Great Britain win team gold at inaugural FEI Eventing U25 World Championships
Great Britain’s rising eventing stars secured team gold at the inaugural FEI Eventing U25 World Championships in Millstreet, Ireland, with Cerys Macaulay and Kananaskis also claiming individual silver.
The British squad produced an impressive week of performances across the three phases of competition, finishing on a team total of 149.7 penalties. Germany took team silver on 168.6, while host nation Ireland secured bronze with 180.0.
Macaulay completed the championships on 45.3 penalties to finish behind Germany’s individual gold medallist Calvin Böckmann. Olivia Dutton of the USA took bronze.
Britain moves into gold-medal position
Great Britain sat third following the opening dressage phase, led by Jasmine Underwood and Indian Girl G, who scored 29.3 to hold third place individually.
Barnie Brotherton and DHI King Nelson were eighth on 30.3, while Cerys Macaulay and Kananaskis began the competition in 12th on 32.5. Alice Casburn and Topspin were 16th on 33.3, with Jess Rimmer and The Spice Merchant 29th on 36.6 and Tom Bird and Lenny 32nd on 38.3.
A strong British performance across the influential cross-country phase moved the team into the gold-medal position.
Casburn and Topspin produced an outstanding clear round, adding only 2.8 time penalties to climb from 16th into the individual lead on 36.1.
Macaulay and Kananaskis also jumped clear, adding 12 time penalties to move into seventh on 44.5. Underwood and Indian Girl G remained in medal contention after adding 11.2 time penalties, while Bird and Lenny added 12 time penalties to finish the day in 15th.
Brotherton and DHI King Nelson incurred a refusal and time penalties, while Rimmer and The Spice Merchant had two refusals and additional time penalties.
Casburn and Topspin were subsequently withdrawn following the cross-country phase, having led the individual competition overnight. British Eventing extended its best wishes to Topspin.
Cerys Macaulay claims individual silver
Britain’s remaining team riders delivered composed performances in the final showjumping phase to secure the inaugural U25 world team title.
Macaulay and Kananaskis added just 0.8 time penalties to an otherwise clear round, completing the competition on 45.3 to win individual silver.
Underwood and Indian Girl G had two fences down to finish fourth on 48.9, narrowly missing an individual medal. Bird and Lenny added four faults to take 11th place on 55.5.
Competing individually, Brotherton and DHI King Nelson jumped clear with 1.2 time penalties to finish 22nd. Rimmer and The Spice Merchant added four faults to complete the championships in 30th.
“A fantastic team effort”
David Sheerin, British Eventing Under-25 Chef d’Equipe, praised the professionalism, resilience and teamwork demonstrated by the six British combinations.
“I’m incredibly proud of every one of these riders and the way they represented Great Britain throughout the week,” he said.
Millstreet, Ireland. © Copyright Hannah Cole Photography. All rights reserved.
“Championships are about so much more than the final results. They’re about preparation, teamwork, resilience and performing under pressure, and this group demonstrated all of those qualities.
“To come away with team gold and individual silver is a wonderful reward for all of that hard work. It’s a fitting reflection of the commitment shown by everyone involved, and it’s exciting to see what the future holds for these combinations.”
British Eventing Chief Executive Rosie Williams added: “Congratulations to all of our riders, horses and support team on a fantastic week at the FEI Eventing U25 World Championships.
“To represent your country at a championship is a huge achievement in itself, and everyone involved should be incredibly proud of the professionalism, determination and sportsmanship they have shown throughout the week.”
U25 World Championships coming to Britain in 2027
The championships provided another important opportunity for young British riders to gain international experience as they progress towards senior competition.
Five of the six British riders competing in Millstreet are members of The Howden Way Rider Talent Academy, which supports the development of emerging eventing talent.
British Eventing also thanked Team Vet Alice Croxford, U25 Coordinator Wendy Berry, U25 Coach Tina Cook and the owners, grooms, families and support staff involved in the successful campaign.
The FEI Eventing U25 World Championships will come to Britain in 2027, when Cornbury House Horse Trials hosts the competition on home soil.
FEATURE IMAGE: FEI Eventing World Championship U25 2026 presented by Connolly’s RED MILLS Millstreet, Ireland. © Copyright Hannah Cole Photography. All rights reserved.