Chatsworth International Horse Trials will not run in 2025, as organisers commit to “finding the best course of action to secure its future”.

Chatsworth has faced a difficult two years owing to the weather. This year’s event, which was due to include the British leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup, was cancelled two days before it was due to run from 17-19 May, and the 2023 edition had to abandon its CCI2* sections.

A British Eventing (BE) spokesperson said “the huge disruption following the cancellation of the horse trials in May due to torrential rain, and the truncating of the programme in 2023, also as a result of the weather, has been incredibly frustrating and disappointing and has had an enormous impact on all concerned”.

“The organisers have therefore been working with BE to see if running later in the season, to mitigate at least some of the risk, might be possible,” the spokesperson said.

“Moving dates, however, is not straightforward and would have a huge impact on the overall logistics including, crucially, the availability of the loyal officials, volunteers, contractors and trade stand regulars.”

The spokesperson added that as the 2025 schedule planning is already “well under way” the decision has been made for Chatsworth to opt out of the 2025 calendar, “to give time for everyone to regroup and work towards producing a stronger than ever event in 2026”.

Chatsworth event director Patricia Clifton said: “The last two years have been extremely difficult for all involved, but we are committed to finding the best course of action to secure its future.

“A break in 2025 will give us a chance to have a fresh look at the event and to make sure we can again produce top-class competition in 2026.”

BE chief executive Rosie Williams added: “We have tried very hard to get the right date for Chatsworth but unfortunately it has just proven too complex for them to enable things to align”.

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This year’s Chatsworth International Horse Trials has been cancelled as a result of heavy recent rain on site.

Organisers of the event, which was due to run from 17 to 19 May, said they are “devastated” to have to make the call, but that is “in line with the instruction of British Eventing (BE) and the FEI”.

The event was to include the return of the British leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup, as well as classes from novice to four-star and dressage and showjumping competition.

“We are devastated to announce that due to the last 12 hours of heavy rain on site, under instruction from the BE and FEI officials we have been forced to cancel the 2024 Chatsworth International Horse Trials,” a spokesman for the event said today (15 May).

“We are sorry for the disappointment and inconvenience this will cause. Our team has worked incredibly hard to organise the event, however the decision has been taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our athletes, visitors and horses, which is our number one priority.

“All ticket holders will be contacted to process a full refund. There is no need to contact us.”

Chatsworth is far from the first event to have had to cancel this season as a second wet spring in a row has wreaked havoc on the calendar. Solihull (1) and Moreton Morrell (1) were both abandoned, although the former was allowed to move to the dates vacated by the latter. The fixture due to be held at Brechin Castle in Scotland on 4 May was moved to Kirriemuir, and Breckenborough, near Thirsk, which was forced to abandon the fixture it was due to hold on 6 to 8 April was allocated new dates, 11 to 12 May.

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British Eventing (BE) has announced a “full stakeholder review” of abandonment insurance, as the fixtures calendar continues to be hindered by cancellations.

In the latest blow, Somerford Park International, which was due to hold classes from novice to CCI3*-S, announced its 30 June–2 July event is off. Organiser Debbie King said Somerford is “not prepared to run without abandonment insurance”.

“Having built up trust with our client base over several years we are not prepared to jeopardise this and leave clients out of pocket in a challenging economic climate,” she said. “We self-insured last year and due to the high volume of cancellations this year the cost for us to insure has escalated by over 100%, something we simply cannot afford to absorb along with the other escalating costs.”

BE said in light of the “unprecedented abandonments due to the prolonged adverse weather” it is undertaking a “full stakeholder review of the existing arrangements in relation to abandonment insurance”.

This follows the cancellation of Rockingham International (18–21 May), as the ground had not dried “sufficiently to allow the event to proceed in a safe manner”. Chatsworth International (12–14 May) cancelled some classes, including the CCI2*-S, after heavy rain. Chepstow at Howick (16–17 May) also abandoned because of the weather.

Rockingham organisers said they are working with their insurer to “establish next steps in terms of refunds and will be in touch with everyone as soon as they know more”. Chatsworth confirmed the event has insurance “so will be refunding as much, over and above the BE minimum refunds, as the insurance company is prepared to pay”, while Chepstow organisers are also working with their insurers. To date this season, 18 events have been affected by cancellations, the refund status for some is still to be confirmed.

In 2021 there was debate about BE’s decision to scrap its abandonment insurance (news, 9 December). This meant organisers could take out their own insurance or self-insure, alongside BE’s minimum refund policy. Under the standard BE policy, if events cancel between five days of the event starting and 5pm the afternoon before, a 15% refund will be applied. But if an event has its own abandonment insurance, refunds of up to 100% could be applied, depending on the policy and the claim being accepted.

Now the topic is back on the table, with some riders and owners raising concerns about refund amounts, the time it takes to receive a refund, and the varying levels of communication from events. One amateur rider told H&H that at one stage she was waiting for more than £600 in entry fees for lost events for her two horses.

“Doing their best”

William Buck, co-organiser of Frickley Park International (17–20 August) and a British Eventing Owners Association (BEOA) committee member, told H&H events are “doing their very best” and the decision to abandon is a last resort. He added that there has been much misunderstanding around abandonment insurance and refunds.

“The BEOA has been in dialogue with BE to try to address this, and identify concerns organisers have, not just this year but for next. There has been a split between organisers; some can get insurance and some can’t – and that can drive entries. The ones with insurance will essentially attract full entries; the ones who don’t, won’t, and there’s a risk those events will disappear,” he said.

“Also when you have significant amounts of cancellations and they claim on insurance, there’s a real risk those events will not be able to get cover going forward, or the cover they get will be at such a cost that they can’t afford to run. The danger is that the whole calendar will collapse.”

Sarah Skillin of EquiConsulting, who works with insurers Shearwater, told H&H it is important to stress that many policies used are not eventing-specific.

“When events are experiencing claims delays, it’s likely because the insurers don’t just insure eventing, they insure non-equestrian events, which are also being cancelled, so things are taking longer than normal due to the volume of claims,” said Miss Skillin, who is also part of the Little Downham organising team, which had to submit an abandonment claim last year.

“Despite us taking a risk and giving competitors a 100% refund in 48 hours, Little Downham’s claim took five weeks; you have to prepare documentation, loss adjusters have to review it and come back with an offer, then there’s more paperwork. They send you the money, which can take a further five days, then you have to process refunds via BE, if you haven’t already done so.”

But Miss Skillin, who is also an owner and represents riders, added that she believes communication between events and competitors needs improvement.

“Events have to be clear what they are offering; whether it’s the basic BE refund policy or if they are intending to refund 100%, 80%, or 70%,” she said.

“As soon as any abandonment happens they need to communicate quickly and clearly what their intention is, even if that is by stating, ‘Subject to our claim being accepted, we’re planning to refund X%’. People will understand.”

Lost opportunity for riders

The other major concern around event cancellations is riders losing opportunities to gain minimum eligibility requirements. A BE spokesman said the organisation was “saddened” to hear about Somerford, and that on top of the Chatsworth and Rockingham abandonments, this will be a “real concern for members”, particularly those wishing to compete in FEI classes.

“We appreciate that for many, these will have been key opportunities to gain MERs or educational runs and therefore BE is looking at alternative opportunities to add additional international and national classes into the calendar. Any international additions would be subject to FEI approval,” the spokesman said.

Bicton International had announced plans to run an additional class, a CCI2*-S, at its May event (25–28 May), but said “approval had been suddenly revoked by the FEI”.

An FEI spokesman said the federation “fully appreciates” the frustration of riders following the cancellations owing to the weather, and while the federation understands this has reduced opportunities, the FEI “cannot override rules that have been put in place to ensure the integrity of the sport and decision-making process”.

The spokesman added that British Equestrian and the Bicton organising team requested the FEI grant an exception to the rules, but said the rules are approved by the FEI general assembly, and there is “no provision to override this”. The spokesman said initially the FEI responded to the Bicton request with “it should be possible”, but within a few hours confirmed it would not be, along with a full explanation.

“This clearly demonstrates there was no lack of willingness on the FEI’s part, but that the rules would not allow for it and the FEI had no other option,” he said.

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Chatsworth Horse Trials takes place in the grounds of the Duke of Devonshire’s beautiful estate, which is located in the heart of the Peak District, in early May after Badminton Horse Trials. If you’re looking to make the most of the event by staying close by, check out our comprehensive list of hotels near Chatsworth House, including guest houses, B&Bs and self-contained accommodation. This year the event runs from 12–14 May, and accommodation in the local area will book up well in advance, so we suggest booking as early as possible.

Chatsworth attracts many of the world’s top riders and there is plenty for spectators to do and see with equestrian displays, a shopping village and other entertainment on hand. The house, garden, farmyard and adventure playground are open as usual during the horse trials, and dogs are welcome as long as they remain a lead at all times, so we’ve included plenty of dog-friendly hotels near Chatsworth House in our selection, too.

Hotels near Chatsworth House, plus other accommodation

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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

The British leg of the FEI eventing Nations Cup series moves to Chatsworth in 2023 with long-standing host venue Houghton absent from next year’s calendar.

The 2023 British Eventing (BE) calendar was released this week (12 December) at the same time as news of a new qualification route to the grassroots championships.

The CCIO4*-S Nations Cup will run at the Derbyshire venue from 13 to 14 May, with Houghton’s spring long-format CCI2*, CCI3* and young rider CCI3* classes moving to Bicton Arena in Devon (25 to 28 May). Bicton will also run a short-format CCI4* at that spring fixture.

Notable fixtures missing from the 2023 calendar include Firle, Weston Park and Isleham. Tweseldown’s March date is not running next year, owing to Esso installing a pipeline (Tweseldown’s other fixtures are in the calendar).

The young horse championships, previously held at Osberton in the autumn, will move to Cornbury (7 to 10 September). Osberton will continue to run its regular CCI2*-L and CCI3*-L classes, and also has a pony CCI3*-S and CCI* on its schedule for this year as well as novice and intermediate masters national classes.

New BE events include Chard in the southwest (29 to 30 April), with classes from BE80 to BE100 open, and Oxstalls in Gloucestershire (17 to 18 June), running at BE80 to BE105. Returning to the BE calendar in 2023 are Littleton Manor in Surrey (14 to 15 October) at BE80 to BE105, and Brightling Park in East Sussex (1 to 2 July) at BE80 to open novice.

Also new for this year is the introduction of nine new six- and seven-year-old classes, which will be spread across the regions from April to August.

In other news, The Under-18 Youth Championships will be split in 2023. Bishop Burton in East Yorkshire will host the BE100 and novice championships (27 to 30 July) and Chillington Hall in Staffordshire will run the BE80 and BE90 championships (9 to 10 September). GoBE classes and stand-alone GoBE fixtures are also expanding this season.

• View the full 2023 calendar

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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

The 2019 Badminton victor and winner of six senior championship medals, including world team gold and two individual European silvers, Piggy March, on why certain events could command higher entry fees

IT’S been a refreshing treat to return to Chatsworth and Rockingham over this past month, after three years away due to Covid.

We’re so lucky to be able to compete in such places – the effort that had gone in to make these true internationals was incredible. Their courses were so well dressed and presented.

Owners love these great days out which they can enjoy with their families, with the tradestands and extra entertainment.

Both venues had a real buzz in the dressage and showjumping arenas and people out on the cross-country, which offered horses an educational experience. I had two seven-year-olds at Chatsworth Horse Trials who are both aimed at Le Lion d’Angers, where there are always crowds everywhere – so having that practice is valuable.

With all that in mind, it was worrying to hear that Rockingham’s organisers are unsure if it will run again.

Badminton final scores

Of course, all sorts of fixtures have their place, and horses wouldn’t be ready for these red-letter days without practising at other events. But we need to keep these special events, which are what make the sport for our owners and our horses.

I wouldn’t have a problem with paying higher entry fees for national classes at these premier events – riding in a novice at Chatsworth is not the same as a novice at other venues. Many owners and riders would be willing to pay more for these “step above” events if it helped to keep them in the calendar.

Badminton ups and downs

IT was, of course, fabulous to have Badminton Horse Trials back, in so many ways. The crowds proved how much it’s been missed and how much people do enjoy eventing.

A huge well done to winner Laura Collett, whose London 52 is undoubtedly the horse of a lifetime. She did an unbelievable job and deserves to be the Badminton champion.

The phone reception was terrible at Badminton, and that’s a real negative for competitors. I wasn’t able to speak to my son Max, owners or family back at home without coming to the press tent, and it was impossible to communicate with my team in an emergency. This needs to be sorted for the future.

I thought the cross-country course was good when I walked it – one of Eric Winter’s best – and I didn’t expect it to cause so much trouble. It was Badminton, but it walked as if it would be jumpable.

We all know the risks of eventing, but Nicola Wilson’s fall took the magic away from the week for me. It was sad and horrid not to have our great team-mate there on site finishing the competition with us. We’re all keeping our fingers crossed that she continues to progress well.

I have been asked by Nicola to take on the ride on Coolparks Sarco for owners Jo and Jamie Lambert – an emotional role for us all but hopefully something she will be able to enjoy and follow at this difficult time.

On a personal note, it was unnerving to set out across country at Badminton so early, without seeing many riders come home smoothly without being held on course – it wasn’t an experience I’d had before at five-star. Seeing the good riders who we respect on the floor or having a problem was unsettling.

But you blank out everything else and get on with your work. My little mare Vanir Kamira (Tilly) was amazing. She had a longer warm-up than normal with the hold and felt a little switched off, but she dug deep, gritted her teeth and got it done. And she went as well as she can in the other phases.

To win Badminton at 14, have effectively three years away from the biggest events, then come back at 17 and go as well as Tilly did is quite something. She was a little soldier, in there fighting and giving all the youngsters a run for their money. She looked as well as ever, owes us nothing and I was so grateful and proud of her. It’s those moments that we live for.

● Would you pay more to ride at certain events? Write to hhletters@futurenet.com to let us know your thoughts

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 2 June (NB: Delivery of subscriber copies may be delayed this week due to the effects of the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday on the postal service. We apologise in advance for any delays experienced by our subscribers.)

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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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

Zara Tindall won the advanced class at Chatsworth Horse Trials on Sunday (15 May) riding Gleadhill House Stud’s Class Affair, who was returning to form after a frustrating spring.

“He’s had all sorts going on and had three weeks off after Burnham Market to get him feeling comfortable again, which meant we had to withdraw from Badminton Horse Trials. I’m thrilled because I got a dressage test out of him this time,” said Zara.

“I call him the mad guy because he’s strong – he was good in the waters but he towed me into the sunken hollow for a hairy moment.”

The win at Chatsworth Horse Trials marked a first run since mid-April for Zara Tindall and Class Affair. The Irish-bred 13-year-old horse lost two shoes going round but finished full of running, staying just over two penalties ahead of Phoebe Locke on Pica D’Or, with John Paul Sheffield on Schindlers Boy in third.

Oliver Townend won the flagship CCI4*-S at Chatsworth on Dreamliner, making it a brace of CCI4*-S wins for the tall grey this spring – as well as three international victories in a week for Oliver, as he also won the two flagship classes at Floors Castle.

The pair stopped the clock with just two time-penalties, the fastest time of the day, on a cross-country track where only eight combinations have made the time since 2018 according to data analytics experts EquiRatings. Their fast round over Ian Stark’s undulating course meant they moved up from 17th overnight.

“He was here for a conditioning run really and to be fair a track like this wouldn’t be ideal for him, but he’s a genuine horse and he’ll have come on for the run,” said Oliver of Mark and Angela Chamberlayne’s home-bred 12-year-old, who is by Jumbo. “It was a proper four-star course with plenty to do.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

With Ben Maher among the top names heading to Royal Windsor Horse Show, and Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin in action at Hickstead, this weekend is set to be a busy one for Britain’s best. Check out what’s on and how you can follow…

1. Royal Windsor Horse Show

Dates: 12 – 15 May

More info: rwhs.co.uk

How to watch: You can watch the events in the main arena (Castle Arena) at clipmyhorse.tv. In addition to the live stream, you are also able to watch highlights of the Rolex Grand Prix on SKY Sports and Horse & Country.

Get the H&H lowdown: H&H will be providing extensive online coverage of the action as it unfolds. Bookmark horseandhound.co.uk so you don’t miss a second of the show. A full magazine report covering the showing and showjumping classes will be available in the 19 May issue. Follow us on social media for all the breaking stories from the show.

Why we’re excited: an annual favourite for riders and spectators with a true feast of top tier five-star showjumping on home soil. We welcome a stellar field of riders to Royal Windsor Horse Show, including the Olympic champion Ben Maher, the recent World Cup victor Martin Fuchs and Swedish sensations Peder Fredricson and Henrik von Eckermann, as well as some of Great Britain’s best-loved heroes including John Whitaker, Harry Charles and Scott Brash.

Over in the showing arenas, the north and the south meet for four days of action at the season’s first major show. Producers and amateurs alike will use the fixture to showcase new stars of the show ring, and return with their most seasoned animals to be crowned the best of the very best. A highlight will be the hunter classes and overall hunter championship held in the Castle Arena on Friday.

2. I.C.E Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival Premier League, Hickstead

Dates: 12-15 May

More info: hickstead.co.uk

How to watch: hickstead.tv

Get the H&H lowdown: expect a full report in the 19 May issue.

Why we’re excited about it: Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin are among the big names set to be in action at Hickstead. Carl will ride En Vogue at grand prix, as part of his campaign for the dressage World Championships this summer, and will be joined at the level by the likes of Gareth Hughes and last year’s grand prix winner Anna Ross. Meanwhile Charlotte will showcase some of her upcoming rides at small tour.

3. Chatsworth Horse Trials, Derbyshire

Dates: 13-15 May

More info: British Eventing schedule 

How to watch: the event will be shown on Horse & Country

Get the H&H lowdown: full report in the magazine dated 19 May

Why we’re excited about it: the traditional post-Badminton big fixture, where riders can continue the roll or make amends after problems at the five-star. The flagship CCI4*-S has over 100 entries, including four rides for Bubby Upton, Ros Canter on Izilot DHI and Pencos Crown Jewel and Yasmin Ingham on Rehy DJ.

4. Nottinghamshire County

Date: 14 May

More info: nottinghamshirecountyshow.com

Get the H&H lowdown: Full magazine report in the 26 May issue of H&H

Why we’re excited: A packed schedule of classes spread across eight rings. The highlight of the day will be the Horse of the Year Show in-hand supreme qualifier, but there are also a host of Royal International Horse Show qualifiers. Championed mini ponies will compete for the coveted mini supreme title at the end of the day.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

Ford official Badminton vehicle supplier

Ford is to be the official vehicle supplier at the 2022 Badminton Horse Trials, presented by Mars Equestrian (4 to 8 May).

Ford will supply vehicles to enable officials to carry out their task around the park, and will use the event to showcase its electrified vehicles.

“Badminton is an ideal fit for Ford, especially with the emphasis on sustainability, and we are very much looking forward to being part of the event,” said Howard Kee, of Ford.

“We know that people still have a lot of questions, not to mention anxiety, about the switch to electric and we are looking forward to answering queries and, we hope, banishing any myths.”

Event director Jane Tuckwell said: “I for one am very much looking forward to getting behind the wheel of one of Ford’s vehicles and I know other officials will thoroughly enjoy the experience. We very much look forward to welcoming Ford to Badminton.”

Badminton final scores

Lister’s support for Royal Three Counties Show

Leading clipping and shearing equipment manufacturer Lister is sponsoring the “ask the groom” feature at the 2022 Royal Three Counties Show in Malvern (17 to 19 June).

“Ask the groom” will include guest talks from a range of equine industries, sessions on practical horsemanship, the mounted police, plus live clipping demonstrations.

“With Royal Three Counties Show being so close to Lister’s factory in Gloucester, it is an event that is very much close to our hearts,” said UK sales territory manager Hefin Rowlands, adding that the firm is also looking forward to supporting the shearing event along side “ask the groom”.

“Education plays an important part in what we do and having the opportunity to bring live clipping to the show, will be not just insightful for those starting out but also for those with many years of clipping experience behind them.”

He added there will be demonstrating how to clip, as well as creative clipping and managing health conditions, such as PPID (Cushing’s).

“As for the shearing, having supported the event ever since it began, it is great to see it return in such an important year ahead of the World Championship. The event will certainly bring thrills and excitement to the show,” he said.

Chatsworth signs new key sponsor

Wellness brand Walker & Morland joins Chatsworth International Horse Trials as a new key sponsor this year (13 to 15 May).

The terms of the agreement mean the brand is key sponsor of the 2022 event, with the intent of developing a longer-term relationship. This year’s fixture will also act as a campaign launch for Walker & Morland’s rollout across the UK and worldwide.

“We are very excited to welcome Walker & Morland to Chatsworth International Horse Trials, which will be returning bigger and better than ever after an enforced gap of two years,” said organiser Patricia Clifton.

“The event will mark the launch of Walker & Morland’s luxurious new wellness range. We’ve been incredibly impressed by the scientific rigour the brand brings to creating safe and restorative products that can be used with confidence by athletes and enthusiasts alike.”

The brand, which uses natural ingredients including cannabidiol (CBD) is part of Tenacious Labs. The firm states that it uses pure CBD isolate containing 0% THC (the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the high sensation) and says its products meet World Anti Doping-Agency (WADA) standards. Tenacious Labs’ website states that all its products are manufactured and tested in certified laboratories and third-party batch tested “to meet the strictest standards”. The UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) position on CBD products can be found on the UKAD website.

New best turned-out horse prize at Bramham

British Horse Feeds is delighted to be awarding a new best turned-out prize at Bramham International Horse Trials (9 to 12 June).

The Yorkshire-based company will present the British Horse Feeds best turned-out prize, which will run alongside the Hiho Silver-sponsored best-dressed rider, at the initial horse inspection.

“As one of our most local events we have enjoyed supporting it for a number of years and are pleased to be back this year with the British Horse Feeds Best Turned Out prize for the best turned-out horse,” said Hattie l’Anson of British Horse Feeds.

Event director Nick Pritchard added: “The British Horse Feeds best turned-out prize is a great addition to the prize list, recognising all the hard work and effort that goes into preparing the horses by the riders and their grooms.

“It is great to have support from British Horse Feeds, another Yorkshire company to continue the family and heritage feel of Bramham.”

The company already sponsors the British Horse Feeds under-25 CCI4*-L, the Fibre-Beet horse inspection area and the Speedi-Beet Double Feat cross-country fence at the event.

Steve Guerdat in new Horseware Ireland partnership

Gold medal-winning Olympic showjumper Steve Guerdat joins Horseware Ireland’s team of global sponsored riders.

The equestrian brand launched a worldwide new campaign with Steve, to coincide with the launch of its spring/summer collection, titled: “Steve Guerdat – ‘A True Horseman, Through It All’.”

“Horseware Ireland is a brand I have long admired for creating the most carefully and thoughtfully designed products for horse and rider,” said Steve.

“Since my earliest days as a young rider, I’ve seen that they’re the best at what they do. That’s really important to me as everything I do centres around the comfort and wellbeing of my horses.

“Being named a global sponsored rider by Horseware Ireland is such an honour for me and I’m proud to work with a brand that shares my values.”

Horseware Ireland chief executive Mark Saunders added: “His story is both inspiring and moving. Steve so completely embodies what it means to go ‘through It all’ and what it means to be a true horseman – the emotional journey, the life lessons, the heartbreaking losses, the absolute trust, and the unwavering bonds that have led to unforgettable victories.

“Steve shares these insights in our short film, which will resonate with horse lovers everywhere.”

New deals for Sameh el Dahan

British showjumper Sameh el Dahan has secured sponsorship from Dominick Rugs and its UK distributor The Centre Line.

Sameh, who is based in Northern Ireland and rode for Egypt before switching to compete under the British flag, rides as part of the WKD showjumping team with owner and business partner Joanne Sloan Allen.

“My horses will be protected from the changeable weather and extremely comfortable in their stable and travel rugs too. Thanks to the team at The Centre Line for helping fit the rugs and for all their advice. I stand behind this brand and recommend them to all,” said Sameh.

Sameh has also signed a deal with Hi Form Equine UK, UK distributors of supplement brand Hi Form.

He has been supplementing his horses with Oxydane, which is designed to promote and maintain a healthy immune system, and joint supplement Proflamaid Plus on a trial basis for several months.

“Hi Form are delighted to welcome Sameh, another talented rider on to their select team. Each individual rider has been chosen for support as they have independently chosen to buy and feed the supplements,” said a spokesman for the company.

Sundown sponsors British rider

British event rider Will Rawlin has signed a sponsorship deal with horse bedding company Sundown Products.

His first public role as brand ambassador for the British firm will be leading a course-walk at the Fairfax & Favour Rockingham International Horse Trials on 21 May for winners of a Sundown-run competition.

Will has been using Sundown’s straw bedding products for more than six years, and all 16 horses in his current string are bedded on a combination of Sundown Green (chopped wheat straw) and Sundown Yellow (chopped rapeseed straw).

“All of my horses love their Sundown bedding and it’s reassuring to see them lying down and getting their rest. We have a good routine on the yard, with the horses’ beds topped up with fresh Sundown bedding twice a week. It rots down really quickly in the muck heap, and even the messier horses do really well on it,” said Will.

“I’m really delighted to be sponsored by Sundown and working with them as a brand ambassador. I genuinely love their bedding products and it’s great to be building on our long-term relationship.”

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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

As 2020 rolls on, Covid-19 means we are without equestrian sport to entertain us. So join us as we take a look back at some of the funny, touching and intriguing things that event riders told our reporters during May 2019…

“She announced I’d sold her mum a horse and she was happy with the way it was going. I asked if her mum was ready to buy a new one yet!” – Oliver Townend on getting more than he bargained for as he thanked the Pony Clubber manning the dressage arena exit at Kentucky

“If he even touches a fence he does so very, very lightly and spends the next six apologising” – Oliver Townend on Kentucky winner Cooley Master Class’s careful jumping style

“He was cross-tied for two or three months for his own welfare” – Tim Price on Xavier Fair’s recovery after being kicked by a pony he had known his whole life in the field. The horse was third at Kentucky

“He got a bit distracted and drifted right at the first triple brush arrowhead, so I whacked the flag with my knee and it got stuck” – Ariel Grald on jumping the second two elements of a combination at Kentucky with a flag caught between her knee and the saddle

“The only time she wears a dressage saddle is at a competition – she knows how to do the movements and flatwork in the school makes her uncomfortable and cross. She is much happier like this” – Vittoria Panizzon on Withington advanced winner Borough Pennyz

“FAB-U-LOUS” – written on Gemma Tattersall and Quicklook V’s dressage sheet after they scored 15.5 in the open intermediate at Withington

“He’s not what you expect for a sports cob – he can be a bit of a neurotic bulldozer – but once you’re on him he’s a total pro” – Laura Greenhalgh on Stanhopes Travelling Man, winner of the BE90 Mitsubishi Motors Cup

“I don’t sleep much and I don’t sit down” – Jo Hales, second in the BE100 Mitsubishi Motors Cup, on how she fits in working two jobs, having two children and eventing three horses

“She’s always been an amazing jumper but very opinionated and mareish. She swears and bites you regularly, but we’ve learnt to manage her” – Katie Magee on her Chatsworth advanced winner Dollarney

Article continues below…

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As we can’t be at Badminton this week, we remind you of the thrilling, funny and touching moments from the

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Throwback: Medallists, a Badminton winner and Rio Olympians – 13 top horses flying round Chatsworth 2019

With the Event Rider Masters first leg of 2019, plus two other CCI4*-S sections, the Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth Horse

“He knows he’s really talented and tells everyone else about it” – Susie Berry on Rockingham intermediate winner John The Bull

“I said to the team, ‘We should have a good look because we won’t be invited any more!’” – chef d’equipe Hans Melzer on Germany’s fifth consecutive Nations Cup victory at Houghton

We are continuing to produce Horse & Hound as a weekly magazine during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as to keep our website at horseandhound.co.uk up to date with breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

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With the Event Rider Masters first leg of 2019, plus two other CCI4*-S sections, the Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth Horse Trials last year provided numerous opportunities to see top horses and riders in action — here we take a trip down memory lane to make up for having to miss this year’s event, which should have taken place last weekend...

The 2014 Badminton winners, Australia’s Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh — owned by Dinah and Posford, Jules Carter and Sam — enjoyed a good warm-up for Luhmühlen with 11th place in section C.

A spin for Lauren Blades and Shelagh Morley’s home-bred Jemilla, who competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics under Mark Kyle.

Yasmin Ingham puts in a clear cross-country on Sandman 7, owned by Janette Chinn, Edwin and Sue Davies. Sandman 7 was a team silver medalist at the 2015 European Championships with former rider Pippa Funnell.

Top amateur rider Sharon Polding and her mare Findonfirecracker prepare for Luhmühlen with a double jumping clear.

Charlotte Bacon and Lucinda Froggatt’s Last Touch are also heading to the CCI5* (previously CCI4*) at Luhmühlen. They put in a steady clear across country at Chatsworth.

Izzy Taylor and her own Monkeying Around, the former world six-year-old champion who is just stepping up to four-star level.

Becky Woolven prepares Julie Record’s DHI Babette K for Luhmühlen with a cross-country jumping clear.

Bill Levett and his own and Clare Prentice’s Shannondale Titan contest the Event Rider Masters, finishing 16th after falling foul of the 15-penalty flag rule. This pair are stalwarts of the Event Rider Masters series, with seven top-12 places since its inception in 2016.

Last year’s Blenheim winners, Bella Innes Ker and her mother the Duchess Of Roxburghe’s Carolyn, land ninth in the Event Rider Masters.

Rising star Springpower, who belongs to Linda Mars, Jeremy and Andrea Brereton, bounces back from being retired on course at Badminton with an Event Rider Masters 10th place under Izzy Taylor.

Germany’s Julia Krajewski looks to have a new star in Amande De B’Neville, who took fourth in the Event Rider Masters.

Flora Harris and her mother Caroline and Susan Nicholls’ Amazing VIII — a former runner-up in the CCI3* (now CCI4*-L) at Blair Castle — take a spin round the Event Rider Master to finish 13th.

Pictures by Jon Stroud Media

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Laura Collett scored her first Event Rider Masters (ERM) win this weekend at Chatsworth (11-12 May), leading from pillar to post on London 52.

“That horse is unbelievable,” said Laura. “He’s finished second so many times, and he only started at CCI4*-S [previously CIC3*] last year. I just can’t believe it! I’m the luckiest girl in the world to sit on London 52. Three years ago, he’d never seen a cross-country fence — he’s come a hell of a long way, so roll on the future!”

The 10-year-old London 52 belongs to Keith Scott, Karen Bartlett and his rider.

The pair kicked off their Chatsworth campaign with a dressage of 26.9 and added nothing in the showjumping. Their margin going into cross-country was increased when Irish rider Sam Watson — second after showjumping on the dun Tullabeg Flamenco — had a run-out and Laura’s 7.6 time-faults allowed her to stay four penalties ahead of the field to collect the £16,000 first prize.

Tom McEwen made it a British one-two when he took second on Barbara Cooper’s Figaro Van Het Broekxhof, with whom he recently won the Grantham Cup at Belton.

“I’m lost for words,” said Tom, who was making the ERM podium for the first time. “I’m delighted for the horse, and delighted for the owners. It’s just been a great weekend — and lovely to finish off in the sunshine! It’s a real busy track, and there’s a lot coming up very quickly on the hills, so you’ve got a lot to take into consideration out there. It’s about riding with your brain, rather than too much bravery.”

Lucy Jackson landed third for New Zealand riding Gillian Greenleas’ Superstition II.

She said: “I’m super, super, super chuffed with him. Unfortunately, I probably had too much control; if I’d gone that little bit quicker we could have been higher! But he’s green, he’s extravagant, and he’s pretty arrogant at times, so there were times when I needed to give him a second longer to assess the fences. It was busy out there.”

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Chatsworth is the only ERM leg in Britain this year. The lucrative six-leg series continues at Wiesbaden, Germany, on 7-8 June.

Full report from Chatsworth, including ERM and all the other international sections, in Horse & Hound magazine on Thursday (16 May issue). 

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

The interim chief executive of British Eventing (BE) said it is possible the fixtures and balloting process could need review after Chatsworth had to drop its novice sections due to large entries across the popular fixture’s classes.

Having followed the BE balloting procedure, in which the international and higher-level classes are the priority, organisers of Chatsworth International Horse Trials (10 to 12 May) were unable to run the novice sections.

Chatsworth asked BE for permission to run an extra day of cross-country to accommodate the novice entries, but was refused.

In a statement, BE said it was “very disappointed” the class would not be running, adding that the decision was “not taken lightly”, and that an important factor behind it was the impact an extra day would have on the “viability of other fixtures in the calendar”.

Chatsworth event director Patricia Clifton told H&H this is the third year the novice sections have been dropped.

“Last year a lot of events had been cancelled so we got more entries; we didn’t think it would be the same this year,” she said.

“We applied for an extra cross-country day at the end of last year so we didn’t have to ballot as many people and it was turned down, but we were told if we had enough entries, we could bring it up again after ballot date.

“That was last Tuesday [16 April] and while it would have been inconvenient to organise an extra day as the event’s only a couple of weeks away, we’d have been happy to do it.”

Mrs Clifton said that had the event run 15-hour days, it might have been possible to run “half a novice section”.

“But then who would you ballot out?” she asked. “People really want to come to Chatsworth; it’s their dream, and it doesn’t mean we’re taking entries from an event next weekend that’s miles away.

“It doesn’t seem logical to say we could have run the novice sections on Saturday without affecting the other events, but that an extra day would affect them.

“I think if people want to enter Chatsworth, they enter it, and if they want to enter X event, they enter that; they should be able to go where they want to go, if organisers can cater for it.”

BE released a statement explaining its reasons for denying the extra date.

Interim CEO Jude Matthews told H&H she sympathises with riders and Chatsworth’s organisers, but that the processes for deciding whether extra days are viable has been developed for a reason.

“It is essential to balance the needs of organisers and riders and BE has the responsibility to maintain this balance,” she added.

“I have asked the fixtures team to see if there is a way in which this particular set of circumstances could be incorporated into the fixtures protocol,” she said. “It works for some but – and there’s no doubt from the social media outcry – it doesn’t for others. But the process has been developed to help all events be viable and ensure competitors have the right level of opportunity to compete.

“But equally, if there’s demand for extra days of competition, BE needs to be sure it can deal with such circumstances and that the right outcome is achieved.”

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Ms Matthews said that without the BE-managed calendar, which is supported by organisers, fixtures would become a “free-for-all”, with popular, central venues doing well and others becoming unviable to run.

“Such a situation would have a devastating impact on so many of our members,” she said.

“I can see it from both points of view,” she added. “If you enter Chatsworth, that’s where you want to run, and if you’re an organiser and there’s demand for a class you want to run, I understand frustration when you are unable to do so. But BE has an overall responsibility to the whole sport, and all organisers are fully aware of the process when they sign their agreements with BE.”

Ms Matthews added that it would be wrong of BE to “bow to social media pressure”.

“Chatsworth is an iconic venue, but we have responsibility to balance the needs of all organisers and members,” she said. “It may be that the time is right to change, but should change be required we will need to involve all stakeholders and ensure we are really open and transparent in what we’re doing.”

Read Ros Canter’s thoughts on every fence on the Badminton course in today’s Horse & Hound magazine (dated 25 April). Full Badminton form guide in next week’s issue (dated 2 May).

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

Piggy French claimed the £16,000 first prize in the first leg of the 2018 Event Rider Masters series at Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth.

Riding Jayne McGivern’s Quarrycrest Echo, with whom she represented Britain at the 2017 European Championships at Strzegom in Poland, Piggy was in pole position going into cross-country after showjumping clear.

At that stage Ireland’s Sarah Ennis was on top of the podium after collecting just two cross-country time-faults aboard Horseware Stellor Rebound, with whom she won the CIC3* at Chatsworth in 2014.

But Piggy’s dressage score of 27.3 meant she had several seconds in hand, and the pair posted a flowing, economical round to cross the line with two seconds to spare. They became just the sixth combination to make the time in the CIC3* classes at Chatsworth since 1999.

“My horse deserves a great day like this – I’m over the moon,” said Piggy. “It was hard work out there on quite soft ground, but he makes my job easy because he’s so balanced, and you can shorten and lengthen his stride easily.

“I thought at the beginning of the year that he would be great for this series – it suits him – and I hope we have more fun with him this year.”

Sarah Ennis, whose “Rocket” lived up to his name by being very strong round the twists and turns of Ian Stark’s track, collected £12,000 for finishing second.

“We had some hairy moments, but I didn’t have much say in the whole thing – luckily he’s super-sharp with his front legs,” said Sarah.

Third was Izzy Taylor on Call Me Maggie May, who rose up from 16th after dressage with a double clear round and 4.8 time-faults.

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Dressage leaders Laura Collett and Mr Bass finished fourth after dropping one pole in the showjumping and collecting 6.4 time-faults across country, while France’s Gwendolen Fer, second after showjumping, fell to fourth with eight time-faults.

Their compatriots and fellow CCI4* winners Maxime Livio and Qalao Des Mers were sixth going into cross-country, but Qalao Des Mers unseated his jockey at fence five.

The second leg of the Event Rider Masters series takes place in Wiesbaden, Germany, this weekend (18-19 May), and boasts a seriously competitive field, including Michael Jung, Ingrid Klimke, Oliver Townend, Gemma Tattersall and Christopher Burton.

For the full report from Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth Horse Trials, check out this Thursday’s issue of Horse & Hound, on sale 17 May.

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

Gemma Tattersall became the first female rider to land a leg of the Event Rider Master CIC3* series yesterday (14 May), piloting The Pebbles Syndicate’s Quicklook IV to a clear victory at Chatsworth.

The grey mare, with whom Gemma was a part of the British team at the Rio Olympic Games last year, posted a personal best in the dressage arena (33.7) before recording a double jumping clear and 3.2 cross-country time-faults.

“It’s awesome to be the first girl to win a leg — I’ve been talking about doing it all weekend,” said Gemma, who was presented with a winner’s cheque for £16,000. “My goal is to win the series this year and this is a good start.”

Germany’s Bettina Hoy piloted Designer 10 into second, this horse re-routed from Badminton where he had an early cross-country run-out.

“I’m a big believer in things happening for a reason; we’ve had to put Badminton behind us and today was his day,” said Bettina.

Speed was of the essence and only three horses achieved the 6mins 10secs optimum. One of these was Frenchman Thomas Carlile’s Upsilon, who finished third. The duo led after dressage but incurred nine showjumping faults — four for a refusal plus five for time — and slipped to fifth after the second phase.

“After messing up this morning I didn’t see the point in pushing for the time, but when we were still on target at the fifth minute marker I said ‘come on, let’s do it’,” said Thomas, whose mount is ear-marked for the European Championships in August.

Fourth was Britain’s Nicola Wilson on her 2015 Boekelo CCI3* winner Bulana, ahead of Andrew Nicholson (Swallow Springs), fifth, and Sarah Cohen (Treason), sixth.

Ireland’s Elizabeth Power blitzed Ian Stark’s 18-fence cross-country track to record the fastest clear of the day (5mins 49secs) on Soladoun. This feat saw them climb up the leaderboard to seventh.

The only other penalty-free cross-country round came from ninth-placed Brazilian Marcio Jorge aboard Coronel MCJ.

Rosalind Canter and Zenshera slotted into eighth, while Italy’s Vittoria Panizzon and Borough Pennyz rounded off the top 10.

Two winners crowned

Bettina Hoy went one better in CIC3* section C, landing first place aboard Seigneur Medicott.

“I’m very happy to still have him; he was for sale last year and he still is now, but I love riding him,” said Bettina, who explained that having two horses to ride at this level is not useful because they are so different.

“Designer is bold and always looking for a fence whereas Seigneur Medicott looks to me for confidence,” she said.

Australian Bill Levett piloted Athleet V into second, with Emma Forsyth third on Soltair Justice.

Tom McEwen won CIC3* section B on new ride Strike Smartly.

“He was produced by Daisy Berkeley so it’s all down to her,” said Tom, who pipped Gemma Tattersall (Santiago Bay) and Francis Whittington (Carlchen).

Ireland’s Mark Kyle was taken to hospital with a broken ankle after a fall from Jemilla at the Brocklehursts of Bakewell Corners (14ab). They had been lying fourth in the ERM CIC3*.

Don’t miss the full Chatsworth report in the next issue of Horse & Hound, on sale Thursday 18 May.

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

The beauty of the Event Rider Masters is that the sport was no different — there are no new rules or scoring system — but eventing’s usual format was packaged for TV viewing purposes. This meant a smaller field of 40 competitors with no multiple rides, and the jumping phases in reverse order to build excitement.

The coverage was livestreamed (with an aim to sell the TV rights in the future), which was easy to use and free; it was far more user-friendly than FEI TV.

Interviews with finishers overlaid the live coverage so viewers could see both in split screen. As the cross-country unfolded, the three current leaders took their place on the podium, moving position when someone went ahead of them — as in televised skiing.

Within minutes of the last horse finishing, the prize-giving took place on the podium in Formula One champagne-spraying style.

This first attempt was watched by over 10,000 people in 37 countries. A lot of energy has gone into the Masters and it showed real promise.

Badminton final scores

The CCI events will always be the pinnacle in eventing, and this is not an attempt to gazump them, it is simply a way to broadcast the day-to-day sport to an off-site audience, which will hopefully in turn boost the interest in the top CCIs as well as attract more people into the sport.

Keep the Vicarage Vee

There is always a spine-tingling buzz around Badminton, but this year the May heatwave brought in bumper crowds, and Michael Jung going for the Rolex Grand Slam added to the hype.

Over the past three years course-designer Giuseppe della Chiesa has done a great job with the track and put his own mark on it. Fence dimensions at three- and four-star level are near identical, however a four-star question requires committed riding and relies on feel and instinct over tentative or backward riding that can suffice at three-star.

No one expected the houses at the Mirage Pond to be so influential, expect perhaps the odd leg being left; it was surprising that horses backed off and several ground to a halt.

The wide oxer in the Gatehouse New Pond was a clever question and jumped very well, and it was great to see the KBIS Vicarage Vee back. Certain fences become stale after time, or increasingly easy as horses and riders learn how to tackle them, but the Vicarage Vee does not need altering; it is a brilliantly clever fence that stands the test of time. Hopefully it will remain a consistent feature each year, like Hickstead’s Devil’s Dyke.

The last fence that was very influential was the brush out of the Shogun Hollow, after which riders could almost start to count their chickens barring any mishaps, despite there being over four minutes to go. Perhaps there could have been more of a challenge around the site of the old Beaufort Staircase.

It was a pity that the showjumping time was so lenient that it didn’t put pressure on. We saw the same thing at Burghley last year, with riders being able to school around and have options on the approach to fences.

Badminton 2016 will go down as a piece of history with Michael Jung crowning La Biosthetique-Sam FBW’s career. One has to wonder, where does he aim him from here? Having won everything on the same horse, do they try to do it all again?

Ref: Horse & Hound; 19 May 2016

Following last weekend's Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials (13-15 May 2016), we put your knowledge of the horse trials to the test...

Don’t miss our full report in this week’s Horse & Hound Magazine, out 19 May 2016

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

After taking the top spot in the inaugural running of the Event Rider Masters at the Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials this weekend (14-15 May), it’s about time you knew a bit more about Frenchman Astier Nicolas (if you didn’t already…)

1. The 27-year-old is not short of ambition

“When I go to a competition I always think that I can win, that’s why I go,” he tells H&H. And it’s an attitude that pays off — he took his first four-star title on home turf at Pau last October, with the 17hh gelding Piaf De Bneville.

2. He’s also pretty upbeat

“Don’t dwell on things that are not going right, but focus on what you can do to make them better,” says Astier, who is the youngest of five siblings. “Consider all your options and the bigger picture — not everything is about the immediate win.”

3. Astier is one of England’s biggest fans

“It was love at first sight when I arrived in England,” he tells us. “[Eventing] is more professional and organised in England.” First sight was in 2009 when, aged 20, he came to Wiltshire to work for Andrew Nicholson, having been introduced at Saumur.

4. He has learnt from the best

“For a long time now I’ve said that my time with Andrew was the best time of my life — I got a very good insight into a proper, professional yard. It left a big print,” he says.

5. He likes England so much, that he enrolled to do a degree here so that he could stick around

“When I left Andrew’s I thought, ‘I have to come back’. I was studying at the time so I managed to get a scholarship to Hartpury College to do a degree there and ride horses in England.”

6. He’s had his fair share of big results

Astier returned to France in 2012 to prepare for the London Olympics and despite not being selected, he did manage to take the under-25 CCI3* at Bramham that year. In 2013 he came ninth at his first Badminton with Piaf De Bneville, in 2014 he took the CCI3* title at Blair with Quickly Du Buguet and this year the pair finished 14th at Badminton.

7. Astier is now fully settled this side of the Channel

In 2013 he set up camp at Nick Gauntlett’s in Gloucestershire to prepare for Badminton, and he is now based on eventer Helen Cole’s Wiltshire yard, where he rents 12 boxes and has access to two schools and a walker.

8. He’s had a taste of championship glory

Astier had his first taste of championship success in 2013 when he was part of the French bronze medal-winning team at the European Championships in Malmö.

9. He produces his own horses

“I prefer to produce my horses from when they are babies — I want them to trust me 100% and be my friend, so that I can ask more of them when I need to,” he says.

10. He is not one to sit around

Astier “never switches on the TV in his room” and when he is at a loose end he rides out for local Flat trainer Roger Charlton.

Like this? You might also enjoy reading these:

French one-two-three in Chatsworth ERM; British two-phase leader has start box woes

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11. He’s a speed demon

In fact in another life, he would have liked to have been a jockey. “When I see the finances, I should have been a jockey,” he says. Luckily for the eventing world, he hasn’t pursued that one…

Don’t miss the full report from the Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials in 19 May 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

Words by Helen Scott, picture courtesy of Event Rider Masters, www.eventridermasters.tv

The French took four out of the top five spots in the inaugural running of the Event Rider Masters at the Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials, with Astier Nicolas, on his four-star horse Piaf De Bneville, taking the top step on the podium.

Kitty King, on the competition leader Ceylor LAN, went into the cross-country last with a comfortable lead. But she had a nightmare in the start box when the nine-year-old was affected by the atmosphere of the nearby finish line and wouldn’t jump out.

“He felt quite relaxed warming up, but we were last to go and all the other horses had left us so he got wound up. I reckon we lost about 30 seconds. It was such a shame as he was foot perfect all the way round,” said Kitty. The pair dropped to 17th.

The best of the Brits, Gemma Tattersall on Quicklook V, was cheered to the rafters by the crowd and for a moment it looked as if she would do it. But sensibly steadying up for the final fence cost her vital seconds and she finished fourth. She joined the podium briefly until Astier Nicolas deposed her.

The Event Rider Masters is a new competition running at six venues across the season, each with a £50,000 prize fund. The 40 top riders who enter (according to the FEI rankings) are accepted into the class and from the start it was a competitive affair. Showjumping and cross-country are run in reverse order, with current leaders sitting on the podium until they are deposed. Ian Stark’s cross-country track made use of the undulations and had plenty of questions, made more challenging by patches of sticky going.

Kitty easily led after the dressage, nearly four penalties ahead of Ireland’s Aoife Clark, on Fernhill Adventure, who had a glance off cross-country, and Germany’s Bettina Hoy on Seigneur Medicott.

She held on to her lead with an immaculate clear showjumping to go into the final phase in podium position, followed by Astier Nicolas and Gemma Tattersall.

The pathfinder cross-country, Christopher Burton on TS Jamaimo, was the only man to get the time, and remained on the podium for a long time until the French invasion began. They eventually finished sixth.

“I really had to chance my arm to do it,” admitted Christopher.

First of the French to make their mark was Karim Laghouag on Entebbe De Hus, eventual third. He was topped by Thibaut Vallette on Qing De Briot, eventual second, until Astier blazed round, with his 6.8 time-penalties nudging him just ahead of his compatriots.

“He’s hopefully heading to Rio, so I didn’t want to go too mad,” said Astier, “but he’s an experienced horse and gave me a fantastic ride.”

Emily King and Flora Harris had falls, and Sam Watson and Tom McEwen were unseated, but all horses and riders walked away.

Full report from Chatsworth, including the ERM and other CIC3* classes, in H&H this week (19 May).

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

If you have visited Chatsworth Horse Trials this week (13-15 May 2016) and have fallen in love with the surrounding countryside, here’s some equestrian properties for sale on the event’s doorstep.

1. Burneston Hall, North Yorkshire

Distance to Chatsworth Horse Trials: 30 minutes

For you: a Grade II listed Georgian house with seven/eight bedrooms, a croquet lawn and a grass tennis court.

For the horses: four stables and a tack room with additional storage and outbuildings. Set in 3.4 acres.

What’s the damage? £1.5m

Agent: Knight Frank

Telephone number: 01423 900957

Visit: www.knightfrank.co.uk

2. Willow Tree Farm, Nottinghamshire

Distance to Chatsworth Horse Trials: 1 hour 15 minutes

For you: a Victorian farmhouse with five bedrooms and the potential to convert an annexe (subject to planning), set in open countryside.

For the horses: four stables, a hay store, an all-weather arena and further stores. Set in 4.7 acres.

What’s the damage? £725,000

Agent: Fine & Country

Telephone number: 01302 591000

Visit: www.fineandcountry.com

3. Westfield Farm, North Yorkshire

Distance to Chatsworth Horse Trials: 50 minutes

For you: a commercial farm with a seven-bedroom farmhouse, a three-bedroom cottage, a two-bedroom bungalow plus modern cattle buildings and grain storage, set in over 400 acres. To be sold as a whole or in five lots.

For the horses: seven stables and a traditional barn with a hayloft, plus direct access to Langton Wold Gallops.

What’s the damage? £5m

Agent: Savills

Telephone number: 01904 617800

Visit: www.savills.com

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4. Martin Grange Farm, South Yorkshire

Distance to Chatsworth Horse Trials: 1 hour

For you: a restored five-bedroom farmhouse in open countryside, complete with an orangery and cellar, plus a detached staff cottage.

For the horses: a walled courtyard with 18 traditional stables plus a further 27 stables in an American barn, an all-weather gallop and a horse walker. Set in 35 acres.

What’s the damage? £2.75

Agent: Fine & Country

Telephone number: 01302 591000

Visit: www.fineandcountry.com

Next week: Equestrian properties in Essex

Ref: Horse & Hound; 12 May 2016

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 weekend marks the start of the Event Rider Masters series — cue big excitement in the eventing world. Here are seven reasons why we should all be logging onto www.eventridermasters.tv for free this weekend to stay up to speed with the first leg at the Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials

1. Chatsworth (14-15 May) is the first leg of six in this series, culminating at Blenheim Palace in September. All riders are competing for the coveted Event Rider Masters title and a £30,000 prize for the overall winner of the series. Watching this weekend will kick start your excitement for the rest of the season…

2. The world’s best eventers are competing — William Fox-Pitt, Andrew Nicholson, Gemma Tattersall, Emily King, Sam Griffiths and Zara Tindall to name a few. Plus plenty of potential Rio Olympic horses will be participating.

3. The prize fund is significant meaning that these top riders will be bringing their A-game. We will be witnessing the sport at its best; get ready to be inspired and exhilarated.

4. Chatsworth is an impressive venue, with rolling parkland, and they plan to put on quite a show. Ian Stark has designed the cross-country course and the fences are beautifully built, providing a fantastic stage for some thrilling action.

5. Badminton is over for another year, but this is gives us an opportunity to see our favourite eventers in action again before the withdrawal symptoms have a chance to kick in — as well as some of the top riders and horses that we didn’t get to see last weekend.

6. This series is a step forward for eventing. By logging on we will be proving to networks that equestrianism has a strong viewing audience.

7. Ten nations will be represented with Olympic, world and European medals between them. With the dressage on Saturday being seeded it will be electrifying from the off. Riders/horses are placed into four groups, based on the average of the horse’s five latest dressage results from CIC3* competitions. The group with the best averages goes last, and within each group a draw takes place to determine the running order.

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‘A born event horse’: what makes Michael Jung’s Badminton-winning ride so good?

Have we convinced you that this is how you should be spending your weekend? Visit eventridermasters.tv

Don’t miss the full report from Chatsworth in next week’s Horse & Hound magazine (19 May 2016)

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Pippa Funnell secured a record third win in the CIC3* at the Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials at the weekend (15-17 May).

The three-time Badminton winner led the dressage with 38.5, jumped clear in the showjumping and, despite 18 time faults in the cross-country, retained her lead.

Pippa had been unsure whether to take Sandman 7 across country as he is due to compete at Bramham in a few weeks time (11-14 June), but after consulting her husband, showjumper William, and British team coach Yogi Breisner she decided to run.

“I felt he was ready but it’s so difficult in this circumstance [when you’re in the lead with a young horse] to know what is best because you can either progress the horse or set him back,” explained Pippa.

“It was a gamble, but it’s paid off and I’m so delighted because he is a special horse to our family.”

This is the third time Pippa has won the Derbyshire three-star, having picked up premier position in 2000, with Primmore’s Pride and in 2004 with Supreme Rock.

Ireland’s Sarah Ennis and Horseware Stellor Rebound narrowly missed out on the Chatsworth Trophy.

The pair completed a faster cross-country round than Pippa, but had to settle for second place due to a dressage score of 46.7.

Nineteen-year-old Emily King and Brookleigh finished third and collected the prize for best under-25 rider.

Andrew Nicholson took both the advanced classes with Perfect Stranger and Jet Set lV. It was an eventful day for the New Zealander who fell from Ulises in both the showjumping and cross-country phases of advanced section I.

Crowds swelled across the three days of competition and organisers were delighted with the turnout of approximately 17,000 people.

“It’s testament both to the huge amount of work that the whole team does behind the scenes and to the wonderful setting and exciting competition that Chatsworth provides,” said event director Patricia Clifton.

For full results visit: www.bdwp.co.uk/cha

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 law firm has set up an eventing team to support amateur event riders training and producing their own horses.

The provincial law firm Wosskow Brown is giving nine riders funds to help with training and entry fees through a charitable foundation set up last year.

“People assume horse riders are from privileged backgrounds but many are not and those are the people Wosskow Brown want to support,” said paralegal Annie Everard, a keen eventer and driving force behind Team WB.

Riders must have no other sponsors and be amateurs to apply for support from the Wosskow Brown Foundation.

“We have received over 20 applicants in the past twelve months and would like to expand the team in 2016 with a further eventing team member,” HR director Louise Brown told H&H.

“The foundation is also now looking at the possibility of setting up a showjumping team in 2016,” she added.

At this month’s Chatsworth Horse Trials (15-17 May) three members of the Team WB eventing team will be competing (not pictured).

Katie Patrick, a 19 year-old veterinary student is one of the Team WB members who have qualified for Chatsworth in the one-star.

“The extra training the Wosskow Brown Foundation has provided will definitely make a difference to our performance. We will be aiming to make our sponsors proud,” she said.

Other Team WB members competing at Chatsworth include Sarah Healy, 42 of Bamford who works as a dental hygienist, who is also doing the one-star, and Huddersfield stable groom Hannah Taylor who is competing in the advanced class.

The team’s chef d’equipe is Sally Wood of Matlock, a retired lecturer who began eventing last year aged 59.

After sponsoring Chatsworth Horse Trials last year Wosskow Brown decided to set up an equine section within its sports law department.

Litigator Richard Dale specialises in horse sale agreements and disputes, riding accident claims, livery agreements and stud contracts for stallions, mares and vet.

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: Saturday 16 — Sunday 17 May 2015

Director: Patricia Clifton

Event coordinator: Gail Dale

Contact: 01423 330095; info@chatsworthhorsetrials.co.uk; www.chatsworth.org/horsetrials

Location: Derbyshire

Entries open: 10 April

Ballot date: 27 April at 12 noon

Entries close: 6 May

Link to Chatsworth entries: www.britisheventing.com/chatsworth

How to get there

On the B6012 between Beeley and Baslow.

What the organisers say

Chatsworth represents a great ambition for many riders, for the “big-time” atmosphere of the main arena — which has the Duke of Devonshire’s house as a magnificent backdrop — and for the imposing but fair cross-country courses created by Ian Stark and David Evans.

Every effort is made to provide first-class footing and decent prize-money and the event provides an appropriate stepping stone for horses progressing in international competition.

The beautiful setting, tradestands and attractions, as well as the opportunity to visit Chatsworth itself, one of England’s 10 Treasure Houses, make it a memorable outing for all connections.

What the riders say

Dressage & showjumping — “Flat arenas in a quiet location away from all the excitement.” “There were lots of spectators and it’s a good one for riders who need to be under that extra bit of pressure.” “For the advanced dressage you are the only one in the main arena, but it is very flat and there is lots going on.” “Showjumping has a nice big warm-up and the course is

strong and up to height, as well as being in a very atmospheric arena, so not for the faint-hearted or first-timer.”

Cross-country — “Beautiful courses.” “Tough tracks that reward the brave, but are not for first-timers.” “I felt the final hill in the three-star was unnecessarily punishing on an already undulating track.” “A true championship track and a real sense of achievement on completion.”

Percentage of cross-country clears 2014

CIC3*: 45%

A: 58%

CIC*: 70%

ONU18: 81%

ON: 90%

N: 73%

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

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.

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This year’s Chatsworth Horse Trials (10-12 May 2013) is sponsored by Dodson & Horrell. The cross-country course is running in the opposite direction to previous years and Horse & Hound editor Lucy Higginson catches up with course designer Ian Stark ahead of the event.

Chatsworth Horse Trials take place in Chatsworth Park, on the banks of the River Derwent, in Bakewell, Derbyshire from 10-12 May.

Top names competing in the three-star event include Pippa Funnell, William Fox-Pitt, Zara Phillips, Andrew Nicholson and Mark Todd.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate on the day — entry to Friday’s event costs £10 per person and Saturday and Sunday tickets are £15 each.

Activities taking place at Chatsworth Horse Trials in addition to the CIC one-star and CIC three-star events include the Burghley young horse four-and-five-year-old qualifiers, Pony Club mounted games, dog agility and a parade of Barlow and High Peak hounds. There are also close to 100 trade stands in attendance, for those after some retail therapy.

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

Weeks of wet weather have thrown Olympic eventing preparations for riders and selectors into disarray.

With Badminton cancelled, Chatsworth (11-13 May) agreed to add an extra day of World Cup dressage to the schedule on Friday for potential Olympic eventing horses.

But the Derbyshire fixture and many others were cancelled last weekend.

British equestrian performance director Will Connell said it was “a disappointment and not what we would have wanted”.

“But it is not the time to panic nor predict doom and gloom,” he added.

Badminton final scores

British Eventing selectors had planned to announce the Olympic eventing team on 24 May. Now they will wait until after the Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials (7-10 June).

And riders are being flexible to ensure they catch selectors’ eyes.

Francis Whittington had intended to ride Sir Percival at Badminton, then rerouted to Chatsworth. He is now taking him to Houghton (24-27 May) for the CIC*** with Bramham (7-10 June) as his reserve plan.

“I’m having to rely on the back-up to my back-up,” he said. “I’m glad to hear we all have a little longer before the team selection is made.”

Tina Cook is planning to take Miners Frolic to the CIC*** at Bramham and Laura Collett is taking Rayef to Saumur (19-22 May).

The weather has also forced Olympic bosses to undertake additional groundwork work in Greenwich Park to support the spectator stands.

A LOCOG spokesman told H&H: ” [We need] to install a temporary base for the south stand. We will remove approximately six inches of topsoil and lay stone either over a membrane or steel plates to provide a firm footing.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (17 May 2012)

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

Chatsworth Horse Trials (11-13 May) has become the latest casualty of the bad weather, leaving Olympic contenders needing to re-route their horses again.

A message on the entries and results www.bdwp.co.uk this morning says: “With huge regret, Chatsworth has been abandoned. There has been 22ml of rain in 6 hours and the ground is totally waterlogged. Even with good weather from now on the footings would be unsafe. The stables are flooded.”

After the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials cancelled, Chatsworth added an extra day of dressage to the World Cup class to take potential Olympic horses. Numerous London hopefuls of different nationalities were aiming for the Derbyshire event this weekend.

British World Class performance director Will Connell commented: “The combination of the cancellation of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and Chatsworth International Horse Trials is a disappointment and not what we would have wanted.

“However, we will now sit down with the selectors, riders and coaches and make a plan – we will not rush into announcing this plan as we must also take a view on what the weather has in store and what options we have.

“In 2001 foot and mouth played havoc with the spring programme but we still prepared for and delivered at the European Championships. It is not the time to panic or predict doom and gloom.”

Events which riders may re-route to include Saumur, France (17-20 May), Houghton, Norfolk (24-27 May), Tattersalls, Ireland (31 May-3 May) and Bramham, Yorkshire (7-10 May).

Twelve events cancelled in two weeks

In an extraordinary run of disruption due to the wet weather, since 28 April 12 British Eventing (BE) fixtures have cancelled and just two – the re-scheduled Central Scotland on Friday, 4 May and Brechin Castle on 5 May – have run.

Aston-le-Walls has now cancelled tomorrow’s competition, having given up on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday successively through the week. A decision is being made about Saturday’s sections by 2pm today, while the venue is also taking entries for a new event on Monday.

Tweseldown and Pontispool are also running extra days of competition on Monday 21 and Monday 28 May.

BE chief executive Mike Etherington-Smith comments: “One thing no one can control is the weather, but we are exploring all avenues to see what can be done to provide additional competition opportunities for our members and this includes rescheduling the Grassroots Championships [which were due to run at Badminton].

“Several organisers have offered to put on extra days which is much appreciated and we are looking at what else can be done, but we have to be realistic given the prevailing conditions.

“Losing major competitions certainly provides challenges for everyone, but we should spare a thought for all the organisers who have worked so hard to organise their events only to have the weather tear apart all their efforts.”

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

Emily Baldwin laid her Badminton ghosts to rest when winning the CIC*** FEI World Cup class at Chatsworth International Horse Trials on Drivetime at the weekend.

Adding only cross-country time-penalties to her leading dressage score of 35.6pen, she finished on 54.8, ahead of Ruth Edge with Applejack II (61.7) and Sarah Cohen with Treason (69.4). Ruth had overtaken Emily after the cross-country by virtue of a faster round, but had two rails down in the final showjumping phase.

Emily Baldwin said: “When he [Drivetime] is on-form he’s fantastic — his dressage test on Friday was really impressive, plus he was keen through the water across country which was great as I felt we had a point to prove!”

Following the recent dry spell, organisers had worked hard on the ground to ensuring good going across country, and with the benefit of some rain, riders were able to enjoy for near-perfect going.

Ian Stark’s World Cup course claimed a number of notable scalps, including “Mr Stickability” Andrew Nicholson, who parted company with Armada at the sunken road (fences 7/8). This wasn’t the only fence to catch riders out, with faults being spread around the course.

“Ian Stark’s course was really tough — it made riders think and caused a lot of problems,” said Emily, who enjoyed a perfect in the showjumping round to claim the World Cup points. “Drivetime will be totally unbearable for the next few weeks as he knows when he has done well.”

Oliver Townend won one of the non-World Cup CIC*** sections with Neo Du Breuil, while Lucy Wiegersma took the other on Shaabrak.

Don’t miss H&H’s full report on all the action from Chatsworth, on sale Thursday 19 May.

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

Events are preparing to fund the 2011 FEI World Cup Eventing series themselves after rumours that HSBC will no longer sponsor the £113,000-prize pot competition, won by Michael Jung (pictured) this year.

HSBC has been international eventing’s biggest sponsor since 2008, backing the World Cup, Eventing Classics and the world rankings.

The bank could not be contacted, but FEI spokesman Grania Willis said: “The FEI and HSBC are currently in positive discussions.”

But Ireland’s Tattersalls and Derbyshire’s Chatsworth Horse Trials both confirmed they were told sponsorship could be dropped and offered new self-funding arrangements for 2011.

Chatsworth has agreed, but Tattersalls said it could not afford to do so.

Tattersalls managing director George Mernagh said: “We have had some hard decisions to make on hearing the FEI [may have] lost the prestigious HSBC sponsorships of the World Cup class.”

A spokesman confirmed Tattersalls will still run a CIC*** class, but it would not be a World Cup qualifier. It will introduce a CCI*** class as well next year.

Tissie Reason, event director of Chatsworth International Horse Trials, said it would go ahead with its World Cup class.

“We were asked to consider running the class without sponsorship and helping to fund the final prize,” said Mrs Reason. “It’s a very different way of managing things.”

She was unable to say how much the new arrangements would cost the horse trials, but said it hoped to find new sponsors.

So far, 10 of last year’s 13 World Cup events have agreed to continue to stage the series.

Tattersalls, Kallispell, Montana in the US and Mansfield in Canada have pulled out.

Mrs Reason said she understood that no final would be held, but the World Cup winner would now be decided on points accrued across the series. The FEI has not confirmed this.

The FEI website states that the prize-money to the winner of the 2011 competition will be £25,300, down from £31,700 this year.

HSBC will continue to sponsor the Eventing Classics prize.

Former director of Burghley Horse Trials Bill Henson has accused British Eventing’s (BE) chairman Alexandra Fox of causing the Burghley Estate to charge its long-standing contract with BE.

But Mrs Fox claims the event just wants to make money.

From 2011, BE will no longer run Burghley and may lose some £200,000 income.

In a letter to Horse & Hound, Mr Henson said Burghley’s decision to take over the running of the event came about when Mrs Fox was appointed chairman of BE and demanded that “BE should increase more direct control over such a major provider of its funds”.

He said that she proposed “a new agreement between BE and the [Burghley] Estate and a new event committee, with BE providing increased involvement with the financial management”.

This, he believes, left Burghley with “little option other than to give notice to terminate an agreement that had worked to the benefit of both parties for the best part of 50 years”.

Mrs Fox told H&H: “After the issue with Tweseldown [where there was no formal agreement, which led to disputes between BE and Tweseldown’s director over running unaffiliated competitions and costs], our auditors advised us that we should review the terms of our governance with Burghley.

“Burghley has terminated the contract because it wants to make more money.”

This article was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound, 16 December 2010

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Hugo McGhee, one of the most popular equestrian and hunting personalities in Derbyshire, has died aged 80.

Mr McGhee, formerly of Oxton Rakes, Barlow, died peacefully on 22 November in Ashgate Hospice, Chesterfield.

He hunted for many years with the Meynell and South Staffs and the High Peak Harriers and was a joint-master of the former from 1976-78.

He was the director of Chatsworth Horse Trials from 1984-89, extending the event to three days, and before that was a committee member and mounted steward. He remained in office as a vice president.

He is survived by his wife Ann, who was a joint-master of the High Peak from 1999-2002, and by two sons and a daughter from his previous marriage.

This article was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound, 9 December 2010

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Chatsworth is one of my favourite competitions. Although it’s a long drive up there, Derbyshire is absolutely stunning and Chatsworth House is by far the most beautiful and striking of all the houses we have on the circuit, in my opinion. This was Fiddle’s [ESB Irish Fiddle] first three-star for exactly two years (Chatsworth 2008) and for once, I felt we might do a respectable test.

Two years ago we did an appalling test for 61pen. So I felt, with his present way of going, I would be happy with a 55 penalty score. Unfortunately this was not to be! Even though he stayed forward throughout his test, with no grumpy old man bucking; even when he got both his changes and reined back when he was supposed to, we ended with a score of 64.

We put the dressage behind us and made our way up to the show jumping. Fiddle is an exceptional jumper but, as he’s such a big and long horse, he needs to be helped and supported in front by the contact to keep his connection. At Withington I found I was actually going too far and holding him off the fences. This didn’t matter so much at the uprights, but he was then struggling to make the width on the oxers and was coming down on the back rails. So going into the arena at Chatsworth, I was determined not to make the same mistake. Fiddle jumped a lovely clear after rattling the first.

So it was time to go cross-country! The course, as always, was beautifully built on lovely forward strides and on good old undulating turf. Fiddle set off like a bomb and I ended up having to anchor him into fence one to curb his enthusiasm! I saw a perfect galloping stride to fence four, a large trakehner. Fiddle has always been a bit funny about ditches and, on seeing it at the last minute, chipped a stride in. Somehow, he scrabbled over and we galloping on. I pulled my heart back out of my mouth and put it back where it was supposed to be. The rest of the course was amazing. Fiddle has such an enormous stride, he eats up the course for breakfast and finished wanting more!

As I finished, I gave him a big pat and loosed his girth, then heard over the loud speaker, “Alex Hua Tian has been eliminated, however, Irish Fiddle won’t know what he’s done wrong”. In fact neither of us knew what was going on! It turned out that I accidentally jumped the World Cup fence out of the water instead of the normal three-star fence. I jumped the step, bounce to skinny instead of the step, one stride to skinny. I have to say, Fiddle jumped the harder fence like it was nothing!

So feeling the complete idiot I was, we loaded up the lorry and started our five hour journey home. Before I finish, I’d like to thank Emily, Sally and everyone at Dunston Hole Farm, Newbold, Chesterfield where we stabled on Saturday night. They were all hugely welcoming and made an enormous effort to make sure horses, riders and grooms were all comfortable.

Until next week

Alex

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Sam Griffiths (pictured) clinched his second CIC*** victory this year when he won Britain’s World Cup event at Chatsworth Horse Trials yesterday.

The Australian and Happy Times — with whom he was third at both Badminton and Burghley last year — added just eight time-penalties across country to his dressage score of 43.8. They also won Belton’s CIC***, the Grantham Cup, last month.

Lucy Wiegersma was best of the British in second with Woodfalls Inigo Jones, the horse she rode at last year’s European Championships in Fontainebleau.

“It’s great to get rid of the demons from Badminton,” she said, referring to their run-out at the troublesome double of corners.

Fiona Hobby was third on the 11-year-old mare Roma ML, with last year’s Bramham CIC*** winner Upleadon fourth under Neil Spratt.

The two CIC*** sections went to Ruth Edge on Carnaval Prince II and Sharon Hunt and Tankers Town, making amends for their glance-off at Huntsmans Close at Badminton two weeks ago.

There was a dramatic incident in the showjumping when former British junior medallist Jolyse Clancey took a fall from On A Star when her saddle slipped.

Jolyse was taken to hospital for X-rays and an MRI scan, but her mother Alyse reported this morning that she is just badly bruised and On A Star is also fine.

Two other people, who were injured when the loose mare headed to the collecting ring, were also taken to hospital. They were not seriously injured.

Full report from Chatsworth in Horse & Hound on Thursday (20 May).

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Event rider Jolyse Clancey and her mother Alyse both needed medical attention at Chatsworth Horse Trials yesterday when the 22-year-old rider fell in the showjumping phase of the advanced class.

Jolyse was tackling a treble on her 8-year-old mare On A Star when her saddle slipped and Jolyse took a crashing fall, taking the bridle with her.

Eye witness John White told H&H: “The saddle had turned completely under the horse’s stomach and the horse was careering around bucking and kicking to try to get rid of it.

“A woman [Alyse Clancey] ran forward to try to catch the mare and was knocked flying. It jumped out of the ring and I had to leap out of the way.”

The horse carried on into the crowd and knocked into another two spectators before being caught, unhurt.

Chatsworth director Tissie Reason said Mrs Clancey and her daughter were both treated by paramedics.

She said Mrs Clancey had been kicked in the face by the horse and Jolyse had injured her pelvis.

She added that more will be known about their injuries later today.

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Former event rider Tissie Reason has taken over as director of Chatsworth International Horse Trials.

Ms Reason has competed up to advanced level and has been an event organiser and entries secretary for more than 30 years.

She takes over the reins from Mike and Sue Etherington-Smith with immediate effect, saying she is “looking forward to the challenges it will bring”.

Chatsworth runs over the weekend of 15-16 May next year.

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A CIC*** event will be added to the programme for Bramham to help riders missing a qualifying run at this level because of the cancellation of Chatsworth International Horse Trials last weekend.

The second day of the Derbyshire event (Sunday 17 May) was cancelled because the course had become waterlogged.

Since then British Eventing (BE) staff has been liaising with event organisers, the FEI and riders to find another venue in the North East Region to host a CIC***.

“The CIC*** is a crucial class for many horse and rider combinations seeking advancement, or looking for vital qualifying runs in order to enter CCI*** competitions,” says British Eventing sport manager, Debbie Marfell.

“We are pleased to announce that Bramham International Horse Trials (11-14 June) in Yorkshire will host a CIC*** class, which it will run alongside its existing CCI*** Senior and Under-25 Championship competitions.

“Riders entered at Chatsworth will automatically have the opportunity of competing at Bramham. We know this will not help the dozen or so riders that had hoped to gain qualification at Chatsworth to run at Bramham, but sadly there are no other British venues holding a CIC*** in the next three weeks.

“Our thanks go to the team at Bramham who have pulled out all the stops to make this happen in just a few short weeks from now.”

Bramham event director Nicholas Pritchard said: “The whole team is looking forward to the challenge, and to welcoming CIC*** competitors to Bramham. I am delighted that we are able to assist the sport in such a positive way.”

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British Eventing (BE) is asking all riders who are unable to qualify for the CCI*** at Bramham because of the cancellation of Chatsworth on Sunday to contact the BE office.

BE is considering scheduling an extra event to allow riders to qualify, but needs to know how many people have been affected.

Sport manager Paul Graham told H&H: “We have been inundated by calls from people who have now not managed to qualify for Bramham. The only CIC*** between now and then is Tattersalls [in Ireland] and the organisers there only have space for three more riders.

“We need everyone who still needs to qualify to contact the BE office — we are looking at other events to see if they have the capacity to take on a CIC*** and if there are enough people our case [with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI)] will be much stronger.”

The second day of competition at Chatsworth was called off due to a waterlogged course, meaning the cancellation of the HSBC FEI World Cup qualifier and the CIC*** and advanced sections.

Contact Gemma Harris at BE on 02476 698860

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Tomorrow’s Chatsworth Horse Trials has been cancelled because of wet weather.

The event ran four novice and two intermediate novice sections today, although the second element of fence 10, a triple brush arrowhead, was removed from the course during the day due to ground conditions.

There were several bouts of very heavy rain – and even hail – during the day, which contributed to the poor going and the decision to abandon tomorrow’s classes.

Competitors did their dressage today for the HSBC FEI World Cup qualifier, plus two CIC*** sections and one advanced section. Badminton winner Oliver Townend was leading the World Cup qualifier having scored 40.5 on Coup De Coeur.

The loss of the World Cup qualifier – the only one in Britain this year – will be a blow for those hoping to go to the final in Poland later in the year. And many competitors will be left short of a qualification for later events through this cancellation.

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A groundbreaking competition has been launched to find the top equine apprentice in the country.

Six advanced apprentices, training at yards from riding schools to professional stables, will battle to win a £500 training bursary at SkillHORSE.

The competition, set up by Stubbing Court Training (SCT) to showcase vocational talent, will take place at Chatsworth International Horse Trials on Sunday, 17 May.

Belinda Turner, SCT’s chief executive, told H&H: “It’s a great character building exercise and will give apprentices a unique opportunity to show their skills with horses through competition.”

Six apprenticeship providers from around the country, including livery stables, riding schools and professional yards, will nominate their best student based on criteria such as commitment and ability to turnout horses to a high standard.

Former Olympic eventer Ian Stark OBE will be on hand to judge the competitors on their grooming, plaiting and lungeing skill.

Their riding will be tested on the flat and over jumps in the event’s main ring.

The project has also attracted the support of British Eventing chief executive Mike Etherington-Smith and Yogi Breisner, chef d’equipe to the British eventing team.

Highlighting the need to encourage younger people into the industry, Belinda said: “It’s not just about the people who are doing it now and we would really like people who are interested in a career with horses to come and watch.

“We want these people to be working for the Olympic riders in 2012.”

Derbyshire-based SCT was awarded Beacon Status by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), a government agency, in recognition of the quality of apprenticeship schemes it provides throughout the equestrian industry.

Part-funded by the LSIS, SkillHORSE was developed as part of a Beacon Status Innovation Project to promote excellence and motivate young people to reach world-class standards.

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Oliver Townend secured a prestigious win with Flint Curtis in the World Cup qualifying section at the Chatsworth Nissan International Horse Trials.

Lying 12th after dressage, Oliver posted the fastest round of the day on the cross-country and jumped clear show jumping to put the pressure on those above him.

“Flint Curtis was awesome across country,” said Oliver.

Ruth Edge had led after dressage with Mr Dumbledore, only a mark ahead of Pippa Funnell with Ensign. The majority of riders jumped clear across country, but the show jumping track claimed a number of scalps.

William Fox-Pitt’s clear with Parkmore Ed took him from 10th to third, while Pippa retained second with Ensign.

Oliver also posted a win in CIC*** section H. Riding Throstle Nest Saddlery’s Golden Hue he was one of the fastest round to win by nearly four penalties.

Clayton Fredericks and Ben Along Time, winners of the main class here two years ago, put in a spectacular dressage test on the way to winning the second CIC***.

The advanced section went to Andrew Nicholson with his veteran Lord Killinghurst.

Read the results

Read H&H’s full report from Chatsworth in this Thursday’s magazine, on sale 15 May, ’08

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Tickets are on sale for the Nissan Chatsworth International Horse Trials.

Chatsworth (10-11 May) is the second of only two British qualifiers in the 2008 FEI World Cup series (the other being Burnham Market) and will count towards a final, which will be held at the end of this season.

The World Cup qualifier course will be in the hands of Olympic designer Mike Etherington-Smith, while the other courses will be designed by former five-time Olympian Ian Stark.

For discounted advance tickets, visit www.chatsworth.org

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Mike Etherington-Smith will give up most of his cross- country course-designing duties after the 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Kentucky, where he will design the course.

“One should never say never again, but I don’t see myself flying around the world designing courses after WEG,” said Mike, who is designer for this year’s Olympics in Hong Kong.

“There have to be opportunities for up-and-coming designers, and if there is one less of the likes of me maybe opportunities could present themselves.”

He added that designing for Chatsworth would still be “part of my plans”.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (31 January, ’08)

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Chatsworth is my local event and an event I’ve always dreamed of competing at. When I was in the pony club I used to score collect on my 13.2hh pony and imagine what it would be like to actually compete. So, when I got the horse that was able to do it, there was no stopping me.

The first time at Chatsworth the show jumping was a disaster and we ran out at a skinny house. The next year the dressage was OK, went clear show jumping… then we ran out at a skinny on the cross-country again!

I decided this year was the year we were going to get round clear. Despite not doing much this spring due to a broken foot, we managed to cram in a pre-novice and novice run in the 10 days leading up to Chatsworth, as well as lots of lessons. We managed a double clear at Osberton the week before and I spent all week with my trainer jumping doubles of skinnies on every stride and angle possible – there would be no excuses this year.

I had day before dressage and I hate the new BE novice test; it’s all over so quickly and I suppose just isn’t ingrained yet. Tog warmed up well but when I went in the arena dropped behind my leg. It didn’t feel great and according to my friend who was watching my 20m circles weren’t round, my transitions needed work and “what on earth was that centre line?!” The judges gave me 36.2, so not too horrendous and not too badly placed in the section.

I walked the course before we left. The beautiful setting always takes your breath away and the course looked really jumpable. No reason not to go clear this time!

Show jumping at 8.30am the next morning meant an early start even though we live not far away. The warm up was a bit slipperly thanks to the rain overnight and Tog didn’t jump brilliantly so I was feeling a bit worried as we went in. Although there weren’t many people watching as it was so early, cantering into that large arena surrounded by tradestands, grandstands and flags does give you a real sense of occasion. I could also see my dad, grandparents and friends watching. The bell went and we were away. Tog jumped amazingly, I saw no dodgy strides and although we got a bit quick he went clear! I could not believe it. Last week at Osberton clear, now Chatsworth — surely we’ve used up all our luck!

On to the cross-country — we got a bit close to the first fence but after that Tog flew. It’s so lovely when it feels easy. Jumped fence four with its skinny with no problems, first water was fine, over the lovely “two graces” and down to the second water. They had a skinny in this year, but we popped through no problem and out exactly where I’d been told and over the skinny at the other side. Normally I hate jumps on angles but as he was jumping so well we took the double of log piles on the angle. Long canter to the corner, I knocked the flag with my leg, then on to the double of skinnies. I’d been told to look at the second when I was in the air over the first, but I forgot. Luckily Tog had looked and jumped it — good boy! On to the trakehner, which he pinged over and then just the last fence and home! I knew I hadn’t gone very quick but was so pleased with our double clear. It’s what I’ve wanted for so long and was so proud of Tog. I hope this form continues… maybe I should just retire now!

A focused Mary King tackles the cross-country at the 2007 Chatsworth World Cup qualifier

Next image >>

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Mary King celebrates after winning the FEI World Cup Qualifier at Chatsworth 2007

<< Previous image — Next image >>

Walking the cross-country at 7.30am on Sunday morning, bacon buttie in hand, I could feel the nerves starting to jingle. However the surge of excitement was greater, especially as the advanced riders were to jump the big corner on a sharp turn after the first water. When I did the CIC*** last year I was, quite strangely, really disappointed at its removal.

My trainer, who just happens to be the course designer Ian Stark, whizzed me round the course on a quad yesterday to help get my lines right, so although the course was big, I felt quite confident. However, we still had the show jumping to negotiate and faultless rounds were appearing very elusive.

Rooey tried his heart out, but unfortunately marred a typically pinging clear with the first pole down. Jumping in the main arena at Chatsworth is one of the highlights of this special event for me. The crowd really lifts the horses, and I can get an inkling of what it might be like to compete at Badminton with the spectators in the stands and the band playing in the background.

We set off cross-country in good spirit — the ground was superb and I was determined to get a really positive round as this was our last run before the U25 Championships at Bramham. (Little was I to know how lucky I was to have an early time, as the heavens opened and forgot to shut from the early afternoon.) Rooey once again proved that he was more than up for the challenge. He bounded round with ease and had a lot of petrol still in the tank by the end, which was fantastic as we recorded about the third fastest round of the day. I was thrilled with the way he’d gone, and even more so when I heard over the tannoy that I was in the lead!

The excitement was tantalisingly maintained from about 11am when I finished until the very last combination in the section, Andrew Nicholson and Ginger May Killinghurst, who ran in torrential rain at about 5pm, and knocked me off top spot. Although this was obviously disappointing — especially as I’ve always dreamt of winning a rug, and the red Nissan one that Mr Nicholson got was amazingly smart — I hadn’t allowed myself to believe that I might in fact win an advanced, let alone at such a prestigious event as Chatsworth. Arriving back home at 1.30am this morning somehow seemed a lot less of a trial than usual, and I still have the elusive honour of achieving an advanced win to look forward to.

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Mary King and Call Again Cavalier won the £4,000 to the winner World Cup qualifier at the Chatsworth Nissan International Horse Trials, heading a class which was significantly enhanced by the late entry of a clutch of Badminton refugees.

Ruth Edge and Marsh Mayfly were in front after dressage and cross-country, but in a deluge show jumping became highly influential. When one fence fell, another three followed and Ruth dropped to fourth, allowing the immaculate Mary a first international win at this venue with a premium clear.

After cross-country, only two fences separated the top eight. Four faults was enough to clinch second place for Oli Townend and Flint Curtis, while J-P Sheffield enjoyed undoubtedly his best international result, third on Crown Farm Consort with two show jumps down.

Mary was particularly choked for Call Again Cavalier, the ride inherited from the late Caroline Pratt, who was also marking his first FEI victory.

“He should have had this win two years ago,” said Mary. “What a jumper: I was slithering and sliding all over the place but he just kept focussed.”

Chatsworth’s ground preparation pre-dated the Badminton hiatus, having been assiduously rolled and treated since March. There was just the right cut in the ground when the weekend rain arrived, but when the afternoon deluge set in there were notably slower cross-country rounds in semi-blinding conditions.

The fact that riders are motivated more by disliking the CIC-format than prize money was indicated by a stronger entry for the straightforward CICs***. McGuigan took a weekend – literally – off from stud duties to win the first of these for Jeanette Brakewell. Oli Townend took his section on Edmire Foxy Lady ahead of the evergreen Ringwood Cockatoo (Bettina Hoy), making his seasonal debut. The advanced was won by Andrew Nicholson on a new ride this season, Ginger May Killinghurst.

See Mary King’s win in pictures >>

Don’t miss Charlotte Agnew’s second behind the scenes blog from Chatsworth, online tomorrow morning.

Read H&H’s full report on all the action from Chatsworth in this Thursday’s magazine (13 May, ’07)

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Chatworth weekend kicked off in fine style for us riders thanks to an exquisite drinks party held in the awe-inspiring Chatsworth house. This was just what the Doctor ordered following our long drive down on Friday.

I’ve got two horses competing this weekend – Little Beau (Roo) in the advanced, and Rocket in the intermediate novice, while my old pony has also come along in the honourable role of Rocket’s nanny.

Even though Roo’s test wasn’t until 12 o’clock today, we still seemed to suffer the usual mad dash to get away from the lovely family yard where the horses had stayed over night. I also had the added nightmare of having forgotten my boots, so time was certainly not in abundance. The later problem was fixed by the purchase of a smart new pair of gaiters, which I tried scratching with twigs to get rid of the ‘newness’ — I was determined and confident that the boys would out perform any associated bad luck.

Rooey tried his heart out in the dressage, performing two foot perfect changes and leaving him with a mark of 37, which in my (no doubt slightly sketchy) calculations puts us about equal 12th. A truly fantastic result for my jumping star!

Rocket also had a very promising day. This began when we successfully completed the dressage test (which is more than we managed on our last outing), not only with the added bonus of remaining in the arena, but with some really smart trot work to boot.

I was concerned that he wouldn’t jump well having never been this chilled – courtesy of a couple of tubes of Nupafeed calmer – but I needn’t have worried as he flew! One pole down in the show jumping after a steady cross-country meant we would have been about 10th if I hadn’t been HC. I only hope tomorrow ends as excitingly as today has . . .

Coming up: H&H’s report on the World Cup qualifier, plus Charlotte’s next blog

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The World Cup qualifier at the Chatsworth Nissan Horse Trials has received a boost with the late entry of several top horses who were withdrawn from Badminton.

Four pairs who competed for Britain at last year’s World Equestrian Games — Mary King (pictured) and Call Again Cavalier, Daisy Dick and Spring Along, Sharon Hunt and Tankers Town and Oliver Townend and Flint Curtis — are now entered.

Lucy Wiegersma (Shaabrak), Ruth Edge (Two Thyme) and James Robinson (Comanche) have also re-routed from the four-star.

Last year’s winner Clayton Fredericks is on top form after his victory at the Rolex Kentucky Horse Trials, and he will defend his title on The Frog.

With ground conditions foremost in riders’ minds after Badminton, Chatsworth’s organisers report that the track has been harrowed and rolled continuously since March. There has been some rain this week, but two agri-vators are on standby and all the arenas and practice areas have been watered this week.

Badminton final scores

For a full list of entries visit: www.bdwp.co.uk/cha

For visitor’s information visit: www.chatsworth.org/events/horsetrials.htm

View our gallery of images from last year’s event >>

Stay in touch with the latest news and views from Chatsworth this weekend on horseandhound.co.uk