Star award was a total surprise," Humfrey said.

“It recognises outstanding achievement throughout the year and, seeing as my horse Hokus Pokus and I are new to one another this year, to have managed to gain a prestigious title in a short space of time is fantastic and really makes all the hard work worthwhile.

“To represent my country in a sport I live for would be a dream come true."