Latest from Horse & Hound in Alex-bragg

‘That’s cool, isn’t it?!’ Gemma Stevens wins second consecutive Hickstead eventers’ title

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:56:26 +0000

The fabulous Gemma Stevens and Cooley Park Muze won a second consecutive Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge at the Agria Royal International Horse Show, three seconds plus a fence ahead of their nearest rivals.

The 2025 champions were last to go, and drew a huge roar from the crowd as they finished in 117.8sec, ahead of Tara Dixon and Master Smart on 124.30 and last year’s runners-up Alex Bragg and Ardeo Premier, on 125.13.

The win means Gemma – who first won this class in 2022 with her World Championships ride Flash Cooley – joins Pippa Funnell as a three-time winner of the class; only Gary Parsonage has won it more, with four titles on his CV.

“That’s cool, isn’t it?!” Said Gemma. “Pip’s the coolest in the sport, so I’m happy with that!”

Gemma said last year that The Rex Syndicate’s Irish-bred gelding was probably one of the nicest horses’s she’s had and his form since then – which includes winning the four-star Lycetts Grantham Cup at Thorseby – has done nothing to shake that view.

Asked if she felt any pressure after last year’s win, Gemma said: “Of course there’s always pressure. But we had a wonderful win here yesterday, and I just thought ‘I had a lovely win yesterday, I really enjoyed it. Let’s just enjoy this wonderful horse and do the best we can do.”

Gemma Stevens and Cooley Park Muze: how they did it

The round was flawless; jumping on lovely balanced turns from the off and fast and accurate from the start. They had the slightest of pauses on the top of the bank but then flew home, taking the longer route at the barrels to avoid the knock-down rails of the shorter route, accelerating over the brush and the Devil’s Dyke without a check – and were cheered most of the way home.

“I had a real plan,” Gemma said. “I knew my plan, and I just tried to stick to it, to the point I made [husband] Gary watch the round back from last year, and try to go one or two less strides here and there – I’m not joking when I say I counted everywhere! I think that’s where the [show]jumping comes into play, I’ve got so used to counting, then when you’re trying to be really quick and you can shave off a stride here and there, it makes a difference. Really being that precise is, I think, where I’ve upped my game a bit.”

Tara, daughter of eventing legend Karen, was not only making her debut in this class, it was the first time she had ever been to Hickstead, but she and Master Smart looked like old hands as they went fast and sure from the start, taking the direct routes off the bank and through the barrels, just clipping the rail of the second element there.

“I’d never even been here as a spectator – now I love the place!” she said.

“I was aware of this class and had seen clips, then at the beginning of this year, I made a 2026 bucket list and this was on it, so I decided to make it happen. Mum and Dad have been here so they debriefed me on the whole show.”

Tara has had her parents’ Satisfaction gelding since he was five, eight years ago, and she said they were not a match made in heaven at first, as “he kept putting me on the floor!”

“But we clicked,” she said. “And I honestly think there’s no horse as talented as him. He’s so quick with his feet and just loves the game, he can do it all and he’s gorgeous. I can’t wait to try to finally get my ducks in a row and keep kicking and do well at a big one somewhere.”

“It was great fun”

The 2024 winner Alex and Debbie and Neill Nuttall’s 14-year-old are well practised on this course, although it had had some tweaks since last year, and they gave a masterful performance today, fast, smooth and clear.

“I was surprised because the sun was so bright, he spooked at fence one,” Alex said. “I could hear them doing the commentary saying ‘He’s produced him since he was four years old’, and I think he must have heard and thought ‘Oh, I’ve got to behave like a four-year-old’!

“I thought ‘Fence one, this is not good’, so I had to give him a little bit of encouragement.”

Alex said “Eddie” has not quite got the speed across the ground of the other two but he was neat and balanced.

“And he’s great fun,” he said. “I was definitely having fun. These classes are magnificent; I think they’re great for our sport to showcase it to a different audience, in a different way. It is really fun, and I know it’s a competition, but I think I try to look at it as an exhibition, a showcase, and I love it. Thank you to Hickstead for continuing to put it on, and Ashby Underwriters for continually supporting it.”

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‘We might get a six-horse jump-off on Sunday’: stage set for fabulous Hickstead Derby after top trial

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 15:51:12 +0000

The stage has been set for a fabulous Al Shira’aa Derby on Sunday (21 June) as the Hickstead crowd was treated to a top afternoon’s sport in the Agria Derby trial, won by 2023 Derby champions David Simpson and Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve.

It is rare to have a jump-off in the Hickstead derby trial but this year an almost unheard-of six combinations went clear. Former Derby winners Guy Williams (BH Gringos Legacy) and William Whitaker (Flamboyant III) elected not to come back, which left event rider Alex Bragg (Hegglelane Houston), Derek McCoppin (Capital Levubu) and Stephan Dubsky (C The Stars) in the field with David and his own 11-year-old stallion.

“The horse is in great shape; but he’s been in great shape for the last couple of weeks,” David said. “He was unbelievable in Hamburg, and the week before last in St Gallen, so touch wood we can just maintain that for Sunday.”

First in for the jump-off, Stephan and his Derby specialist, owned by Miriam Rohr, were flying from the start to finish on 57.87sec, the fastest time, but clipping the Derby rails. Alex and his own 13-year-old, with whom he finished 12th in last year’s Derby, covered the ground in fine style, the super mare full of running and jumping, to cross the line clear in 64sec.

2nd place. Alex Bragg (GBR) and Heggelane Houston in THE AGRIA DERBY TRIAL for the Ben O'Meara Memorial Trophy at The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby, Hickstead, Sussex. June 19th 2026 (Image credit: Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves)

It was a fantastic round but Alex did not hold the lead long, as in came David and Pjotr; smooth, balanced and making it look almost effortless as they cruised home clear on 58.24sec. Derek and Bronwyn Meredith dos Santos’ 15-year-old stallion were tight and accurate and economical, getting a great shot to the triple bar before the last line, but clipped the very last fence, to finish on four faults in 59.51sec.

It was an afternoon of top performances but as well as these six, there will be an array of strong contenders lining up on Sunday; five-time champion William Funnell and his 2024 winner Dublon had just one rail and retired, Shane Breen and Fanfan De Beaufour, who jumped clear but with time-faults last year, had two down.

A host of strong four-fault rounds also speak of good chances in the Derby; Ellen Whitaker and Cordessia Z, Hayley Webster (Cachento), Jenna Palmer Evans (Ilord), Christopher Franks (Irving VG), Morgan Shirley (Klaris Ride On), Commandant Geoff Curran (Hawthornhill) and Olivia Mae Davison (Mendel DN) only lowered one rail apiece.

“I honestly would not be shocked to see a five- or six-horse jump-off on Sunday,” David said.

It is thought the only combination to have won both the trial and the Derby itself in the same year is William Funnell and the great Mondriaan, nearly 20 years ago. So does David think he and Pjotr might join them in 2026?

“Let’s hope so,” he said. “The horse cannot feel any better, so I think it’s really down to me not messing up on Sunday, and we should be in with a shout.”

Alex said he enjoys jumping in the International Arena, and paid tribute to David, who let him jump Hegglelane Houston in his grass ring in preparation for this week.

“He was kind enough to say yes, so I did say that was the only reason I didn’t beat him – it was nothing to do with the six seconds he was ahead!” Alex said, adding that he has been preparing for Sunday since his debut in the class last year.

“I didn’t know anything about riding down the bank… so I came to the top gently, and just let the mare look,” he said. “The mare’s so great, she shot down, and my experience at the bank was over before it even began, and I was over the white rails in a mess.

“So I’m definitely going to get a little bit steadier at the top. The dyke is something I’d have liked to practise more as it’s so unique to this show, but we’ve put some little blinkers on her as the crowd was pushing her away.

“She was very sensitive with the atmosphere last year, so we’ve tried to do things to help her as well as practise for the course specifically. But other than that, you just need to try to ride well, give them a good opportunity to jump well, and you probably need a little bit of luck.”

2026 Hickstead Derby trial: more to watch

Other combinations to look out for include Andrew Hodgins and Shanaclough Luichew, who turned heads with their unique style when they came third in the London International puissance last year, and eventer Gemma Stevens (Envoy Merelsnest Z) who finished on eight faults today, but looked in fantastic form.

The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby starts at 3pm on Sunday (21 June).

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Alex Bragg hopes a change in training and warm-up will give his Bramham ride Jaeger Master the chance to shine

Pippa Roome — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 14:25:52 +0000

Alex Bragg talked about how he has changed his dressage warm-up routine and worked on balance in the jumping phases with his ride Jaeger Master after his Defender Bramham Horse Trials dressage today (11 June).

“We’ve had issues when we’ve got him fitter – he’s got a bit lit up going in there. But for what he can do at the moment, he was great today. He needs more suppleness for the future, but his extensions and changes were good and the main thing was he really stayed with me and I think we’ll grow in confidence from that,” said Alex after scoring 30.2 with the horse owned by Team Joey. They sit in fifth place at the end of day one of dressage.

Alex described the changes he has made to his warm-up: “Because what you would feel is that he’s a bit lazy, we always had quite a short warm-up routine, but then actually inside he still had loads of energy.

“So we’ve lengthened the warm-up, so we get lots of time to get his body moving, and then when he does light up, the body is actually softer and more supple and then the energy is beneficial, instead of when he did lift to go into the ring, he got really quite tense and tight.

“That’s what we trialled this time, with a little bit more like lungeing to get him really loose in the neck and flexing. I do that myself with him. I think it’s just trying to learn about him and cater for him in particular.”

Jaeger Master, who is now 12, was taken up to four-star level by Tom Woodward and joined Alex in the winter of 2024/2025.

“They’d had a few mishaps and Tom felt the horse maybe wasn’t going to be a top horse. The owners are actually just south of us in Devon, so through some connections they asked if we would give him a try,” said Alex. “I felt there were probably some fundamental things missing in his training so, although he was making mistakes, his body wasn’t positioned to allow him to not make them.”

Building strength

Alex continued: “He’s naturally quite a brave horse, so he would always be getting to the fence with his front end, but the back end was half a mile behind. He was just in the wrong balance to make a good shape and he was running fast everywhere. He looked impressive because he’s very extravagant with his front legs and you’d think he was strong, but actually he was weak behind the saddle and through his core.

“We needed to teach him how to to lift up through his core, build his athleticism and get more gymnastic, so that he builds a more holistic, fit body, rather than just this impressive muscular front end.

“It was also teaching him to think quicker. I don’t think he was quite reactive in the right way – he just would throw everything at it, like a brave young horse would, and you’re ‘Whoa mate, actually, this exercise requires you to think a little bit and jump in this shape.’ Now he’s learned that, he has a few more tools and a few more skills, which is helping me out.”

Alex has also run the horse slowly, to build his confidence because he felt the mistakes had made him anxious, and said the owners have been patient in allowing him to do that.

“So now he’s more relaxed, he’s more confident, and his body’s operating better. And I know when I really need to support him, because he does need support at the minute. So I guess it’s actually building that partnership and that’s hopefully changed the trajectory of him,” he said.

The pair were second in a four-star long at Ballindenisk last autumn and Alex Bragg sees this weekend at Bramham Horse Trials as a trial for whether Jaeger Master is going to be a top horse to go five-star.

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Horse in top 16 after dressage one of two withdrawn before Badminton cross-country

Pippa Roome — Sat, 09 May 2026 07:10:39 +0000

Two horses have joined the Mars Badminton Horse Trials withdrawals list before today’s cross-country phase (9 May).

Irish rider Georgie Goss has pulled out Feloupe, a 16-year-old mare owned by her rider, Suzanne Doggett, Lucy Fleming and Kelly Holmes. Georgie and Feloupe were equal 15th after dressage, having scored 30.8, and were bidding for a third top-30 finish at the event.

“With ‘Lulu’ being 16 years old and having ridden her seven years, I know her inside out and it’s a privilege bringing her to Badminton as she’s a true professional, tough, brave and ultimately loves it but without the rain we were all hoping for and expecting, we have decided to save her for another day and look towards some big aims later in the year,” said Georgie.

“It’s not been an easy decision but as a team we have discussed it in detail and I believe this is the right decision for her. She’s my absolute world and her wellbeing is everything, and I want to be 100% confident in every element.”

Badminton final scores

Georgie added: “I am wishing everyone the best of luck for today and wish the real life superwoman Ros Canter a safe and happy clear cross-country (inside the time). For now after many tears, I can relax and be happy my pony is safe and sound and ready for the next challenge.”

British contender Alex Bragg has withdrawn The Roe Family’s Quindiva, another 16-year-old mare, who had been held at the first trot-up. They had scored 39 for their dressage test yesterday, to sit 50th after the first phase. Alex and Quindiva were third at Badminton in 2024.

“Sadly ‘Diva’ wasn’t feeling 100% after her dressage, and you want to be on top of your game to successfully take on the challenge of Badminton Horse Trials. With this in mind we made the difficult but right decision to withdraw,” Alex told H&H.

Alex added: “We would like to wish everyone heaps of luck riding around the cross-country today. I will be a little jealous! But this is the right decision for Diva. I’d like to say a big thank you for the support that people have given us, especially the Roe family.”

These latest Badminton Horse Trials withdrawals leave a field of 59 horses and riders to tackle Eric Winter’s cross-country course today. The first horse, Et Hop Du Matz ridden by Harry Meade, leaves the start box at 11.30am.

How to watch and listen to Badminton Horse Trials

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Two horses held at first Badminton Horse Trials trot-up, including one British ride

Lucy Elder — Wed, 06 May 2026 18:35:06 +0000

Two horses were held at the first Mars Badminton Horse Trials trot-up today (6 May). Both were accepted when re-presented to the ground jury so all 61 competitors go forward to dressage.

Alex Bragg’s ride Quindiva, who is owned by the Roe family and finished third here in 2024, was the first horse to be sent to the holding box by the ground jury of Christina Klingspor, Amanda Miller and Angela Tucker. She slotted in to re-present five horses later, and was given the nod of approval.

Quintera, ridden by Belgium’s Wouter De Cleene and owned by Katrien Arnauts and Bart Goeminne, was also held. The 14-year-old, who made her Badminton debut in 2025, was accepted on re-presentation.

Harry Meade kicked off the Badminton Horse Trials trot-up with his three campaigners – Et Hop Du Matz, Annaghmore Valoner and Cavalier Crystal. The trio sailed through the horse inspection in front of the house, watched by a huge crowd.

Badminton final scores

Former winner Greenacres Special Cavalier, ridden by Caroline Powell who owns the 2024 Badminton champion with Chris and Michelle Mann, was on her toes in the chilly spring sunshine. Defending champion Lordships Graffalo also breezed through the first Badminton Horse Trials trot-up.

Tim Price’s 2021 Pau winner Falco, who he owns with Sue Benson, was trotted up by fellow competitor Marcio Carvalho Jorge, as Tim sustained a shoulder injury from falling off a bike the weekend before Defender Kentucky.

The Badminton Horse Trials entries thinned by eight horses in the final build-up to the Gloucestershire five-star following a flurry of late withdrawals this week. All horses named on the start list for the first trot-up presented and passed.

Harry Meade and Et Hop Du Matz will be the first pair into the arena at 10am tomorrow (Thursday, 7 May).

How to watch and listen to Badminton Horse Trials

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‘It was a surprise; you can think of many reasons’ – British rider reflects on retiring on Maryland 5 Star cross-country

Pippa Roome — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 15:19:41 +0000

Alex Bragg has reported that Quindiva is “really happy in herself” and is being treated for an overreach injury, after he retired on the Mars Maryland 5 Star cross-country course yesterday (Saturday, 18 October).

The British rider and The Roe Family’s 15-year-old mare were having a super round up until the big step down at the Fair Hill International Drop at fence 27a. Quindiva refused twice here and Alex then put his hand up, indicating retirement, and left the course.

“She was absolutely brilliant up to that point – full of gallop and jump and eating it up,” Alex Bragg told H&H about the earlier part of his Maryland 5 Star cross-country performance. “The rest of the round showed so much quality and class. She didn’t give me any indication that was coming so it was a surprise.

“I hacked her back and she recovered so well. When we checked her over, we realised she had an overreach and was tender on that heel. Most horses would push through with the adrenalin, but she is a very sensitive mare and perhaps that was the reason – that she was a bit sore and so thought about the drop down.

“You can think of many reasons – she also hasn’t done a lot this year – but the sad reality is it was going brilliantly up to minute nine, but it wasn’t meant to be and we couldn’t quite execute it to the finish, with an abrupt end to her round.”

Alex added that when Quindiva “decides yes, she’s all go, when she decides no, she can be a bit stubborn, so you have to accept it’s not your day and not push the point and create an unhappy moment for her”, so he didn’t ride her super strongly when he re-presented after her first refusal.

He said: “I gave her time to process it, then thought let’s circle away and see if she’s positive about the question. I could feel she was a bit backward and holding her breath and at that point, she’s not in it, so I had to just hold my hand up and walk back.

“It’s one of the most difficult things to do, but with experience you learn when to call it a day rather than forcing something that’s not going to happen.”

Alex reported that Quindiva “looks really perky and in super condition” today.

“She is just a bit tender on that overreach and I imagine it stings – obviously we are treating that and dealing with it. Luckily it’s a superficial issue and she’ll be right as rain in a few days,” he said.

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Britain’s sole contender retires on Maryland 5 Star cross-country course

Pippa Roome — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 19:01:57 +0000

Britain’s sole contender Alex Bragg retired on the Mars Maryland 5 Star cross-country course today (Saturday, 18 October).

Alex and The Roe Family’s Quindiva looked to be having a super round until the 15-year-old mare refused at the big step down at the Fair Hill International Drop at fence 27a. Alex brought her back for a second attempt, but then retired when she stopped again.

Until then, Alex Bragg and Quindiva had excelled over the Maryland 5 Star cross-country track, designed for the first time this year by Pierre Le Goupil. They took the tricky direct route through the first big question, in the arena, The Chesapeake Beasts and Bay Bridge (fence 7abc) – a bending line over two corners styled as birds, with rooves overhead, either side of an angled hanging log.

Continuing on, the British pair put in copybook performances through two of the most discussed fences, the Yanmar Sunken Road (fence 11abcd) and Pierre’s Puzzle and French Horn (fences 16abc and 17), as well as tackling the Mars Sustainability Bay (fences 23abcd and 24), known as the crab water, confidently on the direct route.

But it all came unstuck three fences later when they failed to get down the big drop at fence 27 and Alex walked Quindiva off the course, their dreams of a strong finish at the US five-star over.

Alex was the 10th rider to start across country in the five-star competition today and only one has jumped clear so far, the home side’s Jennie Brannigan with Nina and Tim Gardner’s FE Lifestyle. Jennie finished nine seconds over the 11min optimum time and looks set to improve on her 10th place after dressage.

“I’m just so proud of him – I’m grateful he took care of me out there. It’s been a rough couple of weeks,” said an emotional Jennie, who had a fall when Kismet flipped over at the start box with her at Morven Park last weekend.

“The course rode beautifully, but ‘Foxy’ is a real five-star horse – I’m not sure I’ll have such a good cross-country horse again in my career.”

Boyd Martin was the best-placed of the early competitors after dressage, sitting seventh with Luke 140, but the horse didn’t really have a stride after jumping the big ditch at Pierre’s Puzzle and stopped at the following angled shoulder brush set up a bank, sending Boyd over his head.

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‘Not the ride I wanted, but we got through’ – a tricky day for Britain’s sole campaigner in Maryland 5 Star dressage

Pippa Roome — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 22:18:44 +0000

Britain’s Alex Bragg had a tricky ride in the Mars Maryland 5 Star dressage today (Thursday, 16 October), scoring 39.2 with The Roe Family’s Quindiva to lie seventh of the 11 starters so far.

“It’s very windy here, but she seemed quite settled outside,” Alex told H&H. “But when she came up to the main arena with the flags she got very lit up and tense and then she becomes quite sensitive. I thought hopefully she’ll get around the boards and relax, but then she was spooking at the camera and judges’ boxes, so I didn’t quite have the ride I wanted, but we got through test and in those situations that’s all you can do.”

Quindiva certainly looked bright in her Maryland 5 Star dressage test, as Alex Bragg said, and swung her quarters out to the left in her first halt and put her head up. She was also reluctant to settle in the mid-test halt, repeated the quarter swing in her final halt and struck off on the wrong lead in the transition to canter. She did pull off some clean flying changes and gained her best marks, 7.5s, from Robert Stevenson at B, for her medium trot and canter.

Quindiva was third at Badminton Horse Trials and eighth at Burghley Horse Trials in 2024, but picked up a minor injury on her first run of the year this season.

“Rather than soldier through it, we wanted to make sure she was ok, so we didn’t target her at Badminton,” said Alex. “We took the time to take some embryos from her, so they are now in surrogate mothers – so we made use of that time in the first half of the season and she’s now fully recovered here for an autumn campaign. We couldn’t quite get her back in time for Burghley, which then opened up the option of coming to Maryland, which is why we’re here.

“It maybe makes it a touch more difficult that she’s had limited competition runs this year, especially at such big venues – perhaps that’s why she was more sensitive today, but that’s horses and you’ve got to get them fit for these events and deal with what comes. At least we posted a score on the board and it’s definitely not going to be a dressage competition.”

Quindiva’s two forthcoming embryo transfer progeny are by Leprince Des Bois, the former five-star horse ridden by Germany’s Kai Rüder.

Boyd Martin holds top spot after today’s dressage on Luke 140, with Caroline Pamukcu second on She’s The One.

Alex Bragg’s thoughts on the course

This is the first year the cross-country at Maryland has been designed by Pierre Le Goupil.

“The cross-country course is almost like being at home with big parkland – it’s a real galloping track,” said Alex. “There are some very technical lines and how they marry up to the undulations of Maryland we’ll find out on Saturday.”

Alex described Pierre’s Puzzle and the French Horn (fences 16abc and 17) – a rail to ditch to two hanging brush shoulders as “the toughest five-star question I’ve seen all year”.

“It will be interesting to see how and whether people tackle that – there is an alternative,” he said.

The other fence Alex picked out as likely to be influential was Maryland’s iconic “Crab water” – the Mars Sustainability Bay (fence 23abcd) and Mars Blue Crab (fence 24) – which features an angled brush shoulder into the water with a gap in front of it, an angled brush in the water and a step up to a skinny final element.

“It’s an amazing combination, challenging all the skills needed for cross-country, and it’s eight and a half minutes into the course, so you’ll be on a horse who’s feeling a little more tired, so I think that will take a lot of riding,” said Alex.

The British rider said the event in general is “amazing”.

“We’ve had a phenomenal welcome from everyone here – they really do make you feel at home and if you need anything they will bend over backwards for you,” he said.

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Maryland 5 Star dressage times released – find out when Brit Alex Bragg and other top names start

Pippa Roome — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 19:22:29 +0000

The Mars Maryland 5 Star dressage times for the next two days of action in the USA have been released. With a small field of just 22 coming forward following today’s first trot-up, there are 11 pairs starting each day.

On Thursday, 16 October, the first rider into the arena is three-horse rider Caroline Pamukcu on HSH Tolan King at 2.05pm local time (7.05pm British time). Caroline is also last to go on Thursday, at 3.35pm local time (8.35pm British time) with She’s The One. The first pair in on Friday, 17 October are Australia’s Sophia Hill and Humble Glory at 2.05pm local time (7.05pm British time) and Caroline is the final competitor on Friday at 3.35pm local time (8.35pm British time) on her Paris 2024 Olympic ride HSH Blake.

Maryland 5 Star dressage times: sole British competitor

Alex Bragg on Quindiva (GBR): 3.27pm local time (8.27pm British time)

Other Britain- and Europe-based riders

Tayla Mason and Centennial (NZL): 2.21pm local time on Friday (7.21pm British time)
Jonelle Price and Chilli’s Midnight Star (NZL): 2.45pm local time on Friday (7.45pm British time)
Felix Vogg and Cartania (SUI): 3.03pm local time (8.03pm British time)

Ones to watch

Boyd Martin and Luke 140 (USA): 2.13pm local time on Thursday (7.13pm British time)
Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle (USA): 2.29pm local time on Thursday (7.29pm British time)
Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way (USA): 3.19pm local time on Thursday (8.19pm British time)
Monica Spencer and Artist (NZL): 2.37pm local time on Friday (7.37pm British time)
Mia Farley and Phelps (USA): 3.11pm local time on Friday (8.11pm British time)
Boyd Martin and Commando 3 (USA): 3.19pm local time on Friday (8.19pm British time)
Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake (USA): 3.35pm local time (8.35pm British time)

Maryland 5 Star dressage times: full list

All times and results for Maryland CCI5* competition, plus CCI3*-L and four- and five-year-old young event horse championships
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One late withdrawal, a few bucks and a substitute handler at the Maryland 5 Star first trot-up

Pippa Roome — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 18:47:44 +0000

Twenty-two horses were presented at the Mars Maryland 5 Star first trot-up today (15 October) and all were passed fit to start the competition.

The horses came before the ground jury, consisting of Britain’s Sandy Phillips and the USA’s Beatrice di Grazia and Robert Stevenson, in bright sunshine but with a brisk breeze blowing.

As usual the horses who have flown in from Europe were presented first at the Maryland 5 Star first trot-up, presented by Dubarry, to keep them separate from the North America-based horses for biosecurity reasons.

This year, four horses have made that trip and the first to trot up was Quindiva, ridden by Britain’s Alex Bragg. The mare, who was third at Badminton Horse Trials in 2024, appeared alert but relaxed and Alex looked smart in cream trousers, a navy gilet, a pale blue shirt and sunglasses.

The other European-based horses competing this year are Centennial (ridden by New Zealand’s Tayla Mason), Chilli’s Midnight Star (ridden by New Zealand’s Jonelle Price) and Cartania (ridden by Switzerland’s Felix Vogg).

The riders with more than one horse in the competition trotted their mounts up next – Caroline Pamukcu with HSH Tolan King, She’s The One and HSH Blake, plus Boyd Martin with Luke 140 and Commando 3. She’s The One had a little buck at the start of the strip but passed the inspection without problems.

A little later Cooley Space Grey, ridden by Brooke Burchianti, was another to show some high spirits with a buck as he began his trot-up, but again it didn’t affect him being passed by the ground jury.

Buck Davidson was also slated to come forward with two horses, albeit a little later in the order, but Sorocaima – the ex-racehorse who was fourth here last year – was a late withdrawal and was not presented at the trot-up. Buck will still start on Cooley Candyman.

Buck Davidson and Sorocaima on the way to fourth at Maryland 5 Star in 2024. (Image credit: Amy Dragoo)

Phillip Dutton trotted up Jennie Brannigan’s ride FE Lifestyle as the rider is recovering from a fall before entering the start box when Kismet showed some “unwanted gymnastics” at Morven Park last weekend.

The five-star dressage starts at 2.05pm local time (7.05pm British time) tomorrow.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from Maryland 5 Star and other major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

One British pair among the entries for Maryland 5 Star, plus three others travel from Europe

Pippa Roome — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 11:37:15 +0000

Just one British pair appear among the Mars Maryland 5 Star entries for this year’s event (16-19 October), as Alex Bragg is set to make his debut at the event.

This is not only Alex’s first time competing at Maryland, but his first time eventing in the USA. His ride will be Mike and Naomi Roe’s Quindiva, with whom he was third at Badminton Horse Trials and eighth at Burghley Horse Trials last year. The 15-year-old mare has sat out much of this year, but in September jumped double clears at Cornbury CCI3*-L and Little Downham advanced.

There are 25 pairs on the Maryland 5 Star entries list, including three other riders flying in from Europe.

Swiss rider Felix Vogg will head there with Cartania, owned by her rider and Phoenix Eventing S.a.r.l., having missed out on a planned run at Burghley as Felix injured his arm in a fall during the build-up. The mare has been in the top 15 at British five-stars three times , and also has two top-15 championship placings on her CV, though she had a fall at Badminton this spring. This will be Felix’s first time competing in the five-star at Maryland.

Britain-based New Zealand rider Tayla Mason also re-routes from Burghley, having been unable to compete following a rider fall from a young horse. She will take Centennial – who she owns alongside her mother Sonya, brother Kyle and Sue Rutter – to Maryland for her US competition debut. The pair finished 19th at Badminton this year, after a late call-up from the waiting list.

Jonelle Price, the New Zealand rider who lives in Devon, will also make the trip to Maryland, with Nikki Axon and Merrill Halstead’s five-star debutante Chilli’s Midnight Star, recently sixth in the CCI4*-L at Scone Palace. This will be Jonelle’s second time riding in the five-star at Maryland, after she finished eighth in 2021 with Classic Moet.

An entry from US-based Monica Spencer with the syndicate-owned consistent five-star campaigner Artist takes the New Zealand tally to three.

Full Maryland entries

Strong home-side contenders will include Boyd Martin with Yankee Creek Ranch’s Commando 3 and the syndicate-owned Luke 140, who were second and seventh at the Kentucky Three-Day Event this spring. Caroline Pamukcu has four rides entered, including her Paris Olympic horse HSH Blake, owned by Mollie Hoff and Sherrie Martin. Mia Farley returns to Maryland with David O’Connor’s fast thoroughbred Phelps, fifth here in 2023.

Buck Davidson is also one to watch with his own and Carl Segal’s Sorocaima, who has seven starts and seven finishes at this level, three of them in the top 10. Jennie Brannigan will want to recapture her best five-star form with Nina Gardner’s FE Lifestyle, fifth here in 2022 and 12th at Burghley the following season.

For Canada, Jessica Phoenix has two rides and will catch the eye again with the skewbald Fluorescent Adolescent, an unusual sight at this level. Lindsay Traisnel is also set to start with Patricia Pearce’s Bacyrouge.

Sophia Hill is the sole Australian entry with Humble Glory, the horse with whom she was 22nd at Burghley last year and has bee competing Down Under again this season.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from Maryland and other major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘I love lists!’ How Ava Fisher, groom to Alex Bragg’s Ardeo Premier, keeps things running like clockwork at Burghley

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 06:36:32 +0000

Grooming at an elite event means juggling countless threads of information. This isn’t a problem for Alex Bragg’s groom.

“I love lists!” says Ava Fischer, who has charge of Alex’s ride Ardeo Premier (Eddie) at Defender Burghley Horse Trials. “I write everything down. I think Alex and [his wife] Simone are very much used to it now. When they’re talking to me, I’ll have my phone out writing everything every day, even before the one-days.

“The girls always laugh because I have like a minute-by-minute itinerary; tacking up at this time, plaiting at that time. If there’s something I need to remember, like a set of particular boots, I always leave it on top of the morning feed, so it can’t be missed.”

The 22-year-old, who comes from Melbourne, Australia, says a common misconception about her profession is that it’s all about aesthetics.

“It’s not just about how pretty you can make the horse; it’s about athlete management,” she says. “It’s really thinking about how to set that to athlete perform, and responding to how they think.

“I also think it’s really important to know your rider really well. There’s no point presenting a happy horse to a rider in tack they don’t like, or with the wrong stirrups.”

Ava Fisher on managing Ardeo Premier

Debbie and Neil Nuttall’s 12-year-old gelding Eddie, who is contesting his first Burghley this week, tends to come off the lorry chilled at a five-star. But, as Ava explains, he is a sociable horse.

“He‘s such a dude and a people horse,” she says. “But he also loves other horses, and company. He’s one that does very well with lots of turnout and horse socialisation. So, the more I can have him out and grazing, the better.”

Ava says Eddie is easy to manage, “like a Pony Club horse”, but she’s sure to allow him some alone time.

“I like him to have a gap where no one is touching him and fussing,” she says. “On Thursday, I made sure he was plaited a couple of hours before Alex got on so he had time to chill.

(Image credit: Fuchsia Media)

Moving to the UK from Down Under

Ava spent around four years grooming professionally in Australia before she moved to the UK in 2024.

“When I was in Australia, I feel like I had a really good routine going,” she says. “Coming here was a learning curve; the horses are fed and managed a bit differently.”

Ava didn’t have a job lined up when she arrived, but spent a few weeks grooming for British-based New Zealand eventer Samantha Lissington.

“I’m so grateful to Samantha,” Ava said. “She really helped me get a foot in the door. She introduced me to Alex, and I started in July last year.”

Ava has previously shadowed a groom on cross-country day at Burghley, but this is her first “Burghley proper”.

“The competition aspect is so exciting, but so is spending one-on-one time with Eddie,” she says. “Normally, I’m looking after 12 horses, so to have dedicated time with him is so special.”

“I knew he was capable”

Reflecting on yesterday’s dressage competition, in which Alex and Eddie scored 28.4 for overnight second place, Ava felt she knew the Hold Up Premier son had it in him.

“I know what he’s capable of,” she says. “I see the work he does at home, and it takes a lot to repeat it in an arena like that and in an environment like that.

“I’m just so proud of him for being the little trier that he is.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Burghley and other major shows this year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website, from £1 a week. Horse & Hound’s 20-page magazine report on Burghley is published in 11 September issue, including full analysis and exclusive comment from six-time Burghley winner William Fox-Pitt.

‘I’m feeling brave, so you can be brave too’ – horse with ‘trainability and heart’ moves into Burghley podium place

Pippa Roome — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:51:17 +0000

Alex Bragg stormed into second place in the closing stages of today’s Defender Burghley Horse Trials dressage on Ardeo Premier.

The British rider and Debbie and Neil Nuttall’s 12-year-old put in a consistent, accurate test to score 28.4. This puts them behind day one leaders Piggy March (MCS Maverick) and ahead of Will Rawlin (Ballycoog Breaker Boy) in an overnight British top three.

“I’ve always believed he’s capable of a 70% test,” said Alex Bragg, whose Burghley Horse Trials dressage mark today translates to 71.6%. “He can do everything very accurately. He doesn’t have heaps of talent and capability, but almost the trainability of him and his heart makes up for that.

“I think I always knew where his strengths and and weaknesses are and I think knowing that helps you get the marks where you can and not lose the marks. He’s not a big mover in the trot, but he can be very accurate and if I’m accurate, I don’t drop too many marks.

“In the canter, he can gallop and he’s good at coming back in the gallop, so I needed good transitions in and out of my medium and extended canters and then to try and be forward in the flying changes – and you can’t miss a change because that hammers your mark.”

Although Alex modestly insisted “it’s him, not me”, he articulated well how he has to give Ardeo Premier confidence.

He explained: “He can be a little bit anxious, but he doesn’t express himself by rearing, bucking and all that. He just sort of tries to hide and go within himself. So I have to try to initiate belief in him and trust him – just ride him forward and say, ‘Be brave. I’m feeling brave, so you can be brave too’.

“I feel more comfortable doing that when I’m in a jumping arena and cross-country, but the dressage has maybe never been my strongest phase, especially when I started eventing. I guess I’ve got to get over that a little bit. And I think today I had to lead and I did.”

Alex, 45, was a late starter to eventing – he is also a farrier and a former semi-professional rugby player – and he hit a five-star high when he was third at Badminton last year on Quindiva. He was 16th at Badminton this spring on Ardeo Premier, who comes to his first Burghley.

British riders also hold fourth and fifth in the shape of David Doel (Galileo Nieuwmoed) and Harry Meade (Cavaliler Crystal). The early leader Joseph Murphy (Belline Fighting Spirit) is now sixth for Ireland.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Burghley and other major shows this year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website, from £1 a week. Horse & Hound’s 20-page magazine report on Burghley is published in 11 September issue, including full analysis and exclusive comment from six-time Burghley winner William Fox-Pitt.

Ahead of the curve: train your horse to be soft yet strong with Alex Bragg’s jumping exercise on a turn

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 08:32:12 +0000

If you think softness is only important for flatwork, think again. Top eventer Alex Bragg demonstrates how jumping on a curve is a game-changer for a horse’s engagement and balance, building all-round muscle strength in the final article of this three-part training series exclusively for H&H subscribers

Staying soft yet secure over fences is something we often attribute to the rider, but what does the same phrase mean for a horse? Alex Bragg offers this training exercise on a fan to encourage engagement and softness on a curve.

“A horse can’t engage the hindleg and deliver a powerful jump if he’s tense or crooked,” says the five-star event rider. “We look for softness in flatwork, and in dressage training you’ll often want that ‘spiralling out’ feeling where the horse yields to the inside aids and seeks the outside rein, stepping under and through with the inside hind. If we apply that same feeling over fences, we keep the engagement of that hindleg for better balance, softness and power.”

Cultivating that softness takes conditioning: “You imagine the core strength a horse needs to lift his whole body – bearing in mind he is around 600kg – and keep it all carried. They need to be strong.”

To achieve this as well as banish tension, the muscles need to be strong in all directions.

“You want to stretch and flex the muscles,” explains Alex. “The further you can stretch and flex, the more range you’ll have and the more athletic your horse can be.

“The young horse I am riding to demonstrate this training exercise has a short neck,” Alex Bragg continues. “I want him to develop self-carriage, but first, he needs to use what neck he does have to the maximum.

“It’s important I get his topline as long as possible before I start to collect him, or that’s when you’ll develop tension and blocking at the base of the neck, which will hinder his back end.”

Alex Bragg training exercise: keep the curve

Working on: the horse’s softness, strength and balance, keeping him true to the path through the fanned fences

You’ll need three upright fences set out on a curving line, with about seven human paces between each at the middle. Alex uses a solid groundline for each fence and leaves poles on the floor at the inside edge of the curve in case they’re needed.

The fan consists of three fences with one horse’s stride between each, on a curve. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves)

Aims

“We’re trying to get the horse to jump, but stay engaged with the hindleg,” says Alex. “We’re turning slightly, so we need to make sure the horse doesn’t fall out or knife in. We almost want it to feel as if they are cantering on the line and the jumps are just in the way.

“My focus is maintaining balance on the line, and the horse just has to soften.”

Warm-up

After loosening up in all three gaits, Alex comes onto a circle in canter.

“Here, I’m pushing with my inside leg and using more angle – like a shoulder-fore position,” he says. “This is asking him to engage the inside hind for better balance.”

Alex has a tell-tale sign to detect self-carriage: “When he’s carrying himself, he doesn’t lean to the outside and I don’t have to keep trying to guide his shoulders with the inside rein. I can actually soften the inside rein, which allows him to seek the outside rein.”

The angle of the horse’s shoulders is mirrored by Alex’s, turning slightly inwardly on the circle.

“My outside leg is around him just so he can feel it, and support as much as required,” he explains.

Shoulder-fore positioning helps encourage this six-year-old to carry his quarters in line with his shoulders.

“You need to make sure your horse doesn’t get into the habit of carrying his quarters on an inside track, because he’ll just remain crooked and always fall out.”

On the right rein, Albert falls out a little – perhaps counterintuitively, Alex applies a firmer inside leg aid “to get the right hindleg underneath the body and help him to carry himself”.

Working on the canter in the warm-up to encourage the horse to soften to the inside contact. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves)

“By applying a little pressure this way, he starts to yield to the inside which then softens into the outside contact,” he continues. “That is riding leg to hand. Then, I’m using that shoulder-fore turning feeling to stop him falling out.”

The resulting picture is one of balance and harmony. Then, it’s time to ask for a little more forwardness – encouraging some stretch in the muscles.

“The contact is feeling spongy,” remarks Alex. “Every time he wants to go forward and dive out of balance – which is easier than carrying himself – I just keep my upper body tall. I’m rebalancing him with little corrections all the time, because he’s a young horse.”

Stage one: canter poles

The first time through the fan, elements one and three are lowered to canter poles, and moved towards the middle element by one human stride to make them appropriate canter distances.

Initially, only the middle element of the fan is a jump; elements one and three are poles on the ground. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves)

“On the approach, I’m thinking about the shoulder-fore hindleg positioning we had in the warm-up,” explains Alex, as the young gelding bounds through confidently.

“He really lowered his neck there, which we like, but his shoulders wanted to go down as well. This is what we’ll try and improve.

“I’m keeping that shoulder-fore feeling,” says Alex as he approaches the exercise again. “The inside of my body is tall, my shoulder opening to the inside, and my inside leg keeping pressure into the outside rein.”

Stage two: low fences

Once the pair have had a spin through the fan on both reins, Alex’s wife Simmone builds three small fences as the next step. The fences are lower on the inside, which Alex explains is to help guide the horse on the turn.

Starting small: note the poles are lower on the inside, to encourage the horse around the curve. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves)

This time, the horse throws a bigger jump over the middle element.

“I didn’t quite have him forward enough there, so he leaped and jumped himself out of balance a bit,” says Alex. “I want him to be forward, not flat, to give him the best chance for success.

“He’s a scopey horse, and might get lazy,” Alex adds. “He needs to interpret this as a jumping exercise, not a canter exercise.”

That’s the cue to raise the fences.

Stage three: up the height

As the challenge increases, the rider must stick to their guns.

“It’s important to keep the inside heel down,” says Alex. “A lot of riders clamp up and the turn pushes them to the outside, so you just have to stay tall.”

This horse is lifting his shoulder well over the fences now, never deviating from the line through them.

“I can’t afford to be as passive as I’d like just yet – he’s still learning to keep his shoulders up and support himself,” Alex says. “I’ll hopefully be using less and less outside rein as he learns to balance.”

Throughout Alex’s training session, his horse has worn a focused yet calm expression as he has carefully solved the puzzles in front of him.

“You need to get the horse to the point where he is challenged, because making mistakes is how they learn,” says Alex. “But, you want them to be confident and calm enough to come up with a solution. They need time to soak up what’s happened and work out their response. If it’s all rushed, they won’t remember how they did it.”

Trouble-shooting

“This training exercise is good for horses who rush,” says Alex Bragg. “If they rush, they’ll run out, and the turning line helps keep all that energy contained.”

Another common problem riders have on the curve is horses knifing in to the narrow part of the fan. This is where the poles on the ground come in.

“You place them on the inside third of the fence and angle them out. If a horse wants to cut the line and dive in, isn’t yielding to the inside leg or holding the ark, this will help keep him off the inside shoulder a bit.”

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Teach your horse the art of patience and power with Alex Bragg’s five-fence training exercise

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:30:20 +0000

Guesswork doesn’t figure in a top athlete’s jump training regime, and it’s no different for five-star event rider Alex Bragg. With a yardful to ride every day, you don’t dilly-dally and, as he tells me, efficiency is the name of the game.

“Every time I go in the school to ride through an exercise, I want to optimise the session,” he says. “When you’re competing, you’re supporting the horse to deliver the best possible performance on the day. At home, you have to allow the horse to work out the answer to the questions you’re asking – it’s the biggest difference between training and competition.”

Repetition is key to a horse learning from its mistakes and finding confidence in the correct answer. Even so, it’s not about blithely running through an exercise over and over.

“You’re never riding through and hoping it gets better; it’s about analysing and working out what you have to do to deliver a better ride,” Alex continues. “Real-time feedback from the horse informs the adjustments you make.”

Alex Bragg jump training exercise: power and wait

Working on: rider’s lower leg and balance, the horse’s ability to hold the rhythm and smoothness as a combination

The set-up: five fences each a stride apart. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves)

Alex sets up a line of five upright fences with a stride between each. The fences are built with two parallel poles a couple of holes apart.

“When I jump uprights, I have the two rails close together at the top,” explains Alex. “It’s to help the horse focus. If you want to test him, you can spread the poles apart and make the fence look bigger. But we aren’t trying to trick the horse, we’re trying to help him.”

While five elements are best to get the message across, riders may be limited by the size of their arena.

“It’s not a speed exercise and you don’t need a huge approach,” remarks Alex. “So you could do five elements in a 60m arena or adapt to a smaller arena by having a very small fence, like a canter rail coming in, and trot round the corner.”

Aims

This exercise is gymnastically demanding and teaches the horse to maintain power and consistency over all five elements. Alex is riding a novice mare to demonstrate, but it can be done with horses jumping at any level, with the height of the fences adjusted as appropriate.

“The horse has to remain forward to produce a good jump, but if she rushes, she will run herself into the base of the jump,” says Alex. “Using lots of jumps teaches the horse to be straight, forward and powerful; we use uprights to tell them to power, wait, power, wait.”

Riders should be mindful that they don’t try to over-help.

“The responsibility of the rider is the presentation to the fence and the balance on exit. We don’t try to jump the fence for them, as doing that can throw the horse out of balance on landing.

“We have to have control over our lower leg and must not collapse in our body because we’ve thrown it over the jump. It’s a common mistake.”

Warm-up

Before jumping, Alex recommends taking the poles away to canter down the line, through the wings.

“Remember, the jumps aren’t canter poles,” he explains, “so with the poles left in, your canter would be so big that you’d rush them.”

Warm up the horse thoroughly so that they are switched on with a punchy, forward canter. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves)

Instead, build up the elements from one to five.

“You can progress quite rapidly keeping them small, but make sure the horse learns he can comfortably go down a line of five elements before you challenge him in another way.

“Try not to ask too many questions in one go, especially if they are new ones. Break it down, ask one question, then marry up the two. In this case, it’s low to start with, build the line, then go bigger.”

Ride it

Make sure your horse is switched on and fine-tuned to start this Alex Bragg jump training exercise. He meets the line in a forward yet punchy canter.

“I’m looking at the middle of the final element and trying to feel the horse underneath me,” comments Alex as he turns to approach. “I stay passive and let her operate, but don’t collapse, offer no restrictions from the body, just use my legs to keep her straight. I support with my left or right leg on, depending what’s happening with her body.”

It’s easy to see how mentally locked in the mare is as she powers down the line, really articulating her shoulder on take-off. Alex never touches the rein through the elements – it’s a clear marker of the elite rider’s security and balance, and demonstrates that this is exactly the exercise to cultivate this kind of rider strength.

Maintaining balance as the mare powers neatly down the line. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves)

The grid takes a lot out of the horse and it’s up to the rider to read how their horse is performing and offer appropriate support. When Alex comes down the line again, she’s a little tired.

“I need a bit more leg now to replace the energy she’s losing,” he says.

This time, she over-responds to Alex’s leg to knock the third rail – this serves to produce a very careful jump over the fifth element.

“See how she recovered and learnt from that?” Alex says. “Now, if I just deliver her straight and give her some energy back in the middle, we’ll see what happens.”

They finish the session on a smooth and accurate run down the five fences. Alex’s wife, Simmone, who’s been adjusting fences and dog sitting, says: “That was good. I think we’ll keep you riding a bit longer yet.”

Guide rails on the ground

The two poles are close together at the top to encourage the horse to focus, while the white boards act both as a ground line and to channel them to the middle of the fence (as an alternative to V-poles, which Alex is “not a fan of”). (Image credit: Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves)

Beneath each upright is a configuration of three dressage boards – one parallel to the base of the fence to act as a groundline, two angled out to the sides.

“I’m not a fan of V-poles,” says Alex. “You don’t get them in competition, and they really affect how the horse jumps at the take-off spot.

“Young horses tend to drift one way or the other, so using ground poles this way gives them a really obvious channel. It focuses them in the middle of the jump without interfering with the way they jump it.”

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How Alex Bragg’s training exercise uses turns to master straightness while jumping

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 08:36:37 +0000

Want a horse who can tackle any question? In the first of this three-part training series exclusively for H&H subscribers, Alex Bragg shows how to harness the power of straightness to enhance your horse’s jumping

“For me straightness when jumping is the key to everything,” says Alex Bragg, outlining his plan for this training session. “Without straightness, the horse will deviate over the jumps. This builds, and causes no end of problems, so you’re aiming to ride a course as a succession of straight lines.”

Teaching riders to be straight isn’t about fixating on the minutiae – giving them a broader objective is far more effective.

“Telling a rider they need a bit more inside leg here or outside rein there – it’s just too much to focus on,” he says. “When straightness is the most important thing, all you’ve got to think is about riding straight and your body reacts. If the horse doesn’t want to be on a straight line, you learn to apply the aids required to keep them there.”

Alex is riding a novice mare, Arva, for this training session. Initially, he works her in around a gridwork exercise – a bounce and two strides to an oxer – with two parallel uprights flanking the approach.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Exercise to improve straightness when jumping

Working on: developing rider intuition and teaching the horse to follow guidance, and hone and expand jumping technique.

Level: Alex uses this training set-up for horses at every level: “More experienced horses might be able to go straight in, but with a younger horse we need to build up to it step-by-step.”

Warm-up

For Alex, the warm-up holds two objectives: get the horse aware of your aids and warm up the muscles.

“You’re always setting up for what you want to achieve in the session,” he adds.

Alex begins by performing square turns in canter, setting them up with leg-yield.

“The leg-yield helps with suppleness, but it also switches Arva on to the aids,” he says. “I can use this to make minor adjustments with my leg, always with the understanding that she’s moving away from the leg, not falling away.

“The goal is always to return to a place of straightness,” he continues. “I must finish every movement straight, or she won’t understand there’s been a correction and that running left or right is not accepted.”

Warming up in canter before starting the exercise. Credit Elli Birch (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Next, Alex moves Arva on and back through canter gears “to get the back and hocks operating”. Again, straightness underpins his success.

“If she goes crooked, she won’t be able to use her back – you lose the gear through being crooked.”

Level one: just the turn

Looking at the exercise – which asks the horse and rider to navigate a 90º turn to one of the parallel uprights, change direction in the air and meet the grid (see diagram) – the twin tests of straightness and producing fence-appropriate technique are apparent. Watching Alex Bragg training through it reveals the vast web of benefits this five-fence formation can bring about.

The first is a lesson in concentration. Alex begins on the right rein to turn from the track to one of the two isolated uprights – but Arva doesn’t lock on to the fence.

“You can see how she’s struggling to be straight because she’s focusing elsewhere,” says Alex, gesturing to the arena’s other occupants – more fences, a photographer and two waggy yet well-behaved Labradors. “This is important for me in a competition context: I need to fix this before I go bigger.”

On the second approach, the mare jumps cleanly and makes a neat left turn on landing.

A clean jump followed by a neat left turn. (Image credit: Elli Birch)

“What I really like is that she’s not sliding over the jump,” comments Alex. “She’s pushing through her shoulders and her whole body is landing in great balance on the other side.”

Level two: the grid

The first bounce element is switched out for a pole and the fences are kept small while the horse gets her bearings. Alex performs a square turn and rides between the parallel uprights to the bounce.

The exercise begins with a pole on the ground before being built up to a full bounce. (Image credit: Elli Birch)

“The tighter the turn, the taller your body. That way, you stay off the shoulder, in good balance and the canter remains uphill.”

Watching Alex approach and ride through the grid, his hand is noticeably soft and his seat has a neutral quality, although he remains in perfect balance throughout.

“I want to allow Arva to learn,” he explains. “My hands are soft and my body is passive because I want her to find the answer herself. I could use my position to make things clearer, but if she can do it without me, even better.”

Level three: all together

Alex turns right to the opening upright – but Arva comes in boldly and overshoots the line to the bounce.

“She’s a baby horse who’s just done cross-country, so she’s keen and wants to take on the contact,” says Alex. “But she doesn’t know where she’s going so next time, she’ll hopefully yield to the contact.”

This time, when Alex opens his right hand and applies his left leg over the fence, Arva turns squarely and smoothly to the grid on an easy four. Alex’s soft hand invites her to focus on her feet through the bounce and use her shoulder over the oxer.

Next, it’s time to put the fences up. With a bigger upright to contend with, Arva opens her stride and lands a little out of balance – Alex adjusts for five strides on the turn instead of four.

The fences can be raised as appropriate for the horse’s experience. (Image credit: Elli Birch)

“The bigger the fence the more momentum you carry, and the trickier the turn. They have to be able to hold their balance after a big jump to turn for the bounce and exit with enough power to jump the big fence after that. This is really developing the half-halt and adjustability without losing power and forwardness.”

Riders need to be careful not to take too much of a check.

“It’s really important to be forward to the bounce, because the horse needs to push, and needs that energy to deliver another push in the middle of the bounce. This will also build core strength to create a nice shape.”

Stepping up

While the bounce remains small, the elements in and out of the exercise can be as big as you like.

“Just remember that the bigger they are, the more energy in the jump, the harder the turn,” says Alex.

The fences can be made into skinnies for a tougher test of straightness.

“Now, this is like doing a difficult combination at a five-star,” he remarks. “Same questions, just smaller fences.”

“In training, you’re giving the horse versatility, a toolbox to choose from and make adjustments.”

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‘Cheeky chappy’ comes good on influential cross-country day in Blenheim’s CCI4*-L

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 18:45:56 +0000

New Zealand’s Tim Price and Happy Boy have cemented their place at the top of the Blenheim Horse Trials cross-country results with a clear round, clocking just 1.6 time-faults around a track where only one combination finished inside the optimum time.

Happy Boy, a 12-year-old owned by Susan Lamb and Therese Miller, hasn’t been seen competing internationally since retiring across country at Saumur in May and his 2023 season was plagued with bad luck.

“He’s had a bit of an unlucky last 12 months with bits and bobs like he tied up at one point and then suffered from travel sickness at Luhmühlen,” explained Tim after his dressage, which left him equal fourth.

Tim opted to take the long route at fence 15abcd, the James Hallam Insurance Brokers water complex, which prevented him from finishing inside the optimum time around the David Evans-designed track.

“I was deciding all the way up to fence 15 about going long. He hasn’t had the smoothest 18 months with things getting in the way of play, so step one was to get him back on track with a good round and step two was to make good decisions based on him being a bit of a cheeky chappy sometimes,” said Tim, who also holds eighth after the cross-country with his own, Diane Brunsden, Peter Cattell and Lucy and Ben Sangster’s Chio 20.

“I found Happy Boy was galloping so well and got into three-day event mode, as opposed to ducking and diving at one-day events. The clock was looking good but he was also travelling so well, I was in two minds about taking the direct route, because he can sometimes wobble and it’s one of those jumps where as a rider, you didn’t have the opportunity for plan B – you have to jump the element in the water and then channel your horse through, so the decision I made I think was a good one because I was up on the clock and I thought he would run home too.”

Dressage leaders Jérôme Robiné and Black Ice have slipped to second after notching six time-faults and they now sit 1.8 penalties behind Tim and Happy Boy.

“I heard there was a lot of trouble with people having the MIM Clip at fence 19a [The Subaru Quest; a rail, ditch, arrowhead],” commented Germany’s Jérôme. “I was on my minute markers but then after coming out of the top water [fence 15], he needed a bit of time, so I let him breathe and he recovered and jumped well through fence 19.

“I then tried to be fast coming home but I wasn’t fast enough. The ground was a bit slippery for him, so I lost a bit of power, strength and balance through his body.”

Ireland’s Ian Cassells really impressed with a smooth round aboard 11-year-old Kellys Quality, who is owned by Patrick Murphy, and is contesting his first CCI4*-L.

“He’s a bit inexperienced and his natural shape is quite downhill,” said Ian. “He can be quite strong, so I have to be strict with myself to go forward galloping and then really get my body up but keep my reins long to allow him to use his neck and I have to really trust him that way.

“His owner is amazing – I’ve had this horse for five years, he was bought for under €10,000 out of Goresbridge sales and this is the first time that Patrick has had a horse at this level, so I’m really happy for him and for his trust in me.”

Blenheim Horse Trials cross-country results: riders capitalise on speedy rounds

Debbie and Neill Nuttall’s 11-year-old Ardeo Premier built on several top-20 finishes at four- and five-star level with Alex Bragg to clock the equal second fastest round of the day for 0.8 time-faults. This was enough to propel them from 25th after the dressage to fourth.

“It rode exactly as I walked it apart from I saw a horrendous stride in the main arena to the box brush, where I floated a bit to it and he was very good to me to go through there clear,” admitted Alex. “He’s not the fastest horse in the world, but if you can stay on your minute markers, you’re always in with a chance. He’s super smooth and speedy through the combinations and I’m so pleased with how he’s grown up.

“Although he did Luhmühlen five-star, the reason for coming here was to see if he would be suited to a domestic five-star and I think now he could have a Badminton in him.”

Aaron Millar and Count Onyx were the sixth combination on course and this 10-year-old CCI4*-L first-timer, owned by Alexandra Van Tuyll added just 2.8 time-faults to their 29.4 dressage to now sit in fifth.

Daisy Berkeley and her own, Camilla Case, Martha Ivory and Caroline Dick’s 11-year-old gelding Diese Du Figuier were another combination to catch the eye, adding 4.8 time-faults to a 27.9 dressage to sit just behind Aaron in sixth.

Zara Tindall appears to have a strong five-star prospect in her stable in the form of her own and Judith Luff’s Classicals Euro Star. This 10-year-old grey gelding finished incredibly strongly, just adding 3.2 time-faults to their 30.4 dressage to go into tomorrow’s final showjumping phase in seventh.

“He’s had a bit of an up and down year with having issues jumping a ditch rail, corners and skinnies, which all happened at intermediate level,” explained Zara. “But I’ve realised he likes these bigger tracks. He’s got all the potential and he’s so quick and has a lot of jump and gallop, which is so exciting.”

Gemma Stevens, who was second after the dressage with Jalapeno III had a very unfortunate run out at the final combination on course when the mare didn’t seem to lock onto the final narrow element after a big table on a turning line. Heartbreakingly this is where Gemma and this mare fell when in contention last year. They did however complete this time, notching just 5.2 time-faults to leave them in 28th after the Blenheim Horse Trials cross-country results.

New Zealand‘s Jesse Campbell and Diachello, who were third after the first phase, jumped clear up until having a sticky jump into the second water at fence 15, which then made their distance and line to the angled brushes in the middle of the water impossible to achieve, meaning they ran out. Jesse opted to retire after this.

The only rider to finish clear inside the 10min 12sec optimum time was Ireland’s Padraig McCarthy aboard Christopher and Sarita Perkins’ MGH Mr Messack, who stopped the clock with nine seconds to spare. They go into tomorrow’s showjumping in 15th.

From the 75 cross-country starters in this class, 46 jumped clear and 64 completed.

The final horse inspection for the CCI4*-L gets underway at 8am with the showjumping to follow.

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British rider puts in first Burghley 2024 cross-country round inside the time: ‘She’s a demon, nothing’s going to stop her’

Pippa Roome — Sat, 07 Sep 2024 12:09:07 +0000

Alex Bragg has produced the first round inside the time over the Defender Burghley Horse Trials cross-country course in 2024.

Riding The Roe Family’s Quindiva, who was third at Badminton Horse Trials in May, Alex had a super round to finish two seconds under the 11min 16sec optimum time, saying: “She’s really taken to this sport now. It’s taken time to build that confidence, but honestly, when you leave that start box, she’s just like a demon. She grows horns and there is nothing that’s going to stop her. And I’m just the lucky person to be sat on board steering.”

Alex continued: “You have to work with that much scope. She can almost jump herself into trouble, so you have to take a breath and not let the adrenaline take over too much and remember those drops after the fences are punishing if you come in too big.

“Last year here, she finished with so much fuel in the tank and then again at Badminton again and I just felt like I was always protecting her. I felt if I was just brave enough to let her go a little bit in the beginning, then we had a really good chance to finish inside the time anywhere.

“She’s fast, she’s neat. She does spend a lot of time in the air, but we train a lot on the technicality stuff. It’s all about discipline and training and we work so hard with our team on all the technical side, with my showjumping coach Jeremy Scott. Everything is down to being disciplined, straight and accurate, sticking to those rules, and then it makes the job so much easier for the horses and us.”

Alex Bragg has the second best score of the Burghley Horse Trials cross-country finishers at this stage, behind Tom Jackson with Capels Hollow Drift.

Ireland’s Austin O’Connor sits third on the leaderboard at this early stage after 4.8 time-faults with last year’s Maryland 5 Star winner Colorado Blue. He was a little disappointed to be over the time on this quick horse, but explained he “just wanted to get those first half dozen fences out of the way” – unsurprising as he had a run-out at the Holland Cooper Leaf Pit last year.

Burghley debutant Felix Vogg (14th after dressage) also had a good round on Cartania, taking all the straight routes for 12 time-faults, and holds fourth place of those who have completed so far.

The Swiss rider said he made some small mistakes, including when the mare tripped at the Trout Hatchery (fence 10 and 11abc): “I took a forward distance there, which wasn’t really clever. Usually I feel how I will ride a course on the last walk – I want to look smooth, it’s good for the horse, good to watch — but somehow I didn’t feel it last night. I tried this morning again, again not. Still I cannot complain and she was absolutely amazing.”

British Burghley debut Libby Seed had to sit tight when Heartbreaker Star Quality, by Boswell Mr Heart Breaker, paddled over the angled house on a long two strides out of Defender Dairy Mound (23abc), but she stuck with the mare and came home with 12.4 time-faults.

“I’m so proud of her. She galloped so well up those hills. She’s not bred to gallop, she’s bred to jump and we’ve worked really hard on her fitness, and she was just phenomenal. We helped each other out and she gave me such a feeling. It’s just such a buzz,” said Libby, an amateur rider who works in the medical devices industry.

On the downside, Phil Brown had a fall when Harry Robinson didn’t have the power to get over the Irish Horse Board Cottesmore Leap and jumped into the ditch. Both horse and rider walked away.

And sadly there was no fairytale ending to Alfies Clover’s career. The grey five-star stalwart will retire after Burghley and his trip ended early when Richard Jones pulled up after 20 penalties on the first pass through Defender Valley (5abc).

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Brilliant jumping mare contains her exuberance in Burghley dressage to eye up a second CCI5* podium

Martha Terry — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 12:37:19 +0000

If this Defender Burghley Horse Trials becomes the jumping competition most people expect it will be, the dressage phase may well play a less influential role in proceedings. In which case the third-placed Badminton pair of Alex Bragg and Quindiva are ones to watch. They laid down their marker here with a 34.7 to sit in 10th at this stage, but scored only 37.6 en route to the podium at Badminton, where her jumping prowess came to the fore.

Today’s dressage result is an improvement for the Roe family’s electric mare and Alex will be looking forward to an influential cross-country. They drew out the full array of marks from the judges, with a nine for the rein back down to a two when they broke in the first extended trot. The quality and ability is certainly there, and there could be much more to come in this phase.

“We’ve scored what our aim was, but there’s nothing like going in [that arena] – it’s windy and swirly in there; she’s a very sensitive horse and she lit up,” he said. “I tried to ride forward, as she’s not a big mover, and tried to be confident. I fluffed the extended trot, but she did try to stay with me, even with the cameraman swivelling around, which is tricky for her. In the past, stuff like that would have tipped her over the edge, but she’s staying in the arena at least, and you just hope one day I’ll get with what I get in the warm-up with her.

“It’s a tough course and I’m a little bit better than I was at Badminton, with some good horses not that far ahead of me. If I can just be as close as possible, I know she’s a great jumper, and she was great here last year.”

Swiss in contention in Burghley Horse Trials dressage

Top Swiss rider Felix Vogg produced a satisfying test from Cartania for 28.8, to lie among a select few riders who are sitting on scores starting with 28 towards the top of the leaderboard at lunchtime. His sparky 13-year-old mare is an outstanding cross-country horse, so they have put themselves well in contention in fourth at this stage.

Felix was “pleased” with his test, despite describing the mare as feeling a little sticky in the middle. The Swiss is a rare event rider who appreciates the flying changes counting for double.

“Flying changes are my favourite thing to do in the test,” he said. “I see it as an exercise to loosen up a horse and if you start early enough, you know the horses do it in the field, so they should be able to do it with a rider.”

‘I don’t know what more I could have done’: title contender hoping for influential jumping phases

Austin O’Connor has caught the eye entering his 2023 Maryland victor Colorado Blue here, after competing at the Paris Games a few weeks ago. Dressage is their weakest phase, with a personal best of 31.7, and he looked slightly disappointed to score 33.9 here.

Overall it was a soft, round and forward test, and they were trending on just under 30, but as has often been the case with “Salty” the flying changes pegged him back.

“I was happy with him,” said Austin. “We’re never going to be at the sharp end on Thursday or Friday, but hopefully we can change that on Saturday. I don’t know what more I could have done, he’s still improving. It’s done and we’ll look forward to the exciting bit.”

At lunchtime on day one of the Burghley Horse Trials dressage, Ros Canter still leads on her brilliant 19.9 score with Izilot DHI, ahead of Pippa Funnell on MCS Maverick on 28.3, with Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift on 28.6.

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From Badminton podium to Hickstead: British rider’s ‘epic’ win

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 17:16:59 +0000

“That was epic,” Alex Bragg said, after he and Quindiva took the Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.

The combination, who came third at Badminton this year, gave a masterclass on how this track should be ridden to win six seconds ahead of 2023 champions Fred Scala and Corriebeg Supernova.

“The mare was just phenomenal,” Alex said. “I love this kind of thing; they’re as much exhibition as competition; a good way to showcase our sport in such a wonderful showjumping venue and maybe reach out to different people.

“The atmosphere rises and everyone has a good time – and winning is amazing.”

Heidi Coy and Fourfields Wonder Woman had put in a super round with just one rail down to take the lead on 132.02, then Alex and the Roe family’s 14-year-old star mare came in and flew round for a final time of 122.70; their perfect rhythm, forwardness and speed making almost an exhibition round.

Last in were last year’s champions, who were galloping from the off, and whose speed was such that they finished on 128.18, even with 12 seconds to add for three rails down.

Alex said he was confident he had done enough – until Fred was halfway through his round.

“Then I thought ‘woah, this guy’s travelling’!” he said. “But I put the pressure on so he had to go fast and those rails are costly; I’ve been on the receiving end of that before when I had the last one down.

“But Quindiva is an exceptional jumper; it’s a real privilege to be on her to do something like that.”

Fred said it was a shock to have the black gate at fence two down, from the lightest touch, but then knew he had to gallop.

“I had two more down but didn’t have the best of the ground and we were in a hurry!” he said.

“She was very quick; I’m so proud of that little mare, she’s amazing and I’m so grateful to be here again, and to the sponsors.”

Fred added that this is a class for having fun.

“The horses are incredible; they have as much fun in there as the riders,” he said. “It’s a wonderful spectacle, and I’m so pleased to be second.”

Alex and Quindiva do a lot of showjumping as well as eventing; they qualified for the Foxhunter final at Horse of the Year Show last year, and the mare is being aimed for Burghley in September.

“Badminton and Burghley; they’re our job, with lots of expectations,” he said. “We do it because we love it, but you want to be at the top of your game. This is less pressure, but I think I’m more out of breath after those two minutes than 12 round Badminton! But this is a real buzz and we’re all in it together, bantering, helping one another.

“It’s a real privilege to come to venues like this, and horses in general. Our sport is phenomenal and I’m really grateful to be part of it.”

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Defending champion, former winner and supermodel to go head to head in eventing challenge

Becky Murray — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 09:14:30 +0000

Defending champion Fred Scala will take on former winner Gemma Stevens as top names prepare to go head to head in today’s Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (24-28 July).

Irishman Fred returns to Hickstead with 12-year-old mare Corriebeg Supernova, with whom he won the class last year when the pair finished less than a second faster than Gemma and Flash Cooley.

Corriebeg Supernova has “had a brilliant year”, with wins at Foxhunter level in showjumping.

“I was quick last year, but I know I lost time in some places, and certainly when I come back for another crack at it I reckon I could be another three to four seconds quicker,” said Fred.

“She’s just naturally incredibly fast, and you have to ride her forwards because she’s so little – to make the distances, you’ve got to be going quick anyway. Couple that with the fact she’s a real gutsy, hardy little mare, and as much as she’s fast, she’s equally careful.”

Fred added that his 2023 victory was “an absolute highlight of my year”.

“Even just getting to ride in such a prestigious and famous arena was amazing,” he said.

Gemma, who won the class in 2022 with Flash Cooley, brings forward two rides; 10-year-old gelding Johansome and eight-year-old gelding Cooley Park Muze. Alex Bragg will ride Quindiva, the mare who helped him take a podium spot at Badminton in May.

Other entries include Simon Grieve, who was eighth in the British Speed Derby last month at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby meeting, and will ride his former five-star ride Drumbilla Metro, and Frenchman Gaspard Maksud with Zaragoza VI and Spirit’s Gemini. Supermodel Edie Campbell is entered with her four-star horse Fireball F, five-star rider Felicity Collins is on the list with Shadow Minnie Moon, and former eventer turned showjumper Jay Halim will take on the challenge with Caroline Harris’ four-star horse Falko TN.

The class gets under way at 4pm today. Tickets are available online or at the gate.

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‘We’re going to be living off this for forever’: best of the Brits reflects on third at Badminton

Gemma Redrup — Sun, 12 May 2024 16:45:39 +0000

There was a huge shake up in the Mars Badminton Horse Trials showjumping phase today (12 May), which saw Alex Bragg and Quindiva climb from 51st after dressage to finish best of the British riders in third. Having added just 7.6 cross-country time-faults to their 37.6 first phase score, Alex and Quindiva jumped one of only three showjumping clears inside the time in what was a thrilling finish to this week’s five-star.

“That showjumping was exciting and surprising to watch, but great for me,” said a delighted Alex, 43, who also jumped this 14-year-old mare owned by the Roe family at the 2023 Horse of the Year Show. “I was stood there and I didn’t know the first couple straight after me had had rails down, but I kept ‘binging up’ [on the scoreboard] and I was still in the lead.

“I went to watch as all I wanted to see where we were going to end up – it’s like when you’re at an auction. You try to stand there pretending nothing’s happening but your heart’s coming out your chest and you’re like, ‘I want you to go clear but actually, I’d like you to finish behind me!’”

Alex paid tribute to Quindiva, who he pulled up on the cross-country at Badminton last year having jumped clear until that point to save her for another day when she didn’t enjoy the ground conditions, and how she has progressed since then.

Badminton final scores

“This mare was double clear at Burghley and now double clear here. She’s just getting better and better. I don’t think it’s quite sunk in for all of us – we’re so overwhelmed and yet so pleased.

“She is a magic jumper and she felt so good. She jumped well at Burghley, but today she felt even fresher. It’s just about doing the right thing and giving them the good ride – you want to school around but at the same time you’re generating a little bit of hind-end energy because yes, they are tired, even though they’re trying.

“Wow, did she give everything a load of room and if any mistake was going to happen, it was going to be mine. I was worried about time, but I ended up about five seconds inside, but we’ve done it, we’ve sealed the deal – a top 10 at Badminton – I’m elated!”

Reflecting further on his Badminton Horse Trials showjumping result, Alex said: “It’s more than special, we’re going to be living off this for forever. The Roe family are really invested in our yard and have been for some time. There’s always trials and tribulations along the way, and ups and downs, but we’ve really stuck together and they’ve earned it. This sport takes a long time and the Roes have probably owned event horses for a total of 30 years and this is a magic result for them to finish on the podium at Badminton. We’re going to be celebrating a lot tonight.”

New Zealand’s Caroline Powell won aboard Greenacres Special Cavalier, while five-star first-timer and Irish rider Lucy Latta was second on RCA Patron Saint.

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‘We’ll contest it and go from there’: potential Badminton top-10 finisher given flag penalty

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 11 May 2024 15:28:30 +0000

Gemma Stevens had a mostly great Mars Badminton Horse Trials cross-country round with the 14-year-old gelding Chilli Knight, but has been awarded 15 penalties for a missed flag at fence 7D, the final part of the Voltaire Design Huntsman’s Close.

They finished with 7.2 time-faults – one of the quicker rounds of the day – and with their 15 jumping penalties currently sit on 53.9 in 13th place at this stage of the competition.

“I haven’t seen it back but it felt like he jumped the fence and from the back it looked like he did,” said Gemma, commenting on her jump through Huntsman’s Close. “We’ll contest the penalties and go from there. It will be the judge’s decision – sadly that’s sport.

“He wasn’t as with me today as he normally is. He was very, very strong and very feisty, throwing his head around a lot wanting to get the job done. And 100% he was going to jump the jump in front of him, but he was throwing his head around like you wouldn’t believe and felt like he wasn’t always concentrating and he definitely wasn’t concentrating at The Lake.

Badminton final scores

“Normally we’re so together but it just felt a bit erratic and that he wasn’t 100% with me today. But one thing I will say is that my God, he is just so unbelievably genuine. If he sees a jump, he will do everything in his power to jump it and get to the other side safely, but it just felt today like hard work and that’s why we couldn’t be as quick as we normally are. but the horse is as happy as Larry and has recovered really well.”

“I can’t help being disappointed because I know what we are capable of, which is jumping clear, inside the time around Badminton.”

Laura Collett experienced a heart-stopping moment with Hester, with whom she was 21st after the dressage, at The Lake when the mare got a bit close to the corner in the water, but managed to scramble over and jump out over the final skinny triple brush well.

However this mistake clearly left its mark on Hester as she then slightly scrambled over the A element of fence 15ABD, the LeMieux Eyelash Brushes, and ground to a halt at the middle element – a water-filled ditch. Laura sensibly opted to retire and the mare walked away happily.

Alex Bragg enjoyed a marvellous round with Quindiva, a 14-year-old mare owned by the Roe family. They jumped clear across country, incurring just 7.6 time-fault to rise from 51st after the dressage into seventh at this stage of Badminton Horse Trials cross-country day.

“At this time of day, the crowd is in the arena and the sun is shining and this is why we do it – it’s magic. This result is beyond our wildest dreams with her – she’s a fighter, the ground is really sticky and she deserves it,” said Alex.

“It’s such an amazing feeling finishing here. I’ve started many times and not always come through that finish line – it’s been a tricky show for me.

“This mare is very sensitive this time of year as she’s coming into season and getting them this fit is hard. We weren’t sure if we were going to even be here but she tried her heart out today – I punched the air before I was through the finish line, which is probably not very professional and could have wasted one second but when you finish like that and you have that much emotion and the crowd is going absolutely wild. You’ve just got to enjoy it and all that hardship that you go through and all the bad weather we’ve had, it’s all been worth it for that one magic moment.”

How to watch Badminton Horse Trials

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‘She bossed it!’: promising mare comes of age with sparkling Burghley cross-country performance

Lucy Elder — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 20:46:54 +0000

One horse who caught the eye with her capable performance over the 2023 Defender Burghley Horse Trials cross-country course was the multi-talented Quindiva.

The 13-year-old mare, ridden by Alex Bragg and owned by the Roe family, climbed 29 places with her smart round, stopping the clock with 14 cross-country time-penalties to sit 20th ahead of the final phase on 53.7.

Watch Alex talk about Quindiva in the video below

This was Quindiva’s first five-star cross-country jumping clear and Alex was understandably “buzzing”.

“I can safely say, she bossed it. What a horse!” he said. “Her first five-star was at Badminton this year, which was gruelling in the mud. She never made a mistake. I made a choice to pull her up to save her and I think she’s repaid me for that.

“She’s a sensitive horse. I have to nurture her confidence. She’s very alert to the public, so to keep her in the room and focused, I just reassure her all the time.

“You can’t dominate her, you have to encourage her. You have to be firm, like you would with your children, but you have to nurture her and give her confidence.”

Alex credied the whole team behind this Quintender 2 daughter, who is out of a High Roller mare. She has impressed on her progression to this top level, scoring multiple top-10 results at four-star as well as two three-star wins to her name. This neat mare is versatile, too. She holds a showjumping ticket to Horse of the Year Show, should she wish to head there in October.

“It’s something else when you leave the startbox at a big five-star like Burghley. There’s so many people, the atmosphere is just magic,” he said.

“The nerves, the tension – especially in the morning – you only get that because it’s a massive challenge. But the bigger the challenge, the bigger the reward and that’s the smile on my face.

“She gave me such a smooth ride; not every horse has the talent to do that.

“I am a bit like a big kid anyway, but right now I feel elated like I’m 10 years old again jumping around in a playground.”

He added: “The future for us is to have the confidence that we can go on and do more of these and just keep building her confidence in that dressage phase.”

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‘She had to stretch for the first time’: early Blenheim course reactions reveal a ‘beefed-up’ track

Martha Terry — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 11:41:11 +0000

The early riders over David Evans’ CCI4*-L cross-country track at Blenheim Horse Trials are making it look relatively straightforward. Of the first 10 to tackle the 6,055m course, just one –Wills Oakden (Arklow Puissance) – made the optimum time of 10 minutes 37 seconds. However, he was well down the order after dressage on 36.9 so still has more climbing to do for a top placing.

Georgie Goss (née Spence) put in a good round with her recent Cornbury winner Feloupe for just 5.2 time-faults to consolidate a competitive dressage score of 31 (14th after the first phase).

“The course rode bigger than I thought,” said Georgie. “My horse isn’t the biggest but some of the tables surprised me that she had to stretch – she’s never had to stretch before. So I’d say it’s not too technical, but it’s a big course.”

Georgie also noted the effect of the length of the track – this was only the mare’s second attempt at four-star long.

“She’s short of match practice so although I was on time initially, she dried up a little bit after the river crossing,” said Georgie. “She was super and straight, but she needs a couple more four-star longs for her stamina. She’s definitely a five-star horse.”

Tom Rowland also enjoyed an encouraging early round. His ride, KND Steel Pulse, had a tired run-out last year, but finished clear this time with just 6.8 time-faults.

“Last year he was taken back by the crowds, then went very numb at the end, where I had a run-out,” said Tom. “This time he was great. I had one dodgy moment at fence six [an oxer near the tradestands], where he was looking at the crowds.”

Tom was appreciative of the changes David Evans had made since last year.

“The first part of the course had some clever tweaks that made it more difficult,” explained Tom, who put his time-faults down to losing a shoe. “The second part was really beefy from the rails on the mound [Equilatte rails, fence 12abc] to the water, to the next water, to the corners and the coffin. There were a couple of let-up fences, but it felt like six combinations in a row. Last year people said the course was easy, but I think this is trying to emulate the intensity of a five-star.”

The length of the track also took its toll on KND Steel Pulse.

“He got to seven minutes, at the top of the hill, and said, ‘when am I finishing?’, but he dug deep for me,” said Tom.

Blenheim Horse Trials cross-country: ‘I managed to scrabble back on’

Alex Bragg was full of appreciation for the new-look track despite incurring 60 penalties at fence 18, the AW Jenkinson Lumber Yard – a five-part combination with skinnies and corners. He was riding the first of his two contenders in this class, the Nuttalls’ Ardeo Premier.

“He was going grand, and it’s a big event for him with a lot to take in,” said Alex. “I wanted a big shot in to keep the momentum through the complex. Maybe he was a bit fatigued at the top of the hill, so he left a right leg, twisted and I nearly came off. Fortunately I managed to scrabble back on but we were in a bit of disarray, so I cantered around to check he was OK. He finished well – we won’t be competitive but he will have learnt a lot.”

The course seems designed to reward an attacking approach.

“Some of the distances walk on a forward four, but ride on five, perhaps because these horses aren’t as experienced as a five-star horse or because of the terrain,” added Alex. “David has stepped it up from last year, which I think he needed to. You want these courses to be challenging enough that you know you have a horse capable of five-star. Good job, David!”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Cancelled events, a bruised foot and a stud through the leg: Alex Bragg heads to Pau after tricky year

Pippa Roome — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 18:30:57 +0000

Alex Bragg is looking forward to heading to next week’s French five-star, Pau Horse Trials, with King Of The Mill, after an interrupted year.

“It’s been a tricky season for me – every time I built up to something, it hasn’t quite happened through things out of my control,” says the British rider.

“Badminton Horse Trials was cancelled, then I was building up to Bicton Horse Trials four-star and a rein snapped while I was on a baby horse. I fell off the back of it and it drove a stud through my leg so I had a month off riding.

“We were re-building and due to go to Bicton five-star then King Of The Mill bruised a foot, so we didn’t quite get there.”

After all the problems, Alex chatted to the horse’s owners Michael and Naomi Roe, and they decided to go to Pau, despite the difficulties with travelling abroad since Brexit, in the hope of setting up the horse for a good run at Badminton next year.

King Of The Mill went to Pau last year as his first five-star and finished with 20 jumping penalties across country.

“I feel he learnt a lot from that experience,” says Alex. “You can train horses all day long and go to small shows, but horses seem really to mature from that experience of a top-level show.”

Like the recently retired Zagreb, King Of The Mill is a tall horse at 17.2hh.

“Those horses take longer to physically develop and I feel we might start to see some results now. He’s getting to the point where he can start to deliver,” says Alex of the 11-year-old. “You have to be quite patient sometimes – he’s always looked like a horse who would have to wait for five-star to show his ability and his best years are to come.”

Alex knows Pau well after finishing in the top five there four times on Zagreb.

He says: “It’s the last event of the season so it’s more relaxed as you’re not having to rush back to ride a yard full of horses to prepare for more events. A late bit of sunshine is always nice, the surfaces at Pau are great, the French crowd are very encouraging and obviously they can invite more people this year [with Covid restrictions easing].”

The rider says he doesn’t think King Of The Mill is an “out and out Pau horse”, explaining: “The style of the cross-country is quite twisty and turny. He’s an agile horse but really he’s a galloping horse more suited to the big parkland events like Badminton, Burghley and Bramham. It will be a challenge for him, but it’s all good for their development and learning.

“I feel quite confident going there – I know exactly how to prepare horses for the event. Hopefully we can get there feeling 100% and show everyone what we’ve been doing and how good he can be.”

Top five-star horse bows out: ‘I’ll be forever grateful; now it’s time for me to do something for him’

Pippa Roome — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 10:02:27 +0000

Zagreb, who finished in the top five at five-star level five times with Alex Bragg, has been retired from top-level eventing at the age of 17.

“He’s looking so well that it seems crazy to retire him, but the mechanics of his body can’t operate as well as they used to,” said Alex. “I want him to go out on a high, not fade into insignificance.”

The horse, who belongs to Sally and Philip Ellicott, will stay with the Bragg family and be campaigned at junior level by Alex’s oldest daughter, Ellouise.

“That will be well within his capabilities,” said Alex. “She is doing one little event this weekend to get one in before the end of the season, then she’ll have the winter to train with him. She did one event with him in April as when Badminton was cancelled I decided not to event him in the spring so we thought she might as well do an event on him before we let him down.

“He’s a big horse and although it’s a great privilege to have a horse like that to ride, you still have to be able to ride it – it’s a little like passing your driving test and having a Ferrari, it’s exciting until you put your foot on the accelerator and realise what you’ve got to deal with. So she’ll have winter to get to know him and come out all guns blazing with him and her other horses.”

Alex paid tribute to Zagreb, known as “Rhett” after Rhett Butler in Gone With The Wind. His success with Rhett was a major contributor in allowing him to make the leap from riding as an amateur while working as a farrier to being a full-time event rider.

“The horse has done everything for my career but also done so much more than that,” he told H&H.

“It was for personal reasons that we found the horse for Sally and Philip Ellicott. They lost their daughter, Karen, who was involved in eventing, then Sally’s father died and she started to attend events with her mother Audrey to get them out and keep busy. That’s why we ended up finding Zagreb – to give them that interest in the sport and to be with people, going to different places.

“The horse came through that journey with them and with us and was developing into quite a successful horse. I was learning how to ride better and he was very patient and forgiving with that. It grew organically – we suddenly found ourselves at that five-star level and everyone was getting so much enjoyment out of him with little expectation. Every step forward was new and very exciting for everybody.

“Then on a personal level it started to get quite serious. I had my first good result at five-star, got more involved with the World Class set up and started doing more international shows. I was travelling across Europe as well as the UK, getting more exposure for me and Team Bragg and all of that really fell on Zagreb’s shoulders. He was the flagship horse taking us to those places and getting those results. I can’t express how grateful I am to the horse.”

Zagreb retirement: ‘I was exceptionally proud of him’

Alex named his first placing at Pau, fifth in 2016, as a highlight of his career with Zagreb.

“Being in that prize-giving was an immense feeling for me, I was exceptionally proud of him,” said Alex, who went on to finish in the top five at Pau three more times with Zagreb, as well as taking third at Luhmühlen five-star in 2019.

Alex also picked out the pair’s win in the Event Rider Masters at Jardy in 2018 and eighth on their Aachen debut in 2017 as times to savour.

“I don’t think there’s another outdoor show like Aachen in the world. To ride in those stadiums is just fantastic,” said Alex. “I’ll forever be grateful to have been given that opportunity by him.”

Asked what made Zagreb special, Alex said it was his willingness to bounce back.

“We made some big mistakes together,” he said. “We’ve always been competitive – whether his character was similar to mine or my character rubbed off on his, it really felt like we were a team working our way through it.

“When we hit the deck, we dusted ourselves off and never held anything against each other, but built from there and went on to the next event. That made him a great horse – he could pick himself up from a mistake or close shave. They say that’s the difference between a four- and five-star horse, a five-star horse can take those dodgy moments and push on to the next fence.

“In the last few years when we were established together, we started really to enjoy ourselves. His consistency was outstanding.

“He was so reliable to go from event to event and his margin of finishing, whether he had a good, bad or average day was very small – you could almost guarantee your finishing position would still be competitive. The horse never bottomed out and had a terrible day, which goes back to his commitment – he wanted to please you and gave 100% every time.

“He’s more of a mate than just a horse. I feel I’ve got a responsibility to do right by him. That’s why I’m making the decision to retire him now. I know he’ll enjoy himself for several years with Ellouise and I know him so well, it’s just the right time for that to happen. I don’t need him to do any more for me – it’s time for me to do something for him.”

Izzy Taylor holds early lead in Blenheim CCI4*-L: ‘Springpower was expressive but kept a lid on it’

Pippa Roome — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 09:32:50 +0000

Izzy Taylor holds an early lead in the Blenheim Horse Trials dressage for the CCI4*-L, after scoring 27.9 on Springpower.

“I’m very pleased,” said Izzy. “He loves, loves an atmosphere and is very excited to be at Blenheim – he was a lunatic yesterday at the trot-up, so I’m very pleased that he was expressive, but kept enough of the lid on it that it wasn’t too exciting.”

The 12-year-old Springpower, by Power Blade, belongs to Andrea and Jeremy Brereton and Linda Mars. He spent the 2020 season with Sarah “Cutty” Cohen, before returning to Izzy – who rode him in the latter half of 2017, 2018 and 2019 – for this year.

Izzy said: “He’s very cool – he’s a little bit like a pony cross-country, you can just rag him around and he’s got his ears pricked, he’s happy to be doing what he’s doing, which is great. Sometimes he thinks it’s better to be more more expressive than is needed in the dressage, but cross-country is his favourite part.”

Izzy talked about the riders delight in returning to Blenheim, which is being run by The Jockey Club for the first time after being cancelled in 2020 due to Covid-19: “We missed these exciting events. It’s great to be back at an established event and very exciting to have The Jockey Club on board. I think all of us eventers are really excited for what the future might hold and how the sport, hopefully, will progress in a more professional way.”

Ros Canter sits second in the Blenheim Horse Trials dressage for the CCI4*-L with Christopher Makin’s 10-year-old Rehy Royal Diamond, on a mark of 28.7.

“I’m over the moon with him – he’s quite a hot headed horse and a bit of a joker so takes quite a lot of work, but I think that was probably the most I’ve ever had him in a test. There were still a couple of mistakes, but his basic work was so much easier in there today,” said Ros.

“He stayed with me pretty much the whole way through – we had a little jog in the walk, but that’s a lot better than it can be.”

Alex Bragg holds third at this early stage on Philip and Sally Ellicott’s experienced 17-year-old Zagreb, who scored 29.

“He’s an old pro and we’ve protected him a bit this year, because there was nothing really to aim for for him,” he said. “So we didn’t do anything in the spring, so coming to this event, it feels like this is the first bit of the season for us and he is still fresh.

“But I want him to be like that, because he is a little bit older now and I’d rather he come out and I said, ‘Oh, he was a little bit too enthusiastic’ than I felt like he wasn’t enjoying himself. The horse feels fantastic and I’m really looking forward to having a proper competition to do on him.”

Alex said the test had “a few little wobbles”, which he put down to lack of match practice for both horse and rider.

He explained: “We could have been a percent higher, if we ironed them out. He’s a little bit hot coming out the walk, anticipating going into the canter, and he was the same today – he jumped into the canter and then it made the corner a little bit tricky before the extended canter. But like I say, it’s nice that he’s enthusiastic and wanting to do it rather than the other way.

“He doesn’t owe us anything. The Ellicotts have been amazing owners and supporters and it’s just nice to have him back out.”

Four withdrawn from Bicton CCI5* leaving a field of 34 competitors

Becky Murray — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 20:03:48 +0000

Alex Bragg and King Of The Mill are among the four combinations to have withdrawn from the Chedington Bicton Horse Trials entries (3-5 September).

In a statement today (1 September) Alex said he had “sadly” had to withdraw the 11-year-old gelding from Britain’s only CCI5* behind held this season. The pair were most recently fourth in the CCI4*-S at the NAF Five Star Hartpury Horse Trials (12-15 August), and clear across country in the CCI4*-S at Hambro Sport Horses Burgham International.

“It is very disappointing but he bruised his heel and isn’t 100%,” read the statement.

“It’s important to put his best interests first, and he will be back very soon to showcase his amazing talent. Thank you to his owners, Mike and Naomi Roe, for being so understanding and supportive.”

Nicola Wilson and the 10-year-old JL Dublin have withdrawn owing to their European Eventing Championships selection, announced last Friday (27 Friday). Deirdre Johnston and James and Jo Lambert’s 10-year-old gelding won the Bicton CCI4*-L with Nicola in June. Nicola will compete on the all-female British squad at the Europeans in Avenches (22-26 September) alongside Ros Canter with Allstar B, Sarah Bullimore and Corouet, Kitty King with Vendredi Biats, Izzy Taylor with Monkeying Around, and Piggy March with Brookfield Inocent.

The other combinations to withdraw from Bicton are George Hilton-Jones with his mother Isabelle’s 12-year-old gelding Efraim, and Christopher Whittle with Andrew Dixon’s 13-year-old gelding Skip Mill.

The four withdrawals mean a field of 34 is expected come forward for the one-off five-star in Devon. Those entries include 2019 Badminton Horse Trials winner Piggy March and Vanir Kamira, Tim Price and his 2018 Burghley winner Ringwood Sky Boy, and Pippa Funnell with Billy Walk On and Majas Hope. Reigning world champion Ros Canter is entered with Pencos Crown Jewel, and Oliver Townend will bring forward MHS King Joules and Tregilder. David Doel has been named as pathfinder on Galileo Nieuwmoed.

Pick up this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, in shops on Friday 3 September owing to a delivery issue between the printers and wholesalers, for the full Bicton form guide

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

‘From a Ford Escort to a Ferrari’: young eventer enjoys run on her father’s five-star ride

Becky Murray — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 17:17:51 +0000

A young eventer was spotted piloting her father’s top five-star ride for the gelding’s first run of the season.

Ellouise Bragg, 16, made her competition debut with Alex Bragg’s 17-year-old ride Zagreb in the BE100Ou18 section at Larkhill Horse Trials on Saturday (10 April), the pair taking home sixth place.

Alex told H&H it was agreed with Zagreb’s owners, family friends Sally and Philip Ellicott, that Ellouise could ride the gelding over winter to give her some experience on elite level horses, and following the cancellation of Badminton the opportunity arose for Ellouise to take Zagreb out.

“It was quite exciting for all of us to give her that experience,” said Alex. “There were moments where she’s not quite used to that sort of power in a horse like him – it’s something different; it’s like getting out of a Ford Escort and getting into a Ferrari.

“In her defence I didn’t really think about it being the first run for the horse and the weather was really cold so he was exceptionally fresh on top of the hill trying to do his dressage! She did an amazing job to manage him because he was full of beans and that went throughout the day. He was very, very forward and keen but she thoroughly enjoyed herself.”

Alex said Ellouise crossed the cross-country finishing line patting the gelding.

“She was kissing and hugging him and said it was like nothing else she’s ever done. It’s not easy to sit on a horse like that; it can be a perception it’s a push-button kind of job but when you ride an animal of that power and that capability it can be quite intimidating to some people. As a young girl she coped amazingly well.

“Her mum, Simmone, was so nervous, as I think I was a little bit because you didn’t really know whether she was going to manage or not but she did phenomenal and we’re very proud of Ellouise – and the horse, to be so genuine and kind to do that for her.”

Alex said Ellouise might be seen competing Zagreb in the future – but he has not given up the ride yet. The pair have enjoyed five top-five finishes at five-star; third at Luhmühlen in 2019, fifth at Pau in 2016 and 2017, and fourth in 2019 and 2020. They won the Event Rider Masters leg at Jardy in 2018, and in 2019 Zagreb was crowned British Eventing’s horse of the year in 2019, a title shared with Oliver Townend’s ride Ballaghmor Class.

“I’ll still be riding him – he’ll start with me in a couple of weeks at Bicton and hopefully do Luhmühlen,” he said.

“It’s obviously been so difficult with Covid; we’ve missed two Badmintons and Zagreb’s not getting any younger. Although he’s on amazing form at the moment and feels great, when a horse gets to his age you never know how well they’re going to come out the following season. He might come out next year and feel just as amazing and just as young in himself and want another go at Badminton. And if he comes out and we don’t feel he’s quite up for it then we know Ellouise has had a bit of experience on him this year and she could possibly enjoy doing the junior stuff on him.”

Article Continued below…

(Image credit: Katie Mortimore Photography)

Horseball, water treadmills and a French connection – nine things you didn’t know about Alex Bragg

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Alex Bragg: the farrier and rugby player turned five-star eventer — ‘I rode like a silverback gorilla’

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Ellouise, who turns 17 in November, also events pony Sweet Riot and 16hh Bloomfield Tiger Two, who Alex produced as a youngster.

“We’re not in the position to go and buy her expensive horses but we are in the position that we can produce really nice horses to help her out. She works so hard, she’s so dedicated so if you’re able to do that as parents it’s a wonderful thing, it’s as much rewarding for her as it is for all of us,” said Alex.

“She is in love with horses and eventing. She’s also very academic; she’s very intelligent which will stand her in great stead whatever she chooses to do in the future. If her mother had her way she probably wouldn’t encourage her to do horses as she knows how hard and stressful it is but Simmone and I have always set out to encourage the children and if they want to do something enough then we’ll be there to support them, and if it ends up being horses then of course we’ll do everything to help.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Horseball, water treadmills and a French connection – nine things you didn’t know about Alex Bragg

Pippa Roome — Sat, 23 Jan 2021 12:12:48 +0000

Event rider Alex Bragg may have been a late starter to the sport, but he’s taken eventing by storm over the past few years. We find out more about him…

1. Alex didn’t ride at his first CCI3* (now CCI4*) until he was 29 years old. He was still an amateur rider making his living as a farrier at the time.

2. He met his wife Simmone when she was a livery on a DIY yard where he was shoeing horses. Now the couple lease that same yard as a sort of overflow for their business – Alex’s competition horses live at their own property, but his daughters’ mounts stay at the yard up the road and they have a few liveries there.

3. Among the improvements Alex has made to his Somerset base is an undercover viewing area for his school with seating, so owners can get out of the rain if they’re watching their horse. His dream improvement? A water treadmill, but he reckons he needs to win Badminton or Burghley to afford that.

4. Alex and Simmone have three daughters, Ellouise, Sienna and Florence.

5. He made his four-star (now five-star) debut at Burghley 2016 with two horses. He finished 34th on Redpath Ransome and had a fall with Zagreb on the cross-country. “You don’t realise quite what an achievement it is to have two horses at that level, let alone be making your debut on two horses you’ve produced from scratch,” says Alex.

6. Pau has become something of a specialist event for Alex and his top horse, Zagreb. The pair have finished fourth there twice (2016 and 2017) and fifth there twice (2019 and 2020).

7. Alex’s biggest win in eventing also came in France, when he took the top spot in the Event Rider Masters at Jardy in 2018 on Zagreb.

Article continues below…

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8. Alex Bragg uses a gym ball when he’s starting young horses – bouncing it against them and up on the saddle to get them used to things moving around.

9. He did mounted games as a child, competing at Wembley with the West Somerset branch of the Pony Club, and also played horseball – his team were national champions at junior level.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find out more about getting the magazine delivered to your door every week.

Alex Bragg: the farrier and rugby player turned five-star eventer — ‘I rode like a silverback gorilla’

Pippa Roome — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 12:00:49 +0000

A late starter who took an unorthodox route into eventing, the five-star event rider’s life experiences nonetheless prepared him well. Pippa Roome meets him

Alex Bragg is proof that you don’t have to tread the beaten path through under-21 teams to make it as an event rider.

When his peers were collecting junior medals, he was an apprentice farrier and semi-professional rugby player. When they were taking tentative steps beyond the young rider bubble, he was a newly-wed with a baby on the way. When they were trying their first five-stars in their mid-twenties, he was unable to get a horse on the bit.

“I don’t think if you’d seen me ride 15 years ago, you’d ever have imagined I’d be going round a five-star – I was pretty bad,” he laughs. “I had these massive shoulders and neck, from playing rugby, and I rode like a silverback gorilla, going down the centre line with my elbows out.

“My wife Simmone and I spent hours out in the field, her trying to teach me how to get a horse soft. I’d just try to pull its head in – that’s what you did when you played rugby, you made stuff happen. She’d get on, wriggle the reins a bit and the horse would go beautifully. I’d get on and he’d look petrified.”

Fast forward 16 years and Alex, now 40, has been British reserve for two European Championships and is seventh in the world rankings.

There is luck in every story, but Alex’s success is surely largely down to the force of his character. He is friendly, eloquent and funny, but also a passionate team-builder and ultra motivated – “this whole ethos about trying to be a better person, trying to have a better life, trying to make our time here the best it possibly can be”, as he puts it, making this sound inspiring rather than cheesy.

He adds: “I guess it’s all because we’re just driven to be better. That’s always the thing I say to the children and our team – I’d rather you try something new and maybe make a mistake, than be afraid of failing and just stay still.

“Everyone has come along that journey together and I’m proud for all of us. That’s where our Team Bragg was born from. Coming from rugby, a team sport, I realised you can’t do everything by yourself.”

Alex’s father was a “huge horse enthusiast”.

“He’d go to the sales and buy the cheapest pony, because we had no money, and then we would try to ride it,” explains Alex, who tried mounted games – making it to Horse of the Year Show with the West Somerset branch of the Pony Club – and horseball.

“My dad’s passion was showjumping so he said, ‘Why don’t we have a go at that?’ So he bought this horse that was chucking everyone off and stopping. We got that one jumping quite well.

“Then we got offered other naughty horses, so Dad sort of pimped me out to fix people’s horses. I jumped some grands prix as a 14 or 15-year-old, which was great experience. We didn’t have much knowledge – it was more determination that got us there.”

Gradually, though, the shine wore off riding and Alex quit the sport.

“It’s a lot of pressure riding naughty horses all the time – it was such hard work and I just wasn’t really enjoying it.”

Alex Bragg: life as a farrier

Around the same time, the family’s farrier, Andy Manners, offered to take school-leaver Alex on as his apprentice.

“I loved being around horses, I enjoy being outside and I could potentially be my own boss, which was a great incentive,” says Alex. “I was very good at maths and science and could see myself going into engineering or architecture, but I’m so glad I became a farrier.”

Andy became a great friend – he was Alex’s best man – and the young apprentice learnt life skills.

“I was very shy as a young lad and driving round to different yards, meeting lots of people, brought me out of my shell,” Alex explains. “I learnt how to communicate, how to make that awkwardness when you first meet people disappear.

“That stood me in great stead for being my own boss, being successful in business, being braver about approaching potential owners and sponsors.”

Alex’s competitive instincts were met by rugby, with a busy schedule combining farriery and training, playing first at Clevedon and then in the Academy at Bristol.

“My body ached all the time, but I loved it,” he says. “I didn’t want to ride again or marry a horsey girl.”

That’s when fate intervened. Alex was shoeing on a DIY yard and had accumulated all the liveries except Simmone, who was stubbornly sticking to her old farrier.

“After 18 months of not wanting to speak to me, she offered me a cup of tea. We went out for a drink and three months later I asked her to marry me,” says Alex.

Life continued at “rocket fuel speed”. On 1 April, Alex returned from a long day of farriery to find Simmone had made dinner.

“She was not a great chef – she once tried to make cheese on toast by turning the toaster on its side and putting the bread and cheese in at the same time,” says Alex. “So I didn’t know how much food poisoning I might get.

“So I’m sitting at the table and she says, ‘I’ve got you a present.’ I open it and it’s a pregnancy test. I look at it and say, ‘Whose is this?’ And she says, ‘Of course it’s mine, who else would I get to wee on that and then give it to you as a gift?’ Because it’s 1 April, I’m like, ‘Is this serious?’”

She was. Ellouise was on her way and this led Alex back to riding because Simmone asked Alex to ride her eventer, Rothko, while she was pregnant. The field sessions followed and then Simmone suggested Alex ride Rothko in an event, a novice at Stockland Lovell.

“I’d never done cross-county and I loved it. I thought I was really fast, until I saw the video Simmone took of me doing a hack canter across the brow of the hill,” he says.

Two more daughters followed – Ellouise is now 16, Sienna 13 and Florence 10 – and they all ride.

“They’re different, but they’re all determined and very loving,” says Alex. “They’re so grown up, but they cry when we go away and when we come back – they come running up with arms open wide, crying their eyes out.

“We love having them around,” he adds. “Hopefully that relationship will continue forever because they’re really good people. We’re proud of them.”

Stepping up to be a professional event rider

THE jump from amateur to professional rider followed Alex’s first CCI3* (now CCI4*-L) at Blenheim 2009.

“I said to Simmone, ‘How are these people always at the top of the leaderboard?’ With a bit of research, I realised these guys are the ones with a team of horses, the professionals. So then I said, ‘We need to start a business.’

“We didn’t start a horse business because I wanted to work with horses for a living – I earned way more money as a farrier – but because I realised if I didn’t do that, I wouldn’t have enough time in the saddle to be competitive.”

Alex’s route had been unorthodox, but his experiences had fitted him for the job.

“You see so many talented people who never really achieve their best because they can’t handle pressure and I already knew how to deal with pressure,” he says.

“The business side is a priority and I had that experience with shoeing. If you get the business right, you have a foundation to build a solid team of horses to challenge at the top of the sport.

“Being good with numbers is very helpful, as is the mindset of maths and science. Every challenge needs a solution, whether it’s to do with horses or business.”

Alex has continually improved his Somerset base of 11 years, where facilities include an irrigated cross-country schooling field. The couple also lease a yard up the road which belongs to his top horse Zagreb’s owners, the Ellicotts, where his daughters’ mounts live and the Braggs have half a dozen liveries.

Philip and Sally Ellicott’s Zagreb (Rhett) is the stable superstar, with five top-five finishes at five-star. Bought when Sally and her mother wanted a horse with Alex while he was still an amateur, Zagreb has shown both class and the tolerance to put up with an inexperienced rider.

“He deserves all of the results he gets. He has such a lovely attitude, he’s so enthusiastic, so friendly, he’s got so much heart and spirit,” says Alex.

With Zagreb now 17, Alex has a string waiting behind him.

“Until you get to the top level, you don’t really know what it takes to be competitive there,” he says. “You look back at the horses we thought were amazing in the past and actually, they were amazing to achieve what they did. The talent we have now is phenomenal and you need that.”

King Of The Mill made his five-star debut at Pau and should suit Badminton and Burghley because he’s a “real galloper”. Then there are the four-star mares Hester and Quindiva, and Ardeo Premier was fourth in the Le Lion seven-year-old championships last autumn.

A senior championship is among Alex’s ambitions and, ultimately, to be world number one.

“To do that, you need a team of five-star horses and to be winning five-stars,” he says. “I’ve come fairly close a few times and if you keep putting yourself in the mix, one day it’s going to be your day.”

Alex Bragg: farrier, rugby player, father of three, five-star winner. It has a nice ring to it.

Ref: 21 January 2021

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British Eventing’s 2020 top rider and horse crowned

Becky Murray — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 07:03:05 +0000

Piggy March has been crowned British Eventing’s (BE) top rider for a second year running – as her ride Brookfield Inocent took the top horse title.

Piggy scored 808 BE points during the 2020 season, while Izzy Taylor was second on 574 and Tom McEwen third on 518.

This season Piggy has enjoyed 27 wins and a further 46 top-10 placings. Her achievements included winning the BE six-year-old championship at Osberton on Cooley Goodwood, the CCI4*-S at Little Downham International on Brookfield Quality and the CCI3*-S at Wellington International on Dargun.

The 11-year-old gelding Brookfield Inocent, owned by Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry, clinched the 2020 BE top horse title on 286 points. London 52, the Pau-winning ride of Laura Collett, was second on 253 points, while Alexander Bragg’s ride Zagreb was third on 205.

“Brookfield Inocent secured some impressive results this season and only finished outside the top five once in nine 2020 runs,” said a BE spokesman.

His achievements included second place in the CCI4*-S at Little Downham International and Burgham International, and a second place at Pau CCI5*.

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Piggy said she was “absolutely delighted” to win the title and for Brookfield Inocent to be crowned top horse.

“Brookfield Inocent is a horse I have always had a lot of belief in so it was great he got the opportunity to show everyone what he can do at Pau at the end of the season,” she said. “He came back in from his holiday this week. Fingers crossed he has an exciting 2021 in store with even bigger and better things ahead.

“It’s been a horrible year for everyone but a massive thank you to my home team, owners, sponsors and supporters who have kept the ball rolling in difficult circumstances. It takes so much time and effort from so many people to make it all possible so I’m very proud to be able to give something back to them for all their hard work.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Laura Collett leads Pau five-star after cross-country: ‘London 52 showed everyone what he’s made of’ H&H Plus

Pippa Roome — Sat, 24 Oct 2020 17:15:07 +0000

Read our full analysis of how riders tackled Pierre Michelet’s course, plus find out why it was a relief for leader Laura Collett that London 52 went so well today…

Laura Collett and London 52 lead a British one-two at the head of the Pau Horse Trials 2020 cross-country results after the action today (24 October).

Last year’s Boekelo winner, who belongs to Keith Scott, Karen Bartlett and his rider, responded to Laura’s every call in his first five-star cross-country, including being super honest to take on the last corner in the penultimate combination, which he didn’t see until the point of take-off.

“London came out this year and from his first couple of runs in open intermediates, he felt like a totally different horse in himself – when he was fighting with his head last year it was because he was just so nervous. I felt he couldn’t be coming here in better form and now was the chance to see if he’s really what I think he is, and he showed he is,” said Laura.

“I’ve always believed in him – there’s always been a reason behind his problems and [Irish rider] Sam Watson said to me last year that every horse has ups and downs, but because London always puts himself in the limelight by being up there after dressage, his problems are high profile. He’s never had a chance to do his learning under the radar before he hit the big time. So that was a good pep talk from Sam.

“Now, he’s done it in front of everyone and shown everyone what he’s made of. It’s a relief, I owed it to the horse for it to go right and to make sure it went right and I’m just very glad I didn’t give him a reason not to be confident. Hopefully he’ll have grown in confidence again from this.”

Laura herself took confidence from riding the course earlier in the day on “my best friend”, the more experienced Mr Bass, who at one stage had 20 penalties on the scoreboard from the penultimate combination, but the rider successfully appealed the faults as she did not present to the corner at 27bc, having decided not to attempt the straight route.

“He’s always more difficult to turn right and he got very strong on me,” she explained. “I had quite a forward shot at the house on the top of the mound, took a stride and thought there was no way I’d get to the corner so I shouted ‘long’ and went long – it was frustrating because he was so good on the clock up to there, but he didn’t deserve to have a silly problem right at the end. It was annoying the long route was very long, but he came home safe and that was the main thing.”

Mr Bass finished with 7.6 time-faults and sits in 15th overnight.

Wth Mr Bass having shown Laura the time was achievable, she and London finished one second inside the optimum to sit 0.9 of a penalty ahead of Piggy March and Brookfield Inocent, with John and Chloe Perry and Alison Swinburn’s horse also putting up a fault-free performance today.

Piggy’s only dicey moment came at the influential corner at fence 14, which took Brookfield Inocent by surprise, but he chipped in a stride and cleared it.

New Zealand’s Tim Price provides the only interruption in an otherwise all-British top seven. He had three rides today and saved the best until last, bringing The Windrush Equestrian Foundation’s popular 17-year-old Wesko home just one second over the time to move up from fourth after dressage to third.

Alex Bragg rose from seventh to fourth with his clear inside the time on Philip and Sally Ellicott’s majestic Zagreb, who never faltered on a track he knows well, having been placed at Pau three times previously. Alex also rode his younger horse, Michael and Naomi Roe’s King Of The Mill, earlier in the day, coming home with one run-out but giving the horse great experience for the future.

“They are totally different horses at different ends of their careers,” said Alex. “King Of The Mill is very green and was looking at everything except the jumps, whereas Zagreb just looks for the flags. It didn’t faze me having a run-out on the first horse and then going out on Zagreb, you just have to start from a blank canvas and trust your training and experience.

“Zagreb is a pleasure to ride, this level is well within him and I’ve just got to point and shoot – he does the rest for me.

“I’m not overly disappointed with King Of The Mill. This is an education and a stepping stone – he’s a very big galloping horse, who copes well with distance and stamina, and is more suited to Badminton and Burghley than Pau. All these twists and turns are difficult for a big, rangy horse, especially when they are young. He will have taken so much from this course and he’s shown he’s an amazing prospect, which is super exciting for our team and his owners.”

Five-star first-timer Mollie Summerland put up a super performance to bring Charly Van Ter Heiden home clear inside the time and move up from eighth after dressage to fifth. The pair had a few untidy moments, but helped each other out and showed the strength of their partnership, with Mollie making sensible decisions such as adding a stride to the second arrowhead at the first water when the horse was not really travelling over the previous one.

“I know he jumps steps into water like that so I was prepared for that – I knew he’s so genuine that if he understood where he was going he would jump the arrowheads even with that funny jump in. That’s where our partnership really counts,” said Mollie.

“I hear them say I was bang on the optimum as I finished and I was expecting to burst into tears or have a strong emotion, but I was in complete disbelief and a bit speechless. It still doesn’t feel like it’s sunk in how well he went – my phone has been going berserk even though I didn’t post anything on social media as I didn’t want extra pressure, it just reminds you how many people are watching and I hope I didn’t look too untidy.

“I want to credit Robin Dumas as I’ve been training with him leading up to the event and he’s given us such a good tune up and been on the end of the phone this week. He’s given me a lot of confidence and I’ll continue to train with him.”

Behind Mollie and Charly in sixth are last year’s Pau winners Tom McEwen and Toledo De Kerser, who whisked round with a superbly professional performance. Toledo looked keen and made even the longest distances very easily, with Tom able to sit up and showjump the final fence, still finishing 10 seconds inside the time.

Ros Canter holds seventh after adding 2.4 time-faults to her dressage score during a lovely neat round on her own Pau aficionado Zenshera.

The 1993 European champion Jean Lou Bigot (Utrillo Du Halage) lies eighth for the home side, with his compatriot Alexis Goury (Trompe L’Oeil D’Emery) in 10th. Oliver Townend is sandwiched between them on MHS King Joules, who was just five seconds over the time.

Pau Horse Trials 2020 cross-country results: Michelet’s course

The riders previewed the course as a typical Pierre Michelet track featuring the narrowest possible skinnies, blind turns to corners and forward, brave distances.

In the event it proved an excellent test, with plenty of influence on the leader board but not a single horse or rider fall. Ten of the 45 starters (22%) came home inside the 11min 8sec optimum time, with 32 clear jumping rounds (71%). British five-star first-timer Richard Coney was the first to make the time, piloting Mermus R Diamond round for a 18-place rise up the leader board to 16th. Richard also sits 22nd on Kananaskis, who had a better dressage test than his first ride but added 12.8 time-faults today.

The first water (fences 9ab and 10) provided the first major test. Horses entered the lake over a log on the edge of a drop and without a big fence into the water, many landed in trot or not really moving, fiddling through to the first triple brush arrowhead on a mix of trot and canter. Emilie Chandler’s ride Gortfadda Diamond (currently 20th after adding 9.6 time-faults to his 28.6 dressage score) was one of the best here, landing cleanly and stepping forward boldly into the ideal three strides. It was then a further three moving strides to a second triple brush arrowhead.

Kevin McNab lost his fifth place after dressage with Scuderia 1918 A Best Friend when he made it over the first arrowhead after landing off his line, but didn’t lock onto the second one and had a run-out.

Sarah Bullimore’s campaign also came unstuck here when Reve Du Rouet made it over the first arrowhead, but ran out at the second. Sarah was unseated, making a great effort to avoid falling off in the water, but her stirrup had come loose from her saddle and she retired. Her second ride, Conpierre – who had already had a run-out at the first of two angled hedges at fence 6ab – had to stretch to make it over the first arrowhead and having deviated from his line, couldn’t make the third.

A number of riders successfully added a fourth stride between the two arrowheads, including both Oliver Townend on MHS King Joules and Izzy Taylor with five-star debutant Artful Trinity, who is in 18th after adding six time-faults.

The double of swans at fence 12ab caused a dramatic moment for Kevin McNab and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam, 15th after dressage. The bay gelding left his off fore over the first swan, which sat up on a mound, unbalancing him and Kevin, who then had to pull right away from the second, angled bird at the bottom of the slope. He successfully appealed his 20 penalties and sits 27th with 18.8 time-faults.

Dressage runner-up Chris Burton’s challenge came to an end at fence 14ab when Graf Liberty ran-out at the right-handed open corner which followed a sharp left-handed turn from an oxer. This fence was also the undoing of British vet Katie Preston, who went on to complete with Templar Justice with 60 jumping penalties, and the site of the first of two run-outs for five-star first-timer Rehy DJ, under young British rider Yasmin Ingham.

The second and third waters gave riders plenty to think about, but proved surprisingly forgiving in terms of penalties. At the second, fence 21abc, riders jumped a big brush rolltop with the ground dropping away on landing, before four strides to a brush-topped box and then on round the right-hand curve to an upright box. The catch was that the four strides was not particularly long – so anyone whose horse ballooned the initial fence needed to hold up or adjust their line to the box – while the ideal six strides to the final element required riders to push on. Some added a seventh, while Ros Canter’s super-smooth line and tight turn here on Zenshera allowed her to make the six strides look very easy.

The penultimate combination (fences 27abc and 28) was, as riders predicted, a tricky one. On the direct route, riders jumped a spread brush fence before curving right-handed on a downhill slope to two left-handed corners (fences 27bc and 28) on three moving strides. Options to avoid this toughest of tests included circling between the corners – as Kevin McNab did on Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam – or taking a time consuming long route, looping round the driving obstacles over alternative fences 27b and c, before returning to the corner at 28.

Nicola Wilson was among those who took the long route and she now sits 17th on Bulana after adding 9.2 time-faults – the mare looked a little strong at times in the early part of the course, but used her nimbleness to good effect to add strides before a couple of fences. Chris Burton was initially given 15 faults for a flag penalty at the first of the corners here in addition to his earlier 20, but these penalties were later removed.

The competition concludes tomorrow with the final horse inspection at 1.15pm French time (12.15pm British time) and then the showjumping at 3.15pm French time (2.15pm British time).

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Laura Collett leads Pau five-star after dressage: ‘He was scared to start with, but the canter was amazing’ H&H Plus

Pippa Roome — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 09:44:05 +0000

Find out what Laura Collett was thinking as she rode her leading dressage test and why there was disappointment for Jonelle Price with her former five-star winner…

Laura Collett tops the Pau Horse Trials 2020 dressage results at the close of the phase today (23 October), following a brilliant test on London 52.

Keith Scott, Karen Bartlett and Laura’s 11-year-old is at his first five-star but is an established star in the first phase and after a slightly nervous entry when he put his head up in the first halt, he improved throughout the test for 21.3. This put the pair 0.7 of a penalty ahead of Thursday’s leaders, Chris Burton and Graf Liberty, owned by Jill Martin and David Webster.

“He was very good – he was scared to start with,” said Laura. “He went down the centreline and shoved his head to one side and looked at all the people; I struggled to get him to trot. He can do better trotwork, I had to be a bit safe because he felt a bit fractious, but he let me in in the canter and it was amazing. He likes showing off!”

Laura had her Pau horses at Le Lion last week and said London 52 was very relaxed there, but he has changed this week with the atmosphere at Pau, something horses aren’t accustomed to in this year of eventing behind closed doors.

“They’re so not used to seeing people and he’s been quite lit up and nervy,” she said. “Yesterday morning he did some amazing work and I was getting excited, but then in the afternoon I rode him in the arena familiarisation and he was off his head and I thought, ‘We’re in trouble’. But luckily he’s learnt the arena is a safe place and he knows to listen and concentrate, that’s where he’s grown up in his brain.”

Laura presented the test beautifully, with spot-on accuracy, and the extensions were the highlight. French judge Xavier Le Sauce awarded her a 10 for the extended canter, which was the moment when Laura overtook Chris Burton on the running scores.

“I watched a few smart tests yesterday – Piggy [March], Tom [McEwen] and Burto [Chris Burton] – and knew it would take something pretty special to beat them,” said Laura. “When I did my first centreline I thought I’d blown it – you can’t afford mistakes when you’re trying to beat a 22 – but when I went into canter, I could really go for it.

“I looked at the screen and knew if I nailed the last flying change, I’d be there or thereabouts. I thought, ‘Don’t put any pressure on, just ride it like the others.’ He was awesome.”

Bragg into seventh

Alex Bragg was the best of four Brits forward in the first session, scoring 24.9 for seventh. Philip and Sally Ellicott’s rangy bay Zagreb – who has been in the top five here three times – showed off the scope of his paces and gained five nines, as well as a 9.5 from British judge Nikki Herbert at B for his canter stretch circle.

“The horse was very good today, I’m pleased,” said Alex. “He’s very expressive and quite established now so I just wanted a really solid clear round and he was exceptionally rideable. I felt I could ride the transitions in and out of his extended movements better than ever before.

“I’m glad the judges enjoyed watching him and rewarded him with the marks – we needed it because it’s one of the most competitive Paus I’ve ever been to.”

Zagreb’s work was only marred by a missed first flying change and a half step back in the first halt, for which his marks ranged from five to 8.5.

“I felt he wasn’t quite square behind, so I went to nudge him and he thought about coming back, so I thought I’ll just ignore that and go forward,” explained Alex. “It was me trying to make a minor adjustment and him reading the question a bit wrong. As a rider, that’s a bit of ringcraft – to go forward before you ruin the mark altogether – it’s better to get a mid-range mark than really low.

“It was just a communication thing and didn’t affect the rest of the test. After the first medium trot he felt great, relaxed and in self-carriage, and off we went.”

Alex showed his delight as he left the arena, taking off his top halt and treating the masked crowd to a little celebratory dance.

Pau Horse Trials 2020 dressage results: six Brits in top 10

Four other British horses besides London 52 and Zagreb are in the top 10 as the phase concludes, with Piggy March third on John and Chloe Perry and Alison Swinburn’s Brookfield Inocent, Ros Canter (Zenshera) equal fifth, Mollie Summerland (Charly Van Ter Heiden) eighth and Laura Collett’s first ride Mr Bass holding 10th. The next three places are also in Team GBR’s control, with Nicola Wilson (Bulana) 11th, while Tom McEwen (Toledo De Kerser) and Sarah Bullimore (Conpierre) share 12th.

A New Zealander, an Australian and a German also secured spots in the top 10 during this morning’s action.

Wesko, who joins his stablemate Ringwood Sky Boy as the oldest horses in the field at 17, was the last horse into the arena and his relaxed, classy performance was only disturbed by a half step into canter as he approached the right trot half-pass. He and New Zealand’s Tim Price garnered 23 for fourth place.

Australian Kevin McNab’s even test with Scuderia 1918 A Best Friend was rewarded with 24.8 to sit alongside Ros Canter in equal fifth. Tim and Kevin both have another horse in the top 15, with Tim 14th on Ringwood Sky Boy and Kevin 15th on Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam.

Germany’s sole representative at the French five-star, Christoph Wahler, presented lovely elevated trotwork with the grey Carjatan S, but some anticipation in the flying changes dropped his marks. However, his score of 25.6 – including four nines, two of them from British judge Nikki Herbert at B – is good enough to see him into ninth at the close of dressage.

World number one Oliver Townend was the first rider into the arena this morning, MHS King Joules steaming gently in the morning sunshine. Unfortunately the smart black showed his tension and nerves when he cantered in the first corner going into the medium trot, which meant the pair were fighting to get back on terms with the leaders throughout the test. Impressive canter work lifted their score and they finished on 28.3 for 17th at the end of the day.

There was disappointment for New Zealand’s Jonelle Price – there were moments where she was able to show off the former Luhmühlen winner Faerie Dianimo’s extravagant paces, but the grey mare became very tense, cantering in extended trot and then completely losing the movement as she crabbed sideways in the right canter half-pass. She finished well down the order on 36.9.

Tomorrow’s cross-country phase over Pierre Michelet’s track starts at 1.30pm French time (12.30pm British time), with Tim Price first out on course with Xavier Faer.

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Previous winners of Pau Horse Trials: Olympic medallists, the sire of a five-star horse and a French female first

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

British riders hold seven of the top 10 spots after first day of dressage at Pau five-star H&H Plus

Find out the secret behind training the leading horse, who scored 10s and which up-and-coming British star has been training

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

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Piggy French crowned top event rider after ‘phenomenal’ year

Becky Murray — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 17:45:02 +0000

The British Eventing (BE) points league winners have been announced, and Badminton winner Piggy French comes out on top after a “phenomenal” year.

Piggy was crowned top rider of 2019 and picked up the Tony Collins award with 1,768 BE points – 102 points ahead of second-placed Oliver Townend in the overall riders’ league. Tom McEwen was third with 1,339 points.

A spokesman for BE said: “Out of over 160 starts this season, Piggy secured 38 wins with a further 74 top-10 placings.

“15 of those wins were secured at international level, including taking the coveted Badminton Horse Trials title on Trevor Dickens’ Vanir Kamira, a CCI4* win at Blenheim Palace Horse Trials riding Brookfield Inocent owned by Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Parry, and another CCI4* win at Hartpury International aboard Jayne McGivern’s Quarrycrest Echo.”

Piggy said she was “absolutely delighted” to win the title.

“It has been an incredible year and I am very proud of everything my team have achieved,” she said.

“I must thank all of my horses, my staff at home and all my owners, sponsors and supporters for helping me making it a reality.”

The top horse title was shared by Oliver Townend’s ride Ballaghmor Class and Alexander Bragg’s ride Zagreb, who won with 423 points apiece, with Piggy’s ride Vanir Kamara third.

“Mr and Mrs Ellicott’s Zagreb took the jont top spot through impressive performances at several three-sar and four-star events, along with a third place at Luhmuhlen five-star in Germany and fourth at Pau five-star in France,” said the spokesman.

“Ballaghmor Class, owned by Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan, had an incredibly strong season, placing in the top three at every event he completed including taking second place at Badminton and third at Burghhley Horse Trials.”

Alexander said Zagreb had been an “instrumental figure” in launching and developing his eventing career.

“Through thick and thin Zagreb has remained solid and reliable in his performances. We all love his enthusiasm and joy for the sport – what a horse,” he said.

Ballaghmor Class’s owners said they are “delighted and priviledged” to own the gelding, known as Thomas.

“It’s what you dream of when you become an eventing owner and we have had too many highs to mention. Anything Oliver and Thomas do in the future is purely just a bonus,” they said.

The Goldman Cup, for the leading under-21 rider, was won by Heidi Coy on 410 points, ahead of Bubby Upton on 405. Felicity Collins was third with 321.

Heidi said she was “thrilled” and thanked her “amazing” home team and coaches.

“This tops off a fabuous season I’ve had this year. I couldn’t be more proud of all my horses, especially the ones I’ve had from four-year-olds, that were not necessarily the most talented but have a great work ethic,” she said.

“It has been an honour to ride such genuine horses for a sport I love.”

The Britannia four-star league was topped by Leicestershire-based Mollie Summerland and her own Charly Van Ter Heiden with six top-10 finishes at British events and FEI Nations Cup classes. Richard Coney and Kananaskis took the runner-up spot and Emilie Chandler and Gortfadda Diamond were third.

“To have won the league is such a privilege and comes as a big shock,” said Mollie.

“Charly is the most wonderful horse to ride and I feel so lucky to have a horse like him. I am beyond grateful for the fantastic time I have behind me and very much look forward to the 2020 season with an exciting string of young horses.

The three-star league title was shared by two combinations; Piggy French and Brookfield Quality and Kitty King and Cristal Fountaine. Piggy also took third place with Highdown March. The two-star league was won by “rising star” Leilia Paske with Fernhill First Friend. Serena Kullich and Cafre First Melody were second, while William Clayton and Major Diamond Flight were third.

Article continued below…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

British gold medal-winning horse sold abroad: ‘He’s been an absolute superstar’

The British medal-winning horse has been sold to represent another country ahead of the Tokyo Olympics

Piggy French riding HIGHDOWN MARCH in CCI-S*** Section C, during the Rockingham Castle International, held in The Great Park Rockingham Castle near Corby in Northamptonshire in the UK on 18th May 2019 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Badminton winner sets new eventing record

‘I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has played their part in a really unbelievable

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Lincolnshire-based Alex Postolowsky was crowned the top foundation points rider earning 307 points across 40 starts. Georgie Strang was second and Melissa Joannides third.

The top foundation points horse was Rasshied Din’s 13-year-old Angels Spirit. The mare, ridden by Alana Sparrow, was also crowned the top grassroots foundation points horse. Christine Hudson’s Rapid Global VB, ridden by George Hilton Jones, and Katy Lawrence’s Whitemoors First Flight took joint-second.

Katy also won the top grassroots foundation points rider with 212 points from 28 top-10 placings. Alana was second and Joanne Watts third.

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14 pictures we love from Pau as we bid goodbye to the European eventing season

Pippa Roome — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 08:24:15 +0000

While the British eventing season squelched off into a slightly mud-stained sunset last weekend, those riders at Pau CCI5* (24-27 October) had better weather for their 2019 farewell, with glorious sunshine. Well, you know, it’s the south of France, darling.

Because we couldn’t resist a look at Pau’s autumnal colours, sleek horses and fearsome fences, here at 14 pictures we loved from the final European five-star of the season…

AUS-Christopher Burton rides Quality Purdey during the second day of Dressage for the CCI5*-L. Les 5 Etoiles de Pau. Pyrenees Atlantiques. France. Friday 25 October. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography (Image credit: Libby Law)

Look at that extension! Chris Burton piloted Quality Purdey into second place in the final reckonings, from sixth after dressage.

AUS-Kevin McNab rides Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam during the Cross Country for the CCI5*-L. Les 5 Etoiles de Pau. Pyrenees Atlantiques. France. Saturday 26 October. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography (Image credit: Libby Law)

Fellow Australian Kevin McNab closed out the competition in seventh place with Scuderia 1918 Don Quid, seen here jumping a luscious hedge.

AUS-Shane Rose rides Virgil during the first day of Dressage for the CCI5*-L. Les 5 Etoiles de Pau. Pyrenees Atlantiques. France. Thursday 24 October. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography (Image credit: Libby Law)

Shane Rose thanks Virgil, who had a difficult build-up to the event after travelling to France from Australia, but gave his all to claim third.

CAN-Holly Jacks rides More Inspiration during the Cross Country for the CCI5*-L. Les 5 Etoiles de Pau. Pyrenees Atlantiques. France. Saturday 26 October. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography (Image credit: Libby Law)

“I’m trying so hard I‘m crossing my legs, Mum…” More Inspiration impresses with 12th place under Canada’s Holly Jacks.

GBR-Alexander Bragg presents Zagreb during the CCI5*-L First Horse Inspection. Les 5 Etoiles de Pau. Pyrenees Atlantiques. France. Thursday 24 October. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography (Image credit: Libby Law)

What a smartie pants! Alex Bragg presents Zagreb, who finished fourth, his third top-five finish at this event.

GBR-Rosalind Canter rides Zenshera during the Cross Country for the CCI5*-L. Les 5 Etoiles de Pau. Pyrenees Atlantiques. France. Saturday 26 October. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography (Image credit: Libby Law)

Ros Canter continues her epic comeback after the birth of her daughter Ziggy by piloting Zenshera into fifth place.

GBR-Virginia Howe rides Undalgo de Windsor during the Cross Country for the CCI5*-L. Les 5 Etoiles de Pau. Pyrenees Atlantiques. France. Saturday 26 October. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography (Image credit: Libby Law)

Ginny Howe bounces back from a fall at Burghley with 18th place for Britain on Undalgo De Windsor.

GBR-Tom McEwen speaks with the press after his test on Toledo de Kerser during the second day of Dressage for the CCI5*-L. Interim-1st. Les 5 Etoiles de Pau. Pyrenees Atlantiques. France. Friday 25 October. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography (Image credit: Libby Law)

Who’s that cheeky chappie? Eventual winner Tom McEwen takes the microphone after his leading dressage test.

GBR-Tom McEwen rides Toledo de Kerser during the Show Jumping for the CCI5*-L. Final-1st. Les 5 Etoiles de Pau. Pyrenees Atlantiques. France. Sunday 27 October. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography (Image credit: Libby Law)

Tom and Toledo De Kerser confirm their victory with a showjumping clear over Pau’s colourful poles.

NZL-Tim Price rides Wesko during the second day of Dressage for the CCI5*-L. Interim-2nd. Les 5 Etoiles de Pau. Pyrenees Atlantiques. France. Friday 25 October. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography (Image credit: Libby Law)

Because we all love Wesko… there was no fairytale for Tim Price’s ride, who was a five-star winner before he had two seasons on the sidelines, this weekend as he returned to the top level. A fall across country when he tripped in the final water put paid to his chances.

The fabulous family, groom and connections: GBR-Tom McEwen speaks with the press after his ride on Toledo de Kerser during the Show Jumping for the CCI5*-L. Final-1st. Les 5 Etoiles de Pau. Pyrenees Atlantiques. France. Sunday 27 October. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography (Image credit: Libby Law)

It takes a village. Connections celebrate Toledo De Kerser’s victory.

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(Image credit: Libby Law Photography)

British rider wins first CCI5* title

‘I know everyone says their horses deserve a win, but he really does. I’m super-lucky to have him – he’s

(Image credit: Libby Law Photography)

British rider responds to criticism following accident on Pau cross-country after his rein broke

A horse tried to jump a high palisade wall when the rider lost control after continuing round the course when

(Image credit: Libby Law Photography)

GER-Andreas Dibowski rides FRH Butts Avedon during the Cross Country for the CCI5*-L. Les 5 Etoiles de Pau. Pyrenees Atlantiques. France. Saturday 26 October. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography (Image credit: Libby Law)

Andreas Dibowski’s ride FRH Butts Avedon —a European team gold medallist for Germany in 2013 — bows out of the sport at the age of 16. He finished eighth in his final competition.

NZL-Tim Price rides Ascona M during the Cross Country for the CCI5*-L. Interim-7th. Les 5 Etoiles de Pau. Pyrenees Atlantiques. France. Saturday 26 October. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography (Image credit: Libby Law)

What a reach! Ascona M puts her all into her round with Tim Price and goes on to finish sixth.

Pictures by Libby Law Photography

Full report from Pau in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine (dated Thursday 31 October).

British rider on track for first CCI5* win at Pau: ‘My horse was unbelievable’

Catherine Austen — Sat, 26 Oct 2019 17:50:44 +0000

Tom McEwen holds on to his lead in the final CCI5* of the European eventing season at Pau after today’s cross-country (Saturday, 26 October), during which temperatures soared to 27 degrees.

The British rider and his 2018 World Equestrian Games team gold medallist, Toledo De Kerser, were almost foot-perfect around Pierre Michelet’s tough, intense track and finished just two seconds over the time allowed. This means they have added 0.8 of a penalty to their dressage mark of 24.9, and have a 3.1-penalty lead over second-placed Alex Bragg and Zagreb.

“Usually I don’t get that excited about things, but I was about this round,” said Tom, who had a run-out at fence seven on his first ride, Figaro Van Het Broekxhof. “It was a long wait until the end of the day.

“Toledo was unbelievable. He started off very keen, and then the round got smoother and smoother.”

The 12-year-old, owned by Fred and Penny Barker, Jane Inns and Ali McEwen, was selected for the European Championships but fell over at home and scraped his side, so this run at Pau is an important step towards selection for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“I wouldn’t want to be sitting on any other horse going into tomorrow,” said Tom.

Alex and Phillip and Sally Ellicott’s Zagreb, eighth after dressage with 28.8, were the only pair to make the time, coming home three seconds under the optimum of 11 minutes 15 seconds to hold second.

“The horse was fantastic from start to finish,” said Alex. “Watching the first few riders, I realised you had to be on top of the clock — the circular combinations meant you wouldn’t be able to make it up.

“He doesn’t have the biggest stride considering he is a big horse, but he has a lot of experience and I don’t have to waste time setting up and through the combinations; that probably saves two seconds per fence.”

In third is Australia’s Chris Burton with Claire Poole and Rebekah Burton’s 13-year-old mare Quality Purdey. They added two time-faults to their dressage of 27.8 and rose three places with an elegant, confident round.

“I’m so proud of her — I’m so lucky to have the ride on her,” said Chris. “She got a little bit tired towards the end, as they all did — Pierre Michelet did a very good job of slowing us down.”

Quality Purdey broke a pedal bone at Aachen last year: “She’s defied all the odds to come back. She steals my heart,” admitted Chris.

Britain’s World Equestrian Games individual gold medallist Ros Canter, who gave birth to her daughter Ziggy three and a half months ago, dropped one place from third to fourth on Zenshera with six time-faults.

A delighted Ros said: “I am absolutely over the moon, to be honest. I was quite nervous this morning, wondering if I was doing the right thing, but I think that was my best round here so far. I didn’t have a single bad jump; he is such an honest horse.”

Shane Rose and Virgil made the long trip from Australia to compete at Pau, and were rewarded with a clear round with 1.6 time-faults and fifth place. This was a rise of nine places from their dressage spot.

“I was a bit slow, but he was great. I probably went out a bit more conservatively than normal as no one had gone close to the time when I set out,” he said.

His countryman Kevin McNab is sixth on CCI5* debutant Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam, a place ahead of New Zealand’s Tim Price and Ascona M.

Tim picked up 16.4 time-faults on the “feisty” grey mare, a winner at this level at Luhmühlen in June. Sadly, his second ride Wesko, in the runner-up position after dressage with a mark of 25.6, stumbled going into the final water and unshipped Tim.

The next-best British rider is Gemma Tattersall, 13th on Jalapeño, who picked up 20 penalties for a run-out at 24b. She had been third after dressage. Gemma also had a run-out on Chilli Knight, who is now in 20th position.

Good clear rounds pushed Sarah Way (the 15.1hh Dassett Cooley Dun) and Izzy Taylor (Call Me Maggie May) up from 40th and 37th after dressage to 14th and 15th respectively. Ginny Howe and Undalgo De Windsor were also clear, rising from 41st to 18th.

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(Image credit: Libby Law Photography)

Watch Pau Horse Trials 2025 live from wherever you are

(Image credit: Libby Law Photography)

Brit in the lead after Pau dressage: ‘He feels in mega form’

One of Britain’s top event riders is in the lead at the conclusion of the final phase at the final

(Image credit: Libby Law Photography)

The only rider with three horses at Pau was Sweden’s Ludwig Svennerstal, who failed to complete with all three. Salunette fell at fence 16, Ludwig tipped off Balham Mist at fence 15 and he retired El Kazir SP after a run-out at 7b.

Check back online tomorrow for more from Pau. Full report in next week’s Horse & Hound (dated 31 October).

#SundaySchool: Alex Bragg on how to maintain a line through narrow or offset fences

Julie Harding — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 15:24:35 +0000

The event rider provides his exercise for keeping your horse on a dead-straight line on the cross-country course

Event rider Alex Bragg was long-listed for the 2017 Europeans and 2018 World Equestrian Games with Zagreb, with whom he won the Event Riders Masters at Jardy, France, last season (pictured). He runs a string of 20 horses from his base in Bridgwater, Somerset.

Alex explains: “This exercise teaches a horse not to deviate from a line. Your job is to present your horse in the right rhythm and balance — he does the rest. Horses pick it up quickly, plus, as it’s in the school with multiple options, a glance-off here doesn’t stick in their mind as a run-out on a cross-country course.”

Training the stars

“Shannondale Percy had been known to run out, so when I took him on in 2018 I tried this exercise. It has not only stopped him rushing, but it has taught him to stay on a straight line and place his front feet exactly where I want them in front of a jump.

“I started using this exercise on the eight-year-old Bonmahon Blue Mist when he was four. As a youngster he was hot, sharp and not naturally gifted, but he now has an incredible cross-country record, which I believe is the result of this exercise.”

Tackling the issue

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

1. Build three upright fences with seven yards between each, and with the middle one offset by four to five feet. Approach in a jumping canter and ride a square, balanced turn, lining your horse up so that you both can see to the end of the grid. Horses are flight animals and always look for a way out, so the fact that you are looking to the end of the grid and beyond will keep him on the correct line.

2. Negotiate element one and three, bypassing element two (route one). Attempt it a few times. If your horse is inexperienced, use poles on the ground instead, raising them to cavaletti height and finally jump height — to a maximum of 1.20m — when he is ready to move on.

3. Jump from element three to two or two to one (route two) on a diagonal line.

4. Provided your horse is looking ahead and picking up, tackle the most difficult line, jumping all three elements (route three). Element two can be moved inwards to make it wider for youngsters. Make the fence narrower as your horse gains confidence.

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Price keeps five-star Luhmühlen title in the family

Gemma Redrup — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 12:41:15 +0000

Tim Price held his nerve in the influential final phase of the Longines CCI5* class at Luhmühlen Horse Trials to take the win aboard Ascona M today (16 June).

Tim and the 11-year-old mare had 5.7 penalties in-hand going into the showjumping, and although he jumped clear, he incurred 3.6 time-faults. But it was enough to hold off eventual second-placed and best Brit Tom McEwen and Figaro van het Broekxhof, who rose from fourth after the cross-country.

“I’m delighted,” said Tim. “I know I had a few time-faults, but this mare jumped superbly on the final day, on what is her first five-star completion [having fallen in the water at her first five-star attempt at Pau last year]. It’s awesome for her owners, Ben and Lucy Sangster, Suzanne Houchin and Sir Peter Vela and it’s great to hold up the mantle for team Price.”

N.B: Please be patient while the video below loads…

This is the second win for Tim here, having taken the class in 2014 with Wesko. The title also remains with the Price family, after his wife Jonelle won here with Faerie Dianimo last year.

Tom McEwen and Figaro van het Broekxhof (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Tom McEwen was pleasantly surprised to find himself in eventual second with Barbara Cooper’s 14-year-old . Figaro van het Broekxhof, who added 1.2 time-faults in the showjumping to his 32.3 dressage, meaning he finished 1.9 penalties adrift of Tim.

“I knew we could go well, but this horse has never galloped over 10 minutes before, so I was unsure of how he would come out and jump today,” said Tom, who was 11th after the dressage. “He has his own way of going but he has an amazing heart.”

Alex Bragg, who was third, was left ruing having a fence down with Philip and Sally Ellicott’s Zagreb, which cost him the win.

“The time was tight and I knew I needed to get inside it to put the pressure on Tim,” explained Alex. “I cut across a fairly innocuous upright and he just touched it with a back toe – it was no fault of the horse, perhaps just a little over-enthusiasm from me.”

Five-star first timers, Frances (Franky) Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin, from the United States, were fourth on 36 penalties, while Britain’s Sarah Bullimore and Reve Du Rouet dropped from fourth to fifth after having a fence down.

Japan’s Yoshiaki Oiwa was sixth with 2017 Bramham winner Calle 44 and Sam Griffiths was seventh with the evergreen Paulank Brockagh.

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(Image credit: Jon Stroud)

The other British riders to make it into the top 10 were Sarah Bullimore with her second ride, Conpierre, who finished eighth thanks to posting one of just two showjumping clears inside the time from the 22 starters, and Becky Woolven was ninth with the 13-year-old mare DHI Babette K.

The other combination to jump clear inside the tight time was Britain’s Jo Rimmer and Isaac Newton, who finished 14th.

Don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, for all the latest news, reports and features. Plus, don’t miss the full report from Luhmühlen in the 20 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine

‘She fought for me’: all change at the top of the Luhmühlen five-star leaderboard after cross-country

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 17:01:19 +0000

Tim Price and the 11-year-old grey mare Ascona M (pictured top) lead the way after the cross-country at the Longines CCI5*-L Luhmühlen Horse Trials today (15 June). They added two time-faults to a 25.8 dressage.

“She was ultra-smooth the whole way round,” said Tim of the mare, owned by Suzanne Houchin, Lucy and Ben Sangster and Sir Peter Vela. “It was nice to discover that she could fight to the end for me like she did around a track that long.”

NB: Please be patient while the video below loads…

Tim has just 1.9 penalties in hand going into the final showjumping phase over second-placed Alex Bragg and Zagreb (pictured below). This pair were one of four to get inside the 11min 14sec optimum time around the Mike Etherington-Simth-designed track.

“I’m thrilled with my horse and the organisers have done an amazing job on the ground, given how this place looked at 7am this morning,” said Alex.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Indeed the ground drained incredibly well with the deluge of rain that fell overnight and earlier this morning.

Completing the top three is another Brit, Sarah Bullimore, with Reve Du Rouet, who posted a classy clear, one second inside the time, to finish on their 31.1 dressage.

“Reve Du Rouet is the one horse I would jump any course on,” said Sarah. “He would jump the moon for you and I trust him.”

Tom McEwen has risen from 11th place after the dressage into fourth with Figaro van het Broekxhof, thanks to a clear jumping round, stopping the clock bang on the optimum time to go into the showjumping on their 32.3 dressage.

Kazuma Tomoto, who led the dressage, retired Brookpark Vikenti on-course after a run out at an angled brush after a rail and ditch at fence 14, plus another run out at the third water at a triple brush (fence 18).

Five-star first-timers Frances (Frankie) Thieroit Stutes of the United States and Chatwin, who were third after the first phase, jumped clear across country but picked up 6.4 time-faults, dropping them to eighth.

Becky Woolven is the next best-placed Brit, sitting in ninth with DHI Babette K, while Sarah Bullimore’s second ride Conpierre is in 10th.

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Take a virtual walk of the five-star Luhmühlen Horse Trials cross-country course

Check out what horses and riders have ahead of them at Luhmühlen tomorrow

(Image credit: Jon Stroud)

Of the 33 starters, 22 completed the cross-country. Five combinations retired on-course, while six were eliminated, but all horses and riders were reported to walk away from the four falls that occurred.

The final horse inspection for the five-star competition gets underway at 8am (BST) tomorrow morning, with the showjumping starting at 10am (BST).

Don’t miss the full report from Luhmühlen in the 20 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine

‘I can’t believe it’: Luhmühlen first-timer leads the way after dressage

Gemma Redrup — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 15:56:30 +0000

Japanese rider Kazuma Tomoto has made a strong start to his first ever Longines Luhmühlen CCI5*-L Horse Trials campaign, leading the way after the first phase. Riding the Japan Racing Association’s 11-year-old Brookpark Vikenti, Kazuma (pictured top) posted a score of 25.2.

“I can’t believe I’m in the lead,” said Kazuma, who has been based with William Fox-Pitt for two years. “My horse is a really good mover, but he can be very sharp and tense, so it’s my job to keep him relaxed, and thankfully he stayed settled.”

New Zealand’s Tim Price is in second on the grey mare, Ascona M, who is owned by Suzanne Houchin, Lucy and Ben Sangster and Sir Peter Vela, with a score of 25.8.

“I am very glad my horse performed the way she did,” said Tim, who’s wife Jonelle won this class last year. “I didn’t want to risk too much and she could have been a little more uphill, but she was concentrating on the job so I am pleased.”

Five-star first-timer and mum of two boys under the age of four, Frances (Frankie) Thieriot Stutes from the USA, is third with The Chatwin Group’s 11-year-old, Chatwin. They scored 28.8.

“‘Chat’ is my only horse and this is my first trip over the pond,” said Frankie, who runs a sports marketing company specialising in equestrian athletes alongside a luxury handbag business.

“We were meant to do our first five-star at Kentucky, but he had a tiny injury two weeks before, so thanks to me being the lucky recipient of the Rebecca Broussard International Developing Riders Grant, which includes a plane ticket to fly a horse to Europe to compete, I was able to re-route here.

“I feel so lucky to ride Chat — I’ve had him since he was five and I can trust him in the arena,” explained Frankie. “I tried to take a moment to take everything in. I actually ran out of time in my warm-up, so didn’t manage to do any flying-changes before I went in, which is probably why we fluffed one of them, but he was wonderful.”

Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin (Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

Best of the Brits is Alex Bragg, who is in fourth with Zagreb on 29.7. Germany’s Andreas Dibowski (FRH Butts Avedon) is fifth on 30.5, while Sam Griffiths and former Badminton winner Paulank Brockagh are sixth on 30.9. Sam Ecroyd is the next best Brit in eighth with Wodan III (31.5), Sarah Bullimore is ninth with Conpierre (31.7) and Tom McEwen is 10th with Figaro van het Broekxhof (32.3).

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Top British medal hope to miss World Equestrian Games due to injury

Pippa Roome — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 14:56:09 +0000

Nicola Wilson and Bulana, who won an individual bronze medal and led the British team to gold at last year’s European Eventing Championships, will not contest the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Tryon, USA (11-23 September).

Bulana, owned by James and Jo Lambert, “has sustained a minor injury and with the time constraints would not be fit enough for WEG”, according to a statement from the British Equestrian Federation.

The combination have been replaced on the British long-list by Alex Bragg with Sally Ellicott’s Zagreb. Alex and Zagreb recently won the Event Rider Masters at Jardy.

Fifteen combinations were named on the British long-list on 28 June, the number of pairs which can be submitted to the FEI as the nominated entries on 13 August. The squad of five has to be sent to the FEI as the definite entries by 3 September.

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(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Individual medal hope ruled out of WEG due to horse injury

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Long-list for British eventing team for World Equestrian Games released

The senior selectors have given the first indication of who might make the British eventing team for WEG in Tryon,

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Barbury victor repeats last year’s result with confidence-building win: ‘It was game on’

The winning horse had lost confidence after problems with run-outs, but a return to a venue he loves put him

Nicola and Bulana have had a slightly mixed build-up to this year’s championship before this blow. Nicola injured her knee in a fall from another horse in the spring and the mare then proved somewhat strong at Luhmühlen in June, a problem the rider put down to the fact they had lost their strong partnership as she had not been able to do all the work with this sensitive mare, as she usually would.

They returned to form with an emphatic win in the CIC3* at Barbury at the start of July. Bulana was aimed at Aachen, but then withdrawn and replaced on the squad by Imogen Murray and Ivar Gooden.

After Barbury, Nicola and Bulana looked to be set for a place on the British team and this will be a blow to British medal hopes as on their best form they were undoubtedly one of Britain’s strongest combinations. Nicola does not have another horse on the long-list, so will miss this year’s WEG after riding at the previous two World Championships, in 2014 in Caen, France and 2010 in Kentucky, USA.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Top names contest huge prize fund at new horse trials but entries lower than expected

Pippa Roome — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 06:04:16 +0000

Top names will line up to compete in the showcase horse trials at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight next week, but only 53 horses will start compared to the 80 which could have been accommodated.

The London Capital & Finance Osborne Horse Trials will host three open intermediate sections. Two classes of 15 horses, the Warrior Bowl and the Albert Bowl, will take place on Wednesday 25 July and one section of 23, the Victoria Bowl, will run on Thursday 26 July.

Horses have generally been allocated to classes depending on their British Eventing points, but this has not been strictly adhered to in some cases as riders’ availability also had to be taken into account.

Top British riders who will attend include Oliver Townend, Alex Bragg, Emily King, Izzy Taylor, Matt Heath, Nana Dalton and Holly Woodhead. Also riding will be Olympians Ludwig Svennerstal (Sweden), Austin O’Connor (Ireland), Andrew Hoy and Sam Griffiths (Australia).

The leading horses entered in the Victoria Bowl include Happy Times (third at both Badminton and Burghley with Sam Griffiths), Cillnabradden Evo (former British open champion with Oliver Townend), Black Tie II (Oliver’s 2014 World Equestrian Games ride) and Zagreb (recent winner of the Event Rider Masters at Jardy with Alex Bragg).

The event is the first affiliated horse trials to be run on the Isle of Wight and is designed as a showcase to take the sport to new audiences. The event is supported by British Eventing (BE) under the banner of a “special event” but is not fully affiliated because the competition will have a more condensed, spectator-friendly format.

A prize fund of more than £60,000 is on offer and it was originally planned to run four sections of 20 starters each. The entry fee is £840 per horse, which includes transport for horses to and from the Isle of Wight, entry, stabling, bedding and some hospitality for owner, groom and rider — organisers BEDE Events have taken inspiration from showjumping’s Global Champions Tour in bundling all the payments into a single fee.

Georgie Dickinson, daughter of organiser Stuart Buntine, said on his behalf: “We had a distinct limit on what we could run here for the first year. We have got some great names entered and for us it is all about showcasing the sport to a new audience, which is the whole reason we are running this event.

“I am sure once people have been in year one they will understand the amazing hospitality on offer and see the reason for the shortened format and want to come and compete here in years to come.”

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Full report from Osborne in H&H magazine on 2 August.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

British rider wins Jardy Event Rider Masters with comeback horse in second

Pippa Roome — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 12:04:47 +0000

Britain’s Alex Bragg scored the biggest triumph of his career when he took home the €18,000 cheque for winning the Event Rider Masters at Jardy, France at the weekend (14-15 July).

Riding Sally Ellicott’s Zagreb, Alex kicked off his campaign with a personal best in the dressage to score 23.6.

“Zagreb is feeling great after his summer break,” said Alex after his test. “Things didn’t quite go to plan in the spring but the surface here gave him a great chance to express himself. He’s a really genuine jumper and he’s feeling amazing so I’ll keep pressing the buttons and we’ll see what we can do tomorrow.”

Sunday also went to plan for Alex when he put in a clear in the showjumping and stormed through the finish flags inside the cross-country time to stay on his dressage score.

“I am over the moon. I was riding a bit like a demon out there, I really, really wanted it. I can’t believe I was faster than Izzy [Taylor] and Gemma [Tattersall], they are absolute speed queens. Tim [Price] is a bit more laid back so I expected to be speedier than him!” said Alex.

New Zealand’s Tim Price also finished on his first-phase mark to move up from fourth after dressage to land second on Wesko, who has been away from the competitive fray for two years.

Tim said: “I’ll take that! I was saying to Billy [Levett], I don’t think I’ve had another one like him, it’s so much fun having him back. You don’t know until you know when you bring a horse like him back out at the top levels, but I guess now I know. It all came flooding back out there — he is just so much fun.”

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Izzy Taylor took third for Britain on Bramham CIC3* winner Be Touchable, with Gemma Tattersall making it three Brits in the top four with fourth place on Chico Bella P.

“What an amazing mare she is — she’s such a careful horse who wants to do it for us. She loves the big occasions and she’s having the best week,” said Gemma after her clear showjumping round.

The final leg of the ERM series is at Blair Castle, in Scotland (25-26 August). Australia’s Chris Burton leads the series, with Britain’s Laura Collett second and Tim Price third.

Full report from Jardy in this week’s H&H magazine (dated 19 July).

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