Pau Horse Trials 2026: British riders target success at France’s five-star finale

A strong British contingent heads to Pau Horse Trials this week, where established five-star partnerships and emerging horses will contest the final major prize of the international eventing season.

Taking place at the Domaine de Sers from 22–25 October, the French fixture has attracted an expected 53 horses and 44 riders from 10 countries, according to the organiser’s latest update. Ros Canter, Tom McEwen and Yasmin Ingham are among the British names entered for four days of competition culminating in Sunday’s showjumping finale.

More than three decades of eventing at Pau

Now in its 36th edition, Pau’s Horse Trials international eventing history dates back to 1991. The venue hosted the European Championships in 2001 and staged its first competition at the sport’s highest level in 2007, then classified as four-star.

Today, its CCI5*-L provides a late-season target for experienced campaigners and horses ready to tackle their first competition at this level.

British riders and horses to follow

Tom Jackson and Plot Twist B return after finishing runners-up in 2025, making them a particularly interesting British prospect. Emily King and Valmy Biats also arrive with recent podium form, having taken second at Luhmühlen earlier this year.

Canter is entered with MHS Seventeen, who finished 11th here in 2024. Ingham’s Gypsie Du Loir will be making her five-star debut following fifth place in Bramham’s CCI4*-L in June, while McEwen brings forward Quintus after their second place in the CCI4*-S at Scone Palace.

For Izzy Taylor, Pau represents a significant point in her comeback from a serious leg injury earlier this season. Entered with Barrington Alice and SBH Big Wall, she is preparing for her first five-star appearance in three years.

Bubby Upton has Cola and Its Cooley Time entered, while Willa Newton is listed with Hartacker. Other British combinations include Sam Ecroyd with Mister Big Ears, Stephen Heal with Hagonda and Hisco, Lizzie Baugh with Piltown Concorde, Heidi Coy with MGH Jessica, and Mark Davidson with Cooley Topgear.

The opposition: defending champions and familiar winners

New Zealand’s Tim Price and Jarillo return to defend their 2025 title. Price, who also won Pau with Falco in 2021, has Happy Boy and Garcon entered alongside last year’s winner.

Jonelle Price’s entries include her 2022 Pau winner Grappa Nera, as well as Capitaine De Hus Z and Senor Crocodillo. Caroline Powell and High Time add further experience to the New Zealand contingent.

Among the home riders, Sébastien Cavaillon is expected to compete with maternal brothers Hashtag de la Vigne and Elipso de la Vigne. Both are out of Korrigane de Vigne, whose offspring also include Vinci de la Vigne, a team bronze medallist for Japan at the Paris Olympics.

The organiser’s latest update also confirms the return of American Olympian Tiana Coudray with Cancarras Girl. The partnership completed Badminton Horse Trials this spring and will be seeking a better outcome after their elimination on Pau’s cross-country last year.

Thursday and Friday: dressage establishes the order

The first horse inspection is provisionally scheduled for 9am UK time on Thursday 22 October, followed by the opening dressage session from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

The remaining combinations perform on Friday 23 October, with sessions running from 9am to 11am and 1pm to 4pm UK time. By Friday afternoon, the dressage standings will reveal who has an advantage to protect and who needs to recover ground over the jumping phases.

Saturday: the Broken Bridge joins the cross-country course

Cross-country begins at 10.30am UK time on Saturday 24 October, when attention turns to the course and the decisions riders make between the flags.

Familiar obstacles, including the “Palois”, return this year alongside a new fence called the “Broken Bridge”. Nicknamed “Whaouh” by the organising team, the addition promises a distinctive feature for spectators and a fresh question for competitors.

Accuracy and judgement will matter as much as speed. Riders must balance the quickest routes against the demands of the course, with jumping and time penalties capable of changing the leaderboard substantially.

Visitors can also explore the exhibitors’ village and food stands, with pony rides, horse-ball and a free Fire Horse Show extending Saturday’s entertainment beyond the competition.

Sunday: the final inspection and showjumping

The remaining horses are due at the final inspection at 10.45am UK time on Sunday 25 October, before showjumping starts at 1.45pm.

After Saturday’s exertions, horses must demonstrate their fitness to continue before returning to the arena. A rail down adds four penalties, leaving little room for error if the leading scores are close. Prize-giving is provisionally scheduled for 4pm UK time.

How to watch Pau Horse Trials 2026

Pau’s official web TV offers worldwide access with English or French commentary. The service advertises live coverage and replays of all three competition phases and the horse inspections, plus the option to follow individual cross-country rounds from start to finish.

Check the platform for current access options and any viewing charges.

Start lists and results are available through the official Pau website.

Entry information was checked on 19 October and remains subject to change. All times are UK times, converted from the organiser’s provisional programme. The clocks go back on Sunday 25 October; France remains one hour ahead of the UK.

Feature image: Caroline Harris (GBR) riding D. Day in the cross country at Les 5 Étoiles de Pau. Photo credit Laura Dupuy