British success in Spain
Carl Hester proved absolutely unstoppable with the talented nine-year-old stallion Pro-Set during the final week of the Spanish sunshine tour as he took all three small tour classes, achieving scores of around 72%.
The partnership began by taking the prix st georges on 72.833%; an impressive 3.5% ahead of Spain’s Beatriz Ferrer Salat and Cassandro. They then went on to score 71.917% in the intermediaire I, before claiming the kür final on 72.67%.
Equally dominating in her section was Sarah Millis with her six-year-old Timberland, who was unbeaten once again in the third week, with strong performances earning her scores of 78.20% and 74.60%.
In the big tour, Nicola McGivern and Active Walero looked back to their best in the grand prix, which they won on 70.458%. Nicola was also third in the grand prix special. Maria Eilberg and Richard Davison swapped places in this week’s kür, with Maria finishing second on Two Sox with 68.68% ahead of Richard and Hiscox Karachi, who scored 68.23%.
“This year’s Spanish Sunshire Tour has been extremely interesting with a number of new combinations and inexperienced horse or riders in action,” explains Jo Bagnall of British Dressage. “As always, it’s fascinating to see how they progress over the three weeks.
“It’s particularly exciting to see so many talented British combinations that I am sure we will see much more of in the future.”
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.