Gemma Stevens Returns to Defend Hickstead Eventers’ Challenge Title
Defending champion Gemma Stevens will return to the Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge at the Agria Royal International Horse Show, where she will bid to retain one of Hickstead’s most popular titles against a field packed with Olympic medallists, former winners and international challengers.
Stevens claimed victory in 2025 aboard Cooley Park Muze, delivering a polished performance in the International Arena. The pair return this year in excellent form after winning at Thoresby International at four-star level and finishing inside the top six in every international outing this season.
One of the biggest talking points ahead of this year’s class is the return of Olympic team gold medallist Laura Collett, who will have two chances of victory aboard Dacapo and Cooley Ice Age. Collett’s presence adds further strength to an already competitive field featuring many of Britain’s leading event riders.
Former Eventers’ Challenge winner Alexander Bragg also returns with Ardeo Premier, having finished runner-up to Stevens last year. Bragg lifted the title in 2024 aboard Quindiva and has enjoyed another impressive summer at Hickstead, finishing second in the Agria Derby Trial and sixth in the Al Shira’aa Derby with Hegglelane Houston.
Several other established names are expected to challenge for the title, including Kirsty Chabert with Classic VI, winners of this season’s Bicton International, alongside Kitty King (Cristal Fontaine), David Doel (Miss Morningstar BB and Cobalt De Dugny), Tom Rowland (Quintilius), Will Rawlin (Casta Diva) and Felicity Collins (RSH Contend’or).
International interest comes from France’s Gaspard Maksud, who brings Just Perfect and Spirit’s Gemini, while New Zealand will be represented by Nick Brooks (Lucky Jo Jo) and Bundy Philpot (Henton First Lady).
Hickstead Director Lizzie Bunn believes another closely fought contest is in store.
“The Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge is one of the most popular classes at Hickstead, and we’ve got a good line-up of riders for this year’s competition. We’re delighted that Laura Collett is returning to Hickstead with two rides, while last year’s winners Gemma Stevens and Cooley Park Muze will surely be the favourites to win again. They produced a polished performance to take this title in 2025 and clocked up another Hickstead victory in the Douglas Bunn 1.35m Memorial Challenge in September, so they know exactly what it takes to win in the International Arena. But there are plenty of other strong contenders who’ll be aiming to give Gemma a run for her money.”
The Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge takes place on Thursday 23 July during the Agria Royal International Horse Show, which runs from 22 to 26 July at Hickstead.
With Olympic champions, previous winners and rising stars all competing over the unique eventing-inspired course, the class promises to be one of the highlights of this year’s Royal International Horse Show.