Eventing News

Great Britain secured victory in the British leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup at Bicton International Horse Trials, leading from start to finish to claim the team title on a final score of 135.6. The United States finished second on 182.2, with New Zealand completing the podium in third on 199.5 following four days of competition in Devon. The British team was represented by Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI, Tom McEwen and Shannondale Arnold, Laura Collett and Hester, and Tom Rowland aboard LB Mettaphor. The victory capped a successful week for the home nation, with the British quartet maintaining

There are victories that define careers, and then there are performances that redefine a sport. At the 2026 MARS Badminton Horse Trials, Ros Canter and the brilliant Lordships Graffalo produced one of the greatest achievements modern eventing has ever seen, becoming the first horse-and-rider combination in the event’s 77-year history to win the title three times. Already regarded as one of the sport’s outstanding partnerships, Ros and “Walter” arrived at Badminton carrying expectation, pressure and the weight of history. They left Gloucestershire as legends. What makes the achievement even more extraordinary is the timing. Ros gave birth to her second

Badminton Horse Trials delivered a standout day for grassroots eventing yesterday as the LeMieux Championships were decided across BE100 and BE90. With the pressure on in the final phases, two riders kept their nerve and turned early leads into championship titles. BE100: Untouchable Hendry shows her worth In the BE100 final, Philippa Hendry held on to her overnight advantage to win with Flyer Des Coupeaux on 24.8, after setting the standard in the first phase with an exceptional 19.8 dressage. A clear cross-country round kept her on track, and although a single pole fell in the showjumping, it was enough

The opening day of the British Eventing LeMieux Grassroots Championships at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials got underway today, in fresh and breezy conditions. Overall, the dressage phase welcomed high-quality performances, setting the tone in both the BE90 and BE100 sections of the event. BE90: Jowett and Jessett share the lead A competitive BE90 field saw a tie at the top of the leaderboard, with Lucy Jowett aboard Lilly, and Holly Jessett aboard Lombard Lad, both posting identical scores of 27.1 heading into cross-country. Jowett, competing at Badminton for the first time, admitted the moment had yet to fully register:

British eventing legend Mary King has announced her retirement from competitive eventing, bringing to a close one of the sport’s most enduring and decorated careers. The Olympic medallist and multiple championship winner confirmed the news via social media, revealing that her 46th year in the sport will be her last in the saddle at competitions. In her statement, King said: “I have decided to hang up my boots. I started my 46th year of eventing this year and rode at Tweseldown and Moreton (finished 2nd on Barry), and have now decided it’s time to stop competing and to send my

As the British eventing season gets underway, anticipation is building for one of the summer’s most popular fixtures, with tickets for Burgham International Horse Trials (29 July–2 August 2026) now on sale at early-bird prices starting from just £2 for adults and £1 for children. Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2026, Burgham is set in the rolling Northumbrian countryside and continues to attract a strong and competitive field of leading horses and riders. Alongside elite combinations, the event also welcomes grassroots competitors, offering a rare opportunity to compete at the same venue as some of the sport’s biggest names. Adding

British Eventing and The Howden Way celebrate outstanding horsemanship and sportsmanship British Eventing, in partnership with The Howden Way, has announced Sophie Feeney as the recipient of the February 2026 Spotlight Award. This monthly accolade honours individuals who embody the core values of horsemanship, athlete wellness, and community spirit within the eventing world. Sophie, nominated by East region coach Emily Lochore, was selected from a shortlist by Olympic Gold Medallist Laura Collett. Praising Sophie’s maturity and horse-first approach, Collett commented, “Ambition is important in our sport, but knowing when to put your horse first is what truly defines a great

BEDE Events has announced a renewed commitment to supporting amateur riders throughout the 2026 British Eventing season, unveiling a suite of incentives and competitive opportunities designed to reward and encourage grassroots participation. The Eco Voltz League, returning for 2026, will this year focus specifically on amateur riders. Uniquely, the league enables combinations to accumulate points across all competition levels and all BEDE-run events, allowing riders to progress through the levels without being restricted to a single division. The league opens at Oasby (1) on 11–12 March and concludes at Osberton (2) from 1–4 October, with the overall winner earning an

Eventing riders have reason to celebrate as BEDE Events confirms an £8,000 increase to the prize fund across its two major spring international fixtures, Thoresby (3rd–5th April) and Aspen Cooling Osberton (1) (22nd–24th May). New Leading Rider Prizes and Bonuses A new partnership with Succeed sees the introduction of a Leading Rider prize at both events. The top riders will be awarded a bonus £1,000, with points accumulated throughout each fixture determining the winner. Lycetts will also return with its £1,000 bonus for the highest placed Lycetts-insured rider in the Grantham Cup, adding further incentive for competitors. Expanded Championships and

British Eventing has unveiled a new partnership with leading outdoor brand YETI, set to bring fresh energy to the much-loved YETI Bun Run – an initiative dedicated to supporting and recognising the volunteers who are the backbone of eventing across the UK. The Bun Run, a staple at British Eventing competitions, delivers vital refreshments and morale boosts to fence judges and volunteers, ensuring they remain energised throughout long, challenging days. Run by volunteers, for volunteers, the Bun Run is a symbol of camaraderie and community spirit within the sport. This year, YETI’s involvement will see the Bun Run rolled out

Ballaghmor Class, the exceptional grey gelding who carried Oliver Townend to four five-star victories, including two at Defender Burghley Horse Trials, will be officially celebrated with a retirement ceremony in the Main Arena at Defender Burghley Horse Trials in Stamford, Lincolnshire, on Sunday, 6 September. The ceremony follows the announcement of the 19-year-old’s retirement from eventing, revealed today (29 January) by Townend in Horse & Hound. Known affectionately at home as “Thomas”, Ballaghmor Class leaves the sport as one of the most successful CCI5* horses of the modern era. Ridden by Townend, Ballaghmor Class claimed victories at Defender Burghley in

British Eventing (BE) has announced the launch of the British Eventing Engineering Innovation Prize, a new initiative designed to encourage university students to develop practical engineering solutions that could improve safety on the cross-country phase. The project, led by British Eventing and funded by a grant from the British Eventing Support Trust, will invite final-year engineering and design students from selected UK universities to create innovative safety systems for cross-country fences. The aim is to help reduce the risk of rotational horse falls, which remain one of the sport’s most serious safety concerns. Building on two decades of safety research

Isla Morgan has been named as October’s Spotlight Award winner and will receive a uvex exxential 3 riding helmet, courtesy of Zebra Products. The Spotlight Award is presented jointly by The Howden Way and British Eventing each month to celebrate individuals who embody the shared values of both organisations. British Eventing lead coaches nominate a recipient from their region who has made notable contributions to the eventing community, with Olympic Gold Medallist Laura Collett selecting the winner from the shortlist. Coach Will Murray nominated Isla on behalf of the Northern region, highlighting her remarkable progress with her 148cm pony, CCL

British Eventing has paid tribute to its outgoing Chair Mark Sartori, whose three-year tenure has been marked by significant modernisation and renewed ambition for the sport. Mark Sartori, who took the helm in February 2022 during a particularly challenging period for the organisation, brings a unique blend of business acumen and genuine equestrian passion to his leadership role. A former advanced-level event rider himself, Sartori competed at the highest domestic levels before transitioning into a successful career in investment banking and capital markets. His deep connection to the sport extends beyond his own riding career – he owns a farm

The grandeur of Blenheim Palace (GBR) provided a fitting stage for the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship 2025, where Team Germany stormed to victory, securing team gold with a decisive finishing score of 124.9 penalties. In a dramatic weekend of competition, Ireland celebrated their first European medal in 30 years, climbing from seventh place after Dressage to claim silver on 161.9 penalties, while France completed the podium, taking bronze on 167.5. In the individual competition, the medals reflected the strength of enduring horse-and-athlete partnerships. All three podium finishers delivered flawless double clears under immense pressure. Competing before an electrified home

By Eleanore Kelly Team Germany dominated the opening day of Dressage at the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship 2025 in Blenheim Palace (GBR). Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Libussa Lübbeke delivered the two best scores of the day, finishing first and second in the individual standings. Germany holds the overnight lead on 27.8 penalties. Great Britain and France share second place on 29.0, with Yasmin Ingham (GBR) and Sebastien Cavaillon (FRA) tied for third individually. Hansen-Hotopp set the standard, scoring of 27.8 with Carlitos Quidditch K. The talented pair are no strangers to success at Blenheim, having won the CCI4*-L here in

New Zealand’s Jonelle Price has seized the lead in the prestigious Malcolm Group CCI4*-L at Scone Palace International Horse Trials following an impressive dressage performance that has set the stage for an exciting weekend of competition. Price Perfect in Scottish Dressage Jonelle Price, a multiple CCI5* winner, scored 28.4 penalties on David and Katherine Thomson’s Capitaine De Hus Z, securing a narrow but crucial advantage over Britain’s Tom Jackson and Hambro Sport Horses’ HH Moonwalk, who sit second on 30.1 penalties heading into Saturday’s cross-country phase. “He’s a new horse for me, so this year has been about getting to

British Olympic gold medallist Ros Canter has stormed into a commanding lead at the inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials (21-24 August), delivering a masterful dressage performance that has set the standard for this prestigious new addition to the eventing calendar. Commanding Dressage Performance Riding her own and Alex Moody’s 12-year-old dual CCI5* winner Izilot DHI, the former eventing world champion scored an impressive 21.9 in The Malcolm Group CCI4*-S class. This exceptional performance gives Canter a substantial 6.9-penalty advantage over her Paris Olympics team-mate Laura Collett, who sits second with 28.8 on Alex van Tuyll’s home-bred Count Onyx. “I’m

London-based equestrian broadcaster expands international reach through strategic collaboration Horse & Country (H&C), the leading international equestrian sports network, has announced a significant partnership with Equine Network (EN) to co-live stream the 2025 USEA American Eventing Championships Presented By Nutrena Feeds. The Championships, taking place at Galway Downs in Temecula, California from 27th-31st August, will be available to watch completely free on both H&C’s streaming service, H&C+, and EN’s platform, EQUESTRIAN+. Comprehensive Coverage Planned Eventing fans worldwide will enjoy extensive coverage including: Jonathan Rippon, Director of Content at Horse & Country, commented: “We’re delighted to be working with the team