In just a few days’ time, riders will be assessing the Defender Burghley cross-country course challenge for 2026 – checking strides, working out routes and deciding what will suit their particular horse best.

We sent multi-medalled event rider Tina Cook to Burghley Horse Trials to preview the course, which is designed by Derek di Grazia. You can read all her thoughts in the current issue of Horse & Hound magazine (issue dated 27 August) and we have a few pictures for you here…

Fence 7abc: Boodles Raindance

This is the first real combination on course. Rider on the straight route jump up a step, followed by a short one stride, over an angled house and then two strides to another angled house.

Fence 9abcd: Defender Dairy Mound

The direct route here consists of a log trailer, four strides to a log, then down a slope to a corner at the bottom. As the name suggests, the complex is set over a mound and terrain is an important part of the question.

Fence 10abcd: Fairfax & Favor at Keepers

The brush had not yet been added to the frames here when Tina visited so these fences will look quite different, but you can get an idea of the challenge. The two skinnies on the direct route will be taken on three strides.

Fence 14abc: Pedigree Ditches

Again, brush will be added here, with the first spread fence consisting of a brush oxer. There is then a right-handed curve to the open corner over a ditch.

Fence 22abcd: Defender Valley

In the later stages of the course, riders taking on the quickest option here jump a set of rails, then an open ditch, then up a slope to a brush arrowhead.

For more insight to this year’s Burghley cross-country course, we also have videos of Tina walking the course.

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Burghley Horse Trials is a great day out for any equestrian sport fan, but it’s also a great opportunity to get some shopping in, so we’ve rounded up our favourite official Burghley merchandise for 2026. Whether you want to remember the autumn event with a limited edition souvenir or pick out a gift for a horse lover, there are some great options for ladies, gents and children.

The vast shopping village at Defender Burghley Horse Trials is one of the many highlights of the event, attracting a huge collection of many well-known brands – from equestrian fashion to country lifestyle brands, there is plenty to choose from. On that note, if you’re not sure what to wear to Burghley, we’ve got this covered too.

This year’s official merchandise partner is Joules and the 2026 collection combines traditional event branding, classic Joules country styling and heritage embroidery across clothing and accessories. We’ve rounded up our favourite items of official 2026 Burghley merchandise below, so that you can shop the collection even if you’re watching Burghley on TV or following our Burghley live reports service from home.

2026 official Burghley merchandise

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British and US riders will go head to head in a new invitational team eventing competition with a £50,000 prize pot at Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials (17 to 20 September).

“The Blenheim Challenge” will run as part of the CCI4*-L class and will involve British riders from the Rising Lions taking on the US Stars & Stripes. Rising Lions is a privately funded initiative designed to give up-and-coming riders more opportunities at high-profile events.

The competition has a privately funded £50,000 prize pot, which will be split between riders, grooms, a youth programme and a charity.

Riders invited to represent the Rising Lions and the US Stars & Stripes are yet to be announced.

Blenheim event director Katrina Midgley told H&H the horse trials is “really excited” to welcome the Blenheim Challenge to the fixture.

“It brings a completely new dimension to the CCI4*-L without changing the integrity of the competition itself,” she said.

“The riders will still be competing for individual honours in one of the most prestigious CCI4*-L competitions in the world but there will now be this additional team contest running alongside it. We hope the head-to-head format will give spectators another storyline to follow throughout the three phases and create some friendly rivalry along the way."

She added that the format draws on inspiration from golf’s Ryder Cup scoring system.

“The aim is to create a simple head-to-head contest that spectators can easily follow and get behind, while leaving the established CCI4*-L competition unchanged,” said Mrs Midgley.

The riders from the two teams will compete within the main CCI4*-L as normal but before each phase there will be a draw so each member of the team is paired against a rider on the opposing team for that phase.

The rider with the better score in each individual match wins one point for their team for that phase. If their scores are equal, each rider receives half a point. There will be four points up for grabs in each phase (based on two teams of four riders). The team with the highest overall points total from all phases will win the challenge.

Commenting on The prize money for The Blenheim Challenge, which is larger than the total for the main CCI4*-L class (£48,000). Mrs Midgley said the money has been privately raised by the team behind the Rising Lions.

“No funds have been diverted from any other classes to support this, so it is all additional prize money that would otherwise not be available as part of BPHIT [Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials],” she said.

“It is great to see new initiatives like this bringing more money into the sport, particularly as a number of different groups will benefit from this additional pot.

“A large part of the prize fund will go to the riders, but amounts are also allocated for the grooms of both teams, the youth programme of the national governing body of the winning team and an equestrian charity selected by the winning team.”

Rising Lions supported a squad of British riders contest the CCI4*-S at Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event in May and Blenheim will be the first of its initiatives on home soil.

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Olympic medallist Tina Cook has given exclusive insight into the 2026 Defender Burghley Horse Trials (3 to 6 September) cross-country course.

Tina finished in the top 10 at Burghley many times, and also won individual bronze at the European Eventing Championships held there in 1997 with General Jock.

Tina, who won multiple senior championship medals including being crowned European champion in 2009, has rated and reviewed all 28 numbered fences on Derek di Grazia’s Burghley course.

Her full analysis of the 2026 cross-country track features in H&H’s Burghley preview edition, available from today (Thursday, 27 August).

“It’s a horse-friendly, attacking Burghley track and is big, without being confusing for horses. It'll make riders be positive to encourage the horses to get into a really lovely rhythm early on,” Tina said.

Don’t miss today’s issue of H&H magazine – out now (27 August) for the full Defender Burghley preview.

Watch Tina walk three fences on the 2026 Burghley Horse Trials cross-country course

Joules at the Maltings (15ab & 16abc)

There are lots of fences in this area. The direct route is over two arrowhead brushes (15a and 15b), followed by a triple bar (16a) to a corner (16bc).

“The triple brushes will be big and imposing as you come round the corner,” Tina said, adding that fence 16abc is a “real tester of power and accuracy”.

“You’ll hopefully get time in the air jumping the triple bar to look at a nice curving line to the open corner,” she said, noting that riders will need power and to be in balance at these elements, which are set on Burghley’s undulating terrain.

Watch Tina walk the direct route at Joules at the Maltings

Trout Hatchery (19abcdef)

Horses go through all three ponds at this key Burghley fence. The straight route is over a trailer at 19a, landing on dry land followed by a splash through. They then turn left and jump a hanging log (19bc) into the second pool, before heading back on to dry land to jump a house (19de), then turn right-handed into the third pool where there will be a brush-topped corner (19f).

Tina said the hanging log at 19bc will feel “a big drop”, adding: “Riders will have to sit tight and keep the gallop through the water as they then have the accuracy question of jumping the house, but the luxury of going on to a little bit of dry land.”

Watch Tina walk the direct route at the Trout Hatchery

Holland Cooper Leaf Pit (24abcdef)

The quickest route at the Holland Cooper Leaf Pit is off the famous drop (24ab), followed by a curved brush fence (24cd) and a related distance to a big corner (24ef). The longer alternative here avoids the drop but involves two extra jumping efforts. Riders could also choose to mix and match a little, by jumping off the drop, then taking the longer alternatives at the bottom.

Tina said those on the direct route will need to keep the momentum to the final element (24ef) as it is “a very big corner”.

“The odd horse might run out here,” she said, adding that it will be up to each competitor to assess the ride they are having and make the best decision for their horse on the route they take here.

Watch Tina walk the direct route at the Holland Cooper Leaf Pit

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The entries are in and Defender Burghley Horse Trials is “ahead of the game” in ensuring ideal conditions for the horses during one of the driest summers on record.

The site build and construction of the 2026 cross-country course are well under way at the home of the Lincolnshire CCI5*.

Burghley’s cross-country track is fenced off all year and has an underground irrigation network covering the whole course, which was installed around 26 years ago under the charge of clerk of the course Philip Herbert and then director Bill Henson. It involves 4,500m of pipes linked to one computer-operated pumping point at the lake (feature, 31 August 2023).

“Burghley for many years, before I was here as well, has been ahead of the game with the cross-country track,” said director Martyn Johnson at the event’s media day on 11 August.

“I don’t think you can go anywhere else in the world and have a dedicated track that is only used for one day of the year for 60 horses. The care and attention that goes on in December is as important as what we are doing in the build-up to the event now.

“It walks very well – yes, it’s been very dry, there is a limitation with the weather. But we’re very fortunate to have a year-round ground care plan, and that we have the ability to irrigate as well. So the ground will be as good as it can possibly be; the team here are really experienced at doing that, so we’re very hopeful and confident.”

There are a total of 56 entries from seven nations for this year’s event, and Equestrian data analytics company EquiRatings has Sarah Bullimore and the 10-year-old Corimiro as favourites.

Harry Meade has been drawn as pathfinder with Et Hop Du Matz, the first of his three rides. He will also partner Superstition and Cavalier Crystal. Other entries include 2023 Burghley runners-up David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed, Tom Jackson (Hawk Eye and United 36), Laura Collett (Bling), 2021 Bicton five-star winners Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight, plus Burghley debutant Yasmin Ingham on Goliath Du Loir.

“At the top of the sport we’re going through a bit of a transition at the moment with some of the older experienced five-star horses having retired, a couple of whom will be here in other guises this time,” said Mr Johnson.

“We have some really exciting young horses here. Tom and Sarah have probably two of the most exciting horses at the top of the sport at the moment, and I think we’ll see those horses for many years to come at five-star and championships. To have those horses here at this stage of their career is really exciting.

“We also have some really good entries from the US and continental Europe, which is good for the sport and for five-stars. We always know in a World Championships year that we’re going to lose some horses to that, but we’re very happy with the field. We have some quality entries and really nice stories.”

Event president Miranda Rock, whose grandfather David Cecil, the sixth Marquess of Exeter, founded the horse trials 65 years ago, said the fixture is “such a calendar landmark, not just here at Burghley, but across the whole sporting sector”.

“I think he’d be thrilled about that,” she said, adding that the first event had 19 competitors and that her grandfather would be “astonished” by its size and professionality today.

“He was a passionate horseman, and that’s really what he wanted to do: to support riders who were brave enough to compete.”

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The Princess Royal is to visit Defender Burghley Horse Trials on the final day (5 September) – when a legend of the sport will also officially bow out.

In her role as president of World Horse Welfare, the event’s supported charity for 2026, and as president of the British Eventing Support Trust, Her Royal Highness will present the prizes after the final phase. A spokesperson for Burghley said this will “provide a fitting climax to a true ‘Super Sunday’ celebrating world-class sport”.

As well as the princess, who won the European Championships held at Burghley in 1971, there will be more medal-winning eventers for the crowd to cheer. The team gold medallists from this summer’s World Championships – two-time Burghley winner Ros Canter, Laura Collett, Tom McEwen and Gemma Stevens, plus individual World Championships rider Caroline Harris – will parade in the main arena before the prizegiving.

Burghley event director Martyn Johnson said: “We are very honoured that HRH the Princess Royal is attending Burghley again this year.

“As a former winner of Burghley, and a British gold medallist herself, it is highly appropriate that Her Royal Highness will play a role on a day which celebrates so much British equestrian sporting achievement.”

More emotion is promised when four-time CCI5* winner and Olympic gold medallist Ballaghmor Class will canter once more round the arena in which he clinched his two Burghley titles with Oliver Townend. The 19-year-old superstar owned by Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan is to be officially retired on the same day.

The Sunday crowd will also be able to enjoy the Defender Shetland Pony Grand National, the British Army Tidworth band and a parade of the Fitzwilliam (Milton) hounds.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news in the run-up to and throughout Defender Burghley Horse Trials, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Wondering what prize money is on offer at Burghley Horse Trials? The Defender Burghley Horse Trials is one of the top events of the year with a suitably impressive prize pot, and therefore attracts the best event riders from across the world.

This year, the winner will take home £120,000, which is an increase of £5,000 from 2025 and just £5,000 less than the prize money allocated to the Badminton winner. The prize money for first place hit the six-figure mark in 2022.

There is additional prize money allocated to some of Burghley’s special prize winners – for example, last year £1,000 was awarded to the breeder of the highest-placed British-bred horse.

The total prize pot for the competition in 2026 is £388,000.

Burghley Horse Trials prize money in 2026

Below are the proposed prizes for the top finishers in the five-star competition. The exact prize money, however, depends on the number of horses that start – this year there are 55 confirmed entries in Burghley’s drawn order.

Burghley Young Event Horse prize money

The two Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse classes will be worth a total of £8,000 for 2026, with a first prize of £1,500 for the five-year-old champion and £1,250 for the four-year-old champion. Prizes go down to tenth place.

The prize pot also includes a £100 breeder's prize and £100 for the highest placed mare.

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Last weekend was quite unusual. The British open championship ran at Hartpury and a few hundred miles away, in Aachen, the world’s leading horses and riders did battle for the quadrennial eventing World Championship crown.

Having run all our national championships for so many years at Gatcombe, they always have a special place in my heart. For my daughter Zara to win her first national title in the open on the 17-year-old Class Affair was particularly nostalgic after he has let her down frequently at five-star.

Typical dad, my initial thought was that there could not have been too many in it! But there were 41 finishers, 14 eliminations, eight retired and 10 withdrawals. Eric Winter must have given the course a significant upgrade from last year.

I was disappointed with fewer than 50 entries in the novice championship. We used to have 100-plus at Gatcombe, qualifying through regional finals, which have now gone. I remember trying to win this for years, but now people talk more of qualifying for the six- and seven-year-old World Championships at Le Lion d’Angers.

The intermediate championship provides a first glimpse of the possible superstars of tomorrow, so it was pleasing to see Tom Jackson and Kitty King, who had an especially good weekend, up at the sharp end.

I do wonder about the sense of running two- and three-star longs alongside the novice and intermediate championships. Would not many of the horses in those have been prime candidates for the championships? The British open and CCI4*-S were combined this year and perhaps that’s the way to go with the other classes.

Whatever way, making our national championships special flagship events again must be high on the British Eventing agenda.

Small margins determined the Aachen result

I’ve often been sceptical, even critical, about some of the dressage judging at major championships. I do think in Aachen the judges should be commended. Julia Krajewski rode a beautiful clean test to top the leaderboard.

It was strange to see Michael Jung and Ros Canter both fluff one of the flying changes on the diagonal and for them and Laura Collett to be within one mark of each other, just behind Julia.

Giuseppe della Chiesa had the riders’ attention with his World Championships cross-country course – all called it serious, some even five-star, but it did have a plethora of time-consuming alternatives.

Nobody admired the amount of turning and rollbacks that make the time so hard to get, but I fear this was largely dictated by the site, so will be repeated at next year’s Europeans in Avenches and the Olympics in Los Angeles – perhaps this was good practice!

Giuseppe had to be pleased with six inside the time and an additional 47 jumping clears, out of the 85 starters, but may be a little disappointed that 20 failed to get round.

There was huge pressure on the British team after Gemma Stevens and Flash Cooley came to a grinding halt at the coffin.

Credit to Tom McEwen for accepting a few time-penalties by going long at the last corner combination to ensure the team finish. Laura Collett looked amazing, though was lucky to survive a near-disastrous slip turning to the last water, London 52 having lost a shoe. It looked like another canter around the park for Lordships Graffalo, with Ros Canter.

To start thinking “gold” at this stage is the best way to annoy fate, but the Brits ended up with an 11.6-penalty advantage. In the individual, Michael Jung rolled one pole big time, but it didn’t drop. This was his fourth World Championship gold in four attempts, two individual and two team.

Michael is the outstanding rider of our times and was just 0.4 penalties ahead of Lordships Graffalo, the horse equivalent. This was a fair result as Ros made more of a mistake in the dressage. It’s difficult to believe such small margins would determine the result at an outstanding World Championship and create another piece of Aachen history.

● How would you boost entries in our national championships? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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Harry Meade will be the first and last rider to compete at Defender Burghley Horse Trials (3-6 September) – and somewhere in between.

The draw has been made for the CCI5* and Harry, who has come third here for the past three years, will be eyeing a shot at his first title. He will go first with Superstition, 27th with Et Hop De Matz and last with Cavalier Crystal, last year’s podium finisher. He will be the 55th horse but wear number 56 as no Burghley rider is ever asked to carry the “unlucky” number 13.

Second to go will be US rider Caroline Pamukcu, making her Burghley debut with HSH Tolan King. Caroline is also number 53 with HSH Blake, whom she entered on Monday (17 August) as a re-route after the pair parted ways early on the cross-country at the World Championships.

Tim Price is drawn at number three with Global Quest and 55 with Falco. It will be interesting to see whether the 17-year-old starts, after he and Tim finished 21st individually at the worlds last week. Tim came sixth here last year with Vitali but this would be a first Burghley for both these horses.

2026 Burghley draw: medallists and rising stars

Two of Britain’s world team gold medallists are in the draw; individual bronze medallist Laura Collett will be number 47 with Bling, who finished 14th at Badminton this year, and Gemma Stevens brings her 2021 Bicton CCI5* winner Chilli Knight.

Tom Jackson, who came second here in 2022 with Capels Hollow Drift, is drawn sixth with Hawk Eye, who came 31st at Badminton this year. He is also number 52 with the up-and-coming 10-year-old United 36, who finished fourth at Badminton 2026, his first five-star.

Sarah Bullimore and home-bred Corimiro, who came fifth at Pau last year and 10th at Badminton 2026, are the favourites according to equestrian data analysis company EquiRatings. They start as number 34.

Caroline Powell, Burghley champion in 2010 with Lenamore, is drawn as number 24 with High Time, with whom she finished eighth here last year.

See the full draw.

Don’t miss our exclusive Burghley cross-country course-walk with Tina Cook in next week’s magazine (27 August) and full form guide in the 4 September edition.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news in the run-up to and throughout Burghley, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Robin Godel has retired his great campaigner Grandeur De Lully CH from eventing, following his top-25 finish for the Swiss team at the eventing World Championships in Aachen last week.

The 18-year-old has been an incredible stalwart of top-level sport, contesting seven senior championships since 2018 – the 2024 Olympics, the 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Championships and the 2019, 2021 and 2023 Europeans.

“I’m so lucky to have had him in my career and the same for the Swiss team,” said Robin. “I don’t think I will have another horse like that. He’s been so constant, he was never injured and anything, and was always clear on the cross-country.”

Robin rode Grandeur De Lully CH at the 2017 young rider Europeans, then he was his first senior championship horse.

“Without him, I wouldn’t be here today,” said Robin on Sunday (16 August), meaning that Grandeur De Lully has been responsible for so much of his career as well as the fact he was riding him at the World Championships.

Grandeur De Lully CH retired after superb career

The son of Greco De Lully CH has jumped clear across country at every one of his championships.

He had a few errors early in his partnership with Robin, but then became an incredibly consistent performer – he only had one refusal across country at international fixtures after 2017. He has only once failed to complete an international event, when Robin had a fall from him in a CIC2* (now CCI3*-S) in 2017.

Grandeur De Lully CH has won four times at four-star and his best individual championship placings are 15th at the 2021 Europeans and 2022 World Championships.

He has been a huge part of the Swiss team‘s rise in recent years. Switzerland now regularly finish in the top five in the team standings at major eventing championships and have been battling for bronze at the three most recent.

Grandeur De Lully CH first joined Robin as a tricky six-year-old.

“He’s a bit special and he was not working for other riders, so he came to me. It was not so easy because he’s very spooky and I fell off a lot at the beginning. But after we found each other and we had some more confidence together, then it came good,” he said.

Grandeur De Lully CH will have a holiday now after his Aachen effort – he finished 23rd and helped the Swiss team to fifth and Olympic qualification. Robin said Grandeur De Lully CH may be officially retired in a ceremony at the international show at Geneva (9-13 December), where he may also compete in the indoor cross-country.

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Alice Casburn’s star home-bred eventer Topspin is “happy, healthy and enjoying life in his field” – and will be back in work this autumn to enjoy an active semi-retirement.

The combination’s last event was the first under-25 World Championships (22 to 26 July), at which they were in the lead after the cross-country but Topspin was withdrawn before the final trot-up.

The pair grew up together; Alice was six years old when Topspin, a second-generation home-bred, was born and they climbed the eventing ladder as a team.

Alice was just 19 years old when she contested her first five-star with the gelding, at Pau 2021, where they jumped double clear. That was the first of 10 five-star starts for the duo.

“I never expected to do Pau in 2021, so I’m coming out with an open mind and anything is possible,” Alice told H&H in an interview at the end of that year.

The following spring, Alice and Topspin jumped clear across country at Badminton to finish 19th, and won a legion of fans. That year, they also won individual bronze and helped the Brits to team gold at the young rider Europeans.

In the years that followed, they finished in the top 10 at Burghley on all four starts, were fifth at Luhmühlen and recorded two more top-20 finishes at Badminton – all before Alice’s 24th birthday.

This weekend (16 August), Alice shared an update on Topspin and a tribute to the horse who has been by her side for 18 years.

“I’m incredibly happy to say that Topspin and I are now in a very happy place,” said Alice.

“After a thorough check once we got home, I’m so pleased to say he is happy, healthy and enjoying life in his field, and he’ll return to work in November.

“Our chapter is going to look slightly different from here, but I’m so excited that he gets the semi-retirement he deserves, with lots of showjumping and fun outings. Hickstead [eventers’ challenge]… consider this our application.”

She added: “Whilst we could return to eventing, we felt that whilst his brain isn’t ageing, his body is. He deserves a competitive life with fewer physical demands, and I’m genuinely excited about what we might experience together doing just that.”

Alice also shared for the first time the statement she had written in Millstreet.

“Topspin gave me one of his best rounds to date on Saturday, putting us in gold medal position going into the showjumping. Knowing your team is relying on you, whilst knowing deep down that your partner isn’t feeling 100% after cross-country, is not a decision I took lightly,” she said.

“Topspin has been part of my life for 18 years, since I was six. He owes me nothing, I owe him everything. So he came home to friends and a field full of grass.

“Selfishly, I’m terrified. We’ve spent the past 10 years taking on the world and travelling to new places. I can’t remember a time when we weren’t preparing for our next adventure.

“Topspin, my partner in crime. Thank you for proving that fairytales aren’t just for storybooks, and that you can never dream big enough.

“I feel so unbelievably honoured to have been your chosen person, and your trust in me is a privilege I will always be grateful for.

“Neither of us was naturally brave. You never asked me to be fearless, and I never asked you to be either. But when we were together, you made me feel invincible, and that was enough to take us further than either of us could have imagined.

“This isn’t the end of our story. Just the start of a different chapter.”

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Working riders found themselves at the head of affairs in the novice restricted championship (formerly Corinthian Cup), sponsored by Fairfax Saddles, at the NAF Hartpury International Celebration of Eventing & British National Championships.

Ultimately, small animal vet Henry Dove emerged as the winner, riding Godsend Du Givre, from the 31 competitors that lined up to vie for a first prize of £175. Dog groomer Olivia Roberts followed just 0.9 of a penalty behind to take the £140 runner-up prize aboard Fintra CJ.

Henry, who works for Rutland & Kings Veterinary Centre in Leicestershire, finished on his leading 26.3 dressage score. He bought his winning ride as a four-year-old from Nick and Marnie Campbell of Campbell Sport Horses during Covid after his partner and trainer, Matthew Glentworth, mentioned to Marnie that Henry needed a “dope on a rope” for his mother, Lucy Stewart, who helps with Henry’s horses.

Henry explained that he had “set out to win to right the wrongs of last year”.

“I got a lot of time-faults because he was naughty going into the startbox,” aid Henry. “He’s a bit of a joker and he gets excited; this time he was bucking through the showjumping.”

Novice restricted championship runner-up: “I work hard to fund my horse”

The 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse Fintra CJ, Olivia’s second-placed ride, added just 0.8 of a cross-country time-fault to their dressage score, He came to her unbacked at five and Olivia has produced him through the levels herself.

“He’s so easy, with such a nice nature,” said south Leicestershire-based Olivia, who is self-employed.

She added that she’s “just an amateur who works hard to fund my only horse”.

“Everything goes into him,” she said. “I’ve had my eyes on this class all season. I knew it was going to be competitive and I didn’t want to put a lot of pressure on myself, but we got a really good dressage score, we showjumped clear and I thought, ‘I could hold on to this second place’, and we did.’

Like the winners, Ella Zatouroff and Val Evett-Farman’s 20-year-old Billy Black Cat, third, were dressage-score finishers in this class. Ella, an ultramarathon and Ironman 70.3 runner, has ridden the mare, who was once in Austin O’Connor’s stable, since 2022.

Top three in Hartpury novice restricted championship

1. Henry Dove and Godsend Du Givre: 26.3
2. Olivia Roberts and Fintra CJ: 26.4
3. Ella Zatouroff and Billy Black Cat: 29.4

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The scene was set for a hard-fought battle over the top spot of the Fairfax Saddles-sponsored British novice championship when Kitty King and Bubby Upton tied on 25.5 following the first phase at the NAF Hartpury International Celebration of Eventing & British National Championships.

But while the latter took her time across the country following one dislodged showjump aboard Diamantus 3 (eventually finishing 19th), the former kept a clean sheet with Kilcoltrim Cooley for victory.

Max Warburton suffered from “second-itis” at the event. He secured yet another runner-up spot, this time aboard Monbeg Condor (he was also second in the NAF CCI4*-S/British Open on Deerpairc Revelry).

This was a second British novice championship win for Kitty, who was previously victorious in 2021 with MHS Monbeg. After beating 46 other horses this time she said of Kilcoltrim Cooley: “He’s not very flashy in the dressage so he doesn’t always get the marks he deserves, but they marked him well here.

“He’s showjumped clear at every run he’s had this year, so I went into the arena feeling confident. He also zipped around the cross-country.”

Kilcoltrim Cooley used to be the ride of Ireland’s Clare Abbott, but Kitty has been doing “maternity cover” with him since June 2025 to ensure plenty of exposure to the busy British competitive scene.

Hartpury British novice championship: the podium

The seven-year-old runner-up Monbeg Condor, purchased as a four-year-old from the Goresbridge Go For Gold Sales and now heading to Le Lion d’Angers, is, according to his jockey Max Warburton: “A very exciting horse for the future. He’s got a great brain and we’ve always had high hopes for him.”

Wiltshire-based Emily Young-Jamieson felt that her third-placed German-bred eight-year-old La Vita 44 had learned a lot from this contest.

“I wanted to use Hartpury as a prep run for the CCI3*-L at Scone Palace as I thought it would be really educational – and it was,” she said.

Emily has only recently returned to eventing after being out of the saddle for four weeks after suffering three broken ribs and a punctured lung when kicked by a youngster.

Top three in Hartpury British novice championship

1. Kitty King and Kilcoltrim Cooley: 25.5
2. Max Warburton and Monbeg Condor: 27.4
3. Emily Young-Jamieson and La Vita 44: 29.1

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Tom Jackson’s frenetic week at the NAF Hartpury International Celebration of Eventing & British National Championships, where he piloted seven horses, came good when he emerged emphatically at the head of the leaderboard in a competitive Hartpury Uni & College British intermediate championship riding Sarah and Richard Jewson’s imposing mare My Star Turn.

“Hopefully there are big things to come from her,” said Tom, who beat Emma Thomas and May Day Van Stal Romano into second place and Katie Magee aboard Springhead Jupiter into third.

Tom added only 3.2 cross-country time penalties — the fastest time of the day – to his leading dressage score of 24.

Dani Stewart-Richardson and Londonlook TN, second following the first phase with 24.5, slipped out of contention with a showjump down and a clutch of time faults incurred over the solid fences.

Surrey-based Tom has produced the 16.3hh Dutch-bred nine-year-old through the levels since 2022 after she was purchased from Mike and Emma Winter.

“She’s been very consistent. She’s a big mare and she’s getting stronger and better,” said Tom, who has pencilled in the Blenheim eight/nine-year-old class, followed by a first CCI4*-L at Boekelo for the daughter of Action Breaker.

Hartpury British intermediate championship: tricky mare secures runner-up spot

Emma Thomas’s ride May Day Van Stal Romano also originated on the Continent – she is Dutch bred too – with Emma taking her on as a four-year-old. The KWPN daughter of Carrera VDL hasn’t been particularly straightforward to produce, however, and was even re-backed early on in their partnership.

“She’s got a lot going on in her brain and she’s by far the trickiest young horse I’ve ever had,” said Emma, who runs a yard in Warwickshire.

“She was never naughty, but found everything a lot to deal with, although as soon as she started going across country that all changed, and that’s when we gelled as a partnership. As she gets older and does bigger and better things, her intelligence is a real boon.”

Emma and May Day Van Stal Romano soared through the ranks thanks to leaving all the coloured poles in their cups over what proved to be an influential showjumping course, with 15 of the 25 starters adding to their scoresheets during this phase.

The cross-country clock was hugely influential, too, with Emma’s 5.2 time penalties only bettered by the eventual winner and dressage leader, My Star Turn.

Top three in Hartpury British intermediate championship

1. Tom Jackson and My Star Turn: 27.2
2. Emma Thomas and May Day Van Stal Romano: 39.2
3. Katie Magee and Springhead Jupiter: 39.9

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The champions’ pumping fists and laps of honour at the eventing World Championships make the headlines, but further down the team results nations were battling it out for Olympic qualification.

Ireland had a tantalising tussle with the US and Switzerland for the bronze medal, eventually having to settle for the dubious honour of fourth behind America.

Medals seem like the be-all and end-all in elite sport, but Ireland achieved the key milestone of qualifying for the LA Olympics at the first opportunity as one of the top seven finishers. Other leading nations like France and Australia will have to try again for qualification next year after failing to field three finishing scores.

Ireland’s five riders (including individual Georgie Goss) all produced super clears across country – the only nation to do so – which moved the team up from seventh after dressage to fourth. Aoife Clark and Austin O’Connor both finished top 20 in the nearly 90-strong field.

Ireland briefly flip-flopped with Switzerland into the bronze slot during the showjumping phase, but the podium wasn’t to be. The US trio conjured three clears and leapfrogged into bronze.

Aoife Clark was the highest placed Irish rider in 11th on the Ace of Spades Syndicate’s 11-year-old Full Monty De Lacense. She rolled a pole on the final day, but moved up a place. A clear would have put her ninth.

“It’s pretty special. You feel disappointed to be out of the top 10 but it’s the top 10 in the world and he is knocking at the door,” said Aoife. “I’m really excited about the future with him, and it’s great for the Irish team.

“We were maybe just nudged out of fighting for a medal today with a few unlucky rails but it’s great that we are in that position.

“We have young horses – we’ve got a 10-year-old, two 11-year-olds and a 12-year-old, and ‘Salty’ [17-year-old Colorado Blue] of course. That’s exciting.”

How nations scooped their Olympic tickets

The top seven nations from Aachen earned their ticket to LA28. As the US has automatic qualification as the home nation in Los Angeles, their team bronze meant that Belgium, eighth in the results, also secured a berth.

Belgium had a ding-dong battle with their neighbours the Netherlands throughout the first reverse-order showjumping session as these two nations switched between the two crucial eighth and ninth places.

Lara de Liedekerke-Meier (Kiarado D’Arville) produced the clear round inside the time that put Belgium through.

“We were under a lot of pressure for the Olympic ticket and nothing was going our way from the beginning. Then this morning, [when I was sent to] the holding box I felt it was not going to be my weekend,” said Lara.

“When the first Dutch had a couple of poles down, I thought maybe if I jumped clear it would be enough. Then you have to ride for the fun of it, as well as for your country.

“But it’s so much less pressure for next year, building up the next generation without worrying about the qualification. I am so relieved.

“My horse is only 10 years old and has such a bright future ahead of him.”

Olympic-qualified nations after Aachen eventing World Championships

• Germany
• Britain
• US (automatic qualification as home nation)
• Ireland
• Switzerland
• New Zealand
• Sweden
• Belgium

Eventing World Championships team results: the surprises

Several leading nations did not achieve qualification for LA28, including Paris silver and bronze medallists France and Japan, and four-time team gold medallists Australia.

Japan and Australia both failed to bring three counting scores home on cross-country. While France did post three cross-country clears, they had slipped from third after dressage to sixth. Shortly before the final horse inspection, Nicolas Touzaint withdrew Diabolo Menthe, and so France were out of contention before the showjumping began.

There are more opportunities to qualify next year, ahead of the deadline of 31 December 2027. The team competition at LA28 will field 16 nations, so there are still eight spots up for grabs.

Qualification routes depends on the nation is situated, but for instance France could qualify as one of the two highest-ranked teams yet to qualify from next year’s Europeans.

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While Britain and Germany enjoyed a comfortable passage to team gold and silver at the eventing World Championships, the US took a more circuitous route.

Unlike all the other nations, the US have automatic qualification for the LA Olympics, whereas the rest were battling out for the seven qualifying spots available in Aachen. However, they were defending silver from the 2022 World Championships in Pratoni and were never going to rest on their laurels.

Languishing in sixth after dressage, they failed to make headway despite cross-country clears from Will Coleman, Boyd Martin and Phillip Dutton. They were down to three riders after Caroline Pamukcu fell off HSH Blake on the cross-country.

And so on the final day, it was a fierce three-way battle for the final space on podium between the US, Ireland and Switzerland, but three immaculate clears for the Americans in the showjumping arena sealed the bronze.

Three US clears at eventing World Championships

Will Coleman, individual fourth on this year’s Kentucky winner Diabolo, led the team to the podium. His clear inside the time on the flashy “Dab” was one of the rounds of the day, despite the 14-year-old feeling the atmosphere.

“‘Dab’ was a little on his toes when he went in there, but he just knows the job,” said Will. “I knew he was going to do everything in his power to leave the rails up.”

Boyd Martin admitted to being “nervous as hell” this morning. The team were at that stage lying sixth, moving up to fifth with a bit more breathing room when sixth-placed France were eliminated from team contention after Nicolas Touzaint withdrew just before the final horse inspection.

Boyd steered Cooley Nutcracker (Bali) to America’s first clear inside the time.

“I thought we had an outside chance of a medal if we all jumped clear, and we were lucky we had three really good jumping horses,” said Boyd. “Bali’s been in phenomenal form, had a great warm-up and felt fantastic.

“It’s such a big ring – you’ve got to be able to really gallop. We’re so used to being in a small ring. I’m glad I came here last year – with Commando 3 – and had that experience, so I knew what I was in for.

“Luckily I’m sitting on a super-duper jumper and he delivered.”

Boyd finished overall 13th, while his 62-year-old compatriot Phillip Dutton, who contested the 2006 worlds here, finished 27th on Denim. They added just 1.2 time-faults over the coloured poles.

In the end, it was a comfortable podium finish for the US, with two fences in hand over Ireland, in fourth.

Eventing World Championship results: team standings

Gold: Britain – 84
Silver: Germany – 95.6
Bronze: US – 113.5
4th: Ireland – 122.4
5th: Switzerland – 128.1
6th: New Zealand – 145.4

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Laura Collett knows she “may never, ever find another horse like London 52”, who at the eventing World Championships added individual bronze and team gold to his impressive trophy cabinet.

The reigning European champions now have a full set of team gold medals from the European and World Championships, and the Olympics. Plus individual medals from all three. This result repeats what they achieved in Paris two years ago.

“I know I’ll never, ever have a horse like him again. I cherish him every day,” said Laura.

“He’s a horse of a lifetime, even just to go to the places he’s taken to me. To come away from here with two medals... I could never have dreamt 10 years ago when I bought him he would do half of what he’s achieved.”

How Laura Collett won bronze at the eventing World Championships

The pair went into showjumping in third place behind eventual gold and silver medallists Michael Jung and Ros Canter. Although Laura and London knocked down a rail at the water tray, two from home, they retained their position, a couple of penalties ahead of Will Coleman (Diabolo) in fourth.

London looked to be jumping with his customary zeal, giving the fences inches to spare. But – just as he had five years ago at the Tokyo Olympics – he suddenly spooked and launched at the fence, dropping the rail.

“I have no idea why he did what he did,” said Laura, who also added 0.4 of a time-fault. “He hadn’t done it before Tokyo and he hasn’t done it since. But it was basically a replica [of that moment].

“He’s been faultless all week, and I’m just delighted it didn’t change the standings. We came here to win a team gold medal, and we’ve just done that and added a couple of extras for bonus.”

Laura was full of praise for the venue, viewed by many as the Mecca for equestrianism.

“I don’t think they need to look at any other venue for a World Championships,” she joked. “This place, on a normal year, feels like a World Championships, and then to bring an actual World Championships is just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“We were all hoping and praying we could make it here because we knew it would be something special, and to have the week we’ve had is pretty exciting.”

Rounding off the top six were France’s Gaspard Maksud (Zaragoza) in fifth, and 67-year-old Australian Andrew Hoy (Vassily De Lassos), sixth.

Eventing World Championship results: individual standings

Gold: Michael Jung / FischerChipmunk FRH (GER) – 23
Silver: Ros Canter / Lordships Graffalo (GBR) – 23.4
Bronze: Laura Collett / London 52 (GBR) – 28
4th: Will Coleman / Diabolo (USA) – 30
5th: Gaspard Maksud / Zaragoza (FRA) – 30.9
6th: Andrew Hoy / Vassily De Lassos (AUS) – 31.7

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Ros Canter led the British team to a comfortable gold medal in the final reckoning as the eventing World Championships results were decided in Aachen. She also took individual silver with a superlative performance in every phase on Lordships Graffalo (Walter).

“This feels very special – relief and excitement all wrapped into one,” said Ros. “We know Walter is getting on for one of the best of all time and every time I ride him the pressure builds in an atmosphere like this. I know I’ve won a lot but I get to know him better each time.”

Ros came within a whisker of double gold, completing on her dressage score of 23.4, just 0.4 of a penalty behind the new world champion, Germany’s Michael Jung.

With the three British counting scores lying second, third (Laura Collett) and fourth (Tom McEwen) ahead of showjumping, it was an enjoyable watch for British fans, without too much jeopardy. The team had three fences in hand before the final phase, and finished 11.6 penalties clear at the top of the leaderboard.

However, when Laura and Tom both incurred faults at fence 12, two from home, it started the nerves a-jangling.

Happily for Laura, her rail didn’t cost her a podium finish, and she repeated her individual bronze and team gold medal haul from Paris.

Tom’s four faults proved more expensive, dropping him to seventh with JL Dublin, who jumped such a beautiful round, just rubbing that one rail.

“Dubs jumped really well, I was delighted with him,” Tom said. “I was a little bit tight at the water tray, I probably should have had more leg. It’s a shame but it didn’t cost the team anything. And I’ve finished fourth so many times, I’m rather pleased not to have done it again!

“Most importantly we have come away with what we came to achieve, which was team gold.”

Eventing World Championships results: the winning round

The German team took silver, with the US completing the podium in bronze.

Germany’s riders – the winner Michael Jung, ninth-placed Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Julia Krajewski in 17th – thrilled the home crowd with their silver medals, but it was Michael Jung’s nail-biter that roused them to their feet in sheer jubilation.

When he went into the ring, Michael knew he could not even a time-fault to retain his lead.

The first half of the course was scratchy, with Chipmunk clonking one fence so hard the rail came right out of its cups – and landed neatly back in them. He rubbed a few more but they stayed put.

Four years ago at the worlds, this pair lost the individual gold medal over the last two fences. This time luck was with them, and they set the record straight that the horse surely deserves.

This iron man of eventing made a rare show of emotion afterwards. The enormity of his achievement, with his 18-year-old partner, was plain to see.

“I’m speechless! I was definitely emotional at the end. Having the World Games at home, with this horse...” he said.

“He was jumping amazingly. Normally a double of verticals at the end of the course is not Chipmunk’s favourite thing but he was super. And you need luck on your side.

“Chipmunk is unbelievable. He’s doing great dressage, running fast cross-country cross-country, showjumping like a showjumper: careful, powerful and athletic. It’s a dream to ride him.”

US completes the podium: final eventing World Championships results

The US won silver in Pratoni four years ago, but had to climb through the field to finish third this time. Three showjumping clears sealed the deal.

Sixth after dressage and fifth after cross-country, they had a tussle on their hands with Switzerland and Ireland for the bronze medal.

Will Coleman and his Kentucky winner Diabolo (Dab) look a seriously class pairing. They finished on their dressage score of 30 for fourth place.

Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker, finished 13th, with Phillip Dutton (Denim) 27th.

“Dab was a star,” said Will. “He’s never jumped in an atmosphere quite like that. Kentucky is one thing but Aachen is kind of another.

“He was a little on his toes when he went in there, but he just knows the job. I knew he was going to do everything in his power to leave the rails up.”

Eventing World Championship results: team standings

Gold: Britain
Silver: Germany
Bronze: US
4th: Ireland
5th: Switzerland
6th: New Zealand

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Three horses were held at the eventing World Championships final trot-up this morning (16 August) in Aachen.

The first nervous moment was for Switzerland, when anchorman Felix Vogg had to take Frieda to the holding box. The ground jury – Anne-Mette Binder of Denmark, Canada’s Peter Gray and Ireland’s Joanne Jarden – waved him through on re-inspection. This was a big relief for his squad as Switzerland currently hold the bronze position going into the showjumping. Felix sits 15th individually.

Then Julia Krajewski’s ride Uelzener’s Nickel was held for Germany, who lie in team silver. She is a counting score for the team, so it was a relief for the home side when she was passed on re-presentation. This pair were the dressage leaders and are currently in 20th place, having slipped down the order with time-faults yesterday.

Lastly, Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier had to take Kiarado D’Arville to the holding box, but he too passed on re-inspection. Belgium are currently 10th in the team standings and Lara is 34th individually.

Eventing World Championships final trot-up: withdrawals affect Olympic qualification

More significant than the holds are a number of overnight withdrawals, which juggle the team standings.

Nicolas Touzaint (38th overnight) was a late withdrawal before the trot-up, with Diabolo Menthe. That means the French team drop from sixth overnight to 11th.

This is particularly significant because the top seven teams here qualify for the 2028 Olympics, excluding the USA, who qualify automatically as hosts. On the current standings, the qualification places will go to Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, Sweden, New Zealand and the Netherlands.

Brazil, 11th overnight, are now 13th because Carlos Parro (58th after cross-country) has pulled out Safira and Austria drop from 13th to 14th following the withdrawal of Daniel Dunst with Chevalier 97 (64th overnight).

US individual Tamie Smith also withdrew Lillet 3 before the trot-up, having been 18th overnight.

The two Japanese horses who remained in the competition after cross-country – Vinci De La Vigna JRA (Kento Nagura, 62nd) and Feroza Nieuwmoed (Ryuzo Kitajima, 63rd) – were also both withdrawn. This means the Japanese team drop from 15th overnight to 16th.

Looking ahead to showjumping

The four remaining British horses all looked very well at the eventing World Championships final trot-up and progress to the final showjumping phase.

The showjumping starts at 1pm local time (noon in Britain). Pairs start in reverse order of the individual standings. The session for the top-25 begins at 3.30pm local time (2.30pm British time).

The Brits all jump in this last session – individual Caroline Harris (D. Day) is 14th overnight, with team members Tom McEwen (JL Dublin), Laura Collett (London 52) and Ros Canter (Lordships Graffalo) sitting fourth, third and second.

German leader Michael Jung (FischerChipmunk FRH) is only 0.4 of a penalty ahead of Ros, with Laura a further 0.2 of a penalty in arrears, so assuming at least one of the British female riders jumps clear, Michael cannot knock a rail and still take individual gold. Michael does have one fence in hand over Tom.

Britain has three fences in hand to secure the team gold.

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Zara Tindall became the 2026 British open champion when she won the amalgamated NAF CCI4*-S/British Open aboard Class Affair, beating a field of 73 at the NAF Hartpury International Celebration of Eventing & British National Championships.

This speedy pair clocked up the fastest time of the day over Eric Winter’s influential cross-country course for just 0.4 of a penalty. This saw them fly through the ranks following a dressage test that had originally left them outside of the top 10.

This was a first British open title for the Gloucestershire-based rider despite her having contested this prestigious class several times in the past when it ran on her mother, the Princess Royal’s Gatcombe Park estate, where Zara is also based.

The 17-year-old Irish-bred Class Affair has been a solid three-day campaigner, finishing 12th at Defender Bramham last year and completing Mars Badminton and Pau five-star in 2024.

“Amazing,” was how the former World and European Champion summed up her first major victory since she won an advanced class at Chatsworth in 2022 with Kathryn Revitt’s Class Affair, who she terms “tricky” and “probably one of the hardest horses I’ve ever ridden”.

“He’s super talented and very capable, but he doesn’t always do the thing you want him to do. He can go against you. You ask him to go faster, and he’s like ‘no, I don’t want to go faster’, and then when you want to slow down for a fence, he goes, ‘no, sorry’ and sticks his head in the air,” explained Zara.

Kathryn, who was at Hartpury to see her horse win, purchased the Irish-bred gelding with the late Trevor Hemmings for Zara to ride after the latter found him in Ireland and kick-started his eventing campaign in 2017.

As well as his quirks under saddle, Class Affair is also not very sociable around people. “He’s a funny soul, but I love him,” said Zara.

A close second in British open championship

Max Warburton and Timothy Paske’s 12-year-old Deerpairc Revelry, who was bred to showjump, followed hot on Zara’s heels and ended up less than one penalty away in second place on the British open championship leaderboard.

Suffering from bridesmaid’s syndrome, they had also taken the runner-up slot just over a month ago in Aston-Le-Walls’s CCI4*-S.

This time the 12-year-old was somewhat ‘hot’ during the first phase, which probably cost him the class. “He’s ready for Burghley and so he’s fit,’ explained Max, who took on the ride from Leilia Paske in 2022.

“He originally came to be sold on. He’s not naturally a blood horse and it’s taken a while to get his breathing and galloping right, but he’s since gone from strength to strength and I'm hopeful for a good autumn.”

The familiar teal cross-country colours sported by Izzy Taylor could be seen flying around Hartpury’s undulations aboard the eye-catching dapple grey SBH Big Wall, who was previously in Oliver Townend’s stable.

It was only a third run of the season for the 11-year-old by Puissance, who stopped the clock nine seconds over the 7min optimum, giving them a total score of 35.1.

“It’s been an odd season and I’m a bit rusty. In a few places on the cross-country I wasn’t as brave as I would usually be, but he was very kind to me,” said Izzy, for whom 2026 has been a season of two halves. She was absent from the competitive fray for three months after breaking her left leg in a fall at home in March.

Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro were fourth, with Kiwi James Avery and Dallas 13 fifth.

British open riders who fell by the wayside

Others in with a chance of claiming the trophy after the showjumping, who fell foul of the cross-country clock and slipped down the order, included Yasmin Ingham and Kinda Corvette, and Bubby Upton with K.

A showjumping leading score of 27.9 came to nothing for Jesse Campbell and his 12-year-old Strzegom CCI-L 4* winner Speedwell who were eliminated at fence 16a, the NAF Triple Brush.

Another rider well placed before they left the third phase start box – Ireland’s Suzie Berry – also had her hopes dashed at fence 16, where John The Bull ran out twice.

Emily King and her seasoned campaigner Valmy Biats relinquished their dressage lead of 26.4 with a single rolled rail in the showjumping phase, after which they withdrew.

There was a hold on course while vets attended Caroline Powell’s mount Tik Tok, who took a tumble at fence 12, the NAF All You Need Corners. He was later reported to be well enough to be transported back to the New Zealander’s Suffolk base.

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Ireland have made steady progress up the leaderboard thanks to sterling cross-country performances at the eventing World Championships in Aachen.

The Irish team have moved up from seventh after dressage to press for the podium in fourth, less than one showjumping rail behind Switzerland. However, they do not have a rail in hand to fend off the US or France, breathing down their necks in fifth and sixth.

Leading the quartet is Aoife Clark, who produced one of the rounds of the day, on The Ace of Spades Syndicate’s 11-year-old Full Monty De Lacense. The pair had a fall at the Blenheim Europeans on their championship debut last season but set the record straight here over a course Aoife described as “a racetrack”.

They added just 1.2 time-faults to complete this phase on 32.7, which moved them up 20 places to 12th overnight.

“He’s some horse, and he feels like he’s getting better and better,” said Aoife, whose last visit to the worlds was in 2014. “I could have cruised round inside the time, I was saying ‘whoa’, but in my head I was thinking, ‘I’m on the team, be clear before being fast’. Actually, over the last couple of fences, I took his rhythm away and should have let him go.”

How Ireland moved up the leaderboard in the eventing World Championships cross-country phase

Ian Cassells was Ireland’s pathfinder with his Blenheim European team silver medallist Millridge Atlantis. He ensured a solid start for the team, despite having to sit tight at the first water, with a clear round and 7.2 time-faults. However in 30th place, his mark of 40.7 currently stands as Ireland’s drop score.

The grey lost a shoe at the silver birch rail-ditch-rail (fence 8ABCDE), so Ian had to nurse him round after that.

“I had to start thinking and riding more cautiously around my turns,” he said. “That takes more energy out of the horses. But that’s cross-country riding and team riding. We have to get a solid score for the team, and thankfully I rode with my head.”

Austin O’Connor, at number three, also prioritised a safe clear over speed with his cross-country specialist Colorado Blue (Salty). They’d posted an outstanding dressage of 29 but couldn’t capitalise on that individual placing, dropping from 14th to 21st with eight time-faults.

Salty suffered a splint bone fracture earlier in the season, and has had few runs.

“He hasn’t really had a competitive run this year, and the course is quite twisty and surprising,” Austin explained. “Maybe he struggled to get into his rhythm, but once again he just gave it his all. He’s short of runs this season so I think it’s been an awesome performance.”

Austin took an unscheduled long route to ensure another clear in the bag.

“It wasn’t a case of bottling it but I thought maybe I didn’t have quite as much engine as I might need there. I’m probably kicking myself over that but the main thing is from a team perspective it’s going well.”

With three clears in the bag, the pressure was off Padraig McCarthy and his 2024 Blenheim young horse champion MGH Zabaione. But they also jumped clear, for 7.6 time-faults and 28th place overnight.

“He’s only 10 so it’s a big ask bringing him here,” said Padraig, a former double world silver medallist from 2018. “We came [to Aachen] last year and had 20 penalties so used that information to get back to the drawing board. He’s an incredibly good horse and what a performance from the team.”

Eventing World Championship cross-country results: team standings

The top six team standings are:

1. Britain 75.6
2. Germany 90.4
3. Switzerland 106.5
4. Ireland 110.1
5. US 112.3
6. France 113.9

Ireland’s individual rider makes eyecatching debut

Ireland’s individual Georgie Goss, making her senior championship debut having changed nationality from British three years ago, completed the full complement of Irish clears.

Riding 11-year-old black gelding Kojak, she added 12 time-faults to sit in 32nd overnight.

“He was class – a little bit slower than we hoped but he came home well,” said Georgie.

“He made one little error at the coffin – he hung a leg and I dropped both reins and he jumped his way out. Then I made a little error at the bank when he launched and than tore down on a curve to the angle on no line at all and said, ‘Mum, I think it’s that one’.”

“So he is an unbelievable horse, he just needs miles on the clock to be a real contender.”

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However high the pressure dial, Laura Collett and London 52 keep delivering. When they set out on cross-country in the eventing World Championships, they were the new clubhouse leaders after Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel had dropped out of the reckoning with time-faults.

The pair conjured a smooth, speedy round, to jump clear just 2sec outside the optimum time. With Michael Jung and Ros Canter both finishing on a clean sheet, this put Laura in the bronze medal position, but just 0.6 of a penalty off gold. She and London are very much still in the running to add the world title to the European crown they won last year.

“This horse is just unbelievable,” Laura said. “It felt like he’d walked the course and knew what I was wanting him to do even before I got there. He gave me so much confidence from start to finish. He never wavered off line.

“I was tempted to go long at that last combination to play it safe, but this horse was on fire, reading everything, so I knew I could trust him. And I was going long off the bank, but this morning Tom [McEwen] made the direct route look so easy, and Chris [Bartle] grabbed hold of me and said, ‘I believe in you. Go straight.’ And there was no reason to doubt him.”

“London 52 has been with me for 10 years now and we know each other inside out,” Laura added. “That was probably the best round I’ve ever had on him.”

Back to the pressure cooker, not only was Laura nursing the overall lead, she had the added burden of knowing her score had to count after Gemma Stevens was eliminated on Flash Cooley. There would be no drop score for Britain.

There was just one heart-in-the-mouth moment. Coming round the turn to the final water, four fences from home, London slipped.

“We had a bit of a scary moment because he pulled off a shoe and turning to the last water he was nearly on his side,” Laura said. “I don’t know how he jumped quite a big fence into water but he is just the most amazing horse. The ground looked very close at one stage.

“It’s the kind of course where there’s never an easy stride, you’re either turning, jumping, setting up, moving away, trying to make up time that you lose in combinations. He was insane.”

Laura Collett on British team performance in eventing World Championship cross-country

Laura paid tribute to her team-mates and their rides. Britain has extended their gold medal position from the dressage phase, and head into showjumping with a three-fence advantage over Germany.

“I’m so proud of all the horses,” Laura says. “They are all real performers. They love the big stage and that’s why they do it. They come round the corner to the startbox all lit up thinking, ‘finally, there’s a lot of people to cheer us along’.

“The crowd was insane from start to finish and that really gives us a boost and I think the horses enjoy it.”

Eventing World Championship cross-country results: individual standings

The top six individual standings are:

1. Michael Jung / fischerChipmunk FRH (GER) 23
2. Ros Canter / Lordships Graffalo (GBR) 23.4
3. Laura Collett / London 52 (GBR) 23.6
4. Tom McEwen / JL Dublin (GBR0 28.6
5. Christoph Wahler / D’Accord FRH (GER) 29.4
6. William Coleman / Diabolo (US) 30

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Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo were the anchormen for the British team and smoothly secured the overnight team lead in Aachen, as we review the eventing World Championships cross-country results.

They go forward on their dressage score of 23.4, moving up from fourth to the silver-medal position.

“I’m quite relieved to be honest,” said Ros. “It’s been a long wait today, and it’s a very intense track to ride. The Badmintons and Burghleys feel a bit easier for ‘Walter’ because you can cruise along in between, whereas today you have to go so fast in between, and there doesn’t seem to be any space.”

After watching her team-mate Tom McEwen take a long route late on the course, Ros admitted to a moment of self-doubt.

“I was tempted coming out of the last water to go long, as he felt a bit strung out, but I thought, ‘for goodness’ sake, you haven’t come to the World Championships to wimp out of it. So get on with it because you know you’re on a good horse.’ I’m really pleased I made that decision.”

Ros now sits just 0.4 of a penalty behind Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH, who grabbed the lead from third after dressage also with a faultless clear. His compatriot and dressage leader Julia Krajewski (Uelzener’s Nickel) dropped down to 20th with time-faults.

“Chipmunk is an unbelievable horse, he has such a good stride, he’s so powerful, and it feels like he knows every jump,” said Michael. “He’s done all the big competitions, all the championships, he has so much experience, and was very good at listening to me today.

“At the end when I needed to fight for the time, he was really fighting and galloping.”

Just six pairs of the 85 starters jumped clear inside the 9min50 optimum time. Ros and Walter have an impeccable record of making tough times look easy, and today at Aachen was no different.

“What a horse! I’m just incredibly lucky. Walter is out of this world. I’ve been a little bit out of match practice this year – this is only my second three-day event this year,” said Ros, who gave birth to her second child just before the start of the season.

“I haven’t ridden many other horses [this year], so I was watching videos of myself at Badminton earlier to try to remind myself how fast I needed to go.

“But as soon as I got on Walter, I felt much more comfortable. He was amazing as usual.”

Business “as usual” was exactly right. But to say it was an uneventful round belittles the achievement – the pair were wonderfully smooth, with pinpoint accuracy as they galloped from fence to fence.

The biggest factor was simply the pressure Ros was under to deliver a clear as her score had to count, after team pathfinder Gemma Stevens’ uncharacteristic elimination on Flash Cooley earlier in the day.

British team results on the World Championships cross-country

Tom McEwen and JL Dublin put Britain back in the running with a fast clear to move up a place to fourth, adding just two time-faults.

“Dubs for me was brilliant,” said Tom. “I let him set sail, never felt like I was rushing and tried to leave enough petrol in the tank, hoping I was feeling enough to go the direct way in the corner combination near the end, but I made a quick decision and sped as quickly as I could round the long route [fence 24], which is clearly much safer.”

As third team rider, Laura Collett boosted Britain’s hopes with a clear just a whisker outside the time on London 52. They head into showjumping in bronze, 0.2 of a penalty behind Ros. It’s tantalisingly tough at the top – just 0.6 of a penalty covers the podium.

Meanwhile, British individual Caroline Harris also produced a clear, flying round on D.Day to stop the clock just 3sec outside the time.

Eventing World Championship cross-country results: team standings

The top six in the team standings after the World Championships cross-country

1. Britain 75.6
2. Germany 90.4
3. Switzerland 106.5
4. Ireland 110.1
5. US 112.3
6. France 113.9

This means Britain have three fences in hand over Germany, with seven poles covering the podium.

Eventing World Championship cross-country results: individual standings

The top six individual standings are:

1. Michael Jung / fischerChipmunk FRH (GER) 23
2. Ros Canter / Lordships Graffalo (GBR) 23.4
3. Laura Collett / London 52 (GBR) 23.6
4. Tom McEwen / JL Dublin (GBR0 28.6
5. Christoph Wahler / D’Accord FRH (GER) 29.4
6. William Coleman / Diabolo (US) 30

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There was major disappointment for Gemma Stevens in Aachen – as Tom McEwen keeps Britain’s hopes alive following an action-packed morning of cross-country at the eventing World Championships.

Gemma and Flash Cooley were the first of the Brits to tackle course-designer Giuseppe Della Chiesa’s track, but suffered a shock elimination early on course.

The pair had a stop at the rail into the coffin (fence 8a) on the direct route. They then diverted to the long route, but had two stops at 8c – a similar fence to the one they had already refused at on the direct route. With three refusals, they were eliminated.

Team stalwarts Tom McEwen and JL Dublin had better fortune when they came home clear with one of the quickest rounds so far. They were just five seconds over the 9min50sec optimum time, collecting 2 time-penalties.

Tom said he “couldn’t be happier”.

“It’s providing, looking at scores, to be a decent track,” he said.

“For the good horses and probably riders, it still needs a lot of riding. You’ve got flags everywhere, the corners are skinny, and there’s lots of corners.”

Tom said JL Dublin “went brilliantly”.

“I let him set sail and never thought I was rushing. I tried to leave enough petrol in the tank, hoping that I was feeling enough from on top to go the direct way at the corner combination (fence 24).

“For me, when I was just going away, he was a bit like: ‘Why am I going away from home again?’ so I made the quick decision to speed as quick as I could round the long route, which is clearly much safer. It's a good option. The straight route is jumping great, but with three in the team, the team comes first. And I thought get that done and sorted.”

Tom said he was “desperately sorry” for teammate Gemma.

“It wasn’t to be. We all know that sometimes it's just the case with horses,” he said.

“For us on top, it’s no different. We’re here to go clear first, close to the time second and get that score posted.”

A dramatic morning of World Championship cross-country

It’s been a dramatic morning for many, with only two clear inside the 9min50sec optimum time at the time of writing. Australia’s Sophia Hill and Humble Glory were the first (9min45sec) and Switzerland’s Melody Johner and Erin were the second to do it, a second quicker than Sophia.

At this stage the second rotation of team riders have now jumped. The home side, which had been lying in provisional silver, have two scores on the board; Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia FRH had a flag (9 penalties) and 16.8 time-penalties and Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Carlitos Quidditch K had just 3.2 time-penalties to add.

France started the day in provisional bronze, but like Britain is now relying on its two final riders, after Benjamin Massie and Figaro Fonroy had a fall at fence 9a of the Turkish Airlines Complex. Benjamin has confirmed his horse is uninjured. Their teammate Alexis Goury and Je’Vall came home clear with 6.4 time-penalties.

New Zealand, which was just behind France in the standings, suffered disappointment with the elimination of Clarke Johnstone and Rocket Man after the pair were stopped by the ground jury at fence 12. More information to follow, when this is available.

Jonelle Price looked to be having a fantastic round with Senor Crocodillo. The pair were stopped and held before fence 20 Farm Yard, as some fence repairs took place later on course, and they resumed their round, only to have a frustrating run-out at the second brush at fence 27c.

“It’s frustrating, but it’s sport,” said Jonelle, who believes the hold contributed to the stop with Senor Crocodillo “switching off” a little.

“Holds can happen, but for this horse he’s never been held before. He is probably a bit of a simple gelding, and I say that in the nicest possible way. I think he thought he’d run his race, he’d been foot-perfect up until there.

“It’s kind of a bitter pill to swallow because it’s not his fault, it’s not my fault, it’s just part of the game. It’s just unfortunate to try that at the World Championships, especially after we lost our first person. We had a bit of a hole to dig ourselves out of and I was feeling pretty good about making a nice dent in that challenge.”

While there has been frustrations for some, Ireland has put itself in the mix thanks to two brilliant clear rounds from Ian Cassells and Milridge Atlantis and Aoife Clark and Full Monty De Lacense. Ian had 7.2 time-faults and Aoife 1.2 time-faults, putting the team in an excellent position at this stage.

“He’s some horse and he just feels like he’s getting better and better,” said a delighted Aoife.

“He cruised around Bramham, and I could have cruised here inside the time. I was saying ‘whoa’ the whole way – but in my head I thought I’m second on the team and it’s about being clear before being fast.”

It’s still all to play for as the final two riders for the teams and the remaining individual combinations tackle Giuseppe Della Chiesa’s track this afternoon.

The remaining British times:

• Laura Collett and London 52, team, second individually: 1.55pm German time (12.55pm British time)
• Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, team, fourth individiaully: 3.35pm German time (2.35pm British time)
• Caroline Harris and D. Day, individual, 40th individually: 2.15pm German time (1.15pm British time)

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Eight-time Olympian Andrew Hoy delivered one of the standout performances of the day aboard Vassily De Lassos for Australia at the eventing World Championships.

The pair delivered a 26.9 personal best international dressage score to show why they deserve to be back on the world stage, having missed out on a spot in Paris two years ago.

It was wonderful to see Andrew and Vassily competing back at the top – and when Andrew became emotional discussing his test, it was clear just how much it meant.

Andrew Hoy on his eventing World Championships dressage test

“I have the easy part because I’ve got a complete team around me that have set the horse up absolutely beautifully,” he said.

“All I had to do was focus on what I needed to do and just go and do it.”

Andrew said today was the best prepared he’s been for a championships – but he gave full credit to Vassily.

“Vassily is an absolutely an amazing horse. He’s just very, very special,” he said.

“Every day I learn a new way with him and how to set him up for something like this. It’s not about just going in and riding the movements. It's about preparing the horse in the correct way so that he has the ability to do his best.

“Apart from one small mistake where he just tripped at the end of the medium/first extended trot, there was nothing to add today.”

Ahead of the worlds, Andrew and Vassily competed in the Luhmühlen CCI4*-S where they finished ninth. Andrew is conscious not to overrun Vassily however.

“I look at the horse and where the horse is at. It’s not about running competitions for the sake of it. It’s always very planned and that’s why people don’t see me out there all the time,” he explained.

“I’m probably a little bit under the radar, so to speak. But every preparation, every competition, there is a strategy behind that and a lot of that time has been out of the UK. Albeit there are very good events in the UK, but I’ve gone to venues that I think are the best thing to give me an evaluation of where the horse is at.”

A return to Aachen 20 years later

Andrew is no stranger to Aachen, having won team bronze here 20 years ago.

“People ask me: ‘Why do I keep going at this age?’. The thing that ticks my box and keeps me excited is riding at the pointy end of the sport,” said the 67-year-old.

“One of my fellow team members from 2006 is now a selector, Clayton Fredericks. He came and said well done, and I just said to him: ‘Thank you for having the confidence in me’. There are many great athletes out there, but I think what I do is maybe a little bit different. I’m not at as many competitions, but I try to make them really work.”

Andrew and Vassily are in provisional seventh ahead of tomorrow’s cross-country. Australia is in eighth (95.6), behind Ireland (93.3).

US individual combination Tamie Smith shines

Just behind them is US individual combination Tamie Smith and Lillet 3, who were another notable combination in Friday's dressage.

The pair delivered an accurate test with a handful of 8s being awarded for the early trot work and mostly 7s or 7.5s for their flying changes.

“You don’t know what they’re going to do in an atmosphere like that,” said Tamie, who was thrilled with the 10-year-old mare.

“She’s just like a seasoned pro in there. She’s so young and wouldn’t have ever seen something like that, so I was really proud of her.”

Tamie cited the pair’s trot work as a highlight.

“Her trot work was just so fluid, she felt like a spider. She stayed with me every stride,” said Tamie.

“She’s such a special horse and such a special mare. She just tries so hard, but in a really relaxed manner. Sometimes when they try too hard they get a little nervous but she was just so with me, it felt amazing.”

The US team, made up of Will Coleman (Diabolo), Boyd Martin (Cooley Nutcracker), Caroline Pamukcu (HSH Blake) and Phillip Dutton (Denim) is in provisional sixth.

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Germany’s Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH scored a 23 dressage to sit in overnight individual bronze at the eventing World Championships.

The pair were the last combination to go for the home side, and while favourites, they couldn’t top teammates Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel, who are in the lead on 22. Britain’s Laura Collett and London 52 are sandwiched between them on 22.8.

Michael and Chipmunk made a brilliant start, trending in the lead early in their test, but lost some marks in the medium walk. A blip then came in the way of a late third flying change, resulting in two 5s and a 6 from the judges.

Michael Jung on his eventing World Championships dressage test

“FischerChipmunk is an amazing horse. He’s fantastic to train, to ride, every day is to enjoy,” said Michael.

“Today we are not in the lead, but I’m still happy. We had a good test. Not everything went like we wished, but it’s not always like this.”

Michael said the expensive flying change “was not our best”.

“I tried to push him a little bit more forward and uphill, but we lost a bit of balance and had a little bit of a misunderstanding,” he said.

“I'm happy we still have a good result, and we will see. Hopefully, that was our last mistake.”

Yesterday Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Carlitos Quidditch K scored 28.6 for Germany. Their drop score is Libussa Lubbeke and Caramia FRH (31.3). The Germans will go into the cross-country phase on 73.6, just behind Britain on 72.8.

France is in the provisional bronze position (84.5) thanks to some strong performances, particularly from Nicolas Touzaint and the lovely grey Diabolo Menthe. They produced the country’s best mark of 26.7 this afternoon.

Mixed fortunes for New Zealand

Just a fraction behind them in fourth is New Zealand (84.8). The Kiwis had mixed fortunes today; Monica Spencer and Artist didn’t score as high as they would have liked in this morning’s session, albeit still sub-30. However, it was world number one Tim Price who provided the drop score aboard Falco following a tricky performance, for 33.7.

The atmosphere became too much for 17-year-old Falco. There was a big blip in the medium walk to canter transition, earning them a 1, 5 and 3 from the judges. Tim did well to regain their composure, but the tension remained for the flying changes.

Tim managed a smile and wave to the crowd, but was naturally disappointed.

“It wasn’t much fun from the stance that you know when you’re doing a test that can be really scored well, and that comes with relaxation and being on the aids,” said Tim.

“Just look at Julia Krajewski, a perfect example. My inspiration for the day was to do something like her on a little pony like mine and come close, but it was not to be.”

Tim said Falco was a bit on edge today.

“Everything just becomes a little bit less crisp with the aids and with everything that you’re asking because they’re not 100% focused. There’s that little bit of anxiety,” he said.

“It’s part of the job. We have very fit horses; they have to be excellent at more than one thing. And on occasions like this, in this atmosphere, even with a 17-year-old schoolmaster like him, it still got under his skin. But I bet he's going to fly tomorrow.”

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Cross-country times for the action at the eventing World Championships in Aachen, Germany, tomorrow (Saturday, 15 August) are now available.

The first horse into the start box will be Chevalier 97, ridden by Daniel Dunst for the Austrian team, at 9.15am German time (8.15am British time).

Horses then head out at four-minute intervals, with a double gap of eight minutes after every eight horses – longer breaks of this sort are quite usual during cross-country days in Continental Europe.

The final combination, Italian team pair Vittoria Panizzon and DHI Jackpot, are scheduled to be on course at 3.39pm German time (2.39pm British time).

Eventing World Championships cross-country times: Britain’s riders

• Gemma Stevens and Flash Cooley, team, 16th individually: 10.07am German time (9.07am British time)
• Tom McEwen and JL Dublin, team, fifth individually: 11.47am German time (10.47am British time)
• Laura Collett and London 52, team, second individually: 1.55pm German time (12.55pm British time)
• Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, team, fourth individiaully: 3.35pm German time (2.35pm British time)
• Caroline Harris and D. Day, individual, 40th individually: 2.15pm German time (1.15pm British time)

Times for other top contenders

• Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo, New Zealand team, ninth individually: 10.47am German time (9.47am British time)
• Alexis Goury and Je’Vall, French team, 10th individually: 11.19am German time (10.19am British time)
• Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel, German team, first individually: 1.39pm German time (12.39pm British time)
• Tamie Smith and Lillet 3, USA individual, eighth individually: 2.31pm German time (1.31pm British time)
• Andrew Hoy and Vassily De Lassos, Australian team, seventh individually: 2.55pm German time (1.55pm British time)
• Nicolas Touzaint and Diabolo Menthe, French team, sixth individually: 3.07pm German time (2.07pm British time)
• Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH, German team, third indivdually: 3.19pm German time (2.19pm British time)

Full eventing World Championships cross-country times

• Full list of times

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Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo have kept Great Britain’s gold medal hopes alive following the conclusion of the dressage phase of the eventing World Championships.

The pair were the team anchor and scored 23.4 to keep Britain ahead of Germany. This score puts Ros into provisional fourth.

Ros and “Walter’s” early work stood out and the extended canter was a highlight. Walter showed no signs of tension despite the loud cheers coming from the massive main arena where the grand prix special was taking place at the same time.

It wasn’t quite all plain sailing though; their first flying change was late resulting in two 4s and a 4.5 from the judges. They promptly bounced back to receive two 9s for their halt and one judge awarded a 9 for this wonderful partnership’s harmony.

Ros Canter on her eventing World Championships dressage test

“He’s an absolute superstar,” said Ros. “He’s just so consistent and has the most amazing temperament when you go into a place like that.

“We actually didn’t hear the roar from the crowd next door, but apparently it was fairly huge, and we were walking along, both of us so concentrated.”

Ros said Walter is the “most amazing partner to have”.

“I feel very proud that he can be so close to the top of the leaderboard because he’s quite a blood horse and naturally wants to be a little bit on his forehand, which is why he gallops so well. To allow me to ramp him up like he does is quite amazing,” she said.

“It’s taken time and lots of practice to start to really dance and to suck up. He loves to drop his tummy, which is what he does when he gallops and what makes him such a streamlined galloper. It’s been lots of core work making him strong, and I actually think there’s more in him.”

The four flying changes have been troublesome for many throughout the two days of dressage at the eventing World Championships – and this was no different for this legendary five-star pair.

“He decided he’d quite like to have a walk!” joked Ros. “The changes are our trickiest thing, they always have been and still now I wouldn’t say they’re 100% at home.

“It’s a tricky test for him to do and he really has to have a bouncy canter in order to do a clean change. I went for the bounce and got a walk instead.

“I’m still pretty proud of the fact that he clawed it back and did the next two really well.”

Ros Canter looks ahead to the eventing World Championships cross-country

Looking ahead to tomorrow, Ros said the cross-country track is “extremely technical”.

“When you think back to Badminton and things like that, Badminton’s big but wasn’t overly technical this year, so I think we’ll definitely have to be on the top of our game,” she said.

“I'm a little bit out of match practice this year as well. I think we’ve got a lot of work to do between now and then for me to really get focused on it, and I just hope that Walter will help me out and do what Walter does best.”

Going into the cross-country phase Britain is on 72.8, ahead of Germany on 73.6. France is in provisional bronze with 84.5.

As expected with such a strong British team, made up of the Paris Olympic trio of Ros, Tom McEwen (JL Dublin) and Laura Collett (London 52), Gemma Stevens and Flash Cooley are currently Britain’s drop score on 29.3.

Team standings top five:

1. Great Britain 72.8
2. Germany 73.6
3. France 84.5
4. New Zealand 84.8
5. Switzerland 90.9

The Brits are in a strong place individually; Laura is second (22.8), Ros is fourth (23.4), Tom (fifth (26.6), Gemma is 16th (29.3). Individual rider Caroline Harris with D.Day is 40th (32.6).

The top 10 individual standings:

1. Julia Krajewski (GER) and Uelzener’s Nickel (22)
2. Laura Collett and London 52 (22.8)
3. Michael Jung (GER) and FischerChipmunk FRH (23)
4. Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo (23.4)
5. Tom McEwen (GBR) and JL Dublin (26.6)
6. Nicolas Touzaint (FRA) and Diabolo Menthe (26.7)
7. Andrew Hoy (AUS) and Vassily De Lassos (26.9)
8. Tamie Smith (USA) and Lillet 3 (27)
9. Jonelle Price (NZL) and Senor Crocodillo (27.2)
10. Alexis Goury (FRA) and Je’Vall (28.5)

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Laura Collett and London 52 have delivered to keep Great Britain in the top spot at the lunchtime break of the second day of dressage at the eventing World Championships.

There has been a reshuffle of the individual standings as countries fielded some of their top pairings in this phase. Laura and London 52 scored 22.8 which puts them in provisional second, just 0.8 of a penalty behind new home side leaders Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel.

Ever the showman, “Dan” looked at home at his seventh championship start, showing off his elastic paces. They received one 9 for the first extended trot and another 9 for the halt before the rein-back.

Their performance had them trending ahead of Julia and Nickel at some stages but a little mistake in the medium walk crept in and they dipped marginally behind in the final two flying changes.

Laura Collett on her eventing World Championships dressage test

“I was really pleased with him. He felt really with me and on the aids, so I was delighted with him,” said Laura.

“He just had one little jog in the medium walk, which was a shame because he actually felt relaxed up until that point. He kind of knows it’s coming and just slightly anticipated, but once he got into canter he felt lovely.”

Laura and London 52 are known for their impressive scores in this phase. 22.8 is a little off their best – the pair scored 20.6 at the Blenheim Europeans last autumn and a record-breaking 17.5 at the Paris Olympics – but this is still an enviable mark in this demanding short Olympic test.

“The test was there or thereabouts with our test at Blenheim last year. Not quite as good as Paris, but for me Paris was about as near-perfect as you can get and there was a moment in the walk here,” said Laura.

“But this test is an awful lot harder than the one in Paris. The canter is intense, there’s nowhere they can relax and show themselves. I can’t ask any more of him.”

Julia Krajewski scores for Germany

Shortly before Laura, Julia Krajewski and her Paris Olympic ride Uelzener’s Nickel laid down a 22.

The test was a joy to watch, and the judges agreed, awarding their first 9s of the competition. The pair have won at Aachen before and they looked more than at home in the big arena.

Their test showed precision and accuracy; they were given a 9 for the first halt, two 9s for the final halt, and a 9 for harmony of athlete and horse.

“Entering a big arena, especially a championship arena, obviously you’re excited to get going and it’s a big atmosphere. The crowd was very calm, but just as they finished announcing me, the crowd started clapping, and I though ‘Guys that’s not the best moment!’,” said Julia.

“But I think Nickel by now knows what this square arena means. Even though he was a bit switched on 20 metres before, he went in and really concentrated. He was really supple and with me and I could really ride.”

Julia thoroughly enjoyed herself in the Aachen arena today.

“Looking back, maybe I could have ridden ever more. He was so with me and correct and true, and the walk was good. I really had time to enjoy my test. I was even smiling a bit and thinking ‘Oh he’s really nice’ and then I was smiling at the judges hoping for half a point more,” she joked.

Nickel has really come into his own since finishing 11th in Paris.

“I think he’s got stronger,” she said. “This test, the steep half passes and half pass change, half pass, requires a lot of collection. Then to stay supple through the collection is something that you just build over the years.

“Some horses find it easier and some more difficult. It’s not the easiest for him to be really collected and quick with his hind legs, and I think that got way better to make the tests easier for him. We still have to work a bit to get these steep half passes in his body, but it feels easier, and then you get more expression. I think it’s just a matter of two years on top since Paris.”

Despite the big occasion on home soil, Julia felt calm ahead of her test.

“Normally I’m pretty calm before dressage because I always feel you’ve got like 22 movements to make points, even if one isn't quite perfect there are 21 more,” explained Julia.

“I really enjoy getting the best out of my walks, I like to really have them work nicely and show how they can move. I’ve never really messed up a dressage at the championship, so thankfully today wasn’t the first time.”

Julia has put Germany in a great place; after three riders the home side has crept ahead of New Zealand by three points.

“There’s a lot to happen, but at the end for a medal 0.1 can make the difference so you really want to get every point you can,” said Julia.

Monica Spencer: “It wasn’t the best mark we’ve had”

There was a degree of disappointment for New Zealand’s Monica Spencer and Artist. The pair were early favourites in this phase, and although they put on a solid performance, the 29.2 mark was off the low 20s that they are capable of.

“It wasn’t the best mark we’ve had, but he was pretty lit up out there. The crowd gave us a good old cheer when we went in, but we made our way through the test fairly unscathed,” said Monica.

They started off strong, receiving two 8s for their entry, but tension crept in and Artist just lacked his usual relaxation and looseness.

“He’s full thoroughbred so it’s always the energy levels that are the hard part to manage. But it’s done now, so on with the next.”

France in fourth, Ireland fifth

At the lunchtime break after three riders France is currently fourth in the team standings on 93.4. Ireland is fifth on 94.0.

A real highlight came from Ireland’s Austin O’Connor and his five-star winner Colorado Blue.

Austin looked thrilled and “Salty” left the arena looking very pleased with himself, and rightfully so. The 17-year-old grey delivered one of his best tests to date, looking relaxed and unfazed by the big atmosphere.

Their partnership shone through and the judges rewarded them 29, slotting the pair into seventh in the standings at this stage.

“We know it’s there. He’s just an improving horse isn’t he, or maybe we’re improving together,” said Austin.

“There’s some pressure with a horse like him. To get a sub-30 at a World Championship is a great achievement. It’s what we were striving for, but for it to come off is great.”

The pair had a quiet spring. They withdrew from Badminton owing to Salty picking up an injury, but they looked as prepared as ever. Austin credited his training with Tracy Robinson.

“I’ve worked with Tracy for about seven years, she invests an awful lot into it. He just seems to be getting stronger and stronger,” said Austin.

“He had a little bit of a break in spring, but in hindsight it probably did no harm. He wouldn’t have come in quite as good if he’d been to Badminton perhaps, I don’t know but that’s my thinking now anyway. It’s all panned out really well.”

Austin confirmed Salty sustained a splint bone fracture earlier in the year.

“We knew it wasn’t a thing of anything, but it was a thing we wanted to mind and not be in a big hurry,” he said.

“It was a setback, but there haven't been many setbacks with this horse. He’s come here in great form and we enjoyed today. We’ve achieved what we wanted to achieve. I’m sure I’ll look back at the marking and do a bit of moaning and things, but for us being a sub-30 here is great for me, great for the team and let’s see what the rest brings.”

Caroline Harris’s dressage at eventing World Championships

Britain’s individual pairing Caroline Harris and D.Day have got their Aachen worlds campaign off to a confident start.

The double five-star winners, fresh off that Luhmühlen victory, were awarded 32.8 for their pleasant test. Caroline has previously said dressage wouldn’t be D.Day’s forte, and they looked a little tentative at times, but the little horse always tries for her.

This score puts them in 26th ahead of the lunchtime break.

“I'm over the moon,” said Caroline. “He doesn’t find that phase easy at all, we’re not very uphill or have big movement, but he tried really hard for me.

“There were little bits I definitely could have done better, he got a little bit tense in the walk when I picked him up. But otherwise he tried really hard.”

Caroline said D.Day is enjoying his time in Aachen.

“He loves it here. He loves a big crowd, so it’s just getting his body relaxed, but not overworking him,” she said.

“He was here last year and absolutely loved it so I think he's happy to be back.”

This is Caroline and D. Day’s second championship together. The pair had an unfortunate end to the home Europeans at Blenheim last year when Caroline had a fall across country – but the pair have more than proved themselves following their five-star victory at Luhmühlen in June.

“Blenheim was a huge disappointment and took me quite a while to get over. But we started this year with a clean slate, with no pressure,” explained Caroline.

“I was just going to go to Luhmühlen and enjoy that, not even thinking we want to get to worlds. But then after Belsay, when he went so well, I thought: ‘Oh, there’s a possibility’. Then he was foot-perfect at Luhmühlen.”

The action resumes at 1.44pm UK time (2.44pm Germany time) and Astier Nicola and Alertamalib'Or are first to go for France.

Great Britain’s Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo are second last to go, at 3.46pm UK time (4.46pm German time).

Current individual standings at the eventing World Championships:

1. Julia Krajewski (GER) and Uelzener’s Nickel (22.0)
2. Laura Collett and London 52 (22.8)
3. Tom McEwen (GBR) and JL Dublin (26.6)
4. Jonelle Price (NZL) and Senor Crocodillo (27.2)
5. Alexis Goury (FRA) and Je’Vall (28.5)

Team standings:

1. Great Britain 78.7
2. Germany 81.9
3. New Zealand 84.8

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A little under 10 penalties separate the top seven teams after the opening day of dressage at the eventing World Championships.

At this stage, the team standings are important, but are still really just a sketch – the final brushstrokes will come tomorrow and can dramatically change the picture.

New Zealand has arguably punched above its weight between the white boards today to hold the joint lead with Britain on 55.9. British team rider Tom McEwen (JL Dublin) heads the overnight standings, followed by New Zealand’s Jonelle Price (Senor Crocodillo). Their respective team-mates Gemma Stevens (Flash Cooley, sixth) and Clarke Johnstone (Rocket Man, fifth) also contribute valuable scores for the team results.

Germany, perhaps a little to the surprise of eventing’s number crunchers, are in third. Not by much – four penalties, to be exact (59.9). As eventing editor Pippa Roome notes in her report, most nations will field their strongest dressage horses in the number three and four spots.

Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Carlitos Quidditch K are the highest-placed combination for the home side after day one.

The pair cantered down the centre line mid-afternoon and had some real high points, as well a couple of costly mistakes. They fluffed their strike off into counter canter, as did several others, and also appeared to lose a little balance and impulsion onto the final centre line. Such was the quality of the rest of their work that it was still good enough for a score of 28.6, which isn’t entirely out of keeping with their past results, but would have been higher without those obvious hiccups.

“He was so amazing,” said Malin, adding that she felt she was able to get everything she wanted in the trot and his walk was also good.

“I can’t remember that he has ever made a [mistake] when we start to canter, but that's life. So afterwards, I really tried to make everything perfect so that our mark wouldn’t go down, and I think that was very good.

“The last turn was a little bit annoying, because actually I was just keeping my body a little bit back and he reacted like a showjumper! But anyhow, it’s life, it’s not a dressage competition, and it’s awesome to be here.”

Reflecting on what it means to represent Germany at a home World Championships, she added: “It’s amazing. I think it’s a dream that everybody has, and I have the chance because at the moment I have the horse for this kind of competition. I was lucky to be chosen for the team.

“Yesterday we had a press conference in our federation tent and they asked Rodolphe [Scherer, team trainer] what he thinks, and he said, ‘They are all champions.’ It’s amazing to be in this kind of a team.”

Switzerland knocking on the door

The Swiss team has been knocking on the door of the podium at recent championships, and their two riders today have put them in a great position. They end the first day just 1.7 penalties behind Germany and in provisional fourth (61.6).

France hold fifth (64.1), their team score bolstered by a stand-out test from Alexis Goury and Je’Vall (28.5) this afternoon.

“I’m really proud of my horse,” said Alexis, explaining how he has been working on building the relationship with the 12-year-old stallion.

“It was unbelievable to do this test today. It’s my best mark this year.”

The US end day one in provisional sixth place (64.9) and Ireland in seventh (65).

Team placings are particularly important at this World Championships both in their own right and because the highest-placed seven teams (not including the US, who already have a spot as the host nation) will qualify for the LA28 Olympics.

Eventing World Championships: team standings after dressage day one

1eq. Great Britain 55.9
Tom McEwen on JL Dublin 26.6
Gemma Stevens on Flash Cooley 29.3

1eq. New Zealand 55.9
Jonelle Price on Senor Crocodillo 27.2
Clarke Johnstone on Rocket Man 28.7

3. Germany 59.9
Malin Hansen-Hotopp on Carlitos Quidditch K 28.6
Libussa Lübbeke on Caramia FRH 31.3

4. Switzerland 61.6
Robin Godel on Grandeur De Lully CH 30.1
Mélody Johner on Erin 31.5

5. France 64.1
Alexis Goury on Je’Vall 28.5
Benjamin Massie on Figaro Fonroy 35.6

6. USA 64.9
Caroline Pamukcu on HSH Blake 32.3
Phillip Dutton on Denim 32.6

7. Ireland 65
Aoife Clark on Full Monty De Lacense 31.5
Ian Cassells on Millridge Atlantis 33.5

Full team results

Eventing World Championships: team standings after dressage day one

1. Tom McEwen (GBR) on JL Dublin 26.6
2. Jonelle Price (NZL) on Senor Crocodillo 27.2
3. Alexis Goury (FRA) on Je’Vall 28.5
4. Malin Hansen-Hotopp (GER) on Carlitos Quidditch K 28.6
5. Clarke Johnstone (NZL) on Rocket Man 28.7
6. Gemma Stevens (GBR) on Flash Cooley 29.3

Full individual results

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The team behind the FEI World Championships in Aachen have explained why they have changed tomorrow’s dressage timetable in deference to the hot weather – but not the eventing dressage schedule.

In the pure dressage, the grand prix special will now start at 8.30am local time, rather than 10.50am, with a break in the hottest part of the day between 12.30pm and 3pm. Competition re-starts at 3pm and finishes at 4.50pm as originally planned.

The eventing dressage schedule has not been altered. The action runs from 9.30am to 5pm, although there is a long lunch break across part of the hottest period, from 1.13pm to 2.44pm.

Göran Akerström, veterinary and equine welfare director at the FEI, told the press tonight at the World Championships that there is “quite a big difference” between eventing and dressage in the context of hot weather.

“First, if we look at the horses, eventing horses are relatively lean. They are extremely well trained for that kind of purpose and also, very importantly, their test is much, much shorter than the grand prix special,” he said.

“Dressage horses, on the other hand, have much more muscle mass. They do much more concentrated muscle activity, which generates heat, and therefore they are more susceptible for getting to a high temperature. That’s why we are taking this measure.

“So there’s a clear difference, in relation to the risk between these two types of horses and the activity they are doing.”

A question was asked about whether the break could have been longer, with the dressage finishing later, but another member of the organising team explained that level playing fields have to be considered and the new timetable mitigates the risk sufficiently.

“We can’t have conditions that are vastly different for one set of horses compared to the other set of horses. So the main concern was obviously welfare and then secondary, level playing fields,” she said.

“I think the solution that was found, avoiding the middle of the day – the risk window – ticked both of those boxes and we’re very confident with that,” she said.

World Championships: planning for hot weather

Göran was also joined by the president of the veterinary commission Dr Friedrich Wilhem Hanbücken.

The pair explained that learnings have been taken from events such as the Tokyo Olympics, while also emphasising that Aachen (with humidity at a maximum of 45%) is a different set of conditions to Tokyo (where humidity could reach 90%).

The organisers here in Aachen are monitoring the conditions every half an hour at 16 different locations.

Thermography cameras are being used to measure horses’ body temperatures – “a system that was developed ahead of Tokyo 2020 and used successfully there; the method has been peer-reviewed and published in scientific publications.”

The system allows the vets to see if horses are becoming too hot and if necessary, to intervene and advise the team to go and cool down the horse.

In addition, the officials spoke about the cooling measures being put in place here in Aachen, including having iced water in preparation and cooling areas and shaded areas.

Cross-country day on Saturday is predicted to be cooler than tomorrow. Iced water and people to cool horses will be available at all the stopping points on course.

At the finish, there is a “really well-resourced cooling area” in the shade, with a number of wash bays, a lot of iced water and huge cooling fans. Veterinary supervision will include all horses having their temperature taken before they are allowed to leave the venue.

Göran said: “So we’re very well prepared for anything on Saturday, but of course we very closely monitor the weather forecast to be prepared for anything.”

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Tom McEwen holds the individual lead after the first day of eventing World Championships dressage – and Britain shares pole position in the team standings.

The British rider scored 26.6 on JL Dublin, giving himself a 0.6 of a penalty margin over Jonelle Price, the lunchtime leader, who holds second at the close of play.

Tom delivered a polished test with the 15-year-old owned by Jo and James Lambert and Deirdre Johnston, scoring plenty of eights.

“I’m really pleased – Dubs always delivers,” said Tom McEwen after his eventing World Championships dressage test. “There’s a little bit more atmosphere than I expected and he was a bit lit up straight away when I went in there.

“I could feel it when I kept trying to trot and he kept popping into canter. I thought, ‘Oh, right, we’re not quite where I want to be’, but he delivered a really good test.”

Tom rode close to the grandstand, where the crowd was cheering, before he entered the arena, but said that wasn’t a deliberate plan.

He explained: “I was trying to gain control. I had a secure plan around the outside, which went a little out of the window, and I had to go by feel for the first bit. But actually, as soon as he settled into it, he was really good, and he was really there.”

The pair’s marks just dropped down to a 5.5 and two sixes when they had a messy final flying change on the centreline.

Tom said: “He’s been annoyed by the flies all week, and I’ve really been struggling with them. I know when he’s completely with me because he’s not paying any attention to the flies. I could feel him starting to go and I was thinking ‘Oh no, we’ve lost all concentration.’

“It’s a tough test and that was our one big mistake, which was a shame. I know I can come out and deliver a 21 or 22, but honestly, coming back out with a 26.6, I was really pleased. It’s great for the team and I was really pleased with him.”

Tom’s score combined with 29.3 from the first British team member, Gemma Stevens on Flash Cooley (sixth overnight), to give 55.9.

This is the same total as New Zealand – counting Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo’s 27.2 and Clarke Johnstone’s 28.7 with Rocket Man – so the two nations share the team gold position after this first day of action.

However, much will change tomorrow – most nations will field their strongest dressage horses in the number three and four spots and expect to drop the dressage score from their pathfinder.

The final riders for the British team, in partnership with Agria, who both perform their dressage tests tomorrow, are Laura Collett (London 52, 11.24am British time) and Ros Canter (Lordships Graffalo, 3.46pm British time).

Team standings after eventing World Championships dressage day one

1eq. Great Britain 55.9
Tom McEwen on JL Dublin 26.6
Gemma Stevens on Flash Cooley 29.3

1eq. New Zealand 55.9
Jonelle Price on Senor Crocodillo 27.2
Clarke Johnstone on Rocket Man 28.7

3. Germany 59.9
Malin Hansen-Hotopp on Carlitos Quidditch K 28.6
Libussa Lübbeke on Caramia FRH 31.3

4. Switzerland 61.6
Robin Godel on Grandeur De Lully CH 30.1
Mélody Johner on Erin 31.5

5. France 64.1
Alexis Goury on Je’Vall 28.5
Benjamin Massie on Figaro Fonroy 35.6

6. USA 64.9
Caroline Pamukcu on HSH Blake 32.3
Phillip Dutton on Denim 32.6

Full team results

Individual standings after eventing World Championships dressage day one

1. Tom McEwen (GBR) on JL Dublin 26.6
2. Jonelle Price (NZL) on Senor Crocodillo 27.2
3. Alexis Goury (FRA) on Je’Vall 28.5
4. Malin Hansen-Hotopp (GER) on Carlitos Quidditch K 28.6
5. Clarke Johnstone (NZL) on Rocket Man 28.7
6. Gemma Stevens (GBR) on Flash Cooley 29.3

Full individual results

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New Zealand is off to a flying start at the eventing World Championships holding the top two spots after the first morning of dressage – while Gemma Stevens leads the British charge.

Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo delivered a new personal best as a combination (27.2) to sail into the lead after the second coffee break, toppling team mates Clarke Johnstone and Rocket Man (28.7) from their lofty perch.

Clarke is now in provisional second, closely followed by Gemma and Flash Cooley, who charmed the judges with their elegant, correct work. A hiccup in the flying change on the final centre line – a movement several have found tricky – was the only difficult moment in an otherwise lovely test.

Gemma explained that Flash Cooley thought they were halting and went to stop, which led to the muddle.

“It was a real shame to lose that mark because that's actually been a real highlight in training. But the rest of it was so good, and he was so relaxed, so with me, and a real pleasure to ride,” said Gemma, who rides the 14-year-old gelding for Pru Dawes.

Gemma, back on a British championship squad for the first time since winning team gold at Tryon 2018, shared fascinating insight into how she mentally prepared for the pathfinder role.

“I knew that if I was going to be on the team that’s where I would be,” she said. “I’ve done it before, so they know I can do it. I’ve actually trained myself a few times this year to go out with no information at all on a course.”

Of course Gemma walked those courses in advance, in this context she means that she has gone out without the benefit of feedback from other riders.

“I did it at Royal Jump with him, I did it at Burgham with Chilli Knight – I've done it a few times just in the thought that it might happen. It's just a case of training your mind,” she said.

Senor Crocodillo heads New Zealand one-two

Senor Crocodillo heads the all-grey top three at this early stage.

The 12-year-old, owned by his rider and Alexander and Joseph Giannamore, has proved before that he can do a sub-30 test, but is more often found lingering around the 30 to 33 bracket.

Today he looked a horse who knew he should be at the top of the leaderboard, showing a relaxed confidence in his performance.

“He’s a quiet achiever, he’s not really my normal genre,” said Jonelle. “He is a fairly steady sort of guy, a little bit of a plain Jane, but he's just such a trier.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve really been able to start solidly building a test – a pretty cool time to come out and show him at his best. I’m delighted.”

Clarke and Rocket Man, flagged by H&H eventing editor Pippa Roome as dark horses to watch at this year’s championships, held the lead for much of this morning. The 11-year-old is owned by Clarke’s parents, Jean and Rob Johnstone.

“I was pleased with it, it was probably one notch down from what we could have done if it was as good as possible,” said Clarke, who acquired the gelding from Britain’s Eliza Bell in 2023.

“I thought that arena might have lit him up a little bit, but he was totally relaxed, and sometimes he's better when he’s just a fraction not so relaxed. But he did everything I asked.”

He added: “We had a small mistake in the halt to rein back. Otherwise, everything happened where it was supposed to and I thought there were some real highlights.

“He’s a beautiful horse, he’s really lovely to ride and to train. He has been to Aachen before, but this is his first championships, and he took it all in like a pro.”

Dressage disappointment for top US pair at eventing World Championships

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake were among the favourites to be in the mix at the very top of the leaderboard after dressage at the FEI World Championships, such is their strength in this phase.

Their test started well, but a few costly blips meant that their mark of 32.4 is adrift of where we would have expected to see them, based on previous form.

HSH Blake shows such lift and expression through his beautiful frame, which made their early trot work a joy to watch, and they were rewarded with a smattering of eights, plus a nine, from the judges.

The 11-year-old gelding unfortunately picked up the wrong lead on the transition to counter canter, for which they scored fours across the board. A little hiccup in one of the later changes was also expensive.

“I have a lovely horse. He’s a very, very special guy. So obviously I’m pretty disappointed because I know we could do better – I could do better, not him. I didn’t give him the ride I wanted to today. But it is a sport, and that’s a fun thing about sport,” she said.

“I’ll go back and reflect. There are always a lot of things, but I’ve got an incredible team at home and with our federation. They gave me all the opportunities to do the best we can today, sometimes it just falls short. It is what it is.

“I’ll go home, work harder, and then come back swinging.”

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The eventing World Championships cross-country course, designed by Giuseppe della Chiesa, has been unveiled.

The track at Aachen, a legendary venue for horsesport in Germany, is 5600m long, with an optimum time of 9min 50sec.

Before the eventing World Championships, Giuseppe talked to H&H about the challenges of designing here and the importance of providing alternatives at a championship.

Aachen is a small site to host a course of this length and the overwhelming first impression is that the track twists and turns back on itself a lot.

There are numerous alternatives and in a couple of places two combinations cover the same area of ground – this will be great for spectators, but is very confusing on a first course-walk in terms of working out the routes available.

Giuseppe has manipulated the fence numbering so that in some places riders are committed to one route once they jump the first element, while in other combinations there is more flexibility.

Riders would always walk a course multiple times at a championship and they will certainly need to do so here. As they ride round, they will have to be aware that horses are seeing the course for the first time and they need to be very clear where they want to go when there are multiple fences in the horse’s eyeline.

While being committed to their plan A, riders will also need to have the options available clear in their minds so they can make a quick change if necessary and still jump every element of the fence. Missing an element – or jumping one twice – would result in elimination.

Let’s see what’s in store on Saturday…

Eventing World Championships cross-country course: fence by fence

Fence 1: DHL Flower Box

Fence 2: STAWAG Table

Fence 3: Alpurial Windmill

Fence 4: Mushroom Oxer

Fence 5abcd: Sparkassen Hills

There are two routes through this fence and the numbering means once a rider has jumped the first element, they are locked into one route or the other.

Fence 5abc direct route

Fence 5d direct route

The alternative route involves three jumping efforts rather than two and sits to the right of the direct route. It is not a great deal further in distance.

Fence 5a alternative route

Fence 5b alternative route

Fence 5cd alternative route

Fence 6: Silver Birch Trakehner

Fence 7: Turkish Airlines Fruit Table

Fence 8abcde: Coffin

There are two main routes through this fence. The direct route is a traditional three-element “coffin” fence – although the name has not been widely used in eventing in recent years.

Fence 8ab direct route

Fence 8c direct route

Fence 8de direct route

Fence 8de alternative – this fence, to the left of the direct route, serves as an alternative if a rider runs out at the direct route 8de

The main alternative route involves taking two gates on the way to the hollow area, confusingly intermingled with the fences comprising fence nine, and then jumping through an easier version of the hollow.

Fence 8a alternative route

Fence 8b alternative route

Fence 8c alternative route

Fence 8d alternative route

Fence 8e alternative route

There is also another alternative 8ab which involves turning back away from the direction of travel through the driving obstacle beside this complex.

Fence 8ab alternative route

Fence 9abc: Turkish Airlines Complex

After fence eight, riders circle back round to fence nine, which they actually passed on their way to fence eight. Fence nine has three main routes. The most direct route involves taking on two triple brush arrowheads on a straight line.

Fence 9a direct route

Fence 9bc direct route (with Vittoria Panizzon and another member of the Italian team)

Riders can also take an alternative 9a further to the left and then make a bending line to the direct route 9bc

Fence 9a alternative route

There is also an alternative route with different profile fences, which involves covering more distance. The way this complex is numbered means riders cannot switch to this route having taken either version of 9a on the direct route or switch away from this route once they have jumped 9ab here.

Fence 9ab alternative route

Fence 9c alternative route

Fence 10: Wildbach Crossing

Fence 11abcd: Allianz Water Complex

This is the first water on course and there are several routes through it. To add to the complexity, the same pond is used by fence 13. The most direct route through fence 11 involves four fences.

Fence 11a direct route

Looking over fence 11a at the rest of the complex

Fence 11b direct route

Fence 11c direct route

Fence 11d direct route

One of the alternative routes involves two easier fences to get into the water. After these two, riders can go to direct route 11c and 11d.

Fence 11a alternative route

Fence 11b alternative route

Riders can also go right round to the far side of the water and jump a difference fence in, labelled 11abc, and then go the duck which forms the direct route 11d.

Fence 11abc alternative route

Finally, there is this fence, labelled 11cd. We believe this cannot be jumped on any route without incurring 20 penalties and that it exists as an option after a rider has had a problem at the corner at 11c. We are confirming this.

Fence 11cd alternative after a problem at 11c

Fence 12: Triplebar

Fence 13abcde: Allianz Water Complex

There are two routes through this complex, which shares its pond with fence 11. The way the fence is numbered means riders cannot mix and match fences between different routes.

Fence 13ab direct route

Fence 13cd direct route

Fence 13e direct route

The alternative route also involves three jumping efforts, but it is longer, with a loop between the first two elements.

Fence 13a alternative route

Fence 13bc alternative route

Fence 13de alternative route

Fence 14: Steeplechase Brush

Fence 15: Little Owl

Fence 15 from the landing side

Fence 16: Stick Piles

There are two stick piles here – the one on the left is a little less inviting but is on a quicker line.

Fence 16 direct route

Fence 16 alternative route

Fence 17abcde: Longines Challenge

There are three routes on offer here. The most direct route involves jumping off a big drop and then taking two more elements on a straight line.

Fence 17a direct route

Fence 17bc direct route

Fence 17de direct route

After jumping off the drop, riders have the option of pulling away from the direct route fences bc and de and instead taking three different elements on an easier line.

Fence 17b alternative route

Fence 17cd alternative route

Fence 17e alternative route

The final route here involves four elements on a looping S bend. The final element is the same skinny brush arrowhead (e) as is jumped on the other alternative route

Fence 17a alternative route

Fence 17b alternative route

Fence 17cd alternative route

Fence 17e alternative route

Fence 18: Rollercoaster

Although this is a let-up fence, the ground on the approach lives up to the fence‘s name.

Fence 19: Silver Birch Oxer

Fence 20: Farm Yard

Fences 21 and 22: Picnic Tables

Fence 23: DHL Boat

Fence 24abc: SAP Village

There are two routes through this, with the option to swap to the alternative element c after taking the direct route elements a and b.

Fence 24a direct route

A view over 24a down to the following elements. Irish chef d’equipe Sam Griffiths leads the way for a couple of his team members in this photo.

Fence 24b direct route

A view over fence 24b, showing the line to 24c on the direct route.

Fence 24c direct route

Fence 24a alternative route

Fence 24b alternative route

Fence 24c alternative route

Fence 25abc: DHL Water Complex

There are two routes through this final water. The numbering prevents riders from changing their minds partway through – they are locked into one route or the other.

Fence 25ab direct route

Fence 25c direct route

Fence 25a alternative route

Fence 25bc alternative route

Fence 26: Aachen 2026 Icon

Fence 27abcd: Mercedes-Benz Challenge

This final combination offers two routes and the numbering means riders are committed to one or the other; they cannot mix and match. The direct route has two elements.

Fence 27ab direct route

Fence 27cd direct route

The alternative route has three elements

Fence 27a alternative route

Fence 27bc alternative route

Fence 27d alternative route

Fence 28: Welcome Home

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The dressage times for the next two days of action at the eventing World Championships in Aachen, Germany, have been released.

The first horse to enter the arena will be Chevalier 97, ridden by Daniel Dunst for the Austrian team, at 9.30am German time (8.30 British time) tomorrow (Thursday, 13 August). The last pair to compete are Vittoria Panizzon and DHI Jackpot, for Italy – they start at 4.53pm German time (3.53pm British time) on Friday (14 August).

The eventing dressage takes place in Stadium 2, a grass arena which will also host driving dressage during the second week of the FEI World Championships.

Eventing World Championships dressage times: Britain’s riders

• Gemma Stevens and Flash Cooley, team: 11.11am German time (10.11am British time) on Thursday
• Tom McEwen and JL Dublin, team: 3.57pm German time (2.57pm British time) on Thursday
• Laura Collett and London 52, team: 12.24pm German time (11.24am British time) on Friday
• Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, team: 4.46pm German time (3.46pm British time) on Friday
• Caroline Harris and D. Day, individual: 12.52pm German time (11.52am British time) on Friday

There are no big surprises here. I expected Caroline Harris, the least experienced rider on the British squad, to be given the individual berth.

Similarly, it makes sense for London 52 and Lordships Graffalo, who have the strongest claims on individual medals, to be given the third and fourth spots on the team roster.

That said, the British line-up boasts four really strong combinations. Flash Cooley and JL Dublin both have realistic chances to win individual medals too – and would top the billing for any other nation.

Times for other top contenders

• Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake, USA team: 12.52pm German time (11.52am British time) on Thursday
• Alex Hua Tian and Chicko, Chinese individual: 10.05am German time (9.05am British time) on Friday
• Monica Spencer and Artist, New Zealand team: 10.19am German time (9.19am British time) on Friday
• Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker, USA team: 10.50am German time (9.50am British time) on Friday
• Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Briar, Australian team: 11.04am German time (10.04am British time) on Friday
• Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue, Irish team: 11.18am German time (10.18am British time) on Friday
• Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza, French team: 11.25am German time (10.25am British time) on Friday
• Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel, German team: 11.39am German time (10.39am British time) on Friday
• Tamie Smith and Lillet 3, USA individual: 2.51pm German time (1.51pm British time) on Friday
• Tim Price and Falco, New Zealand team: 3.05am German time (2.05pm British time) on Friday
• Will Coleman and Diabolo, USA team: 3.12pm German team (2.12pm British time) on Friday
• Nicolas Touzaint and Diabolo Menthe, French team: 4.04pm German time (3.04pm British time) on Friday
• Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH, German team: 4.18pm German time (3.18pm British time) on Friday
• Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Kiarado D’Arville, Belgian team: 4.39pm German time (3.39pm British time) on Friday

Full eventing World Championships dressage times

• Thursday times
• Friday times

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Three horses were held at the eventing World Championships first trot-up this morning (12 August) in Aachen.

The home side, Germany, who are hot contenders for the podium, had a more dramatic time than they would have wanted during this first test.

Libussa Lübbeke’s Caramia FRH, pathfinder for the gold medal-winning German team at the Agria European Championships at Blenheim last year, was sent to the holding box, but passed on re-inspection.

In addition, Julia Krajewski’s ride Uelzener’s Nickel seemed to slip at the end of the trot-up strip and went down on his side – but he passed the inspection and was quickly back up on his feet.

Michael Jung’s ride FisherChipmunk FRH, reigning Olympic champion and among the favourites for individual gold, showed his high spirits with a little rear in response to the crowd applause as he came off the runway.

The other horses who were sent to the holding box were Qaid, ridden by the Czech Republic’s Matěj Sukdolák, and Enjoy, who will be piloted by the Netherlands’ Sanne de Jong. Both passed when they came back for re-inspection.

Eventing World Championships first trot-up: a thorough inspection

The eventing World Championships first trot-up took place on a strip in Stadium 2, a grass arena where the eventing dressage will take place over the next two days.

The strip was close to the grandstand, which may have contributed to the fact a lot of horses became quite excited and cantered on the return leg. The ground jury – Denmark’s Anne-Mette Binder, Canada’s Peter Gray and Ireland’s Joanne Jarden – were thorough about asking the riders of these horses to trot again and several had to do so.

Among those in the grandstand was Hinrich Romeike, a member of the gold medal-winning German team here at the 2006 World Championships, but today sporting a Swedish gilet. He is supporting his daughter-in-law Louise Romeike and part-owns her ride Caspian 15.

Seven riders here also competed at that 2006 championship – Australia’s Andrew Hoy, Belgium’s Karin Donckers, Brazil’s Carlos Parro, Denmark’s Peter Flarup, Austria’s Harald Ambros, the USA’s Phillip Dutton (who rode for Australia in 2006) and France’s Nicolas Touzaint.

Many more are on the sidelines this time, supporting or training, often for different nations – among them, William Fox-Pitt, who flew in yesterday morning to coach the Brazilians.

There were no dramas for the British squad (in partnership with Agria) today, as Ros Canter presented Lordships Graffalo, Laura Collett brought forward London 52, Caroline Harris led up D. Day, Tom McEwen showed JL Dublin and Gemma Stevens started the event with Flash Cooley. All the horses looked well and performed professionally.

Britain drew a position near the end of the order, second to last of those nations fielding full teams here. That starting position will carry across to the dressage and cross-country.

With the trot-up over, nations fielding five pairs now have to declare which four are on their team and who rides as an individual. The dressage times will then be published – we will bring those to you later, as well as photos of the cross-country course.

• To stay up to date with the latest news from the World Championships in Aachen, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Welcome to Horse & Hound’s expert form guide featuring all Eventing World Championships entries. Exclusively available for H&H subscribers, I have analysed the recent performances of all the horses and riders entered for Aachen to give you the full picture ahead of the competition.

Throughout the Eventing World Championships, we’ll be running H&H’s exclusive Eventing World Championships live reports service starting with the first horse inspection on Wednesday 12 August. The live report will include analysis of the action throughout the event and interviews with the riders moments after each phase, so make sure you join us to keep abreast of the latest news as it happens.

In the meantime, check out the full Eventing World Championships form guide below, and keep it on hand when you’re watching the eventing this week.

Countries are listed in order of their sporting country code.

Key to horse colour and gender

b = bay, db = dark bay, br = brown, bl = black, ch = chestnut, gr = grey, sk = skewbald

mare = m, gelding = g, stallion = st

Eventing World Championships form guide

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Brazil

Canada

China

Czech Republic

Denmark

Spain

Finland

France

Great Britain

Germany

Hungary

India

Ireland

Italy

Japan

Morocco

The Netherlands

New Zealand