Equestrian Rider Turns Catwalk Competitor for Miss England Crown

Two-time Horse of the Year Show finalist Sophie Mitchell, 25, is trading her riding boots for high heels as she competes in the Miss England final on November 17. Mitchell, an accomplished equestrian, aims to win the beauty contest and potentially represent England at the Miss World competition.

Mitchell, from Horsley Woodhouse, Derbyshire, stated that she entered Miss England to demonstrate that equestrian riders can also be glamorous, particularly after facing online criticism about her appearance. "Lots of people believe that in order to do something, you should look a certain way. I love farming, I love horse riding and I also love being glamorous," Mitchell said. She believes in spreading the message that individuals can present themselves however they choose.

At the Miss England semi-final held on October 11, Mitchell secured the People's Choice public vote award with 196,000 votes, fast-tracking her to the grand final. She also placed second in the talent round with a performance of Dolly Parton's "Coat of Many Colours."

Also among the competitors is PC Tara Sampson, 24, a police officer with Greater Manchester Police, who was recently crowned Miss Manchester. Other contestants include makeup artist Harley Jade Chesworth, fashion student Tabitha Bennett, HR coordinator Kunwal Nadeem, and actress Laiba Khursheed.

Mitchell, who also manages a doggy day care business, views pageantry and equestrianism as having commonalities, emphasizing that both involve presenting oneself well and being a well-rounded individual. She has dedicated her life to horse showing and intends to continue, noting that she often wears full makeup in the riding ring.

Her horse, Mel, named after Spice Girl Mel B, has achieved success in prestigious equestrian events, including a sixth-place finish at the Horse of the Year Show and fourth place at the Hickstead Royal International Horse Show. Mitchell has been riding since the age of three.

The Miss England winner will go on to represent the country at the Miss World 2027 competition in Tanzania. The current Miss World, Grace Richardson from Leicester, will crown her successor. Richardson, a performing arts graduate, previously made history by winning the Miss World Talent round, becoming the first British contestant to do so in the competition's 75-year history. She achieved this despite being born with ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue-tie.