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 their advantage throughout the competition to secure a commanding win on home soil.

British Chef d’Équipe Richard Waygood praised both the competition and the organisers following the team’s success.

“First and foremost, the organising committee at Bicton did an outstanding job on the ground, so a big thank you to them from all the riders, owners and horses. The course was certainly challenging and exciting throughout. It asked plenty of good questions, and when you speak to the riders, they all feel they really had to work for it, which is great and made for a strong competition.”

Chabert Claims TopSpec CCI4*-S Title

In addition to helping Great Britain secure Nations Cup honours, Kirsty Chabert enjoyed individual success by winning the TopSpec CCI4*-S aboard Classic VI.

Chabert edged out Laura Collett and the multiple championship medallist London 52 after both combinations finished on the same score. The title was awarded to Chabert as her cross-country performance finished closer to the optimum time.

Speaking after her victory, Chabert said:

“Bicton has been wonderful – we’ve had lovely weather, and the team did an amazing job with the ground, which was hugely appreciated. It was very exciting to be in such close contention with Laura, and I’m delighted to take home the win.”

Other Bicton International Horse Trials Winners

The final day also saw a number of class champions crowned across the event.

In the Project Pony CCIP2*-L, Florence Drewitt and Battlestown Delight maintained their lead throughout to win on a score of 32.2.

Stephen Heal claimed victory in the Charles Owen CCI2*-L with Semilly B, while Ella Howard led from start to finish in the Renaissance Care CCIJ2*-L aboard Delauney.

Tom McEwen added another victory to his weekend by winning the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-S on his dressage score.

Jago Jackson held on to his overnight lead to win the Succeed CCIY3*-L with Kinda Brunette, while Tom Jackson and Sage Soldier maintained their advantage in the Empire Coachbuilders CCI3*-L.

Successful Week for Bicton

The 2026 Bicton International Horse Trials attracted 297 horse-and-rider combinations across seven classes and once again hosted the British leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup.

Event Director and Course Designer Helen West praised the efforts of the team behind the event.

“What an amazing weekend! Delivering an event of this scale, with so many classes and courses, takes an exceptional team, and we are fortunate to have exactly that at Bicton. The competition this weekend was outstanding, with the cross-country courses presenting strong challenges for both under-21 riders and senior competitors.”

The successful staging of the event further strengthens Bicton’s position as one of the UK’s leading international eventing venues and provides an important fixture within the FEI Eventing Nations Cup calendar.