Five-time Burghley winner and Olympic team medallist Andrew Nicholson shares his thoughts on Barbury and how professional riders progress their horses up the levels

You really know you’re getting old when you don’t recognise anyone in the warm-up at your first event of the season. I wore my glasses the following weekend – and still didn’t! Luckily, at the third – Barbury – the older professional riders were out and about and I did spot some people I know.

Alec Lochore does a good job with the course at Barbury; he knows how to work with the hills, it flows very well and he’d moved some jumps around to freshen it up. The fences were a good size for the novice and intermediate classes, and the ground was beautiful.

We’re meant to have had a very wet winter and spring, yet we all drove our lorries in, parked on grass and drove out. I was there on the Friday and the dressage arenas looked the same leaving as when I arrived. The showjumping was a little bit muddier but still rode well at the end of the day, and you could see broken grass at a distance on the cross-country but it still rode like good turf.

Mark Phillips wrote in his last column that something was wrong somewhere when so many British-based riders are going abroad at this time of year. Why aren’t we looking at Barbury to put on a CCI4*-S for them? Owners like going to Barbury, where they can easily watch everything. The bank was full of people when I was there and it felt like there was a real buzz.

British Eventing should swallow its pride and beg Musketeer to put on an international there. It’s one of the few places that could cope with wet weather and still look like a serious event with good conditions.

If riders really want a four-star so early in the season and are organised enough to go to Kronenberg, the sport here should be catering for that and trying to keep riders supporting British events.

Making progress

However, I couldn’t work out why so many riders were going so slowly across country at Barbury.

It was perfect ground, and I came away thinking, is it because they have more galloping to do here and therefore they waste time setting up for the fences, whereas at twisty, turning tracks they happily wing them round? Or is it because riders are deliberately creeping along because they believe they should be “thinking of the future”?

I have always thought you should go at the correct speed for the class, whether it is novice, intermediate or advanced, especially when the going is excellent. I’m sure they have their reasons, but I don’t understand them!

When I’m warming up for the dressage on my novice horse, I look across at the others and think that mine definitely doesn’t feel the way theirs look to be going. Then I find out that lots of them are very experienced horses. Do you really need to start at that level every season these days?

That, and the fact that so many of the professional riders start their horses in 90cm classes now. I’m not sure this is a good idea. Surely it delays the whole procedure of progression up the levels? And the more little stuff you do, the less confidence you have in the horse’s ability, I think. You doubt yourself, and then start doubting the horse too.

I’m not talking about amateurs who are competing sheerly for fun – I’m talking about proper professionals who aren’t moving their horses up through the classes quickly enough. There was a time when BE100 and novice were simply there to get horses going in a dressage arena, and used to jumping a course, not as a means to an end in themselves.

For the vast majority of my career my five-year-olds started at novice, and by their third event I expected them to go inside the time across country. And all they’d done was go cross-country schooling beforehand. Sure, I fell off some of them, but most of them went on to have long careers. It’s something to think about!

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Barbury Castle International Horse Trials will not return to the eventing calendar for the 2024/2025 season.

H&H reported that Barbury’s July fixture, which included a CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S, had been removed from the 2023 calendar owing to new British Eventing (BE) restrictions placed on international events (news, 2 March). BE’s affiliated agreement for 2023 prevents venues that host international fixtures from running unaffiliated eventing competitions during the year. They can still host riding club and Pony Club events or GO BE fixtures.

In a statement at the time, the BE board said that “in light of the increased spotlight on equestrian sport’s social licence to operate, venues holding international fixtures in 2023 would be required not to hold unregulated competitions”. Barbury organisers Musketeer Event Management said the restriction seeked to “prevent venues hosting unaffiliated eventing competition”, and that they would continue to run competition, including the Cotswold Cup qualifier, which they had started running at Barbury to make the “affiliated fixture viable”. The 2023 fixture was reallocated to Aston-le-Walls following a tender process.

At the time, Musketeer said it hoped international eventing could be reinstated for the 2024 season, but on 31 August it announced that after if had been invited by BE to tender for the CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S 2024/2025 fixtures, it had been told by BE that the fixtures had gone to Aston-le-Walls.

Musketeer director Alec Lochore said that the decision was “extremely disappointing” and told H&H that BE had not given them a reason why they lost the fixture.

“Barbury Castle is an iconic venue for the sport of eventing, into which significant investment has been made over the past four years since we took the event over – and where more investment was planned,” he said.

“I don’t know where BE is going with the sport if you can afford to lose venues like Barbury and it would be nice to understand why we lost the tender,” he said. “I’m just really sorry for the members and I don’t know how much BE is listening to the membership.”

Mr Lochore added that sport will continue to run at Barbury.

“We will continue to run the Cotswold Cup, so we will still have eventing at this great venue – it’s just not going to be international eventing at four-star level, which I think is quite sad,” he said. “If BE changes their mind, they can; the venue will be there and we will gladly facilitate world-class competition at the highest level.”

Chris Woodhouse, owner of Barbury Castle estate, added that it was “sad news” for the estate.

“We love hosting the international with the Musketeer team,” he said. “What makes it more difficult to compute is that it is hard to see how this decision can benefit the sport. We hope that BE will be willing to reconsider their decision in an open and transparent forum.”

It is understood that BE will be responding to Musketeer directly before it comments to H&H.

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The five-time Burghley winner, who also took top honours at Badminton, won two Olympic team bronze medals and a team silver, and is cross-country coach to the Swiss eventing team, says the start of this season has been mired in issues

While the 2023 eventing season is officially underway, it has been beset by so many problems that I rather feel we should press “stop” and then start again.

The weather is what it is and nobody can sort that out – it will do that itself in time. There are man-made issues, however, that do need resolving.

I was particularly cross about the loss of Barbury – my local event – from this year’s calendar because of British Eventing’s new rule that doesn’t allow international venues to run unaffiliated horse trials as well. It is ludicrous.

How often does our sport get a site like Barbury these days? If organiser Alec Lochore needs to run other competitions to be able to make the finances work, good on him. He’s still staging a much-needed and popular international event.

I see that Aston-le-Walls is taking the international fixture that weekend – fine. Nigel Taylor does an excellent job there. But you can’t compare the two places.

You can go schooling at Aston every week; Barbury is a one-off at a unique venue – you go there once a year to run round its terrain, and both horses and riders learn a lot. There is a shortage of three- and four-star events, so why can’t we have both Barbury and Aston?

To my mind, there is a big shortage of events in the calendar. We have lost a lot of the less commercially minded, once-a-year events. Organisers have had enough, and understandably so. I don’t know how riders with 10 or more horses to compete will manage to find all of them sufficient runs, even when the weather is good.

It’s also bad for the variety of the sport; people go to the same place too often, and appear to choose the softest options available now in pursuit of a cheap clear round, which finds them out when they do go to one of the major events and are confronted by the sort of terrain and track they have been avoiding.

Keeping up a standard

Eventing’s problems certainly aren’t confined to the UK. As part of my work with the Swiss team, I went to Montelibretti in Italy recently. They had a lot of entries, and ran one-, two-, three- and four-star short competitions one week and long-format versions of all of those – plus the short classes again – in the second week.

When I arrived for the second event, the weather was fine, but they had had a great deal of rain in the first week – and the courses were pretty much exactly the same as for the first week’s classes. You do not – and should not – expect that at an international FEI event. The least they could have done would have been to move the fences sideways onto fresh ground.

Then they took three jumps out on the CCI4*-S Nations Cup course, which made an already very easy four-star far too simple. The CCI4*-L had fences taken out as well, so the whole thing was greatly simplified – but the one-star and two-star horses had to slop through the bad ground conditions to the same fences in the same place as they had 10 days earlier. And one of the fences in the two-star that had been taken out halfway through the first competition was put back in – then taken back out midway through the day!

There didn’t seem to be any respect for the fact that this was an international event – the pinnacle of our sport at each level. I know riders often go there for a fairly easy qualification, but this was inappropriate. How can the FEI insist it is so concerned about safety when a supposedly important European show is allowed to operate in this way?

● Are there enough fixtures in your area? How has the weather affected your plans? Write to hhletters@futurenet.com including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 6 April

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The canned Barbury International fixture has been reallocated to Aston-le-Walls by British Eventing (BE).

BE pulled the plug on Barbury owing to the organisation’s new restrictions that prevent venues that host international fixtures from also running unaffiliated events (see detail below).

Barbury’s 2023 affiliated fixture was set to run from 6 to 9 July at CCI4*-S and CCI3*-S, alongside national classes. Following the cancellation of the Wiltshire event, the fixture was put out to tender with BE organisers.

The BE fixtures committee has awarded it instead to Aston-le-Walls (7 to 9 July), Northants, subject to FEI approval. Aston-le-Walls hosts a range of equestrian activities throughout the year, including its affiliated fixtures, GO BE events, training, and unaffiliated two- and three-phase schooling days.

It will host CCI4*-S and CCI3*-S classes, national novice sections, plus a new one-star class that was previously held at Offchurch Bury.

Offchurch Bury is still scheduled to run its national BE classes on 1 July, as well as unaffiliated fixtures including its Cotswold Cup leg (25 to 26 March) in its 2023 calendar. Barbury will also continue to run its unaffiliated fixtures this year, including its Cotswold Cup qualifier (14 to 16 July), and is looking to replace the international with an alternative fixture.

“We are really looking forward to seeing international competition at Aston-le-Walls this summer,” said BE chief executive, Helen West.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Nigel Taylor and his team for their efforts in stepping up to deliver this fixture, which I am sure will provide three days of fabulous competition.

“There has been significant reinvestment back into the Aston site providing all-weather surfaces and guaranteed good going at a time of the year when ground conditions can be challenging. I am confident this will be well received by the competitors.”

Aston will also host a pony two-star in its spring fixture (10 to 14 May). This will be one of three international classes for ponies in Britain this year. The pony calendar features the British Pony Championships CCIP2* at Belsay International (1 to 4 June) and the pony CCI* at Blair Castle (24 to 27 August).

What happened to Barbury?

BE’s new affiliation agreement for 2023 prevents venues that host international fixtures from running unaffiliated eventing competitions during the year. They can still host riding club and Pony Club events, or “GO BE” fixtures – which fall under the BE umbrella, but results do not go on the official BE record and do not count towards competitors’ minimum eligibility requirements.

BE, which has experienced increasing competition from the unaffiliated market in recent years, cited “social licence” as its reasoning behind not allowing international venues to also host “unregulated competitions”.

“As the national governing body for eventing in the UK, BE is committed to delivering a consistently regulated, safe, clean sport. BE has no jurisdiction over unregulated competitions and cannot vouch for their compliance with FEI and BE requirements for sport, which have horse and rider welfare at their heart,” said the BE statement on 25 February.

Alec Lochore, of organisers Musketeer Event Management, told H&H at the time (news, 2 March) that he was “frustrated” and “sad” at BE’s decision not to allow Barbury to run an international.

“We have to question BE’s understanding of event viability challenges if organisers are not permitted to try and at least make the international event venues viable,” he said.

He explained that Musketeer started running the unaffiliated fixture at Barbury to make the affiliated one viable.

“Every venue is different in running their financial model, so in that respect, one size can’t fit all,” said Mr Lochore, adding that a constant would be that not many organisers can run the events just for the love of the sport.

Mr Lochore said that “BE should be commended” for how proactive they have been in developing safety over the last 20-plus years, but challenges the “insinuation in the BE statement that ‘unregulated’ events are less safe or less inclined to understand the responsibility of social licence”.

“In all events we run, we try to uphold high standards to reflect our responsibility to the industry, irrespective of under which auspices the events are run,” he said.

“It is very sad, and very important to stress that we are very fortunate that Barbury Castle Estates and [owner] Chris Woodhouse remain committed to international eventing at Barbury, so the gate is always open and I hope we will again be able to return international eventing to this fabulous location. In the meantime. we will run at least one if not a couple of fabulous unaffiliated eventing competitions.”

A spokesman for the Cotswold Cup told H&H last month that as “staunch eventing fans, we are as saddened as everyone else” to see the loss of Barbury International from the affiliated calendar.

“But we are thrilled that the team at Musketeer have given us the opportunity to continue to run at such an iconic venue,” she added.

“It was always our intention to raise the bar for unaffiliated eventing. We take safety incredibly seriously and we have very experienced and knowledgeable people working with us to achieve our goals.”

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British Eventing (BE) has pulled the plug on Barbury Castle International Horse Trials for 2023 owing to new restrictions placed on international events.

The Wiltshire fixture is known for its feature CCI4*-S – one of the few events at this level in the British calendar – with past winners including household names such as triple five-star winners Avebury (who won the Barbury title on four occasions) and Headley Britannia, Luhmühlen winner Charly Van Ter Heiden, and top eventing stallion Upsilon.

A statement from organisers Musketeer Events on Saturday (25 February) said they hope “sense can prevail and the international can be reinstated” next year.

“It is with great sadness that we have to announce that BE has made the decision to terminate the affiliation agreement for Barbury Castle International Horse Trials and therefore remove the fixture from the 2023 BE and FEI eventing calendar,” said the statement.

“The current restriction placed on organisers by British Eventing within the new international fixtures affiliation agreement seeks to prevent venues that host international fixtures from hosting unaffiliated eventing competition during the year.

“At this stage we wish to be quite clear that our intention is to continue to run eventing competitions at Barbury throughout the 2023 season, including the Cotswold Cup qualifier from 14 to 16 July. We will also look to replace the international with an alternative fixture.”

Barbury’s 2023 affiliated fixture was set to run from 6 to 9 July at CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S, alongside national classes. This fixture will now be put out to tender with existing BE organisers.

“We are grateful for the continued support we have had from the estate and wish to thank sponsors, trade stands, officials and volunteers, and of course the riders, owners, and grooms who have all played such a big part in the development of the event over the years,” added the statement.

“Bring on the exciting Barbury fixtures for 2023 and let’s hope that sense can prevail and the international can be reinstated back into the calendar for the 2024 season.”

BE, which has experienced increasing competition from the unaffiliated market in recent years, cited “social licence” as its reasoning behind not allowing international venues to also host unaffiliated events.

BE chairman Mark Sartori said last autumn that international fixtures are the “crown jewels of our events” and that the BE board had decided that “if you’d like to run the crown jewels, you need to be supporting BE”. Affiliated venues can host Pony Club and riding club events.

The BE statement released on Saturday said it was “sad to confirm that Barbury will not be running a fixture in July 2023”.

It added that the organisation had hoped Barbury would use the GO BE series – events that fall under the BE umbrella, but results do not go on the official BE record – “but regrettably the organiser has opted not to”.

“The BE board determined that, in light of the increased spotlight on equestrian sport’s social licence to operate, venues holding international fixtures in 2023 would be required not to hold unregulated competitions,” it said.

“As the national governing body for eventing in the UK, BE is committed to delivering a consistently regulated, safe, clean sport. BE has no jurisdiction over unregulated competitions, and cannot vouch for their compliance with FEI and BE requirements for sport; which have horse and rider welfare at their heart.”

BE chief executive Helen West said: “As a national governing body for Olympic sport we need to set a standard. International events on home soil showcase the sport at its very best; providing a fair and level playing field where safety, equine welfare, safeguarding and clean sport are mandatory.

“We feel that these standards should be upheld consistently by all those who are allocated international fixtures, therefore the decision was made by the BE board that no international fixtures should be awarded to venues that run unregulated sport.”

• What do you think? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for consideration for the Horse & Hound letters pages.

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Mollie Summerland and Charly Van Ter Heiden proved they have put a disappointing Badminton behind them by topping the CCI4*-S in the Keyflow Feeds Barbury Horse Trials results.

The pair, CCI5* winners at Luhmühlen Horse Trials last year, posted such a stunning dressage mark – 18.7, the best at the level by a British rider since 2014 – that they were able to afford a showjump down and 14 cross-country time-penalties and still maintain a cushion of 3.1 penalties over Pippa Funnell and Billy Walk On.

The Italian judge at C, Nice Attolico Guglielmi, awarded Mollie and the elegant black 13-year-old Charly Van Ter Heiden a 10 for their entry and first halt, setting the tone for the test, and did the same for their final centre line and halt.

“I knew it was a good test, but I didn’t expect a record-breaking mark!” said Mollie.

“I’ve been working really hard on the showjumping, because it’s something I need to get more confidence and ring-practice in. He jumped out of his skin here – the only fence he touched the whole way round was the one coming out of the combination, where I just got a bit tight myself. I should have trusted him, but it was one of the nicest rounds he’s done.”

Their Badminton came to an end with refusals at the jump into the Mars water complex, and Mollie admitted that she was “a little bit nervous” about the similar question at the main arena water at Barbury. They popped in happily, however, and nothing on Alec Lochore’s cross-country track appeared to ruffle their feathers.

“He prefers attacking riding – he’s a nervous horse, and the slower I go, the higher he jumps. We have our best rounds when I am really positive, but I wanted to take enough time to make the turns smooth,” said Mollie, who also admitted she had found her retirement at Badminton hard to deal with after her win at the level last year.

“I felt a lot of pressure in the run-up to Badminton, and when it went wrong I took quite a long time to come back from that. I deleted all my social media apps for a while and that was really refreshing – to take a step back, focus on myself and take some time back in my own little bubble.”

She dropped Charly Van Ter Heiden down to intermediate level for three runs, resisting the temptation to tackle anything bigger until Barbury.

“Initially I wanted to go straight out and redeem myself, but giving ourselves the chance to regroup was the right decision. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and I felt that his confidence was knocked as much as mine was,” Mollie said. “The feeling that he is enjoying his job again is what I am most happy about.”

Barbury Horse Trials results: Funnell in second

Pippa Funnell and Billy Walk On’s Badminton had ended prematurely at the same jump into water as Mollie and Charly Van Ter Heiden’s, and successful negotiation of the similar question at the Keyflow water here was probably as satisfactory as their second place overall.

A dressage mark of 23.4 meant they were runners-up at that stage, and their showjumping round was impeccable.

Barbara and Nicholas Walkinshaw’s Billy Walk On is a big, strong model of a classic three-day event horse, and not the most obvious candidate for nipping round Barbury’s tight turns and twisting undulations. However, 16.8 time-faults and a finishing score of 40.2 allowed the pair to hold off third-placed Fiona Kashel and Creevagh Silver De Haar by just under a penalty.

“He felt very good this week – it was nice that he wiggled his head and bucked and felt very happy, as I didn’t have any of that at Badminton. He felt flat all week there,” said Pippa.

Billy Wonder, on whom Pippa was third after dressage with 24.7, retired after an early cross-country stop.

Fiona Kashel has made her mark on Barbury in recent years – she had three horses in the top 12 in this class in 2021, and Creevagh Silver De Haar also finished sixth in 2018.

“Because he isn’t strong, the undulations here suit him as I can keep bowling on, up and down,” she explained.

A first-phase score of 31.5 left them just outside of the top 20.

“He has kissing spines, which we medicate, so he’s always a bit tight in the canter, but he’s very level-headed and stays with me,” she said. “He’s a pleasure to ride – not uber-talented, but so easy.”

Their 9.2 cross-country time-faults were only undercut by Wills Oakden on Arklow Puissance’s 8.8, which elevated them from 52nd after dressage to sixth. Felicity Collins (RSH Contend Or) and Zara Tindall (Class Affair) filled fourth and fifth places.

The cross-country caused its problems, with several riders, most of whom didn’t manage sufficient control over the first drop element, caught out by a subsequent frangible corner off a turn at the base of the quarry. There were a couple of unexpected stops at the upright rails into the final water, including French championship combination Christopher Six and Totem De Brecey.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

From a showcase of eventing at Barbury Horse Trials to top-notch dressage in Gloucesteshire, don’t be caught napping on what’s happening in equestrian sport this week…

1. Keyflow Feeds Barbury Horse Trials, Wilts

Dates: 7-10 July

More info: schedule on British Eventing website or event website

How to watch: livestream via Horse & Country

Get the H&H lowdown: report in 14 July issue of the magazine

Why we’re excited about it: Barbury has always been a showcase event, with its lovely two-level main arena and cross-country course which prioritises excellent spectator viewing. Some horses who went well at Badminton Horse Trials will be coming back out to play, including RSH Contend Or (Felicity Collins) and Creevagh Silver De Haar (Fiona Kashel), while other stars will aim to make amends for issues at spring three-day events, including Mollie Summerland with Charly Van Ter Heiden, Pippa Funnell on Billy Walk On and Zara Tindall and Class Affair.

2. NAF Five Star Hartpury Festival of Dressage, Glos

Dates: 5-10 July

More info: hartpuryequineevents.co.uk/naf-five-star-hartpury-festival-of-dressage/

How to watch: live stream available via Horse & Country

Get the H&H lowdown: full coverage in the 14 July issue of the magazine

Why we’re excited about it: one of the biggest events in the British dressage calendar, this six-day feast of sport offers something for everyone. Britain’s very best will be in action across the CDI3* and CPEDI3*, including Charlotte Dujardin, as the selection deadline for the dressage World Championships and para dressage World Championships looms, while there will be plenty of exciting national combinations to keep tabs on in the Premier League classes. All eyes will turn to the country’s most promising youngsters in the young horse semi-finals, and the young horse prix st georges championship, that forms part of Saturday’s gala evening, is always hotly contested.

3. Kent County Show

Dates: 8-10 July

More info: kcas.org.uk

How to watch: read all the highlights in 21 July issue of the magazine

Why we’re excited about it: plenty of showing spectacles, including a Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) private driving qualifier, an M&M in-hand supreme and HOYS qualifiers for ponies, including for intermediates and show ponies.

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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.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Andrew Nicholson, multiple Olympic team medallist and Burghley and Badminton winner, reflects on Barbury as well as sharing his thoughts on going to the Olympics as cross-country coach to the Swiss eventing team, plus his predictions on who will win the medals in Tokyo

I WAS very pleased to win three classes at Barbury Horse Trials – the CCI4*-S with Swallow Springs and two novice sections with a pair of six-year-olds, Erin and El Platanito. It’s a beautiful venue, and I can’t imagine there’s a better place to watch cross-country.

I also had three working pupils competing there, as well as my daughter Lily and another rider who is based with me and, as I could see everything they were doing, there was no hiding place for them!

All the horses, from novice to four-star, showjumped in the main arena, which gave them experience of a proper arena with plenty of atmosphere.

I thought the novice cross-country track was a good education for them and, while the three-star walked a touch on the soft side, they still had to deal with the terrain and the horses were tiring as they finished, which is what the riders at the levels below the top need to feel and therefore learn how to deal with.

It still feels like a prestigious event and an important place at which to win. But I am surprised that such an event is allowed to offer such poor prize money – £600 to the CCI4*-S winner.

A new role

IN my role as cross-country coach to the Swiss team, I went to Luhmühlen, where the Olympic shortlisted riders ran in the CCI4*-S as a selection trial. The courses there were good and got a result.

Well done to Mollie Summerland for winning the CCI5* by leading from start to finish in the old style – without an entire army of “performance team” support. She enlisted the help of the journalist Tilly Berendt and off they set. Good for them for pulling it off.

I then went to Avenches – where the European Eventing Championships are taking place in September – where a couple of short-listed riders with two horses were running the horse they hadn’t taken to Luhmühlen.

I’m very proud of them and I’m looking forward to going to Tokyo with them. They are a good bunch, as are the people helping train them. Their dressage coach is Ernst Wettstein – and Bettina Hoy has helped as well – and the former top showjumper Lesley McNaught has come on board for the showjumping. We’re living the dream at the moment; long may it continue!

It will certainly be different going to the Olympic Games as a coach rather than a rider. It’s interesting, though. Event riders are a really close-knit bunch; unlike other sports, we can get on very well with each other yet still be very competitive, and it’s the same thing with coaches and chefs d’equipes. We want to win, but we will also help each other when at all possible.

Tokyo predictions

WHO’S going to win the Tokyo medals? I think the Brits will beat the Germans for team gold – and I think there could be a couple of the British riders in the individual medals as well.

On one hand, I’d like to see Michi Jung win his third individual gold in a row. That would be quite something, and I’ve always watched him and admired what he does. On the other, I’m a good mate of Oliver Townend’s – he deserves one of the medals and is good enough to get it. In fact, all of the British are good enough to get a medal.

The three-to-a-team, all scores to count Olympic eventing format is going to make it a very exciting team competition, and the riders will come under enormous pressure. I can see it being very different in feel to the days when I was doing it. Having five in a team, as they did in London and Rio, was wrong – why shouldn’t all the scores count? We’ll see how that affects how everyone plays it.

.

Andrew’s exclusive column will also be available to read in H&H magazine, on sale Thursday 22 July

• Who are you cheering on in Tokyo? How will the new format play out? Write to hhletters@futurenet.com to let us know your thoughts and you could be in with the chance of winning a bottle of Champagne Taittinger

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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.

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When Alexandra Farrar-Fry got a phone call at 7am from her veterinary practice to say that her much-loved event horse, Grey Finnsky, was about to have emergency surgery for a fractured jaw – which wasn’t the reason he was at the vets in the first place – she could never have imagined that he would win an international horse trials a year later.

After Alexandra’s victory in the CCI3*-S at Barbury Castle on 10 July, she explained the emotional story behind this landmark success – a first at three-star level for the North Yorkshire-based horse and rider.

“I’ve had ‘Boots’, who is owned by a close family friend, Dr Marium Haque, since he was four. When he was six, in 2013, we won the Badminton Grassroots Championship at BE100 level,” she said. “In hindsight, we went up the grades far too quickly. As my now-trainer Caroline Moore would say, we didn’t have enough ‘tools in our box’ to go advanced when he was nine. We both ended up having a bit of a wobble, and went right back down the levels and spent a year at BE100 and then novice.

“We went to Oasby in March 2020 to do the open intermediate, where he felt great. But half an hour after he’d finished the cross-country clear, he could barely walk. We got him home, and two days later he was sound as a pound, which was very, very odd. We did every veterinary check you could think of – the only reason the vets believed he had been lame at all was because I’d taken a video of what he’d been like.

“They couldn’t find anything wrong with him at all, and told me to crack on with him. Then, thank God for us – because I would have run him at Thoresby – Covid hit, and all I could do was quietly hack him around.

“But when I was riding him uphill, I just kept feeling that he wasn’t stepping through with his right hind as much as usual. It was fractional – maybe an inch – but I knew something wasn’t right.

“Everyone, including the vets, kept telling me I was mad – he was sound. The only other thing we could do was to take him into the specialists at Rainbow Equine Hospital for a full MRI scan, which would obviously be very expensive. We made up our minds to do that.”

It was, the 30-year-old says, “horrible” dropping him off, because – due to Covid – Alexandra couldn’t accompany him in.

“He was only staying one night, but I left them a huge list of what he likes and doesn’t like,” she says.

Then, early the following morning, she had a phone call from the practice to say that there’d had been “a bit of an accident” in the night.

“They found him with lots of blood on the bolt of the door, and a couple of teeth on the floor on the other side of the door,” she said. “He must have been playing the blot in the night, got something like an incisor stuck, panicked and pulled back, and fractured his jaw, and they were taking him straight into surgery. He had wire and a brace fitted in his mouth, and lost three teeth, but they said he would make a full recovery from that.”

The general anaesthetic Boots underwent for the jaw surgery meant his MRI was delayed, but, when it was done a day or two later, the MRI showed “red-hot” on his right-hind foot.

“It had already been X-rayed when we were trying to investigate what was wrong, but with his shoes on,” said Alexandra. “With his shoes taken off, they could see that he had fractured his pedal bone. Apparently when that happens, the foot itself acts as a cast, which is why he was sound immediately afterwards.”

Boots spent the rest of 2020 recovering, and returned to eventing at Kelsall Hill in April this year.

“He’s been incredible – the best he’s ever felt,” said Alexandra. “He’s a phenomenal horse. I never think he’s going to get the marks he does in the dressage – he’s a bit like an overgrown Irish bog pony, and not flashy in the slightest, but he tries his heart out. I’ve been training with Ian Woodhead, who has got some unbelievable work out of him, and we’ve even scored nines at CCI3* level this season.

“He’s a fiery little bugger sometimes, but usually we can hold it together in the arena, and in another year, I hope he will be able to ‘sit’ a bit more behind and that will help him move more in front.

“I wouldn’t say he’s the most careful showjumper in the world, but he tries his heart out and Caroline Moore has helped me so much with that. Cross-country, he’s absolutely back on form. We’ve had no wobbles and it feels like we have loads of ‘tools’ in our box now.”

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Dr Haque fractured her back a few months ago and was unable to be at either Belsay – where Alexandra achieved her “far-fetched” seasonal goal of scoring an international win, in the CCI2*-S – or Barbury, sadly.

“But we do loads of live videoing and Facetiming for her. She has been so incredibly supportive, every step of the way,” said Alexandra.

The duo are now upping their fitness plan ahead of a crack at the CCI3*-L at Blair Castle in August, and hope to contest CCI4* level – and be competitive – next year.

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.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Find out what Andrew Nicholson said about his win and who else finished on the podium

Andrew Nicholson extended his extraordinary record in the CCI4*-S at Barbury Horse Trials by winning it for the seventh time in its 16-year history.

Riding Paul and Diana Ridgeon’s Swallow Springs, on whom he also won the class the last time it took place, in 2019, Andrew was the fastest of the day across country with 7.6 time-faults to score a two-penalty victory over Wills Oakden and Macgregors Cooley and top the Barbury results 2021.

The 13-year-old Chillout gelding – a grey, like Andrew’s four-times Barbury hero Avebury – was second after dressage with 27.7. Fellow New Zealander Tim Price led on his Tokyo Olympics ride, Vitali, with 25.6.

“That was the best dressage test he’s ever done,” said Andrew. “I thought I was marked a bit hard, being early to go, but that’s the way life goes.”

Both Andrew and Tim had fence four in the showjumping down, but Tim added a further four faults at fence 9a, while Swallow Springs left the others up.

“He shouldn’t have had it down, but he felt like he was looking at the spectators on the hill [behind the main arena] and thought he could snake over it and misjudged it – he only rubbed it,” Andrew said. “He felt very smart across country.

“I like coming here, it’s local, and it’s always nice to win.”

Andrew knows the contours of Barbury’s cross-country track like the back of his hand, and the pair slipped round Alec Lochore’s course like silk.

“The ground was superb,” observed Andrew. “The track here is quite twisty now and I thought some of the distances were a little bit short, but when it’s twisty that works because you don’t have an open gallop afterwards.”

Barbury results 2021: Wills Oakden second

Wills Oakden’s nine-hour drive from Perthshire proved very worthwhile when Macgregors Cooley zoomed into second place in his first CCI4*-S.

His dressage mark of 32.9 had him in 17th place, but a clear showjumping round and just 8.4 cross-country time-faults – only Andrew was quicker – meant he rose nearly all the way up the order.

Ella Macgregor’s nine-year-old son of Balou Du Rouet has made an impression this season, having finished fifth in his first CCI3*-L at Houghton in May.

“He’s a serious character – two years ago he had me on the floor 13 times in one year,” said Wills. “But he’s settling now and we’ve found the key to him.

“This was his first four-star, so I didn’t really know what my plan was – whether I was going to have a go, or whether I was just going to hunt round. I spoke to the owner and said, ‘We’ll get through the showjumping, and then make a plan after that.’

“He’s an incredible jumper, and I thought he jumped an outstanding showjumping round. The ground here is absolutely perfect today, so I thought, ‘Why not? We’ll give it a go and see what happens.’ He was unbelievable. I’m super-proud of him.”

Third – and third-fastest, with 8.8 cross-country time-faults – was Fiona Kashel, riding Nikki Neal’s 14-year-old Drumhowan Black Magic. Both Wills and Fiona finished on a score of 41.3, but Wills was one second quicker.

Fiona’s other rides, WSF Carthago and Creevagh Silver De Haar, were ninth and 12th, and she said: “I got faster with each round! But the time was tight; I don’t think I could have made the time if I’d had another six horses. I was five seconds off winning it! I thought the course rode well.”

She continued: “Drumhowan Black Magic shouldn’t be doing this – he’s small, he’s the laziest horse you’ll ride, but he’s got a heart of gold and he loves it. He’s so nimble and such a trier. I never take a pull, just kick.

“He was entered for Badminton about three years ago but did a leg. He’s come back from that, but I don’t know if I will do a long-format CCI with him this year – I don’t want to break him again.”

Less than a mark behind on 42.1, Tom Rowland took fourth place on Jo Handman’s nine-year-old Quintilius, with Aaron Millar fifth with KEC Deakon. Heidi Coy was sixth on Russal Z.

For one of the first times since the autumn of 2019, eventing took place in front of a good-sized crowd at Barbury, providing the atmosphere the sport has missed for so long.

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Five-star winners and leading names in the sport are among the early entries as eventing prepares to return in a little over two weeks.

British Eventing (BE) has been given the green light to resume in England, and entries opened for the first three events on the re-opening weekend for the sport yesterday (24 June).

Aske (North Yorkshire), Tweseldown (Hants) and Barbury (Wilts) will be the first events off the mark on 10/11-12 July, all being well.

Tom McEwen and his 2019 Pau CCI5* winner Toledo De Kerser, with whom he also helped the British side to team gold at the 2018 World Equestrian Games, are among the major players entered in the open intermediate (OI) at Barbury.

Zara Tindall has two rides in Class Affair and Watkins, while other entries include Willa Newton with three (Cock A Doodle Doo, Moonlight Dance S and Rebellious II), as well as a couple of exciting new rides for Max Warburton, in the shape of Quantum BT4 (previously partnered by Andrew Nicholson) and Sir Papillon, successfully piloted from a young horse by Laura Collett.

By mid-afternoon on Thursday (25 June) — one day after entries opened — Tweseldown had more than 1,100 combinations hoping for a run.

These include Sarah Bullimore and her multiple CCI5* contender Reve Du Rouet, whose multiple top-10 finishes at the sport’s top level include fourth at back-to-back Burghleys in 2018 and 2019.

Pippa Funnell, Mary King and Francis Whittington have a number of OI rides at the Hampshire event, while Tom is entered here on several horses as well as holding entries at Barbury.

Bramham 2015 CCI3* and Blair 2016 CIC3* (now CCI4*L/S respectively) winners Bayano and Flora Harris are also on the start list, as is Halltown Harley and Georgie Spence, who flew out to compete in the Tokyo Olympic test event last year.

Nicola Wilson heads the OI entries at Aske, bringing forward JL Dublin and Erano M. She is joined by Ireland’s Susie Berry on last year’s Hartpury CCI3*-L runner-up John The Bull, as well as Michael Owen with several rides, including his experienced five-star campaigner Bradeley Law.

Richard Coney is also on the start list, with his junior and young rider medal-winning partner Kananaskis, with whom he also contended senior Nations Cups last year, as well as Mermus R Diamonds.

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Competition will look different when eventing returns “behind closed doors”, in order to comply with government guidance, social distancing rules and to keep everyone involved safe.

New measures include paying start fees online, reduced numbers on site, PPE where necessary for volunteers and print-at-home numbers.

BE released further information yesterday (24 June), which featured details such as the fact it will not be compulsory for events to provide commentary and prize money, what to do about hat tagging, trade stands and more, in addition to previously outlined measures.

We continue to publish Horse & Hound magazine weekly during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as keeping horseandhound.co.uk up to date with all the breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions (six issues for £6) and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

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Plans for Barbury to go ahead behind closed doors are looking hopeful as organisers prepare to run the event within social distancing guidelines.

British Eventing (BE) revealed it was working towards the resumption of sport from 4 July, which falls in the middle of the original dates for Barbury International (2 to 5 July).

Organisers last night (4 June) issued a statement on how they plan to run a modified event on 4 and 5 July.

There will be no international classes at this year’s fixture, but some national sections will go ahead, if lockdown restrictions allow.

“We are looking to run two days of national classes at novice and intermediate on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July,” said a statement from organisers Musketeer.

“Everyone on site will be required to adhere to social distancing regulations at all times, and we will have measures in place to minimise risk and reduce contact.

“The courses will be designed reflecting the current situation and that Barbury will be the first run for some time, if not the first run of the season for many horses.

“We will also work as best we can with the correct machinery to prepare the ground as best we are able — as well as celebrating at the much-needed rain which is creeping into our forecast.”

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The statement adds there will be no international or additional classes, such as arena eventing or Pony Club showjumping.

There will also be no trade stands and the event will be closed to the public.

“This I’m sure will come as no surprise, but it is still disappointing that we will not be able to welcome you all to the event in 2020,” said the organisers.

“All tickets bought through the box office will be automatically refunded and should be with you in the next couple of days.

“We will be back bigger and better than ever in 2021. The provisional dates are Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 July 2021. We very much hope to see you then.”

We continue to publish Horse & Hound magazine weekly during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as keeping horseandhound.co.uk up to date with all the breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions (six issues for £6) and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

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Andrew Nicholson continued his domination at Barbury International Horse Trials when claiming his sixth big win at the venue in the CCI4*-S on Swallow Springs today (Sunday, 7 July).

The top New Zealand rider was sitting in equal sixth overnight following the dressage, alongside eventual third Alexander Bragg (Hester), with a score of 29.4 coming into the final day of the short-format competition.

Young rider Mollie Summerland had set a hot pace in the feature class when posting an impressive 23.8 dressage aboard Charly Van Ter Heiden. The 21-year-old maintained a cool head throughout the three phases, however one pole down showjumping saw them settle for second 1.2 penalties behind the winning pair.

Andrew was full of praise for 11-year-old Swallow Springs — a flashy grey son of Chillout who has 944 British Eventing points — and who is owned by Diana and Paul Ridgeon. He even compared him to his three-time Burghley winner Avebury, who also won at Barbury four-times.

“Swallow Springs has always been a very good horse and he’s been consistent at winning prizes,” said Andrew.

“I trust him a little bit more now whereas before I used to protect him too much — now I can put pressure on him. He felt like Avebury going round the cross-country today, he’s got a stack of speed.”

Andrew also claimed Saturday’s CCI3*-S section B on the eight-year-old son of Meneusekal, As Is, who is owned by Deborah Sellar. The pair fended off Piggy French and Brookfield Inocent by one penalty.

Piggy was the victor of CCI3*-S section A on John and Chloe Perry and Alison Swinburn’s Brookfield Quality — a ride of Piggy’s since April this year.

Adam Harvey and Picasso V took the runner-up spot after rolling a pole in the showjumping, finishing 1.8 penalties in arrears.

Don’t miss the full report from the Barbury International Horse Trials in the 11 July issue of Horse & Hound.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

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Retrained Grade One-winning racehorse Saphir Du Rheu has made a phenomenal start to his eventing career, jumping clear across country at novice level on his third ever horse trials.

“Saphy”, formerly trained by Paul Nicholls, retired from racing in March 2018 and enjoyed a holiday before starting his new hunting, team chasing and eventing career with Charlotte Alexander.

The pair posted a dressage score of 38, clipping three rails in the showjumping, before storming clear around Nigel Taylor’s British Eventing course at Aston-le-Walls (8 May) in the fastest time of the day. They ended the day 13th in the 35-strong section.

Charlotte told H&H she is “thrilled” with Saphy.

“Getting any horse to novice I think is a particular achievement, but to get a horse that has only been out of training for less than a year to novice on his third run — only his third ever dressage test! — is very special,” she said, adding it is “all him”.

“A special thank you should go to Brian Hutton at Talland who has been helping me with my dressage and showjumping, along with Owen Moore who is also trying to ‘knock off the rough edges’ with my riding.

“There is still a long way to go and it’s not easy when you have an elderly team chase rider, rather set in her ways!”

Charlotte, who also retrained Denman, added she will step Saphy back down to BE100 level for his next run, at Ascott-under-Wychwood on 1 June.

He will then move back up to novice at West Wilts the following weekend and is being aimed for Barbury in July.

“He is much better at novice level in all phases as the dressage gives him more to think about; the showjumping just needs more practice, mainly from me,” she said.

“The cross-country, although he is green at the combinations — a little wobbly between the skinny combinations — he has plenty of scope and did find it easy.”

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The French-bred gelding, previously a Highflyer Bloodstock purchase, was gifted to Charlotte on his retirement by the Stewart family who owned him during his racing years.

In the year since he has been off the track, the popular grey has led The Boring Gorings around open team chase courses, hunted with the Beaufort, and helped Ballycasey — who retired from racing this week — school over Cheltenham’s cross-country fences.

He also returned to the Cheltenham Festival in March to take part in the Retraining of Racehorses parade and escort Champion Hurdle victor Espoir D’Allen to the winners’ enclosure.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

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It was a glorious weekend of sunshine and sport at the St James’s Place Barbury Horse Trials. Here are eight things we learnt at the Wiltshire event…

1. Upsilon is still gorgeous. We fell in love with the grey stallion when he and Tom Carlile won the Event Rider Masters (ERM) at Barbury last year and it was a huge thrill to see this incredible jumper back to his best on British soil last weekend after a turbulent time since things went a bit wrong at the Europeans last year.

2. Top riders are getting into #WearGreenForJonty, the initiative to show support for Irish eventer Jonty Evans, who recently suffered a serious brain injury in a fall at Tattersalls.

China’s Alex Hua Tian swaps a red base layer for a green one as he pilots Don Geniro across country (pictured above).

Green arms for Australian four-star combination Warren Lamperd and Silvia.

New Zealand’s former world and Olympic champion Blyth Tait — who also designed the novice cross-country course — riding Leo Distinction.

3. One can get eliminated at any time. Izzy Taylor suffered the misfortune of her competition ending in the dressage in the ERM section when Director General took exception to the big screen and wouldn’t co-operate.

4. Broken tack doesn’t have to be the end of your competition. Toby Piggott suffered a broken martingale across country on Golden Forever, but still put in a fast cross-country round to finish 11th in the ERM.

5. Barbury is beautiful, whatever way you look at it. With the sun beating down and bathing the surrounding hills in glorious light, it may have been a sweaty weekend, but it was also a feast for the eyes — and H&H photographer Peter Nixon even captured an unusual angle…

6. When the temperature is around 30°C, champagne is a welcome cooler… as demonstrated by the ERM top three of Tom Carlile, Gemma Tattersall and Chris Burton.

7. Sometimes, genes will out. We’re not sure we recommend taking off this far away from fences, but if your dam is triple four-star winner Headley Britannia and your sire is Jaguar Mail, who showjumped at the Olympics, it’s clearly possible. Lucinda Fredericks’ stallion Britannias Mail and his rider Libby Seed went on to record a clear round in the CIC2*.

8. Sun cream is your friend. Yes, we know we sound like your mother, but we saw a few lobster red bodies over the weekend. Ouch!

Pictures by Peter Nixon

Full report from Barbury in H&H magazine this Thursday (issue dated 12 July).

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

France’s Tom Carlile repeated his Event Rider Masters win from last year at the St James’s Place Barbury Horse Trials this weekend (7-8 July), rebuilding the confidence of the grey stallion Upsilon.

The pair have had some issues with run-outs across country, starting at last year’s Europeans and the problem reappeared at Arville two weeks ago. But a new training plan with French team trainer Thierry Touzaint has put them back on track.

Tom said he knew the horse was “in” when he had no issues at fence five, the SAP Brush with Technology — a big brush followed by a steep downhill on a left-hand curve to a triple brush arrowhead.

“The fact he snapped out of my fingers through the flags showed me it was game on,” he said.

Tom was equal first after dressage, showjumped clear and then had the second-fastest round across country for 1.2 time-faults. Joint dressage leader Liz Halliday-Sharp, of the USA, finished fifth after one rolled pole in the showjumping and a steadier cross-country round.

Gemma Tattersall was the best Brit in second on Clive Smith’s Pamero 4, adding just 1.6 time-faults to her second-placed dressage score.

“He was mega — I’m so so happy with him,” she said. “I had the most awesome ride.”

Chris Burton was third for Australia on Trisha Rickards’ Polystar I, who was following up on an ERM win in Arville. They were the only pair to make the time across country.

Nicola Wilson won the other CIC3* section on James and Jo Lambert’s Bulana. She was another putting a difficult spring behind her as the European individual bronze medallist has reverted to being strong across country at some events this year.

“I’m relieved and hope we can continue down that road,” she said.

This section boasted a British one-two-three as 19-year-old Richard Coney scored his most high-profile senior result with second on Kananaskis and Gemma Tattersall took third on Chris Stone’s eight-year-old Chilli Knight.

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The three CIC2* sections, which concluded yesterday, were won by Adam Harvey (Picasso V), Hannah Bate (Fanta Boy) and Chris Burton (Bahira M).

Full report from Barbury in H&H this week (issue dated 12 July), including more on how Tom and Nicola have turned their form around.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Are you going to the St James's Place Barbury Horse Trials this weekend (5-8 July)? If not, why not? Here are some great reasons why you should

1. Upsilon returns. Last year’s Barbury Event Rider Masters (ERM) winner, ridden by France’s Tom Carlile, is one of the most admired event horses in the world and it’s always a thrill to see him on British soil. The lovely grey stallion has had a few blips on his record since last year — he didn’t finish the cross-country at the 2017 Europeans and had run-outs at the ERM at Arville last month — so it will be interesting to see if he can return to form at Barbury.

2. Tom Carlile is just one of nine riders who have previously won ERM classes who compete in the section this time. The others are: Oliver Townend (Cillnabradden Evo), Gemma Tattersall (Pamero 4), Izzy Taylor (Director General), Andrew Nicholson (Swallow Springs), Astier Nicolas (Vinci De La Vigne), Sarah Cohen (Treason), Alex Hua Tian (Don Geniro) and Chris Burton (Polystar I). The riders will fight it out for a prize pool of £50,000 in this class.

3. The Shetland Pony Grand National comes to Barbury for the first time on Sunday (8 July). Who doesn’t love to see those ponies and their tiny jockeys fly round the miniature National Hunt fences?

4. Andrew Nicholson will aim to take his Barbury CIC3* winning record to six. He has won four times on the late Avebury and once on Nereo. This time he rides Swallow Springs in the ERM and Yacabo BK in the other CIC3*.

5. Three days of cross-country, with excellent viewing and a new feel to the tracks. Former Olympic and world champion Blyth Tait designs the novice course for the first time, while Mark Phillips’ CIC2* and CIC3* tests have a fresh new layout, with the ERM course finishing in the main arena — this will make for maximum excitement as the reverse order cross-country comes to a head.

6. TFour horses long-listed for Britain’s World Equestrian Games (WEG) squad are competing, so you can check them out before they potentially fly off to the USA in September. Tina Cook will ride last year’s European team gold medallist Billy The Red in the ERM section and needs to show some form after a slightly chequered spring campaign. Nicola Wilson and Bulana take on the regular CIC3* and will also hope for a change of fortune. Meanwhile Toledo De Kerser (Tom McEwen) and Away Cruising (Harry Meade) both have their first runs since Badminton in the CIC2*.

7. The JCB Champions’ Challenge at 1.45pm on Saturday, a relay race over jumps in the main arena in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund, is always great fun to watch. Badminton and Luhmühlen winner Jonelle Price heads up the eventers’ squad and she is joined by her husband Tim, Lissa Green and H&H columnist Mark Todd. The jockeys’ team consists of three-time champion jump jockey Richard Johnson, Tom Scudamore, Wayne Hutchinson and Sam Twiston-Davies.

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8. Barbury has a new “kidzone”, with a mini-zoo, including meerkats. There’s also have-a-go dog agility, a fun dog show and a dog agility masterclass demonstration from recent world silver medallist Anthony Clark and his top dog Protest.

9. #WearGreenForJonty — riders and supporters will be out in force wearing green T-shirts, wristbands, cross-country colours and more to show that Jonty Evans, the Irish eventer who suffered a serious brain injury in a fall last month, is constantly in their thoughts.

Don’t miss the full report from Barbury Horse Trials in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (12 July 2018).

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Badminton winner Jonelle “speed queen” Price will head the eventers’ team in a head-to-head clash with leading jockeys at Barbury’s JCB Champions Challenge this weekend.

A team of eventers will compete against a team of jockeys in a relay race over fences on borrowed horses in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

It is held in the main arena at the St James’s Place Barbury Horse Trials during a break in the eventing timetable, at 1.45pm on Saturday (7 July).

A full Antipodean contingent makes up the eventing squad — Jonelle is joined by her husband Tim Price, Australian rider Lissa Green and the legendary Sir Mark Todd.

They will face three-time champion jump jockey Richard Johnson, Tom Scudamore, Wayne Hutchinson and Sam Twiston-Davies.

“We so much enjoy our trip to Barbury for the JCB Champions’ Challenge every year,” said JCB’s Tim Leadbeater.

“It’s such good fun and couldn’t be for a better cause in the Injured Jockeys Fund.”

Last year’s challenge was won by the jockeys, captained by Bridget Andrews.

“We were keen to get the changeovers right, as that is key, and also you need to choose your horse carefully,’ she said after her team’s 2017 victory.

“We spent all morning watching the inter-hunt relay and earmarked our horses – you need ones that are quick but careful.”

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Barbury International runs from 5 to 8 July and features the fourth leg of the CIC3* Event Rider Masters (ERM) series, as well as another CIC3* section, a CIC2* and novice classes.

Riders from 21 nations and around 1,000 horses will compete over the four days.

Nine former ERM-winning riders are entered for the Barbury leg, including 2017 victors Tom Carlile and Upsilon.

“I’m delighted with the entries, which include CCI4* winners, CCI3* winners and lots of contenders for the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in September,” said event director Martyn Johnson.

“Several leading nations are using Barbury as a WEG trial, which is a great compliment to the event.

“Anyone who wants to watch real superstars, both equine and human, in action, should come to Barbury. We have the best viewing of any event in the country, so feast your eyes on the best of the best.”

In this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, out on Thursday 28 June 2018, don’t miss our full report from the Hickstead Derby meeting, including all the showjumping and showing action, plus don’t miss our six-page report from Royal Ascot.

We also have a feature on the much discussed whip rules across the disciplines and in this week’s ‘Vet clinic’ we find out how to spot the signs of sand colic.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A heavy hint that you’re entering an equestrian haven when you cross the border into Wiltshire is the sight of eight white horses carved neatly into the hillside. And if you’re looking for hard evidence of its horsey credentials, a look down the addresses of the world’s top eventers should do the trick; Andrew Nicholson, Mark Todd and Tim Price all call it home.

We round up some of the best hotspots for horse lovers in the county…

The tack shop

Wadswick, near Corsham

Step into this country emporium to buy a hairnet, and you will leave laden with a new wardrobe for every eventuality. The sprawling selection of bits, breeches, gifts and feed has come a long way since the store’s first product line of homegrown potatoes when it opened its doors in the 1980s.

Opening times: Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm, 
Sun: 11am-4pm

wadswick.co.uk

The equestrian centre

West Wilts Equestrian Centre, near Trowbridge

Riders from the surrounding counties flock to this Mecca for competitions and training, from unaffiliated hunter trials and evening showjumping to an intermediate horse trials. With a 30.5x72m indoor school and two outdoor arenas, competitors aren’t short of space to clock up some mileage.

westwilts.com

The picnic spot

Barbury Horse Trials, near Marlborough (pictured above)

If we were charged with creating a Visit Wiltshire ad campaign, the view over the natural amphitheatre at Barbury Castle would be our centrepiece. Pick your picnic spot on the edge of the main arena during the horse trials in July, divvy up the Pimm’s and don’t move for the rest of the day — from here you’ll be able to see the showjumping in front of you, and the cross-country unfolding across the hillside beyond.

barburyhorsetrials.co.uk

The adrenalin fix

Larkhill Racecourse, near Salisbury

Pack all your coats, all your hats and all your gloves and make a beeline to Larkhill Racecourse this winter for a point-to-point — there are seven fixtures at the racecourse between December this year and April 2018. The bitter wind blowing off Salisbury Plain will soon be brushed aside by the adrenalin of watching some of Britain’s best pointers in action. And if you get really desperate, you can walk the course.

pointtopoint.co.uk

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The pub

Outside Chance, near Marlborough

Pull up a stool at the bar where 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy celebrated riding his 4000th winner. The pub was created in 2008 from the gambling winnings of Howard Spooner’s racehorse Only Dreams, a 100-1 winner at Leicester, and serves up hearty mains to refuel you after a day in the saddle.

Opening times: 11am-11pm every day

theoutsidechance.co.uk

Don’t miss this week’s property special in Horse & Hound magazine (28 September 2017), where we take a closer look at the property market in Wiltshire, round up some of the best equestrian properties for under £500,000 and find out how to make sure you’re paying the right price for a property

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

With Bramham done and dusted, we decided to have a mid-season ‘party on the lawn’ for people who have helped me not just this season, but also over the past few years, to celebrate the first half of our season — it was a great success. The weather was kind, and although quite a few people couldn’t make it, about 70 in total came along for a drink and some food, which just goes to show how many people have been involved in this dream over the years. It was great to see everyone.

Great Witchingham for me marks the start of summer and we decided to make a weekend of it and stay over, especially as Guy (our working student) was doing his first intermediate on Jerry. He did not disappoint with the most fantastic double clear. It was great to watch and he did a super job.

I however, didn’t do such a good job. The lovely Bertie (Bonhunt Bertie) kicked off well with a placing in the five year old class but, when riding a less experienced horse in the BE90, I had an altercation with an 85cm arrowhead rail and we both ate dirt. My foot was crushed underneath him and for a horrible moment I thought it could well be broken. The horse was absolutely fine, got up and cantered back to the lorry leaving me nursing a rapidly expanding foot and the medical team at Great Witchingham who were brilliant. The paramedics gave me the all clear and off we trundled home, it has to be said amid plenty of whinging!

The next morning I woke, swung my legs round to sit on the side of the bed, put my foot to the floor and squeaked like a big girls blouse, I couldn’t carry any weight on it and looking down the foot had expanded to, I kid you not, the size of a small continent.

Not one to be over dramatic, I called Amanda who helps me on the yard, in a minor panic and asked her to call the fire brigade to winch me out of the house, and an ambulance to get me to hospital as quickly as possible. However, sensibly she refused, and said that when she got to work she would take me to the minor injury unit in Oakham herself — Amanda is more than capable of a good fireman’s lift.

On arrival I said good morning to the receptionist as I hopped in and promptly fell over the carpet, flat on my face. You know that look of mirth and concern rolled into one? It was etched all over her face. Suffice to say nothing was broken, but I was told to take it easy for a few days. With Polly Taylor’s Freddie (Mr Fahrenheit III) doing his first two-star and Vicki Irlam’s Douglas the three-star at Barbury the next weekend, this was ‘not an option’, so taking it easy was concentrated into 24 hours — apply ice, foot up, Wimbledon on!

Riding was not comfortable, but if brave, I saw no reason why I could not manage the weekend and although I had no idea how I would get my competition boot on as it would not fit over the swelling, armed with crutches, a bike (to ‘walk’ the courses) and two horses, we got on the road to Barbury.

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What a fantastic event it is and Holly Farr and her team do a super job of organising it. I got the boot on with carefully choreographed ice and bandage application at the right moments, and Freddie did us proud jumping the most lovely double clear in his first two-star (pictured). He managed it despite lots of ooo’s and ah’s from his slightly pained jockey on the way round. Douglas also cruised round and felt a class act, so I’m really very excited about what the autumn holds for these two.

With plenty of events, dressage training and British Showjumping ahead, there’s no rest for the wicked. Be good — speak soon.

Grievesy

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It was a sizzling feast of sport at St James’s Place Barbury Horse Trials last weekend — and we learnt some new things, too. Don't miss the full Barbury report in H&H this Thursday (issue dated 13 July).

Tom Carlile and Upsilon win the Event Rider Masters at Barbury 2018. Picture by Peter Nixon

The EquiRating Stacks app returns for the Event Rider Masters leg at Barbury (7-8 July). Tom Carlile and Upsilon on their way to victory at last year’s event

Billy Cuckoo takes a look at a fence in the CIC2* with Pippa Funnell.

Teenager Hannah Francis passed away on 1 August last year, but her legacy is everywhere. Numerous riders now ride with Berry Ponies on their backs, the relations of Hannah's mascot, Willberry Wonder Pony — there is now a registered charity in Hannah and Willberry's names, funding bone cancer research and granting equine wishes to seriously ill people. Here is Pippa Funnell on Sandman 7 with a Berry Pony.

Imogen Murray and Ivar Gooden at Barbury 2017. Picture by Peter Nixon

Nice work by Craig surviving this twist by Especially Dassett in the CIC2*.

The EquiRatings Stacks app game returns for the Event Rider Master

Having had baby Evie at the end of May, New Zealand rider Lucy Jackson was out eventing again by the end of June. Here she is partnering her faithful campaigner Willy Do in the CIC2*.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Ahead of the St. James’s Place Barbury International Horse Trials this weekend (6-9 July 2017), it’s time to test your knowledge of this premier eventing fixture.

Don't miss the full report from Barbury in the 13 July 2017 issue of Horse & Hound magazine

Watch live action from the Event Rider Masters at Barbury Horse Trials >>

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Zara Tindall will go head-to-head with rising National Hunt star Bridget Andrews as the JCB Champions Challenge returns to Barbury on Saturday (8 July).

Zara and Bridget were announced today (Monday, 3 July) as the respective captains of the eventers’ and jump jockeys’ teams.

The timed jumping competition takes place in Barbury’s main arena over a specially-designed course and is in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

For World and European eventing champion Zara, this marks a return to the competition for the first time since the inaugural challenge in 2014.

Meanwhile former champion lady amateur Bridget is the first lady to captain the jockeys’ squad — which has a strong track record at Barbury, with back-to-back victories in 2014 and 2015.

However last year the eventers — led by Mark Todd — scored their first victory in the challenge and will be keen to hold on to the title for a second year.

“I hope the eventers can ‘lay up’ [keep up] with the jump jockeys as we are hungry to regain our JCB Champion Challenge crown at Barbury,” said Bridget.

The competition looks set to be close with both teams boasting serious credentials.

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Joining Zara on the eventing squad are Olympians Jonty Evans and Dan Jocelyn, representing Ireland and New Zealand, and multiple young rider medallist Holly Woodhead.

“The eventers are ready and plan to put on a real show for visitors to Barbury and the jump jockeys should expect to see just a distant rear view of us,” quipped Zara.

Lining up next to Bridget are weighing-room stars and multiple Cheltenham Festival winners Nico de Boinville, Wayne Hutchinson and Harry Skelton.

Tickets will be available on the gate, at £20 on Saturday, with free entry for under-12s. Visit barburyhorsetrials.co.uk for details.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

This year’s Event Rider Masters (ERM) will comprise seven legs, including two in Europe, while the team will also run Barbury International from this year.

The series will run at Chatsworth, Barbury, Gatcombe, Blair and Blenheim, as well as Wiesbarden, Germany, and Jaras, France.

Each leg is worth £50,000 in prize money, with a £50,000 series bonus, which takes the total prize fund to £400,000.

“The seven event venues located in England, Scotland, France, and Germany are renowned for hosting some of the most prestigious eventing competitions in the world, providing a spectacular setting for each leg of the ERM,” said a series spokesman.

“The growth into mainland Europe is the first step of a planned global expansion with the intention of the series to feature on other continents in the future, establishing it as a world sporting series and a first for the sport of eventing.”

Each ERM leg will feature 40 riders, competing in a shortened CIC3* format.

Fans will be able to watch all the action on live-stream, and online after the events, while a highlights programme will be broadcast on television, on a channel yet to be confirmed, after each leg.

ERM CEO Chris Stone said: “It’s a great achievement that the ERM will now have two legs in mainland Europe. Our huge gratitude goes to everyone who has supported us in getting the series to this stage, this includes all the host competition venues, the national equestrian federations, riders, owners and the ERM team.

“It’s a very exciting time for the series and we hope for the sport of eventing, and we cannot wait to get going with the series when it kicks off on 13 May.”

Barbury International

The ERM team has also taken over the running of the St James’s Place Barbury International Horse Trials (6-9 July).

Following the sale of the estate by Nigel Bunter to Chris Woodhouse, the team has been appointed to run the event, which features CIC3* and CIC2* competition, a Retraining of Racehorses championship, the Champions Challenge and British Eventing novice, as well as a Burghley young event horse class.

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Andrew Nicholson, who won the ERM leg at Barbury last year and took the three-star competition four years running on Avebury, said: “Barbury is an important event not only for our horses and us as competitors, but also for equestrian fans and the surrounding Wiltshire area. You only have to look at the huge entry the event receives to see how popular it is with riders. I love competing at Barbury and delighted to hear its immediate future is secure. I can’t wait to ride there in July and hope a big crowd will be out in force to cheer us on as I aim for a Barbury six-timer.”

Mr Stone added: “We are proud and excited to be running Barbury this year and we are very grateful to Chris Woodhouse for asking us to organise the horse trials.”

For more on ERM 2017 and Barbury International, see this week’s H&H magazine (23 February) for an exclusive interview with Chris Stone.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Barbury Castle is to be put on the market by owners Nigel and Penny Bunter.

After 11 year’s of staging Barbury International Horse Trials, the Bunters have made the decision to sell their Wiltshire estate.

The event is one of the most prestigious CIC3*s in Britain, and also hosts a CIC2* and novice classes.

This year, Barbury was one of six events to host the new Event Rider Masters series.

“We want to move while we are young enough to embrace such a big change to our lifestyle,” said Mr Bunter.

“We will miss Barbury of course but the time is now right for us. We have loved being part of the horse trials which was conceived over a quiet drink with David Green and we owe a huge debt of gratitude for all the support that Barbury has received particularly from the riders and owners who made Barbury so special.

“There are a million more thank yous and we will try get round to thanking the very many people who helped to make the event success especially the amazing team that turned out every year and who made Barbury such a friendly and welcoming venue. “

Barbury joined the British Eventing (BE) calendar in 2005.

“Barbury Castle International has been a phenomenal success since then, raising the bar for our sport in so many ways,” said Chris Farr, BE’s sport operations manager.

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“This popular venue has been a key part of the plans for many riders and teams during its time but until the future is certain Barbury Castle International will remain in the calendar for 2017.”

Mr Farr added that BE’s fixtures team is looking into contingency plans for a future venue for the future should they be required.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Nigel and Penny, and the whole team at Barbury, for all they have done for the sport in the past 11 years” he added.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Barbury Castle continues to hold a special place in the calendar with its amazing covering of grass and unparalleled viewing.

The Event Rider Masters (ERM) class again produced great entertainment. There is nothing better than watching top pairs having a cut across the country — great technique and fabulous riding abounded.

If anybody thought that Andrew is not back to his best or even better, they had to think again. The Kiwis will miss his undoubted talent in Rio.

Runner-up Paul Tapner continues to ride in his own very effective style and nobody took a more economical line. Gemma Tattersall, third, is on a crest of a wave as she heads off to Rio. Similarly Izzy Taylor and Kitty King looked on flying form in the two-star.

William Fox-Pitt was not at his most fluent on his two-star horses but still won on Secret Night and was sixth on Top Biats, which says a lot for his undoubted skills. He was much better on Cool Mountain in the ERM to be seventh, so is obviously increasing in confidence all the time.

How can riders learn?

The supporting CIC3* was much more of a war zone, with two horse falls and four unseated riders and six retirees out of the 59 cross-country starters. Although Barbury has terrain, I did not think it was that difficult! But there was some fairly moderate riding.

It’s easy for me as course-designer to blame the riding, but this is the problem facing those clamouring to make the sport safer, which was also highlighted in the novice.

The novice water at Barbury was a set of rails 3ft 5in high and then 30ft to an 8in pole on top of a step down into the water. After six hours of competition and seven horse falls at the step down, it was deemed prudent to move the white flag so riders could bypass the step and also to add a long route for the two- and three-star.

As course-designer, I’m happy to go with the flow. However, nobody thought the question was unfair or inappropriate, let alone potentially dangerous — around the world you’d see the same test at 1.05m level and the same distance at 1m level.

After we moved the flag 80-85% of riders still tackled the step. The problem is that the 15-20% who didn’t gained their qualification for that level having avoided the question, but they will meet the test again elsewhere.

The British Eventing officials said the problem is that riders don’t see this question often because organisers don’t like it when they may get falls in the water. So the problem remains: if we keep avoiding the question how do riders learn?

Horse falls are a problem for the sport — at Barbury the statistics look horrible and nobody likes seeing horses on the ground. However, bad riding will always make horse falls more likely and therefore better coaching is the only real way to make eventing safer.

We continue to spend huge money on frangible systems, but as with airbags in cars, they can only help rather than be the solution. Better coaching is an intangible, rather than a black and white solution that we can buy. If “risk management” was as easy as that, the solution would have been bought years ago.

For now Barbury continued to provide great entertainment and ERM is developing a better product for a worldwide audience. But the intangibles of risk management remain; let’s just hope they do not show their ugly face on the big stage in Rio.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 14 July 2016

Eventing certainly isn’t short-changed when it comes to knock-out venues. But every year that you park on the hill overlooking Barbury Horse Trials, you are hit by the uniqueness of its setting — a rolling 1,850-acre estate, set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You’re in awe, and feeling smug that this is how you choose to spend your weekends — and that is before the sport has even begun…

1. Andrew Nicholson can never be underestimated

In case we were in any doubt, Andrew Nicholson proved that last year’s neck injury — which could have left him paralysed — seems to be behind him. Aboard Libby Sellar’s Nereo, he clinched the third leg of the Event Rider Masters, taking home the £16,000 first prize. The Kiwi has now taken the main class at Barbury for five years in a row — the past four being with the now-retired Avebury. “It all felt far too easy,” said the 54-year-old about this year’s performance. “I felt I was meeting every fence very easily. Nereo is a long-striding horse but he now adapts to whatever he’s got to do. In fact, he feels like Avebury.”

2. Christopher Burton has a new star on his hands

“I only came here to show him his first three-star competition, not to win!” said Chris Burton about his victory in the CIC3* with the 16.3hh gelding Polystar I. “But I was impressed with his stride and scope — he’s got quite a bit of thoroughbred blood — and he’s got a good attitude.” When Pippa Funnell and Gemma Tattersall, first and second after the showjumping phase, withdrew their potential Rio horses, the Australian was able to capitalise on his now comfortable lead.

3. Harry Meade is championing ex-racehorse talent

Wiltshire-based Harry took the £2,000 first prize in the Retraining of Racehorses class with his new ride, Sparkys Reflection — a 16.3hh gelding by Glacial Storm. Henrietta Knight originally trained the 13-year-old over hurdles, but he has since had a varied career with his owner Amy Martin, turning his hoof to everything from Pony Club and hunting to advanced eventing and even galloping along the Norfolk Coast. “Having come from Henrietta, he’s probably had as good a start as any eventer, and he’s been a real family horse with Amy,” said Harry. “He might have been a lazy racehorse, but he’s a sweet, charming character and I’d like to see how far he can go in eventing.”

4. Eventers prove that speed isn’t everything…

As tense for many as the main competition, adrenaline was pumping in the JCB Champions Challenge, run in aid of H&H’s charity of the year, the Injured Jockeys Fund. Seamless baton changes meant that the eventers (Mark Todd, Paul Tapner and Tim and Jonelle Price) stripped the jockeys (Richard Johnson, Wayne Hutchinson, Tom Scudamore and Tom Bellamy) of the title after a two-year reign.

5. Things are looking good for Rio

Our Rio-bound riders were on flying form, with Gemma Tattersall finishing third in the Event Rider Masters, William Fox-Pitt seventh and travelling reserve Pippa Funnell in 11th.

6. This is textbook spectator viewing

If plans were ever afoot for a man-made horse trials venue, Barbury would be the template. With the Mark Phillips-designed cross-country course set in a natural amphitheatre formed by the beautiful Marlborough Downs, spectators can lie back and watch the action unfold — binoculars optional.

Like this? You might also enjoy reading these:

Andrew Nicholson crowned king of Barbury Castle Event Rider Masters

‘People run up to give him a hug’: what is it like taking on Andrew Nicholson’s former ride?

7. And finally… Can we talk about the dancing sheep?

Just when you thought the tension of the eventing was getting too much to handle, “a live show of sheep breeds and shearing” was on hand to cool things down… What would the British summer be without these eccentric treats?

Don’t miss the full report from Barbury Horse Trials in the 14 July issue of Horse & Hound magazine

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Andrew Nicholson franked his extraordinary comeback from injury by winning the third leg of the Event Rider Masters series at the St James’s Place Barbury International Horse Trials in Wiltshire on Sunday 10 July.

Riding Libby Sellar’s highly experienced Nereo, the New Zealander showed all of his old brilliance to take the £16,000 first prize.

It was a particularly special victory for Andrew – he has now taken the main class at Barbury Castle for five years in a row, and it is his local event, as he is based just a few miles away in Lockeridge.

He said: “Nereo is fabulous. When you’ve got a horse as experienced as him that knows his job, it’s easy, isn’t it?”

Andrew and Nereo were third after dressage, scoring 37.6, but took the lead with a clear showjumping round despite accruing two time-faults. A faultless cross-country performance round Mark Phillips’ twisting cross-country track inside the time secured him the win.

Australia’s Paul Tapner finished second on Amanda Burns’ Yogi Bear VIII, 4.6 penalties behind Andrew, while Gemma Tattersall’s hot streak continued with third place for Britain on Caroline Teltsch’s eight-year-old mare Santiago Bay.

Gemma holds the overall lead in the Event Rider Masters series, with Paul second to her.

He said: “I’m very happy to hear that Gemma is off to Rio, whereas I am probably not, so I am looking forward to overtaking her at the next leg of the series at Gatcombe (5-7 August)!”

Gemma said: “This is such an exciting mare for the future – she’s everything you want in an event horse.”

Continued below…

Watch how the competition unfolded on Barbury ERM live streams:

• Dressage
• Showjumping
• Cross-country

Dani Evans and Smart Time took fourth place. There was less than 0.6 of a penalty between Paul, Gemma and Dani and both women completed on their dressage scores.

Marcio Carvalho Jorge, who had led the dressage impressively with Lissy Mac Wayer, scoring 32.5, finished fifth after knocking two showjumps down and picking up a handful of cross-country time-faults.

Sam Griffiths took sixth place for Australia on Happy Times, while William Fox-Pitt was seventh on Cool Mountain.

Don’t miss Horse & Hound’s full report from Barbury, in the magazine on sale Thursday 14 July

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The third leg of the new Event Rider Masters (ERM) series takes place at the St James’s Place Barbury International Horse Trials this weekend (9-10 July). Here’s what you need to know about the competition and the contenders:

• Statistically the Barbury leg of the ERM series presents the most challenging cross-country test — on average 63% of combinations jump clear, compared to 67-79% at the other legs.
• Barbury is traditionally an event where it’s tough to make the time — 4% of pairs have beaten the clock over the event’s 11-year history. The very first person to do so was Sam Watson on Horseware Bushman in 2009 — Sam is the co-founder of EquiRatings, the data analytics company which supplies these statistics!
• The record dressage mark at Barbury is 30.8, set in 2008 by Lucinda Fredericks and Headley Britannia. Thirty-six days later, they led the dressage at the Hong Kong Olympics on 30.4.
• Only seven dressage marks of under 35 have been recorded at the event, including three by Avebury, who won the event four times.
• The record finishing score at Barbury belongs to Avebury, who led from start to finish in 2015 on a mark of 33.9. He beat his own previous record of 35.2, set in 2013. Andrew Nicholson holds five of the best eight finishing scores on record at Barbury.
• Winning finishing scores at Barbury have been dropping steadily since the event’s inception in 2005, with the 2015 victory mark 25 marks lower than that recorded by the first winners, William Fox-Pitt and Ballincoola.
• Three riders who have been selected to represent Britain at the Rio Olympics are competing in the class: William Fox-Pitt, Izzy Taylor and Gemma Tattersall.

WATCH LIVE HERE: H&H is partnering with ERM to bring you all the live streaming action from Barbury. Tune in for the dressage (8am Saturday, 9 July), showjumping (8.30am Sunday, 10 July) and cross-country (3.30pm Sunday 10 July).

Full report from Barbury in H&H next week, out Thursday, 14 July.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Two of the biggest names in the horse world will go head to head at the JCB Champions Challenge at Barbury International Horse Trials next month (9 July) – and Mark Todd is confident he can “get one over” on his opponents.

The annual Barbury battle is fiercer than ever this year, as Mark and Richard Johnson prepare to square up as respective captains of the eventers and jockeys teams in a race run over a specially designed course.

The race is run in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF), which is H&H’s charity of the year.

Joining Richard Johnson are 2015 Hennessy gold cup winner Wayne Hutchinson, Tom Scudamore and John Francome, who is vice-patron of the IJF.

The jump jockeys taking part have been training hard, hoping to retain their crown for the third year running.

“In the summer, we jump jockeys try to take things a bit easier – but not this year. Myself, Hutchinson, Scudamore and Francome are in serious training and can’t wait to lay down the gauntlet to the eventers,” said Richard.

“I may be advancing in years, but I am confident I can get one over on Francome – as he is even more advancing than me,” responded Mark, who is three years younger than the 63-year-old former multiple champion jump jockey.

Mark’s team includes fellow New Zealand Olympians Jonelle and Tim Price and Australian Paul Tapner, winner of the 2010 Badminton Horse Trials.

Related articles:

• Barbury Horse Trials: 10 things that we learnt in 2015 *PICTURES*
• AP McCoy makes winning return to the saddle at Barbury
• Barbury fence to be named after three-time winner Avebury [VIDEO]

The final two teams in the challenge will be the winning junior and senior teams from the inter-hunt relay, which is held on the same day.

The St James’s Place Barbury International Horse Trials (7-10 July) is also hosting the third leg of the Event Rider Masters series.

Day tickets start at £12 per person in advance; for more details visit barburyhorsetrials.co.uk or call 01672 516125

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Three-time Burghley winner Avebury has been withdrawn from Badminton and retired from competition.

Ridden by Andrew Nicholson and owned by Mark and Rosemary Barlow, the popular 16-year-old horse has accumulated a huge 2,113 British Eventing points during his career.

Rosemary explained the decision was made as “old age had begun to catch up with him”.

“This is a day we were all dreading,” she said.

“He has served us so well and after his last gallop he wasn’t showing his normal exuberance and zest for life.

“Sadly old age has begun to catch up with him, and he deserves a well-earned rest.”

Avebury is the only horse to have won the Lincolnshire four-star three times (2012-2014) and Barbury Castle CIC3* four times.

“Avebury is a horse of a lifetime and owes us nothing,” added Rosemary.

“Sometimes in his younger years he could be a little bit naughty, but he has been a complete joy to own.”

The grey gelding, known as “Buddy” — a nickname given to him as a foal by Andrew’s daughters Rebecca and Melissa — has won at every FEI level.

Over his career, he ran 71 times with Andrew and 11 with his wife, Wiggy, who competed him at novice level.

During that time he won 27 times and was placed on numerous occasions.

“Mark and I would like to thank Andrew and Wiggy and all the staff at Westwood for looking after him so well over the past 10 years,” said Rosemary.

“Avebury will continue to live at Westwood — a home he knows and loves.”

The son of Jumbo was bred and broken in by Andrew, who then sold him as a showjumper. Wiggy then bought him back as a six-year-old.

“Rosemary Barlow wanted a new horse, so I said to her that I thought I knew of one,” said Andrew.

“Wiggy went away for a few days, so I sneaked him up to the gallops to see what he could do. I was quite impressed, so I suggested Rosemary bought him for me to ride.”

In their first season together in 2007, Andrew and Avebury won the CCI* at Tattersalls and three intermediate classes, as well as finishing second in the British Novice Championships at Gatcombe and fourth in the World Young Horse Championships at Le Lion d’Angers.

Their partnership went from strength to strength and they went on to rack up wins in the CCI2* at Tattersalls, CCI3* at Saumur as well as a second place in the CIC3* for eight- and nine-year-olds at Blenheim.

They also completed Badminton three times, with their highest placing being 10th at the 2011 event.

“He’s part of the family, and will stay here with us. Wiggy will ride him, and no doubt my daughter Lily will put her name down for a go,” added the Kiwi eventer.

“He’s sound and well; he just doesn’t quite feel like he used to and, as he owes us nothing, we thought it better to stop now.”

Avebury’s only run this year was at Great Witchingham in March and, fittingly, he won.

“He has a cheeky side to him, but whenever you walk into the yard, he’s happy to see you,” said Andrew.

“He loves his work and is very bubbly about everything. He’s still naughty to catch in the field — he gallops around squealing, but as soon as it rains, or he thinks something might be happening without him, he runs up and down the fence line yelling to be brought in.”

Related articles:

• Burghley 2014: Andrew Nicholson does the hat-trick with Avebury
• Andrew Nicholson and Avebury set new record at Barbury
• Andrew Nicholson sets his sights on Badminton

Avebury’s withdrawal from Badminton still leaves Andrew with the one ride — Nereo — in the Gloucestershire event.

“Avebury has been an exceptional performer,” he said.

“He loves a big atmosphere and shows off in it, and has always been a brilliant jumper and galloper.

“He has always been a winner, and I have to thank him for some of the greatest days of my career.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A 10-year-old girl is recovering from an injured ankle after being hit by a loose horse at Barbury Horse Trials.

The child was watching the cross-country phase of the CIC** on Saturday morning (11 July) when rider Jeanette Brakewell was unseated at the crocodile fence in the water.

Her horse, Lets Dance, ran loose following the fall and jumped the string, colliding with the girl, who was sitting on the ground with others.

The girl was immediately given care by the St John’s Ambulance team on site before being taken to The Great Western Hospital, Swindon, to have her ankle examined.

Her mother later confirmed to Barbury that her daughter’s ankle was badly bruised.

“It wasn’t until I got myself off the floor that I could hear a child in discomfort,” Jeanette told H&H.

“I didn’t realise she [Just Dance] had jumped over the string and landed on her ankle.

“I went over to see her to see how she was — she was in pain and her ankle was really sore.”

Jeanette explained why she thought her mare had jumped the string.

“She just carried on the line — no one told her to turn. She is normally very careful and would have tried to avoid what she could. ”

Jeannette was not injured in the fall and was able to ride her next horse, who went double clear.

“It’s good to hear [the girl’s ankle was not broken],” said Jeanette who is hoping to get in touch with the family to see how the girl is getting on.

A spokesman for Barbury Horse Trials added: “The Barbury team and Jeanette were very concerned for the welfare of all involved, particularly the girl who was injured and we all wish her a very speedy recovery.

“Barbury is organising a full refund on the girl’s family’s tickets and offering them complimentary entry to the horse trials in 2016.”

British Eventing (BE) advised that spectators at equestrian events should take care.

“We are extremely sorry to hear that this accident occurred,” a BE spokesman told H&H.

“We understand that the individual is expected to make a full recovery and that the organising team have been in touch with the family offering their support.

“We advise that a common sense approach is taken and that any spectator at a sporting event needs to be mindful of what is happening around them, especially when animals are involved.”

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Four-star eventer Trig Point has returned to competition after recovering from a life-threatening infection earlier this year.

A rare infection left Nicky Roncoroni’s 13-year-old gelding extremely ill following a tooth extraction over the winter.

Barbury Horse Trials (9-12 July) marked the combination’s return to competition, where they competed HC in the novice and jumped clear across country.

“He is very pleased with himself,” said Nicky. “He had a very, very big smile on his face.”

“It was just lovely to have him out and feeling so good.”

Problems started for Trig Point in November when he had an upper molar tooth taken out due to a slab fracture.

The trauma of the extraction resulted in some bleeding into the sinuses. Trig Point was given antibiotics and had a catheter inserted to treat the infection, which appeared to resolve the problem.

Nicky told H&H at the time that it seemed like the horse was on the mend and was jumping and galloping again, but then the infection returned.

After an operation and weeks in veterinary hospital, Trig Point returned home to Nicky’s Gloucestershire yard on 11 February to recover.

In March, he had to undergo more surgery following a further re-infection.

Vets told Nicky that bringing him back into work would help his recovery.

“We felt it was important to have a bit of a focus for him,” she told H&H yesterday (Wednesday, 15 July).

“Part of his recovery really is feeling he has a job to do, feeling part of the team again.

“We are very much being led by how he feels.”

Nicky added they have to be very aware of what is going on and are neither asking nor expecting too much of him.

She also said she is “very thankful” to everybody that helped with his recovery.

The 17hh gelding, who has 467 British Eventing points, jumped clear across country at Badminton in 2013 and came 14th at Pau CCI4* in 2012.

Other results include wins in the CIC3* at Ballindenisk in 2012 and Montelibretti in 2013, where he was on the winning British Nations Cup team.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It’s mind-boggling that there were three full sections of CIC2* horses at Barbury last weekend, and about 100 in the CIC3* — plus all the novices, Burghley young event horses and so on. It’s a mammoth event and one of the world’s most spectator-friendly horse trials. Nigel Bunter and his team do a fabulous job and it appears to run very smoothly.

The cross-country courses were on the friendly side, although all caused problems.

I would like Mark Phillips to shoot the wooden “alligator” in the first water, though. It always causes a few horses to leave legs and tip up — and the second water tends to cause some falls as well, so maybe that needs looking at too.

They were lucky to get some rain, but I ran novices and CIC2* horses before the rain came on Sunday, and they never felt like they were feeling the ground and pulled up well.

I went cross-country at 4pm on Sunday, and by then the going was ideal — the heavy showers during the afternoon put the final touches on the hard work done by the Barbury team.

The one blip was the warm-up area for one section of the CIC2* dressage was on the side of a hill and on very firm going.

I don’t know why so many three-star horses were withdrawn. Some will cite the ground, but riders are unlikely to get better at this time of year in a dry spell. And I guess, in such a big section, that you knew after dressage whether you were going to be chasing any prize-money or not.

It was a tremendous feat by Andrew Nicholson and the connections of Avebury to win this prestigious class four years running — and so comfortably. He will be aiming for a fourth Burghley now — but we will all be aiming to stop him!

A thoroughbred fan

I was particularly pleased to win the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) class at Barbury (pictured); it’s a great innovation. Thoroughbreds have gone a little out of vogue in eventing, but a good one is brilliant to work with and can be competitive at the top level.

Thinking of thoroughbreds brings me on to the charity race I rode in at Newbury recently. I’ve always been a racing fan and wanted to be a jockey before I grew too big, so this was always going to be great fun. The charity Key4Life does some amazing work rehabilitating young offenders.

Charlie Hills and Qatar Racing kindly lent me a horse — a three-year-old colt called Ledbury. With three furlongs to run, I was able to move off the rail, and I thought we had a chance. But it was a bit like driving the lorry — you hit the limiter and can’t go any faster.

It’s one of my bucket-list things to do — win a race — and I’d love another go.

It was great to meet Victoria Pendleton — what a charming, gutsy girl she is. For someone who had been riding for only 18 weeks she did a very good job and I have no doubt that she will achieve her aim of riding in the Foxhunter at Cheltenham.

Where does the time go?

As I write, I’m on my way to the Pan Am Games, where the Brazilian team I look after are hoping for a strong performance. Then it’s back for Gatcombe, Aachen, Burghley and the autumn three-days. Then it’s Olympic year — it doesn’t seem like four years since we started preparing for London.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 16 July 2015

From Avebury to AP McCoy, there were a few things that dawned on us at this year's Barbury Horse Trials

1. Andrew Nicholson and Avebury have got Barbury sussed…

This weekend the pair took their fourth consecutive title in the CIC3*

2. …and he’s understandbly chuffed about it

The Kiwi celebrates with his wife Wiggy

3. Barbury is the number one horse trials for lazy spectators

Set in a natural amphitheatre in the rolling Wiltshire hills, this is the horse trials for spectators who have no interest in moving from their picnic spot — they can watch the whole cross-country course and showjumping from one place. Bliss.

Continued below…

15 riders reach the point of no return

We’ve all been there — one minute you’re enjoying the ride of your life and the next you experience that

4. Ex-racehorses really are as good as we always thought

Mark Todd and Front Street take the ROR Championships title

5. AP McCoy hasn’t lost his winning touch

Just three months since the 20-time champion jockey retired, he was back in the saddle at Barbury to lead a team of jockeys (Sam Twiston-Davies, Wayne Hutchinson and Richard Johnson) to victory in the JCB Champion Challenge against the eventers (Andrew Nicholson, Mark Todd, Harry Meade and Tina Cook). But it wasn’t all plain sailing — The Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase team beat the jockeys to the finishing line in an earlier round (which is something they’re unlikely to forget in a hurry…)

6. Even Olympic champions can be left peering through an owl hole at a standstill

Mark Todd’s Brownsville Bertie has a refusal in the CIC2*. But it wasn’t all bad news. The 59-year-old finished third and fourth in a CIC2* section with Amacuzzi and Oloa, and third in the CIC3* with Leonidas II

7. Fence judges’ dogs have the best time

With the sun shining for (most of) this year’s event, these dogs secured themself a good gig helping out their fence-judging owner

8. Sometimes hanging logs are best used for resting your legs…

Katey Cuthbertson and Imbroglio get into some trouble in the CIC2*

9. …and this fence even proved problematic for William Fox-Pitt

The walk of shame: William parts company from Ramdam De Mons in the CIC2*

10. And finally…

All horse trials should have an authentic Italian pizza van. Move over greasy burgers… The Siena Pizza Co took ringside food up a notch.

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Champion jump jockey AP McCoy thrilled crowds at St James’ Place Barbury Horse Trials on Saturday (11 July) as he returned to the saddle for a charity jumping competition.

Raising money for the Injured Jockeys Fund, McCoy teamed up with three of his former weighing room colleagues — Sam Twiston-Davies, Wayne Hutchinson and Richard Johnson — to take on a team of world famous eventers in the JCB Champions Challenge in the main arena.

Andrew Nicholson, who later went on to win the CIC3* on Avebury, led the eventers’ team alongside fellow New Zealand rider Sir Mark Todd and British riders Harry Meade and Tina Cook.

Borrowing horses lent to them by the top teams in the inter-hunt relay event that took place just ahead of their clash, the celebrity riders had a few moments to acquaint themselves with their mounts before heading into the main arena.

The two teams then went head-to-head over a mirror-image course, coming together in the water before kicking on for the last fence.

In his first public appearance back in the saddle since his recent retirement, AP showed his true competitive spirit by setting a blistering pace while up against Andrew Nicholson to give his team an early lead.

The final riders for each team — Harry Meade and Richard Johnson — crossed each other’s tracks in the water, leading to a brief stewards enquiry however the jockeys were crowned the winners.

Following the race AP said: “Thank you to the eventers and the hunts for taking part to raise funds for the Injured Jockeys Fund, which is a really important organisation for horseracing and beyond.

“It felt great to be back in the saddle and today was something a bit different, and at least we won!“

Despite victory over the eventers, the jump jockeys were not unbeaten over the course.

The Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase team of Debbie Honour, Jeremy Adams, Hamish Firth and Andrew Clarke — winners of the senior inter-hunt relay competition — had taken on the jockeys in an earlier round and come home with the overall winning time.

BHWC team chef d’equipe Susie Beecroft told H&H: “We’ve had such a fantastic day and want to thank the organisers for hosting another great event.

“We’ve had a wonderful relay season with three wins so far and are delighted to have been involved in supporting the Injured Jockeys Fund this afternoon.”

The winning junior inter-hunt relay team from the Portman Hunt consisted of two pairs of sisters.

Thomma and Bea Shepherd along with Olivia and Martha Allhusen were narrowly beaten by the eventers team when they went head-to-head as part of the afternoon’s entertainment in the main ring.

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I’ve been Horse & Hound eventing editor 10 years today.

I always count the Monday after Barbury as the anniversary. It’s not necessarily strictly true, date-wise, but for me it will always be the day I moved across from H&H’s now-defunct sister magazine Eventing — where I was assistant editor for a year — to be eventing editor at H&H.

Why do I remember it so clearly? Well…

On that day, I was sitting at my desk. Editing reports, choosing pictures, doing the press day things, feeling excited but a little nervous in my new job.

Suddenly, the phone rang. It was Mark Phillips (pictured with me above) ringing about his column. Now I was even more nervous. It’s not every day you speak to an Olympic gold medallist and world-renowned cross-country course-designer.

“Hello Captain Phillips.”

“Pippa. What were you doing in my ditch?”

Utter mortification.

This was the first year of Barbury Horse Trials and I was reporting on the big class on Sunday, my last hurrah for Eventing. But I had entered the novice class on Saturday with my horse VIP — known as Peanut.

We set off across country and all went fairly well until I reached the fourth or fifth fence, a big open ditch and hedge. Something went wrong — I didn’t ride forwards, I missed my stride, who knows? Peanut ended up jumping straight into the ditch, instead of over the ditch and hedge.

And here was Mark Phillips asking me about it. He’d seen me landing in the ditch. He thought his new eventing editor was a total idiot/bad rider/hopeless case. How embarrassing. Aargh. I launched into a length explanation of what had happened.

Then he gave me his assessment.

“I think you forgot to kick.”

Fair enough. He was probably right.

Fortunately my relationship with Mark has improved since then. The day he told me to stop calling him Captain Phillips was a bit of a landmark (it took a year or two) and 10 years on, I rather enjoy our chats.

No serious harm was done to Peanut or me during our escapade in the ditch. I remembered how to kick and before he retired in 2008, we had plenty more good days eventing — but I’m not sure Mark saw any of those.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Avebury claims his fourth consecutive Barbury CIC3* title for Andrew Nicholson, who also finishes second on Nereo.

Andrew Nicholson and Avebury galloped to victory in St James’s Place Barbury Horse Trials CIC3* this afternoon for the fourth consecutive year — and set a new record in the process.

“He felt superb. The moment I hopped on him I could tell he’s at a place he knows,” said Andrew of the 15-year-old grey who led from the outset on a mark of 33.9.

Avebury was one of five horses to finish on his dressage score.

“He’s been perky all week. In the warm up he felt very happy to be here and around the course he felt the same,” added Andrew.

Andrew also finished second on Nereo. This meant the New Zealand rider was in the fortunate position of knowing he had already won when he left the startbox on Avebury, because the final phase is run in reverse order of merit and the chestnut ran out of order earlier in the day.

“Nereo is class,” added Andrew. “A lot of people forget about him and he’s underrated. But he keeps turning up at these big events and doing his job — he’s very reliable.”

H&H columnist Mark Todd finished third on Leonidas II, while Nicola Wilson was best of the British, in fourth on Beltane Queen.

“I’m so happy with her,” said Nicola. “She just pricks her big ears, looks forward and enjoys her job, which is lovely to feel.”

Another Kiwi, Tim Price, claimed fifth on Ringwood Sky Boy, despite being held on course while a frangible pin was fixed at the Earthline Quarry (15).

Eight horses achieved the optimum time of 6min 52sec around the Mark Phillips-designed undulating track. These included the top five, despite heavy rain making the going slippier in places compared to earlier in the day, plus Paul Tapner (Indian Mill, ninth), Jonelle Price (Classic Moet, 12^th) and Britain’s Becky Woolven (Charlton Down Riverdance, 31^st).

RESULTS

• Avebury (Andrew Nicholson, NZL) 33.9
• Nereo (Andrew Nicholson, NZL) 38.3
• Leonidas II (Mark Todd, NZL) 38.4
• Beltane Queen (Nicola Wilson, GBR) 44.1
• Ringwood Sky Boy (Tim Price, NZL) 45
• Grand Manoeuvre (Laura Collett, GBR) 45.3
• Piaf De Bneville (Astier Nicolas, FRA) 46.6
• Simon Porloe (Padraig McCarthy, IRE) 48.3
• Indian Mill (Paul Tapner, AUS) 49.2
• Minos De Petra (Pascal Leroy, FRA) 49.8

Don’t miss the full St James’s Place Barbury Horse Trials report in the next issue of Horse & Hound, on sale 16 July.

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With the weather forecast looking good (a whopping 26 degrees on Friday), there are plenty of reasons to stock up on suncream (and maybe a mac for Sunday) and make the trip to Wiltshire for this year’s Barbury International Horse Trials (9-12 July 2015).

1. Get a glimpse of Andrew Nicholson and Avebury

With three consecutive wins in the CIC3* competition at Barbury, all eyes will be on this duo.

2. Big names

The European Championships at Blair Castle are looming (10-13 September) and Barbury is a good chance to catch Britain’s top combinations in action ahead of it. Eyes peeled for the likes of William Fox-Pitt on Bay My Hero and Oliver Townend on Fenyas Elegance.

3. The return of AP McCoy (in a different guise…)

On Saturday (11 July), 20-times champion jockey AP McCoy will be back in the saddle, leading a team of jockeys in the JCB Champions Challenge — a unique race over a specially designed course including a water jump. The jockeys will be taking on a team of eventers, led by Andrew Nicholson, as well as the winning junior and senior teams from the inter-hunt relay. Prime time viewing.

Continued below…

19 signs you’re an incurable eventing nut

Are you so crazy about eventing it fills every area of your life? Read on to find out if you’re

4. Support your hunt

Catch the thrills and spills of the inter hunt team relay final in the main arena on Saturday (11 July).

5. Do your bit for charity

Put some money in the pot for this year’s named chairty, The Injured Jockeys Fund. Since it was founded in 1964 it has helped over 1000 jockeys and their families and has paid out more than £22m in charitable assistance.

6. The sheep show

Dubbed the “Miss World of sheep”, Saturday and Sunday’s sheep show — “a live show of sheep breeds and shearing” — needs to be at the top of your must-see list… even just for the novelty factor.

7. Cameras at the ready

Set in 1,850 acres of picture-perfect Wiltshire countryside, the natural amphitheatre on the Barbury Caste Estate means you can see every fence on the cross-country track.

8. Retail therapy

With over 50 stalls in the shopping village — selling everything from saddlery and jewellery to dog leads and bronze sculptures — keeping your credit card at bay might be a struggle…

Tickets cost £15 on Friday and £20 Saturday and Sunday on the gate, with no charge for car parking. Children under 12 years go free.

For more information and tickets visit www.barburyhorsetrials.co.uk

Don’t miss our full report from Barbury in the 16 July issue of Horse & Hound magazine

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Laurent-Perrier

Guards Polo Club and the champagne house have announced a three-year partnership.

Laurent-Perrier is now the official champagne of the polo club, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

The champagne house, which was founded in 1812, has previously sponsored the Inter Regimental and the Captains and Subalterns Tournaments in the 1980s.

Neil Hobday, the polo club’s chief executive, said: “With a packed season ahead of us, including this weekend’s Cartier Queen’s Cup Final, there will be plenty of reasons to open a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Brut, Rosé, or Grand Siecle and celebrate.”

Charles Owen & Co

The hat manufacturer is to return to BETA International as a sponsor of the Horse Demonstration and Seminar Arena.

For the fourth year in a row, the company will host the Charles Owen Learning Centre in 2016.

It will have live action product displays and retailer information sessions across the three-day show, which is held at the NEC in Birmingham from 24-26 January.

Charles Owen’s managing director Roy Burek said the trade fair is very special to them and they look forward to supporting it for years to come.

He added: “Charles Owen’s focus has always been on education and sponsoring this feature certainly provides us with a way to help retailers develop their business and become increasingly profitable.”

QIPCO

A multi-million pound commercial deal has been announced between British Champions Series, Ascot, Newmarket and QIPCO.

This deal, which was announced on 10 June, secures QIPCO’s partnership with all parties until 2024.

The Qatari private investment company became title series sponsor in 2011 and, since its launch, prize money across the 35-race series has increased to 50 percent to £17.4m in 2015.

Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdullah Al Thani, chief executive of QIPCO, said they are proud to support British racing and its heritage.

He said: “As a private, family-run investment company, we are privileged to have built an association with world-renowned events such as Royal Ascot and British Champions Series, the very best of British racing.”

Horse of the Year Show

A combination of three sponsors are set to work together to support various classes at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) this year.

Healthcare provider Kare Plus, Brineton Engineering and Colne Stud will be supporting three mountain and moorland showing classes.

These are the Brineton/Kare Plus mountain and moorland first ridden pony of the year, Colne mountain and moorland lead rein pony of the year and the Brineton Colne mountain and moorland mini pony of the year championships.

Helena Pettit, managing director of Grandstand Media, said: “We are thrilled that all three sponsors are working together to support these classes at HOYS 2015.”

HOYS runs from 7-11 October at Birmingham NEC.

Visit: www.hoys.co.uk

Cofibres

The Sunshine Tour Championships have secured sponsorship from Cofibres.

Qualifying dressage, showjumping and showing events for the championships are being held at venues across the UK until 31 August.

The championships will be held at Hickstead from 18-20 September.

Cofibres are a chopped poly-propylene fibre additive designed to be added to sand arena surfaces.

It gives a stable base without making it hard or tiring for the horse to work on.

Visit: www.sunshinetour.co.uk

Simpsons Subaru

A new partnership has been struck up between Barbury and Simpsons Subaru.

The Highworth-based dealership will become the official automotive partner of the St James’s Place Wealth Management Barbury International Horse Trials horse trials, which run from 9-12 July.

There is also a chance to win the use of a new Subaru Forester from 9-13 July with VIP parking at the horse trials on 12 or 13 July.

Nigel Bunter, owner of Barbury Castle Estate and chairman of the horse trials, said: “The addition of Simpsons Subaru to the family of commercial partners at Barbury is testament to its growing appeal for business as well as consumers enjoying a great day out.”

Visit: www.barburyhorsetrials.co.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Riders from hunts across the country could have the chance to go up against their heroes of the racing and eventing worlds in a challenge at Barbury Horse Trials next month (11 July).

Twenty-time champion jockey AP McCoy is getting back into the saddle for his first public appearance on horseback since he retired in April.

AP will be leading a team of jockeys to take on a team of eventers, lead by New Zealand Olympian Andrew Nicholson.

And the two professional teams will also be taking on the hunts. The winning junior and senior teams from the inter-hunt relay, held earlier in the day, will form the final two teams in the JCB Champions Challenge. These two teams will then have the chance to demonstrate their speed and jumping skills in Barbury’s main arena, riding against the jockeys and eventers.

Backing up AP in the jockeys team will be 22-year-old Sam Twiston-Davies, H&H racing columnist Richard Johnson, and Wayne Hutchinson, stable jockey to Barbury Castle trainer Alan King.

In the eventers team will be Andrew, who has won Barbury’s three-star competition for the past three years, and his Kiwi teammate Sir Mark Todd. They will be joined by H&H columnist Harry Meade and Olympian Tina Cook.

In last year’s competition the jockeys were victorious, with a team spearheaded by former champion jockey John Francome. Noel Fehily stepped up to the plate to stand in for injured AP. Now AP is taking part, can the jockeys do the double?

The jockeys last year took on eventers, show jumpers and a team from the VWH hunt, who qualified in the inter-hunt relay.

“The hunt gave us a real run for our money, the boys certainly need to watch out for their day jobs, but where were the eventers? Did they show up? We barely broke a sweat against them!” said John Francome at the time.

Hunt teams taking part in the hunt scurry competition at Barbury are also invited to raise sponsorship in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund. The team that raises the most will win a premier box for 25 at Cheltenham Racecourse at the hunter chase evening fixture in May 2016.

The St James’s Place Wealth Management Barbury International Horse Trials takes place from 9-12 July. The JCB Champions Challenge takes place on Saturday 11 July.

For information visit: www.barburyhorsetrials.co.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Get the lowdown on this fixture from Eventing magazine's horse trials guide — including what riders say about the event, plus vital statistics

Date: Thursday 9 – Sunday 12 July 2015

Organiser: Holly Farr

Contact: 07966 42 779; email: holly@barburyhorsetrials.co.uk; www.barburyhorsetrials.co.uk

Location: Wiltshire

Entries open: 28 May

Ballot date: 15 June at 12 noon

Entries close: 29 June

Link to Barbury entries: www.britisheventing.com/barbury

How to get there

M4 J15, A346 to Marlborough. Follow AA signs.

What the organisers say

Barbury, sponsored by St James’s Place Wealth Management, promises a warm welcome to all riders and owners. A friendly, fun atmosphere, wonderful old turf and challenging, fair courses with fantastic viewing make Barbury unique.

Please come and enjoy the Friday and Saturday parties, the JCB Champions Challenge (eventers vs jump jockeys vs showjumpers vs hunts in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund) and the quality hospitality.

We have novice, CIC2* and CIC3* sections, plus the valuable Retrained Racehorse Eventing Championship.

The showjumping courses are designed by Stephen Renouard. Cross-country courses designed by Mark Phillips and built by the Willis Bros. Event secretary Holly Farr.

We all look forward to seeing you 9-12 July at Barbury 2015.

What the riders say

Dressage & showjumping — “The dressage for the novices is a long way from the main event — make sure to take a bike or get acquainted with the helpful buggy system.” “Novice arenas flat and well spaced, and the warm-up areas are slightly restricted, but make the most of the space and flat ground available.” “The dressage for the two- and three-star has lots of atmosphere and distractions, especially if the cross-country is running at the same time. “The showjumping in the main arena is a great experience in the main class and is always a well-built course with plenty of combinations and up to height.”

Cross-country — “Ground is on the firm side but usually has good grass cover, and can take a lot of rain as it’s chalky soil.” “Fantastic viewing course for spectators/owners.” “The tracks are all up to height and not for a first-time run at a new level. They ride well but horses have a lot to take in and take on, especially on the cross-country, such as the two water complexes.”

Percentage of cross-country clears 2014

CIC3*: 61%

CIC2*: 62%

INU21: 100%

IN: 78%

PON: 100%

ON: 75%

N: 73%

Download part two of the horse trials guide for just £1.49: Eventing horse trials guide part two

Buy Eventing magazine’s April issue for our full horse trials guide detailing every event from July to October 2015 or purchase a digital copy of the guide here.

Should dogs be allowed at equestrian events? It’s an ongoing debate which, after several incidents this summer, has left riders and spectators calling for action.

Although people with horses often have dogs as well, they can be a menace at horse trials; leaving mess, chasing horses and attacking other dogs.

One reader contacted H&H as she was “appalled” to see a dog pursuing Matthew Wright and Cossan Lad on course at Burghley (pictured) (6 September).

“It’s time something was done. A heavy fine would make people take note — this cannot keep happening,” she said.

During the Pony Club open eventing championships, a small black terrier reportedly “ran amok” for five minutes, hampering riders.

“When will a loose dog be taken as a safety issue the same as a loose horse?” asked Fran Lockyer, the mother of one rider (letters, 28 August).

“I would like to see an outright ban of dogs, but I don’t think this will happen — loose dogs can ruin the highlight of a competitor’s whole season.”

After Blenheim (13 September) footage emerged of Millie Dumas being chased in the CCI3* on Aristiek.

“It certainly affected my placing as I picked up time faults while trying to avoid it,” she told H&H. “It was very disappointing but I was lucky as my horse coped well —it could have caused a nasty fall had he been concentrating on the dog and not the fence.”

Millie added she didn’t want a ban introduced, but that she would support a fine for owners of out of control dogs.

Patricia Clifton of Blenheim, said Millie received no jumping penalties, but an adjustment was made to her time [after an appeal from Millie].

“There is no doubt that unruly dogs are a nuisance and cause headaches to officials,” she said. “We all need to think about ways we can address the issue, while still welcoming responsible owners.”

No ban considered

Last year H&H asked organisers of major horse trials whether they were considering banning dogs after an unofficial poll on the H&H forum found 63% of users were in favour of keeping dogs away from events.

Organisers said they were not planning on taking action, but urged owners to keep control and clean up.

The same answer stood when asked again this year.

“At present there are no plans to revisit this matter. However, each event can implement their own policy regarding dogs if they wish,” said a spokesman for British Eventing.

A spokesman for Burghley said that dogs are welcome “on the premise they are kept on a lead and that bags around the show ground are used to clean up after them”.

Nigel Bunter from Barbury added: “We love canine visitors, but if they were to chase a horse this can cause a serious risk, so we aim to communicate responsible ownership as loudly as possible.”

However, some events have taken a stand. The Royal County of Berkshire Show has had a no-dog policy for several years.

Simon Frere-Cook of the show said: “It just doesn’t work for dogs or visitors. We simply don’t have the space for dogs, so in interests of welfare we don’t allow them. However, we do review this policy every year.”

This news story was first published in H&H magazine on 25 September 2014

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

I have just got back from a fantastic week’s holiday travelling around Croatia with a couple of great friends. It was the perfect break, getting some sun, rest and relaxation — although to my dismay I got back to hear England had been basking in a heat wave too!

Before I went away we were at Barbury Castle and Tweseldown. At Barbury I had Archie (Arise Cavalier) in the Dubarry Burghley Young Event horse qualifier, Skippy (Abakala Flagmount) in the novice and Myrtle (In Vogue II) doing the guinea pig test in the CIC2* arena.

Archie (pictured) went really well but sadly the dressage judge and conformation judge didn’t take to him so we didn’t make it into the final 10. Still, it is a great education for the young horses to be able to compete at such a big event as Barbury with all the atmosphere and lots of things to look at.

I was thrilled with Skippy in the novice as it was quite an ask for only his second one, with a tough cross-country. He did a good dressage for 35.5, but a jockey error showjumping meant we had one down. But he flew round the cross-country for a lovely clear, gaining in confidence as he went round.

Myrtle had a really good practice doing the two-star test. It was quite a lot for her to do but she coped well and was given a decent mark, so it’s encouraging to know there is a lot more to come. I now know what I need to work on for when she does her first two-star towards the end of the season.

We then had Archie and Myrtle at Tweseldown where Archie was doing his first novice and Myrtle her second intermediate. Although the results don’t look great on paper I was so excited by how Archie went. As only a five-year-old — and having been quite a challenge at the beginning of the year — he felt very grown up and took the step up in his stride.

He just had a really silly baby stop very near home, when he missed his stride into a combination having done a lovely clear showjumping. Myrtle also went well but a jockey error meant we had a silly run out cross-country. A slightly frustrating day when it’s only silly mistakes — but they happen and you just try and make sure they don’t happen again!

Rosie

Read all Rosie’s eventing blogs

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Move over eventers — the jockeys are winning on your home turf.

A team of four National Hunt stars were victorious at Barbury International Horse Trials on Saturday (5 July) in the Champions Challenge.

Former champion jockey John Francome spearheaded the team, which was completed by Sam Twiston-Davies, Richard Johnson and Noel Fehily — who was standing in for an injured AP McCoy.

The jockeys triumphed over the three other teams — eventers, showjumpers and the VWH Hunt team, who qualified for the competition by winning the inter-hunt relay.

“The hunt gave us a real run for our money, the boys certainly need to watch out for their day jobs, but where were the eventers? Did they show up? We barely broke a sweat against them!” said John Francome.

“It was a real buzz to ride in front of such a great crowd here at Barbury and all in aid of the fantastic work of the Injured Jockeys Fund,” added John.

The runners up were the hunt team of Tintin Belsham, Ella McEwen and Scarlett Crew.

Finishing in third place were the eventers team consisting of Zara Phillips, William Fox-Pitt, H&H columnist Sir Mark Todd and Laura Collett.

The showjumping team of Angie Thompson, Michael Duffy, Tim Wilks and Rowan Willis were fourth.

Read our full report from Barbury in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 10 July.

You might also enjoy these galleries:

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It was fast and furious in the Airbus Group Masters 1.50m class at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Chantilly. A mammoth 22 riders reached the jump-off and it resulted in a high-octane racing finish — not surprising when there was a €15,000 top prize at stake.

Fans say farewell to showjumping star [PICS]

Edwina Tops-Alexander retired her great showjumper Cevo Itot Du Chateau in an emotional ceremony in Paris on Sunday, 5 July.

Hickstead Derby drama and delights [PICS]

The Equestrian.com Derby Meeting at Hickstead was as dramatic as they come, with thrills and spills galore in Sunday’s major class, the Equestrian.com Derby. But there was a lot more action to enjoy across the 4 days and here are some of the highlights capture by our dedicated photographers.

Hickstead Derby Bank: how NOT to do it

Over the years horses have jumped straight off the top, refused to descend or even gone down backwards. So here are a selection of less-than-copybook attempts from the Horse & Hound picture archives.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Andrew Nicholson and Avebury completed a Barbury International Horse Trials hat-trick yesterday (Sunday 6 July) — taking the CIC3* title for the third year running.

Following a strong dressage and clear showjumping round, the pair won the section despite picking up some time-faults on the cross-country.

“He felt pretty good,” said Andrew of Rosemary and Mark Barlow’s grey gelding.

“He’s a horse that seems to like going back to certain places. He was squealing and shying and jumping extravagantly in the warm-up.”

“To win here three times in a row on a horse that was born round here and is named after a local landmark feels pretty good. Bring on Burghley.”

Avebury heads to Gatcombe next — and then a shot at a third Burghley title, if the World Equestrian Games (WEG) doesn’t intervene. He is Andrew’s second choice behind the Aachen-bound Nereo for the New Zealand WEG team.

The pair could score a Burghley treble too, after winning in 2012 and being promoted to winner of last year’s event, following Clifton Promise’s disqualification.

The duo finished 8.6 penalties clear of the runners-up, Francis Whittington and Catherine Witt’s Easy Target.

“I had an amazing ride,” said Francis. “The ground was good and the course was fun to ride. I now know I made the right decision at Badminton [to pull up] because he feels so well and happy.”

Australian rider Paul Tapner finished third on Yogi Bear VIII. He was one of only two riders — along with Beanie Sturgis on Lebowski — to achieve the optimum time of 6min 44sec.

“You have to go out of the start box meaning business here,” said Paul. “Yogi is exceptionally brave and quick and is something of a CIC specialist.”

Pippa Funnell, the 2011 winner, was fourth on Second Supreme ahead of her British team-mate Tina Cook in fifth on her World Equestrian Games hope De Novo News.

Read full report from Barbury in Horse & Hound magazine (10 July, 2014)

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Hunt followers are hoping to test themselves against celebrity riders in an inter-hunt knockout with a difference at Barbury International Horse Trials on Saturday (5 July).

A maximum of 32 hunt teams — consisting of 4 members who regularly hunt with the pack they represent — will compete against each other. Jumping over a mirror-image course, the 4 semi-finalist teams will then battle for the top prize of £500.

The winning team will then take on 3 celebrity teams made up of showjumpers, eventers and jockeys.

Each of the equestrian stars will be riding horses provided by members of the teams who are placed 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the inter-hunt competition.

Olympic eventer Zara Phillips and champion jump jockey AP McCoy will captain 2 of the teams, who are raising money for the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF).

Zara Phillips, who has hunted a lot herself, said: “It’s great to be combining the horse trials with this event in aid of IJF. There are so many different equestrian sports and we all respect and admire each other.”

A crack team of eventers includes William Fox-Pitt, H&H columnist Mark Todd and Laura Collett. Richard Johnson, John Francome and Sam Twiston-Davies complete a star-studded jockeys’ line-up.

Susie Beecroft, chef d’equipe of the Bicester with Whaddon Chase teams, said: “Our riders are very excited to be competing against such names. The celebrities will have to be on their best form to beat the winning hunt team, though, because they are a competitive lot!”

Picture by Darren Bird

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (3 July, 2014)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Suzanna was competing at 2-star level eventing before an accident while riding a young horse at home in 2012 changed her life

I can hardly contain myself at the moment, I have plans and exciting times ahead. I feel relieved to have a clear idea of where I’m going and my future ahead of me…

I’m also extremely pleased to be back on my crutches again, after my most recent operation and back behind the wheel — freedom!!

The unbelievable moment I have been building up too, is just a week or 2 away. Yes, you’ve guessed it — getting back on a horse!

I have been gradually getting all my riding gear ready and dusting off the breeches. I am planning on starting off riding again at Lakefield Equestrian Centre with Mark Cunliffe. They have got a variety of horses, knowledge and equipment to help me get going.

I live for riding, and being around the incredible creatures. The partnership and trust you build up between you is like nothing else. I can’t wait to have this part of my life back in a big way.

I’m also booked in for an assessment appointment up at Oaksey House (Injured Jockey Fund rehabilitation centre) on 14 July. The team at Oaksey have already been extremely helpful and have suggested that I have an assessment, to decide the best way forward with my rehab. I am really looking forward to hearing what they have to say and it will be great to see the place in the flesh.

Jam packed…

I’ve had a couple of busy weeks, which has been fantastic as I love being busy — it’s a great feeling. I feel far more mentally structured at the moment. I think this stems from actually getting some sleep at night because I am tired. It’s a vicious cycle, if you can’t sleep, you can’t think straight.

I have been driving the gator, and helping Dad move sheep from the field to the shearing shed for 3 days. It’s amazing to be be involved and able to help out on the farm again. Working on the farm has been a fundamental part of my life from a very young age.

I’ve also been being quite domesticated for me (definitely a 1st). I cooked all the lunches, snacks etc for the shearers. They survived, which is quite amazing, and were actually quite complementary about my cooking. Job well done!

I took a trip up to see my horses Woody and Milly at Tamsyn Hutchin’s yard. They are both looking excellent and Woody is loving being back in work again and being pampered. He’s so gentle with me on my crutches (pictured above).

It’s been a long time (before my accident) since I last taught a lesson, but I thought it was about time I got back into the swing of it again. I gave my friends Sarah and Charlotte a flatwork lesson to gradually get me going. It’s just a question of getting the confidence back in what I am saying, and building up from there. Luckily I don’t feel like I’ve forgotten it.

Recently, I ventured out to Treborough Horse Trials, with Lucy Wiegersma, Padraig McCarthy and her head girl Tiggy in the lorry for the day. It felt great to get out on the circuit again and see so many friendly faces and watch Lucy and Padraig compete.

Lucy came 1st and 2nd and Padraig 8th. So, it was a good day all round with some very smart up-and-coming young horses. I even had a little race with Hendrick Wiegersma (1 stick) and me on my crutches — I won, just!

At the weekend we gave my great aunt Barbara a lovely send off by spreading her ashes on Helman Tor, Bodmin. I’m sure my surgeon would have been pretty unhappy about my mountaineering up such a hill, but it was well worth it.

Physiotherapy

I’m making massive improvements in physio and hydro at the moment. I am getting so much stronger physically. I do however, have weeks when my body can’t cope or takes a slight step backwards. It’s never going to be a completely linear improvement, there will always be ups and downs along the way.

I’ve been doing lots for different exercises in my neuro-physio sessions with Gemma (Peninsula Community Health). We have started trying to get me upright on the tilt table, with a bend in the knee (because of the nerve pain and spasms). It’s a challenge getting weight down through my left leg, as I concentrate on not just using my right one.

We’ve also been working on getting some control over my lower leg, pushing a skate board backwards and forwards. This nearly resulted in Gemma losing her front teeth, when the spasms came on really suddenly!

I’ve still been working really hard in my saddle in physio — I have progressed to having my stirrups on, in preparation… I find this quite hard with the left foot/ankle as it has a mind of its own. I have purchased a “Daps” safety stirrup, which just means I can balance slightly more easily. We used a metronome, to try and simulate the rhythm of the trot. Gemma certainly comes up with some ingenious ideas.

To follow…

I should have some very exciting news by the time I next blog and lots of photos!! I’m also looking forward to keeping busy and heading off to Barbury Castle with Lucy, Padraig, and Tiggy. Until then,

Suzanna

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AP McCoy and Zara Phillips will be pitting their wits against each other — and a special course of obstacles — at Barbury International Horse Trials next month (3-6 July).

The champion jump jockey and former eventing world champion will be taking part in the JCB Champions Challenge — an all-star celebrity race on Saturday afternoon (5 July).

Four teams — eventers, jockeys, showjumpers, plus the winning team from the inter-hunt scurry — will battle it out over a jumping track which will include the water obstacle in the main arena.

Joining Zara on the eventers’ team will be William Fox-Pitt, Sir Mark Todd and Laura Collett. AP’s team-mates are 7-times champion jockey John Francome and young star Sam Twiston-Davies.

John Francome, who is president of the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF), Barbury’s official charity this year, said: “Visitors to Barbury are going to be treated to some serious competitive riding. I am now in intense training and using the Oaksey House [the IJF’s rehabilitation centre] gym every day. I’ve also gone into the loft and found my original racing breeches, which are now ready for action!”

Nigel Bunter, chairman of Barbury International Horse Trials, added: “We are pleased to be hosting such an exciting and unique competition. We are also delighted to be supporting the IJF, which provides such an important role to the entire equestrian community.”

For tickets and more information, visit: www.barburyhorsetrials.co.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now