A stellar quartet of British showjumpers is bidding for glory in this afternoon’s Hickstead Nations Cup (Friday 24 July).

A team win on home soil is one of the pinnacles of the sport for any rider, so expect some fierce competition when the flags go up for all eight nations competing in the CSIO5* Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain at 2.15pm today in Hickstead’s International Arena.

Hickstead Nations Cup: who is on the British team?

So who has chef d’equipe Di Lampard selected for her Hickstead Nations Cup team this afternoon?

Two members of the Great Britain squad heading to the showjumping world championships next month will be flying the flag, Ben Maher, who was on the gold medal-winning team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and Adrian Whiteway, who will be making his senior championship debut.

Ben brings forward his relatively new ride Catelly, who was bought by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright for the triple Olympic gold medallist just three months ago, and they were part of Great Britain’s winning Longines League of Nations (LLN) squad in Rotterdam last month.

There will be a great reception for the hugely popular duo of Adrian Whiteway and Chacco Volo, who will be making their final team appearance before heading to Aachen as part of Great Britain’s World Championship squad. It’s been a fairytale couple of years for 35-year-old Adrian, who made his five-star Nations Cup debut here last year with Deborah Cox’s 13-year-old stallion and a win at Hickstead would be the perfect send-off.

US-based Jessica Mendoza is back in Europe for the summer and has made it on to the non-travelling reserve list for the showjumping World Championships in Aachen. She is riding her own 11-year-old bay gelding Summerhouse, with whom she has been competing since early 2024, and was also part of the winning team in Rotterdam this summer. They too were on the team that was just pipped to second by Germany in this Nations Cup in 2025.

Tim Gredley was part of the celebrated team that brought showjumping home in the Hickstead Nations Cup of 2023 with the country’s first Nations Cup victory on home soil for 13 years. His trusty partner, 13-year-old Medoc De Toxandria, is a veteran of two championships – one with Tim and one with Matt Sampson – and countless Nations Cups.

Good luck to the British team and we look forward to another cracking Nations Cup at Hickstead.

British Nations Cup team for Hickstead 2026

• Harry Charles with nine-year-old Fighting Phil, owned by Harry / 16-year-old Casquo Blue, owned by Harry’s father Peter Charles and Stall Zet.
• Ben Maher and 14-year-old Catelly, jointly owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright.
• Jessica Mendoza riding 13-year-old In The Air, owned by Permilla Amman, Georgia Kipp, Jessica Mendoza, Kristi Mitchem and Melissa Skowlund / 11-year-old Summerhouse, owned by Permilla Amman, Georgia Kipp, Jessica Mendoza, Kristi Mitchem and Melissa Skowlund, AKA “The Moms’ Club”
• Tim Gredley with 13-year-old Medoc De Toxandria, owned by Tim’s wife Rachel Gredley, his father William Gredley and Unex Competition Yard.
• Adrian Whiteway with 13-year-old stallion Chacco Volo, who is owned by Deborah Cox.
• Chef d’equipe: Di Lampard

The Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain takes place at 2.15pm this afternoon, Friday 24 July, at Hickstead.

How to watch the Hickstead action

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Harry Charles and Bandit continued their flying recent form as they won the ClipMyHorse.TV tankard at the Royal International Horse Show.

Harry and the 11-year-old held their lead from seventh of 56 starters to triumph in this two-phase competition, which came hot on the heels of their brace of wins in Valkenswaard.

“He’s on a hat-trick; we’ll have to start calling him Mbappé!” Harry said, referring to the golden boot winner at the 2026 football World Cup.

“I’m very happy as he’d been knocking on the door but we’d have one down, from my mistake or his, but now the penny’s dropped a bit, and he’s very easy when he’s on form.”

Harry said these classes are among the hardest to win as there are only five or six fences in the jump-off phase, so there is not as much scope to take time off. But he and the Irish-bred gelding owned by father Peter and Stall Zet made every turn count, the compact, agile Bandit showing all his speed and scope.

“You have to be pretty much perfect in these classes and take the first distance everywhere, and actually my first one didn’t come up, but he’s so fast, I just tried to be smooth,” Harry said. “That’s how he’s fast; if I try to take too many strides out, it can be a bit stop-start. It’s like cruise control, I have to set it high from the start and try not to break it, just keep the pace and ride the correct lines.’

Bandit sustained an injury in late 2024 and had nearly a year out, then started jumping small classes at the end of last year.

“He’s pretty much come right back to where he left off, if not better,” Harry said. “He’s a bit of a Swiss Army knife; he doesn’t spook, he’s extremely brave and super-fast. I haven’t done a five-star grand prix with him, although I wouldn’t rule it out, but classes like this are his bread and butter. He’s on about 60% of his tank, he finds it easy and it gives him confidence. I’m very lucky to have him.”

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The British team for the showjumping World Championships in Aachen, Germany (18-23 August) has been revealed, led by Olympic gold medallists Scott Brash, Harry Charles and Ben Maher.

This terrific trio have formed the backbone of countless teams in recent years but the Paris 2024 heroes all bring different horses to this year’s championships.

Scott Brash has an enviable string to choose from and he's picked the stunningly beautiful and uber-talented Hello Mango over his gold medal-winning partner Hello Jefferson and dual European silver medallist Hello Folie, who will act as Scott’s direct reserves. Since Scott's championship debut in 2010 on Intertoy Z, the ice-cool Scotsman has developed into a phenomenal team stalwart but he will also be bidding for a first individual gold medal.

The former Olympic champion Ben Maher travels to Aachen with Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright’s 12-year-old stallion Point Break, but with Catelly and Enjeu Du Grisien as top quality back-up.

Harry Charles’ world championship selection with brand new ride, LT Holst Freda is one of the sport’s greatest stories. Just three months ago, the world championships seemed a distant pipe dream for 26-year-old Harry after he stepped away from top-level sport to rebuild his string of horses.

Twelve-year-old mare Freda was bought just three months ago after she contested this year’s World Cup Final with New Zealand rider Julie Davey, initially for Harry’s wife Eve to ride. But Harry fell in love with the mare and at just their third show together in June, the pair helped Great Britain win the Longines League of Nations (LLN) in Rotterdam with a double clear followed by a spectacular jump-off performance. It’s not often you’ll see such a new partnership competing for a world title but Harry and Freda are clearly the perfect match.

Aachen will be a championship debut for 35-year-old Adrian Whiteway and his clear round machine Chacco Volo, with the pair having delivered a string of faultless performances on Nations Cup teams in recent years, just succumbing to the odd time fault along the way although those are becoming increasingly rare nowadays. The pair’s exceptional double clear in the Rome Nations Cup in May marked them as serious contenders.

It’s not often riders end up with a horse of the same name, but commentators will be able to have a lot of fun with our final combination on Great Britain’s five-man squad, Jack and Jack. Jack Whitaker first teamed up with Jack JL – the third grey on the squad – last season, but they’ve quickly come to prominence, firstly as part of the winning LLN team in St Tropez last year, with plenty more eye-catching five-star rounds now under their belts.

It’s now up to chef d’equipe Di Lampard and assistant Stanny van Paesschen to reveal which of this quintet will form the final four at the showjumping World Championships in Aachen next month.

Waiting in the wings on Great Britain’s reserve list are Joe Stockdale (Ebanking), who was part of the bronze medal-winning team at the last world championships in 2022, plus Tim Gredley (Medoc De Toxandria) and Jessica Mendoza with Summerhouse.

British team for showjumping World Championships 2026

Scott Brash, 40, with 11-year-old mare Hello Mango (Untouchable 27 x Numero Uno)
Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham
Breeder: HPH Vaessen
Groom: David Honnet

Harry Charles, 26, with 12-year-old mare LT Holst Freda (Colman x Casall Ask)
Owners: rider and Eve Jobs
Breeder: E Mackintosh
Groom: Georgia Ellwood

Ben Maher, 43, with 12-year-old stallion Point Break (Action-Breaker x Baloubet Du Rouet)
Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright
Breeder: Nya Äppelvikens Ridskola
Groom: Gwen Bellamy

Jack Whitaker, 24, with Jack JL (Bessemeind’s Quasimodo Z x Astrello)
Owner: Candice Reilly
Breeder: JE Lammerts-Weide
Groom: Paul Collier

Adrian Whiteway, 25, with 13-year-old stallion Chacco Volo (Chacco-Blue x Cathago)
Owner: Deborah Cox
Breeder: Gestut Lewitz
Groom: Rhi Watson

Reserves in alphabetical order

Tim Gredley, 40, with 14-year-old gelding Medoc De Toxandria (Der Senaat III x Kelvin De Sainte Hermelle)
Owners: Rachel Gredley, William Gredley and Unex Competition Yard
Breeder: Werner Dierckx)

Jessica Mendoza, 30, with 11-year-old gelding Summerhouse (Induparts Guidam Sohn x VDL Indoctro)
Owners: Pernilla Amman, Georgia Kipp, Kristi Mitchem, Melissa Skowlund and rider
Breeder: C Den Boer

Joe Stockdale, 26, with 12-year-old stallion Ebanking (Etoulon x Aranebel)
Owners: Barbara Hester and Laura Stockdale
Breeder: E Vriend

These definite entries for the British Equestrian jumping team are announced in collaboration with British Showjumping and World Class Programme principal partner Agria.

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Medal-winning veterans and some new up-and-coming stars feature on the British showjumping shortlist for the Aachen World Championships (11 to 23 August).

One combination from the team that won silver at last year’s European Championships – Scott Brash and Hello Folie – is included in the list of 11 riders and 15 horses from which the final squad will be confirmed. The final squad of five combinations must be submitted to the FEI by 23 July, following a final meeting on or around 16 July.

The selection panel comprises chef d’equipe Di Lampard and non-voting chair of selectors Sarah Rowell and the aim is to select those most likely to achieve the objectives; of qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and winning as many medals as possible.

The selection will of course take into account combination results, including in five-star Nations Cup and grands prix, this year and last.

Scott and Ben Maher, currently third and fourth in the Longines world rankings, look certain to feature in the world championships squad and both have three rides on the British showjumping shortlist. As well as Folie, with whom he also won individual silver last year, Scott has his Paris 2024 team gold medal-winning Hello Jefferson and the rising star Hello Mango, all three owned by Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham. Scott has been on flying form this year, winning five-star grands prix on all three horses.

Ben is named with his stalwarts Enjeu de Grisien and Point Break; he came fourth with the former in the Rolex Aachen grand prix this month and won the five-star grand prix in Rotterdam last week with the latter. He is also down with Catelly – owned as are the other two by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright – whom he has only been riding since May but with whom he was on the team that won the Longines League of Nations (LLN) in Rotterdam this month.

Harry Charles has with Scott and Ben been the backbone of recent British championship teams but has been rebuilding his string. He is named with another new ride; his own and wife Eve Jobs’ LT Holst Freda, whom he only started riding a month ago but with whom he jumped double clear in the Rotterdam LLN to help secure that British win, sealing the deal in a jump-off thriller.

Rising stars Adrian Whiteway and Chacco Volo have been impressing on Nations Cup teams and top-level shows since their CSI5* debut a year ago; they are also on the British showjumping shortlist for Aachen.

Joe Stockdale, who helped Britain to team bronze at the last World Championships is on the list, this time with Ebanking who has been competitive at five-star level this year. Jessica Mendoza, who shone as an individual at last year’s Europeans, is selected with Summerhouse, who was also on that winning team in Rotterdam. Matt Sampson is named with Un Secreto Z, the horse with whom he came fourth in his first five-star grand prix at Windsor last month, and won at the Hickstead Derby meeting – and whom Matt describes as the best in his string at the moment. Sienna Charles and home-bred Chawton were also on the winning team in Rotterdam, jumping clear to set up the jump-off.

Jack Whitaker, Jodie Hall McAteer and Tim Gredley are the riders who complete the British showjumping shortlist for Aachen – we will have to wait and see who makes the final cut.

Selection also takes into account results in other five-star and four-star competitions, as well as the standing of the competition, the quality of the field and reasons for any incomplete competition. Proof of ability to produce top performances on a given day and while under pressure are also important.

The British showjumping shortlist Aachen 2026:

Scott Brash with 11-year-old mare Hello Folie

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Claire Gouin

Breeding: By Luidam, out of a mare by Diamant De Semilly

Scott Brash with 17-year-old gelding Hello Jefferson

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Bernard Mols

Breeding: By Cooper van de Heffinck, out of a mare by Irco Mena

Scott Brash with 11-year-old mare Hello Mango

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: HPH Vaessen

Breeding: By Untouchable 27, out of a mare by Numero Uno

Harry Charles with 12-year-old mare Holst Freda

Owners: Eve Jobs and rider

Breeder: E Mackintosh

Breeding: By Colman, out of a mare by Casall Ask

Sienna Charles with 12-year-old stallion Chawton

Owner: Peter Charles

Breeder: Peter Charles

Breeding: By Typhoon S, out of a mare by Caletto

Tim Gredley with 14-year-old gelding Medoc de Toxandria

Owners: Rachel Gredley, William Gredley and Unex Competition Yard Ltd

Breeder: Werner Dierckx

Breeding: By Der Senaat III, out of a mare by Kelvin De Sainte Hermelle

Jodie Hall McAteer with 10-year-old mare La Gupardie

Owner: Mandy Hall

Breeder: F van de Linden

Breeding: By Van Gogh, out of a mare by Carrera VDL

Ben Maher with 14-year-old gelding Catelly

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: H. Wulf-Hinrich

Breeding: By Catalido, out of a mare by Ephebe For Ever La Silla

Ben Maher with 12-year-old gelding Enjeu De Grisien

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: H. Elevage de Grisien SCEA

Breeding: By Toulon, out of a mare by Andiamo

Ben Maher with 12-year-old stallion Point Break

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: Nya Äppelvikens Ridskola AB

Breeding: By Action-Breaker, out of a mare by Baloubet De Rouet

Jessica Mendoza with 11-year-old gelding Summerhouse

Owners: Pernilla Amman, Georgia Kipp, Kristi Mitchem and Melissa Skowlund and rider

Breeder: C Den Boer

Breeding: By Induparts Guidam Sohn, out of a mare by VDL Indoctro

Matt Sampson with 11-year-old stallion Un Secreto Z

Owner: Maplepark Farm

Breeder: Finca Horses BV

Breeding: By Ultra Boy, out of a mare by Arko III

Joe Stockdale with 12-year-old stallion Ebanking

Owners: Barbara Hester and Laura Stockdale

Breeder: E Vriend

Breeding: By Etoulon, out of a mare by Aranebel

Jack Whitaker with 12-year-old stallion Jack JL

Owner: Candice Reilly

Breeder: JE Lammerts-Weide

Breeding: By Bessemeind’s Quasimodo Z, out of a mare by Astrello

Adrian Whiteway with 13-year-old stallion Chacco Volo

Owner: Deborah Cox

Breeder: Gestut Lewitz

Breeding: By Chacco-Blue, out of a mare by Cathago

The grooms’ names are yet to be confirmed and selection decisions depend on horses and riders’ maintaining fitness and performance.

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Great Britain’s showjumpers triumphed in a hard-fought Longines League of Nations (LLN) at the CHIO Rotterdam.

After some fluctuating fortunes, a thrilling battle ensued between the British, the USA and the Netherlands, rumbling into a nail-biting jump-off. Less than half a second separated the three representatives against the clock, but it was Harry Charles, at just his third show with new ride, the 12-year-old mare LT Holst Freda, who secured victory by just 0.07sec. The 26-year-old rider topped the podium alongside his younger sister Sienna Charles riding the family home-bred Chawton, Ben Maher (Catelly) and Jessica Mendoza with Summerhouse.

“We have very cool, very focused riders,” said chef d’equipe Di Lampard. “Their life is dedicated to their horses and completely devoted to the job. We have had unbelievable consistency on the podium in these past few weeks and this win secures qualification to the LLN final.

“I’ve every confidence in this squad that we keep rotating and we’ve got a great team here. It was a wonderful day of sport and a fantastic course that was fair to the horses as well. To finish with three teams in the jump-off. Wow.”

Siblings Harry Charles and Sienna Charles lead the charge to glory

Ben Maher acted as the British team’s pathfinder as 10 teams tackled Bart Vonck’s course, just touching the tape of the water jump in round one with another relatively new ride, 14-year-old Catelly, owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright. Jessica Mendoza’s eight faults was the discard score as Sienna Charles posted just four faults on firm favourite Chawton. Anchor rider Harry Charles then produced a vital clear with the New Zealand-bred mare LT Holst Freda, who came to the Olympic gold medal-winning Brit after competing at the recent World Cup Final with Julie Davey.

“It was down to the Charles family to get us into round two and they did it admirably,” said Di after the team finished seventh at the halfway point.

Having made the cut as one of the top eight teams to progress to the crucial second leg, with three riders per team and no drop score, Ben, Sienna and Harry shrugged off any pressure and delivered a hat-trick of clears to finish on a team score of eight. This forced the jump-off against Marilyn Little and La Contessa of USA, and Swiss rider Jason Smith (Picobello van’t Roosakker).

A masterful performance

“It was masterful how Harry rode the mare for the jump-off,” said Di Lampard. “Going first, he didn’t waste time anywhere; he threw down the gauntlet, riding beyond his years and his turn back to the vertical was pivotal. When we talked about it before the jump-off, we called it ‘a Bob rollback’,” she said; a nod to the late course-builder Bob Ellis’s trademark ingredient.

“Ben is still getting to know his horse, but he set up round two perfectly. Sienna rode amazingly, picking up where she left off last year after finishing fourth in the grand prix – this partnership loves this venue and it was a wonderful experience for her.

“It was a fantastic day and, to come back from seventh shows how close these Nations Cup competitions are. It was a big shock for France and Germany not to make the cut. The results can change completely. Everything goes with three counting riders in round two; the pressure is on.”

Harry Charles summed up: “That’s the great thing about this format – we were on the cut line after round one but everyone rallied together and we managed to get ourselves into a jump-off.

“All credit to my teammates and my incredible horse, Freda. To walk into an atmosphere like that is so impressive. I’m very proud of her and I’m so lucky to have her.”

After that penultimate qualifying leg of the LLN, the final chance for teams to qualify for the final in Barcelona rests in St Tropez- Gassin in September.

The British celebrations continued on Sunday when Ben Maher topped the grand prix riding Point Break.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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British showjumper Harry Charles is back! After a relatively quiet 2025, in which the now 26-year-old married fellow rider Eve Jobs, the Hampshire rider is enjoying a resurgent start to 2026, with two four- and five-star wins to his name already.

Currently competing on the tour in Doha, Qatar, the 2024 Olympic gold medallist began the year with grand prix success on Casquo Blue. The following week at the CSI5* HH The Father Amir’s Prix 2026, Harry landed a two-phase class with the brilliant 11-year-old Bandit, who is on the comeback trail after being sidelined for much of 2025.

A winning return for Bandit

With an assortment of rising equine stars also in action over the past two weeks – including the eye-catching Fighting Phil, who is producing clear round after clear round in the Al Shaqab arena – these are clearly exciting times once again for Harry Charles, now ranked 42nd in the world.

“Having Bandit back is a big highlight for all of us,” says Harry, of the horse from whom he fell in Aachen in 2024, fracturing his wrist, but who went on to grand prix success in Kronenberg and helped the Archers team to victory in the Major League Show Jumping in the US.

“It was nearly a year from his last show to his first show back in September. His jump is still exceptional, but he’s always had his own opinions, so it’s taken a bit of time redoing a lot of the work on the ground. He feels as good as he’s ever been now though.”

“Just a really cool horse”

As well as his recent grand prix winner Casquo Blue, Harry still has 13-year-old Sherlock as his top horse. Both are jointly owned by Stall Zet and his father Peter Charles. But Harry has also been busy producing his younger horses and rebuilding his string in the wake of recent reshuffles which included the retirement of Romeo 88, his Paris Olympics gold medal-winning partner, last year.

“The horses coming through now are a bit of what I was doing last year,” explains Harry. “I wasn’t at shows so I was busy trying to produce some more horses for this year.”

Harry describes his own nine-year-old Fighting Phil (Cornet Obolensky x Contender) as “an amazing horse”.

“He’s already jumped a couple of three-star grands prix and he just seems to be getting better and better,” says Harry. “I bought him at seven years old and I just liked him from the start but he’s a big horse and we were a bit unsure if he’d be able to put it all together. But the attitude and his mind are really making him into a good, exciting horse, so I’m looking forward to him progressing on this tour.

“He’s a really big jumper, but sensitive not cold, and if in the future he can fill in the same way that Casquo has done for me, that would be amazing. He’s really enjoyable to work with, just a really cool horse.”

A family affair in Doha

Harry, who is competing in Doha alongside his wife Eve and sister Sienna, has six horses with him, also including 10-year-old stallion Ballypatrick Tiberius and nine-year-old Robinson.

“The facilities here are brilliant and it’s set up so horses don’t feel like they’re at a show – even in the grands prix – so it’s really nice to be able to jump big classes for big money in a low-pressure environment,” says Harry.

“For horses doing their first bigger classes, they get to see and experience everything without the extra tension or buzz that indoor shows often have. I’m very lucky to be here. Hopefully I won’t fall any further down the rankings now and I’d like to think this will set us up for a good year ahead.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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British showjumper Harry Charles enjoyed the best possible start to 2026 with victory in the CSI4* 1.55m grand prix at HH The Father Amir’s Prix at Al Shaqab, Doha, Qatar, riding 16-year-old Casquo Blue.

Harry pipped team-mate Scott Brash and the mighty Hello Folie by just 0.28sec to deliver a British one-two.

“It’s going to be incredibly hard to beat Folie over the next few years, so I’ll take one while I can – it won’t happen very often!” said Harry. “Casquo’s not normally the quickest so maybe my round was a bit deceiving. Scott did say to me, ‘I didn’t think I had to go that fast!’ He did one stride more than me down one line and I think that’s probably where I won it.”

Harry Charles on his jump-off round: “I took a big risk to the double”

Casquo Blue (Chacco-Blue x Carthago Z) has been an integral part of Harry Charles’s string for several years and a key part of Nations Cup teams including winning at Hickstead, and the pair represented Great Britain at the 2023 European showjumping championships, but this was their first grand prix success together. It came after a five-way jump-off to decide the €60,000 top prize.

“Going into the jump-off, I thought I’d be happy to be third at worst,” said Harry. “I thought, Scott and Folie are going to get me regardless, so I might as well try to make him work for it a bit! So I went as fast as I could.

“Casquo’s not that quick and that’s why maybe he hasn’t got a big win like this before – he’s had a lot of second and third places, but I just always found myself a second behind the leaders, even when I felt like I’d left everything out there. I was just never quite able to get ahead.

“This time I took a big risk into the double, it paid off luckily, and he was really good coming home.”

Reducing the workload to keep 16-year-old Casquo in shape

Harry attributes Casquo’s longevity and consistency to competing him “quite sparingly over the past year, especially the past few months, to keep him happy and feeling great in his body”.

“He’s 16 now and he’s been very much push-button for the past two years, he’s well past the point of needing education or learning rounds – he knows his job exactly now,” explained Harry. “As long as you start off well with him at a show and do one warm-up class, you can walk into pretty much any class. Even if I got called up a fortnight before a Nations Cup, he could just have a couple of jumps at home and go.

“He has his way and he’s not going to change. So if you stick to what he knows, he’s super simple in the arena.”

That careful management of the teenage gelding, jointly owned by Harry’s father Peter Charles and Stall Zet, extends to his work at home, too.

“He’ll maybe jump once every two weeks at home, maximum,” said Harry. “I have two good riders, Izzy and Rachel – one in the Netherlands, one in England – they’re a lot lighter than me so they ride him on the flat a lot.

“So it’s just about finding little ways to reduce the workload off him, make his training as easy as possible, and hopefully he’ll be in good shape for another couple of years. We know each other very well, so he makes my life quite easy.”

Read the full report from HH The Father Amir’s Prix at Al Shaqab, Doha, Qatar, including the CSI2* grand prix success for Olli Fletcher riding Cajus 42, in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, in shops Thursday, 8 January.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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“I’ve been on many teams over the years but the strength and attitude that these guys have together is fantastic,” credited Ben Maher after he and team-mates Harry Charles, Donald Whitaker and hero of the hour once again, Scott Brash, lifted the trophy for the Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday (5 October).

British showjumpers were riding the crest of a colossal wave leading up to the final curtain falling in Barcelona, notching up a remarkable hat-trick of team successes, which started with a long-awaited victory in the BMO Nations Cup at Spruce Meadows, continued to the final LLN qualifier in St Tropez last month, before the celebrations rang out once again in Spain for the British dream team.

“Today means the world,” said chef d’equipe Di Lampard. “The riders were so consistent at the beginning of the year and since Rotterdam it’s been go, go, go – three wins on the trot is just amazing. They make my job very easy.”

Longines League of Nations Final Barcelona: a first jump-off

The unique format for the LLN always makes for enthralling viewing but this final included the only missing ingredient so far – the series’ first jump-off to decide top honours. Having completed on equal team scores of 16 penalties, the scene was set for Ireland and Great Britain to battle it out in a thrilling showdown against the clock.

Billy Twomey, just eight months into his partnership with the athletic Jumping Jack Van De Kalevallei (Kannan x Chin Chin) set off first for Team Ireland. After performing some beautifully executed turns over another masterful Santiago Varela course, Billy saw a long stride to the final fence and pressed the accelerator. There was a collective gasp as the 10-year-old stallion gave it a hefty rattle, but luck was with the Irish side and they crossed the finish clear in 38.42sec.

In contrast to this relatively new combination, Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson have long reigned as one of the most successful partnerships in the world. The Scotsman had had the opportunity to seal victory for Great Britain with a clear in round two, but the world number five, fresh from victory in the world’s richest showjumping competition at Spruce Meadows last month, was left shaking his head in dismay after faulting at the middle element of the triple combination.

But there was no doubting this magnificent pair against the clock as Scott executed a perfectly judged round. Accelerating through the midway section allowed him the timely luxury of a perfect set-up to the tricky final fence, which the ever-obliging Jefferson soared over effortlessly, flying home with a quarter of a second to spare on the clock.

Great Britain, who didn’t qualify for last year’s inaugural final, were the newly crowned champions of the LLN Final 2025.

“I thought Billy did a fantastic job and really stuck it to us,” reflected Scott, surprisingly competing at his first LLN. “Thankfully I’m sitting on a quick horse and we managed to leave the jumps up. Hello Jefferson stayed calm – horses don’t really know what’s at stake so I just tried to stay focused and follow the great advice from my team.

“The team’s had an amazing year and it’s fantastic to finish on this note, so all credit to the guys, they’ve been amazing.”

Di added of her “icing on the cake” victory in the LLN Final Barcelona: “We’re well practised at having three in the final round who all count. It’s an amazing competition and I know organisers wanted a jump-off so it was great to have one.”

Di Lampard: “I have the best riders in the world”

Speaking of the country’s resurgence in recent years, Di continued: “There are some fantastic riders in the world, but I have three of the best and others coming up to join them. We had a couple of years where we were rebuilding. It happens in every rider’s career. Thankfully we have come back very strong.”

Pathfinder Ben jumped for four faults in round one on Enjeu De Grisien before delivering a crucial clear in round two.

“Enjeu stepped up amazingly – we had a small mistake in the first round but put that right,” he said. “With someone like Scott going last, it’s definitely easier.”

Harry Charles was also stepping back up to top level Nations Cups with 12-year-old Sherlock, owned by his father Peter Charles and Stall Zet.

“To walk back into a team that’s winning so much is very nice!” he said.

Donald Whitaker and Millfield Colette, who have contributed so much to Britain’s success and medal tally this year, were the drop score in round one with eight faults, sitting out round two.

“She’s been fantastic all year so I can’t blame her for not being totally on it today,” he reflected.

Two riders shared the double clear bonus – Bertram Allen of runners-up Ireland riding Qonquest De Rigo and Nicola Philippaerts of fourth-placed Belgium on Katanga VH Dingeshof.

The best athlete of the season was named as Piergiorgio Bucci representing LLN debutants Italy, with his groom Yulia Khokhryakova and horse Hantano also awarded.

Brash and Hello Folie are simply superb again

British celebrations began on Friday night when Scott Brash landed the grand prix of Barcelona riding superstar mare Hello Folie owned, like LLN hero Hello Jefferson, by Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham and looked after by groom David Honnet.

With 11 combinations coming forward for the jump-off, a high-octane thriller ensued but Scott and the 10-year-old Luidam mare cannoned round the magnificent Olympic arena at heart-stopping speed to top the leader board and earn the 99,000 euro top prize.

Scott had endured a barren period of five-star grands prix coming into 2025 but has gone on to land six already this year with Folie, Jefferson and Hello Chadora Lady.

“Folie jumped incredibly on Friday – she loves the job and feels like she’s getting more comfortable at that height now,” said Scott. “This was special.”

You can read the full report from the Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, in the shops Thursday 9 October.

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

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All roads lead to Barcelona, Spain, this week (2-5 October) for the Longines League of Nations (LLN) final where Great Britain’s showjumpers are among the nine countries who have qualified for Sunday’s two-round decider.

So who will be lining up for this year’s event?

The LLN Final in Barcelona: runners and riders

Great Britain’s chef d’equipe Di Lampard has selected a star-studded dream team for Sunday’s LLN Final in Barcelona. They arrive at the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona off the back of a glorious victory in the final leg of the LLN qualifiers in St Tropez-Gassin, as well as a historic victory in the BMO Nations Cup at Spruce Meadows.

“We’ve had a really good season, but we’ve got better and better,” says Di.

Among the five riders representing Great Britain in Barclona this year are the trio of gold medallists from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – Scott Brash, Harry Charles and Ben Maher.

They will be joined by Donald Whitaker, who played a key role in helping Great Britain win team silver at the European Championships in La Coruna, Spain this summer. The final squad member is relative five-star team newcomer Adrian Whiteway, who was part of the polished winning team in St Tropez-Gassin recently on his LLN debut.

Horse-wise, Donald lines up with his great partner Millfield Colette, the 12-year-old mare he jointly owns with Reitsportanlage Dagobertshausen and with whom he finished 10th individually at the European Showjumping Championships and were celebrated last year as the King George V Gold Cup heroes.

Adrian brings Deborah Cox’s hugely consistent 12-year-old stallion Chacco Volo. While Adrian joked after helping the British team secure victory at the LLN in St Tropez that “Time-faults are our forte, if you like – we’re pretty good at getting them!”, they are equally proficient at clear rounds and that’s what counts in these top tier team competitions.

A full house of Olympic gold medallists

Fresh from success in the world’s richest showjumping competition at Spruce Meadows, reigning Olympic team gold medallist Scott Brash has kept his options open with his choice of horses. He is opting to bring both 16-year-old Hello Jefferson and breakthrough star Hello Folie, both of whom are owned by Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham.

Harry Charles returns to the team fold with his father Peter’s and Stall Zet’s Sherlock, The 12-year-old was last seen jumping double clear for a third place finish in the CSI5* Rolex grand prix at the Stephex Masters at the end of August.

Completing the quintet of British riders is world number two Ben Maher, who also has a choice of two horses in Barcelona, with Enjeu De Grisien or Point Break.

Who are Britain’s rivals?

The other teams to have qualified for Sunday’s LLN Final in Barcelona from the four global legs in Abu Dhabi, Ocala, Rotterdam and St Tropez are Team USA, hosts Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, Germany, France and the newly crowned European champions Belgium. Germany returns to the Spanish city as title-holders, having lifted the inaugural trophy in dramatic style in 2024.

Ireland’s chef d’equipe Michael Blake has selected Neal Fearon, Billy Twomey, Bertram Allen, Mikey Pender and Sean Monaghan for the Spanish event this week.

Among the other international showjumping superstars in action will be European champion Richard Vogel and the Olympic champion Christian Kukuk.

The four-day CSIO Barcelona kicks off on Thursday 2 October, with the 1.60m grand prix taking place on Friday evening (3 October). Horse & Hound will be on hand to bring you all the latest news with the full report appearing in the 9 October issue of the magazine.

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Wedding fever has bloomed across the equestrian world in recent weeks with gold medallists, leading jockeys and top riders tying the knot.

The Oxfordshire wedding of Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallist Harry Charles and US showjumper Eve Jobs grabbed international headlines last weekend – so too did the Cotswolds, dubbed this summer’s destination for mega-weddings by The Times.

The couple wed at St Michael and All Angels in Great Tew on Saturday (26 July), followed by a reception at Estelle Manor.

Sharp-eyed equestrians may have spotted top riders among the guests pictured arriving at the church, including members of Harry’s family, Rolex Eventing Grand Slam winner Pippa Funnell and US showjumper Jennifer Gates Nassar.

Former US vice-president Kamala Harris and at least one Kardashian were also on the guest list, while Elton John is rumoured to have performed at the party.

Reigning champion National Hunt jockey Sean Bowen married long-term girlfriend Harriett Matthews on 11 July. Sean, who landed the jockeys championship for the first time in April and is leading the way in the 2025/25 championship, rode a double at Perth two days later.

Sophie Christiansen, who won 30 senior championship medals – 24 of which were gold – during her para dressage career, tied the knot with fiancé Peter McKnight this month.

Paralympic rider and swimmer Suzanna Hext, who won three gold medals at the 2017 European para dressage championships and has finished on the podium multiple times at para swimming World Championships, has married Gareth Petts.

Elsewhere in the dressage world, British rider Olivia Oakley and Taylor Elias got hitched at Romsey Abbey on Saturday (26 July), with a reception at Pyesmead Farm.

Olivia posted photos from the day with the caption: “The best day of our lives.”

Last year’s Welsh Grand National-winning jockey Charlie Hammond and Harriet Edmunds, who has evented at advanced and is assistant trainer to her father, National Hunt trainer Stuart, also tied the knot on 26 July.

Advanced event rider Charlotte Bacon and jump jockey Harrison Beswick married in June.

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British showjumper Harry Charles is one of the shining lights of the sport and in 2024 he added an Olympic gold medal to his staggering list of accolades and achievements. This weekend the media spotlight is set to fall on him for a very different reason as he marries Eve Jobs, daughter of the late Apple founder Steve Jobs.

But away from all the glitz and glamour of their Cotswolds wedding, did you know this 26-year-old loves flying in his spare time? Or that he made his five-star showjumping debut as a teenager?

Read on learn more about super-talented showjumper Harry Charles.

How old is British showjumper Harry Charles?

• Harry Charles was born on 15 July 1999. He was seven years old when one of his former top horses, the 19-year-old stallion Balou Du Reventon, was born.
• Harry says it is his passion for the sport and his love for the horses that drives him.
• He has eight showjumping medals to his name – two for senior championships (Olympic gold in 2024 and team world championship bronze in 2022) and six youth medals.

When did Harry Charles start showjumping?

• Harry Charles enjoyed plenty of success in the showjumping ring on ponies, but his big break into the top tier of the sport came as a teenager in 2018 when he first stepped up to five-star level at the global mecca of showjumping, CHIO Aachen.
• Harry was one of the youngest riders in the field when he made his Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games. Three years later he won team gold in Paris.
• His reign as the world’s leading under-25 rider lasted for over five years – he even broke into the top 10 of the leading showjumpers in the world for the first time in the second half of 2024. He modestly credited those around him for the achievement: “It’s really nice for my horses and my whole team – it’s a reflection on everyone.”

What brands does Harry represent?

• Rolex signed leading young showjumper Harry Charles as its youngest testimonee in 2019, entrusting him to represent the luxury brand on the global stage.
• Harry’s equestrian hero is fellow British showjumper Scott Brash, with whom he won team gold at the Paris Olympics.
• Music is a key part of Harry’s life and he will regularly immerse himself in his headphones between classes. You can find out what he’s currently listening to on his Spotify.

What makes Harry Charles so good?

• Harry says being patient, mentally strong and having a good work ethic are the secrets to success for a professional showjumper.
• If he hadn’t followed his dream of becoming a top showjumper, Harry says he would love to be a pilot – flying and golf are two of his hobbies.
• At the age of 16, Harry beat his father Peter Charles to win the Welsh Masters, becoming the youngest rider to take the title.

Who is Harry Charles’ fiancée?

• Harry Charles’ fiancée is heiress, model and showjumper Eve Jobs, daughter of the late Apple founder Steve Jobs.
• They are set to marry this weekend at private members’ club Estelle Manor, which is between Witney and Woodstock on the eastern edge of the Cotswolds.
• His current string of top horses include Sherlock, Casquo Blue and Kannandillo looked after by super groom Georgia Ellwood.
• The Charles family base is Heathcroft Farm in Hampshire.

What are Harry’s greatest showjumping achievements?

• In 2021, he landed a hat-trick of five-star wins at his home show, the London International Horse Show, including the World Cup with Stardust and the grand prix on Borsato – it was the first time in 16 years that both feature classes had been won by the same rider.
• Harry broke his arm just four weeks before the Paris Olympics, making a remarkable recovery but competing with his wrist strapped, to win Olympic gold aboard Romeo 88.
• Harry Charles was born into showjumping to parents Peter and Tara Charles and his sisters Scarlett and Sienna both compete, too. Peter was part of Great Britain’s gold medal-winning showjumping team at the London Olympics in 2012 and two of Peter’s team-mates, Scott Brash and Ben Maher, jumped alongside Harry to win gold in Paris.
• Harry went on to win the London leg of the five-star Longines Global Champions Tour just days after the Paris Olympics.
• He finished second in the €1.5m Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix of Monaco with Sherlock in July 2025.
• Harry Charles has 83,000 followers on Instagram.

H&H visited the Hampshire stables of up-and-coming star Harry Charles and we encountered classy horses, a great team and stunning

The Charles household are celebrating today after 13-year-old Harry won the pony grand prix in Hagen

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Olympic gold medallist Romeo 88 has retired aged 16 to spend a happy retirement with his best friend.

Ann Thompson’s Zangersheide gelding and Harry Charles represented Britain at two Olympics, jumping clear to win team gold last year – and the world team bronze in 2022 that secured our place in Paris. They also came fourth in the 2022 World Cup Final and jumped double clears, and secured podium places, in top grands prix and Nations Cups across the world.

“Romeo, thank you for everything,” Harry said. “You changed my life and I’ll for ever be grateful. You were with me all the way and I loved every second.”

“We’re not retiring him for any other reason other than it’s the right thing to do,” Harry’s father Peter told H&H. “He’s perfectly sound; the team vet came last week gave him a full bill of health to compete and we thought it couldn’t get any better.

“Two Olympics, the World Championships, second in the Dublin grand prix, nearly won the World Cup Final – and he’ll never beat what he did last year. What a way to retire him.”

Harry took the reins on Romeo in 2021, months before they made their Olympic debut.

“The start wasn’t easy as there were various issues to iron out,” Peter said. “But Romeo soon developed a wonderful partnership with Harry and it didn’t take long to get great results and win.”

Peter added that last year, the decision was made to aim Romeo at the Olympics, where they excelled despite the fact Harry had broken his wrist in a fall three weeks earlier.

“Romeo and Harry with his broken wrist went to Paris in top form,” he said. “What the three-man team achieved with no drop score was incredible. For Romeo and Harry to achieve again the only clear and win gold was the stuff of dreams; it never gets old.

“Romeo 88 was and is an incredible horse because he loved his job and he loved Harry. He always gave Harry 110% because of his trust in his rider. Equally Georgia his groom kept his grumpy attitude in check; nothing for her was ever too much trouble.”

Romeo will enjoy his retirement with Ann Thompson’s other 2022 World Championship contender Balou De Reventon, whom Harry also rode.

“They’ve been great friends all their lives; they’ll know each other instantly,” Peter said. “He’ll hack around and go in the field, and do exactly what he wants to do.”

Harry thanked Ms Thompson for trusting Romeo to him.

“I hope we did you proud!” he said. “Thank you for the opportunities also with Balou du Reventon and Aralyn Blue, you gave me a chance that many could only dream of.

“Romeo will have the best retirement; it makes me happy that he will leave the sport on the highest of the highs and have the long, healthy retirement he deserves. Thank you will never be enough – happy retirement, my friend.”

Ann added that she told Harry in Tokyo that those Games were practice for Paris.

“Thank you for believing in me,” she said. “I knew Romeo would do whatever you asked of him. That horse loves and trust you, Harry; it is that relationship unlike in any other sport that creates champions. That little extra the horse will give you when you need it comes from the care you give outside the ring.”

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

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In this week’s international showjumping news round-up, we head to the iconic Grand Palais on the Champs-Élysées in the centre of Paris, where top-tier showjumping makes a welcome return after several years. There was much excitement across the pond too, where, in Florida, the second leg of the Longines League of Nations produced a high-pressure finale, resulting in the narrowest of winning margins.

Read on for a round-up of this week’s leading international showjumping news stories and results.

Showjumping news: iconic venue makes welcome return

After a hiatus of several years during which the Grand Palais was transformed into an Olympic sporting venue for Paris 2024, top-flight showjumping made a welcome return to the iconic venue, on the Champs-Élysées in central Paris.

Under the breathtaking glass roof, the prestigious Saut Hermès took place over three days and Sunday’s feature grand prix was won by Simon Delestre with Cayman Jolly Jumper, finishing just ahead of Great Britain’s Robert Whitaker riding the brilliant stallion Vermento.

Robert and the Blatchfords’ 12-year-old stallion were drawn first against the clock, producing a double clear in 41.70sec. But France’s Simon Delestre triumphed in a time of 41.21sec, marking a historic third victory in this prestigious class.

“You can sense the weight of history at this venue,” said the in-form Simon, who won the Rolex grand prix at the Dutch Masters the previous week.

Robert said: “Simon was too quick, but I have no regrets.”

Great Britain’s Allana Clutterbuck (Vykinbay) and Claudia Moore (Hardesther) finished second overall in the Les Talents Hermès team competition.

• Saut Hermes results

USA claim victory in showjumping team thriller

With a vocal home crowd to propel them, the US squad of Lillie Keenan (Argan De Beliard), Aaron Vale (Carissimo 25), Laura Kraut on Dorado 212 and McLain Ward with Ilex delivered a dazzling victory in the second leg of the Longines League of Nations (LLN) in Ocala, Florida.

“To win on home soil and to have everyone see one of the best venues in the world is so special, because we all share an incredible sport,” said 28-year-old LLN debutante Lillie, who referred to Argan De Beliard as her “trusty team-mate”. “The more pressure the better for us.”

But in a dramatic evening of twists and turns, the contest remained nail-bitingly close at every stage and Germany were left ruing a first-round time-fault which kept them one point off the victors in the final standings. USA’s victory was only sealed with a final double clear from final rider McLain Ward (Ilex), marking a first LLN success for the United States.

World number seven McLain, who spent four weeks on the sidelines after a fall in January said: “The drama at the end is a testament to the format – it makes for excellent sport and competition.

“When Sophie Hinners [Germany’s final rider] jumped clear, I got a smile on my face and thought, ‘OK, game on’. This is what we do – you focus and this is what you live for.”

Belgium finished third with 13 faults, equal with Ireland who missed out on the final podium place by just one second when the two teams were split by accumulated times.

“We set very high expectations of ourselves, so obviously we’re disappointed,” said Ireland’s chef d’equipe Michael Blake, who picked Darragh Kenny (Eddy Blue), Cian O’Connor (Bentley De Sury) and 20-year-old Tom Wachman with Tabasco De Toxandria Z as his trio for round two; Daniel Coyle and Incredible sitting it out after a four-fault tally in round one.

“Some of the poles that dropped were ones that we ordinarily wouldn’t have, but that’s jumping. There were some real positives out there and plenty to build on,” added Michael.

Great Britain repeated their Abu Dhabi result of sixth. Pathfinders Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly returned from an eight-fault first round to stay faultless in round two, while Jessica Mendoza (In The Air) hit a rail in each round and anchor rider Harry Charles (Casquo Blue) jumped clear in round one but added four penalties in round two. GB’s LLN team debutant Charlie Jones, 26, produced a super opener for just four faults on Capitale 6, but was on the sidelines for round two.

Chef d’equipe Di Lampard said, “It was a tough competition with strong teams and a strong course but everyone handled it well.

“The team were so unlucky; we were four faults away from third place and a clear from Jess or Harry in the second round would have clinched it.”

Di credited Charlie’s “unbelievable” performance.

“He had an early rail at fence two but kept it together to come home on four faults, all credit to him, he was outstanding.,” she said. “It is a shame with this format he couldn’t go again.”

• LLN results

Olympic champion lands grand prix

After a nine-way battle between some of the titans of the sport, the reigning Olympic champion Christian Kukuk landed Thursday’s $350,000 Lugano grand prix at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida.

Riding the hugely exciting mare Just Be Gentle, with whom he jumped double clear in the LLN, the German rider set an unbeatable target from first draw. Ireland’s multi-medallist Cian O’Connor came closest with his own Iron Man but next-generation talent was hot on their heels, with 25-year-old French rider Nina Mallevaey (Nikka VD Bisschop) and 20-year-old US competitor Mimi Gochman (Inclen BH) in third and fourth respectively, the top five rounded out by the mighty combination of Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward.

“She’s as sharp as a lion and in the ring she just wants to go fast,” said Christian of the Dutch warmblood by Tyson. “I’m excited for the rest of the year with her.”

• Lugano grand prix results

Showjumping news: “We’re over the moon”

Finally in this week’s international showjumping news round-up, we head to Wellington, Florida. As the Winter Equestrian Festival reaches the final furlong, 20-year-old US rider Ansgar Holgers Jr landed the biggest success of his career in the $200,000 KASK CSI4* grand prix with Pixel-K Van’t Kattenhey.

“Any win feels nice, but this is definitely the icing on the cake,” he said, after beating Spencer Smith (HHS Seattle) and Shane Sweetnam (Gilona AO) to the top of the podium.

Ashlee Bond was among the other winners this week, riding Night Wish to victory in the WEF Challenge Cup. Their partnership hasn’t been plain sailing, however.

“He had a rearing issue and he was quite opinionated,” she said. “I worked with Leo Rauscher and he spent two weeks with him and completely turned this horse around. I’m really proud of the work because this was almost a lost cause. The fact that we’re here a year after he did his first 1.40m is really special. My goal is for him to do the FEI World Championships next year at Aachen, and the LA Olympics is my end goal. I think this horse has a good shot at jumping clear every day. I’m working backwards from three years to today.”

• WEF results
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In this week’s international showjumping news round-up, we head straight to Spain where Great Britain’s Will Fletcher celebrates “the best day I could ever imagine” with the “feisty” mare Iwalinde who “tries her heart out every time she goes in the ring”.

Then at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida, USA, a 24-year-old beats an Olympic gold medallist and the world number one to post her first ever five-star success. What a moment!

Read on for all this week’s international showjumping news and results.

Showjumping news: ‘The best day I could imagine’

Great Britain’s Will Fletcher and 12-year-old mare Iwalinde secured a victorious double on the CSI4* Andalucia Sunshine Tour in Spain this week. They started the week by topping the 1.50m Hipotels Trophy and concluded with victory in the 1.55m Dunas de Barbate Trophy grand prix.

“I can’t believe it,” said Will. “It takes an army and Iwalinde was fantastic – she’s a feisty girl and she tries her heart out every time she goes in the ring. She just gave me the best day I could ever imagine.”

Iwalinde is by VDL Zirocco Blue and Will co-owns her with John Walter. In the grand prix the pair beat French rider Penelope Leprevost (Baloubet De Talma), with Great Britain’s Simon Crippen third on Handsome. Matt Sampson produced what would have been the winning time in the four-way jump-off having taken the reins on Tim Gredley’s championship partner Medoc De Toxandria, but it came at the expense of eight faults.

• CSI4* Andalucia Sunshine Tour results

Aimez Moi posts another likeable performance

Sameh El Dahan and WKD Aimez Moi continued their winning form by heading a CSI3* 1.45m classic at Desert Circuit 9 in Thermal, California. Nine riders contested the jump-off and, from penultimate draw, the British rider rocketed to victory.

“She was brilliant. She was very, very quick on the turns,” said Sameh of the 15-year-old mare he co-owns with Joanne Sloan-Allen. “She covers a lot of ground at speed. I didn’t watch anybody else because I know she’s fast. I just stick to my plan and don’t get too distracted with the number of strides that other people are doing.”

• Desert Circuit results

Five-star debut success and why is the world number one riding in a brace?

THE $500,000 Bainbridge Companies CSI5* grand prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida, USA, was won by 24-year-old Belgian rider Emilie Conter riding Portobella Van De Fruitkorf. In a seven-way jump-off she beat Olympic gold medallist Harry Charles (Sherlock) and world number one Henrik von Eckermann (King Edward) to post the first five-star victory of her career.

“I didn’t think I would beat these other riders, but I looked up and saw that I was in first,” she said. “It hasn’t sunk in yet. I’m super happy with my horse and my team for making this happen.”

Emilie revealed she saw a really long distance to the final oxer during the jump-off.

“I heard Helena Stormanns scream ‘Go get it!’, so I took it,” she said. “We’ve come a long way. We took it very slow in the beginning because I always knew she was special. When I first started riding her, she was a bit colder but always had massive scope. When she was younger, she was not so impressed with the small jumps but now the bigger the fences, the better she jumps.”

“There are no words for her,” added Emilie, whose groom Lisa Sorg earned the $500 Double H Farm groom’s award.

Runner-up Harry Charles credited WEF for having “nearly as good an atmosphere as anywhere in the world”.

“I didn’t plan on jumping Sherlock in too many of the bigger classes under the lights; he’s still quite green at night, but tonight he jumped better than I could have hoped,” he said of the 12-year-old owned by his father Peter Charles and Stall Zet. “I thought the course-builder did a great job – you saw the perfect amount in the jump-off. I’m very happy with second place.”

Third-placed Henrik von Eckermann has been working hard behind the scenes to rebuild the confidence and turn around the fortunes of showjumping megastar King Edward.

“He jumped a very good indoor season but in the jump-offs that were full speed, I’m a guy who wants to win and pushed a little too much and we lost a little confidence,” said Henrik. “He feels good and is jumping better and better with every show.”

Henrik has also been recovering from a hand injury incurred in a fall which means he’s currently riding with a brace.

“In the ring, adrenaline is going and you want to do it and then afterwards you feel it, but it could have been worse and I’m happy that I’m able to continue riding,” he said. “Emilie did a fantastic job tonight and I’m very happy for her.”

• WEF results

Showjumping news: grand prix glory

Closer to home, Jack Whitaker (Equine America Valmy De La Lande) and Mark Edwards (Royale Tale) were CSI2* grand prix winners on the Italian Champions Tour and Jumping Gassin International in France respectively in another successful week for British riders on tour in Europe.

Zero is a “misunderstood” hero

Irish showjumper Darragh Kenny won WEF’s Adequan WEF Challenge Cup round nine with new ride Zero K in Florida.

“The first rounds have been pretty good, jump-offs haven’t been perfect,” he said. “I knew it was going to be very fast today, and she has a big stride, so a lot of the lines were connected. I could use her big stride and hopefully not make mistakes.”

Darragh describes Zero K as “very sensitive”.

“She’s special in her own way, but in the ring, she wants to do her best,” he said. “Sometimes she tries too hard, but it’s always in the right way, and that’s what I really like about her. She’s a little tense sometimes but for the most part she’s just misunderstood. She wants to be the best she can.”

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Hundreds of riders have backed Harry Charles’s call for change, after he had “probably the worst fall of my career”.

The Olympic team gold medallist said he was lucky he and the experienced horse he was riding escaped serious injury after they fell through the second element of a vertical-oxer two-stride double in a 1.45m national class at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) at Wellington International, US. Harry had come in steadily, got a good shot to the oxer and “rode it perfectly”, but the 14-year-old gelding took off after only one stride.

Harry posted on social media afterwards about such doubles; he is concerned that having the oxer second means horses are more eager to take it on, so such combinations can be dangerous.

“Luckily both the horse and I are OK,” he told H&H. “I’ve torn a couple of muscles in my back.

“I didn’t realise how big a problem the vertical-oxer two-stride double was until I posted about it and I’ve had over 400 people reach out with stories of broken backs, necks and horses dying. A lot of riders here, top-level riders, agree that this combination is dangerous.

“There will always be people who disagree, but until something like this happens to you or someone close to you… I or the horse just needed to come down at a slightly different angle and it could have been a much worse outcome.”

Harry said horses have to make some mistakes to learn, but that risk has to be minimised.

“Getting rid of these doubles isn’t going to drastically change the sport; you’re not going to think, ‘I wish they had a vertical-oxer two-stride combination in this course’,” he said. “You’re still going to get the same result, you’re going to get great sport by minimising just 5% risk. Why wouldn’t you want to?

“Triple bars in the middle of combinations used to be normal and we look back and think goodness! Change is hard for some people, but all the feedback I’ve had has been strong and good, and the FEI have been great. I think we’re getting somewhere. I approached them. We have a lot of people getting behind it here.”

Harry added that he has checked all the Paris courses and such doubles did not feature, adding that the Olympic course-designers are the “crème de la crème and they knew what they were doing”.

Nick Skelton: “It was too short in the double”

Former Olympic champion Nick Skelton watched the class.

“It was too short inside the double and it was too long a run to it, so horses were gathering momentum,” he told H&H. “Harry couldn’t have gone any slower; he rode it perfectly and the horse just picked up.

“From experience, I’ve found that if horses are going to pick up off one stride in a two-stride double, it’s always at an oxer; they very rarely pick up off one stride to a vertical.”

Olympic rider Holly Smith had a similar fall, at a two-stride oxer-vertical combination in a 1.45m class, in Spain a few years ago.

She told H&H that when she saw Harry’s post, she realised it was the same type of fence.

“These doubles do seem to have caused a lot of nasty falls; mine and Harry’s horses were lucky,” she said. “But they are leg-breaking, rider-hurting falls. You can have accidents at any type of fence, but when there’s a pattern – the answer is to make them one-stride doubles. Data needs to be collected from all falls; that would be a good start. There might be other stuff that might be more dangerous. Of course we can’t ban shadows, but what we can do is eliminate what we can, based on science and data.”

A course designer’s view: “It has to be done correctly”

Matthew Hoskins, an advanced level national and FEI level two course-designer, told H&H he does not believe the answer is banning this type of double..

“But it has to be done correctly,” he said. “The people doing my job have to make sure it’s long enough [between the two elements]. Harry is dead right; using it as a trap can be dangerous.”

Mr Hoskins agreed with Nick; that the distance in such a double must be longer if it comes after a long run, or a course built on open distances before that point. He added that he had been talking to one leading eventer who likes these combinations to “allow young horses to express themselves”, and another who had been at a show where the distance had not been lengthened between the 90cm class and the 1.20m – in which a rider had a lucky escape.

He said many elements have to be taken on board, including venue, surface, weather and horses and riders, to build correct distances, and that designers and riders must work together to ensure safety.

“I’ve been doing this for 25 years and distances now are probably 20% longer as we’re breeding horses with bigger strides,” he added. “Nick’s right; it’s down to course-designing, which is paramount in producing horses and riders.”

An FEI spokesperson told H&H: “The FEI is aware of the concerns raised by Harry Charles. The matter is being discussed with FEI officials and will be addressed by the FEI jumping committee at its meeting on 17 February. The FEI is continuously evaluating safety standards in equestrian sport and encourages feedback to enhance athlete wellbeing.”

A WEF spokesperson told H&H horse and rider safety is Wellington’s top priority.

“Wellington International invests extensive effort into hiring experienced course-designers, judges and technical delegates whose dedication to safety aligns with ours,” she said. “These experienced officials ensure that every competition is run with the highest standards in compliance with the rules and regulations of the national and international governing bodies.

“The fall of any horse and/or rider is cause for us to evaluate why the incident occurred and if there are suitable actions that need to be taken to prevent similar occurrences. Upon investigation, the element in question was heavily reviewed and determined to be built with the correct specifications for the event.”

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While children are counting down the days until Father Christmas arrives, horse fans will be eagerly awaiting the start of the annual equestrian extravaganza that is the London International Horse Show (18-22 December) and what a feast we’re in for this year!

For showjumping fans, it’s a chance to see many of the world’s leading riders in action on home soil. So who will be lining up among the list of entries for this year’s London International at the ExCeL London?

The five-star jumping action begins on Wednesday with the opening night’s evening performance concluding with the ever-popular LeMieux puissance competition. Of course this glittering occasion won’t be the same without the late great Mr Blue Sky UK this year, but an intriguing field of nine entries comes forward to tackle the big red wall.

Home riders lead the way with Carmen Edwards (Happy Valerie), Seb Hughes and Colorado Volo, relative puissance newcomers Rachel Proudley (Easy Boy De Laubry Z), Paul Sims (Kingfisher), teenage sensation and London International puissance debutante Maisy Williams (Dalton D’Hoyo) and Olympic eventer Gemma Stevens (Envoy Merelsnest Z) staking their claim on the silverware.

They will be joined by Irish representatives Geoff Curran on Bishops Quarter and Jason Foley with Dantino B, while Daniel Delsart flies the flag for France with new ride Major Delacour.

London International five-star entries

British riders will be out in force in the five-star classes, led by two of the three riders who won team gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics – Scott Brash and Ben Maher.

Harry Charles, who has enjoyed huge success at the London International in recent years but who has been competing in USA in recent weeks, will be attending the show but won’t be competing.

The trio of Olympic heroes will also take part in the Team GB medal parade on Wednesday night.

Tim Gredley arrives at the London International with top horses Imperial HBF, Medoc De Toxandria and rising star Kolman VDP, while crowd favourite Matt Sampson lines up with Daniel and Ebolensky.

Also arriving in London as Great Britain’s entries are Joe Stockdale, Donald Whitaker, Jack Whitaker, John Whitaker and his son Robert Whitaker, all of whom will also be hoping to give the home crowd plenty to cheer about.

Ireland’s entries and other top showjumpers to look out for

For Ireland, Daniel Coyle and Darragh Kenny will be contesting the festive five-star classes. Other top names to look out for include Max Kuhner of Austria, Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet and twins Nicola and Olivier Philippaerts, in-form French showjumpers Julien Anquetin, Julien Epaillard and Kevin Staut.

It wouldn’t be the London International without the antics of legendary German rider Marcus Ehning and Norway’s Geir Gulliksen, while Swedish heavyweight and world number one Henrik von Eckermann, and Switzerland’s superstars Martin Fuchs and Steve Guerdat always ensure superb sport.

The five-star showjumping action begins on Wednesday 18 December and concludes on Sunday 22 December with the Longines FEI World Cup presented by Agria.

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What a week for British riders! In this week’s international showjumping news round-up, we’ve watched grands prix being won by our country’s heroes, seen some superb performances from the next generation of young showjumpers and credit goes to one of the super grooms who make it all possible.

Read on for this week’s round-up of international showjumping news and results

Showjumping news: Olympic gold medallist makes exciting triumphant return

After an unforgettable summer in which Harry Charles won Olympic gold in Paris quickly followed by a glittering grand prix victory in the Longines Global Champions Tour of London, the 25-year-old took some well-deserved time out to recharge his batteries. This week he made a triumphant return to the sport, winning the CSI2* grand prix of Peelbergen in the Netherlands on nine-year-old Bandit after a seven-way jump-off.

This success also marked a return to the ring for the Stall Zet and Peter Charles-owned Bandit, who was last seen unseating Harry in Aachen in July and, although the stallion was unhurt in his stumble, the accident resulted in a broken arm for Harry.

“There was actually a similar oxer-oxer triple combination to the one in Aachen but that was more of a freak fall, so it wasn’t on my mind at all and Bandit really wasn’t bothered – he’s Irish and pretty hardy!” said Harry of the Obos Quality x Cruisings Micky Finn stallion, who was bred in Ireland by Ted McKenna.

“I had four horses in Peelbergen, none of them knocked a pole down all week and Bandit won the grand prix so it was a great way to come back,” Harry added to H&H. “The last few days, I’ve felt really excited and ready to start riding again, which I think means my break did me good and I’ve taken enough time to reflect. The showjumping calendar doesn’t really allow you to take a break so if you want one you have to make that decision for yourself and not many riders seem to do it. But for me it’s worked.”

There were further celebrations for the Charles family on Sunday (15 September) when Harry’s sister Sienna won the medium tour final on Valkiry De Zance.

• Peelbergen results

A stallion with “the biggest heart”, says Joe Whitaker, as cousins triumph

Showjumper Donald Whitaker says in his forthcoming interview in Horse & Hound magazine this week (19 September), “What makes us such a successful family is that all over the world, there will be a good result coming in from somebody; there’s motivation everywhere” and to prove it, two members of the Whitaker family enjoyed a grand prix win apiece this weekend.

In Ascona, Switzerland, Robert Whitaker and Vermento landed the CSI4* grand prix with the faster of only two double clears, while in the CSI3* grand prix at Sentower Park, Joe Whitaker and the brilliant Hulahupe JR stormed to glory by nearly 3sec.

“He’s an amazing horse; I’m so close to him now as I’ve had him for such a long time. I started him as a six-year-old, and we’ve had a lot of fun together,” Joe told H&H of Jessica Crane’s 12-year-old. “He’s in flying form.”

Joe missed the first half of the year with a broken hand followed by a hip injury and only returned to the international circuit in June. He and Hulahupe won the CSI2* grand prix of Lier in July, finishing third at the venue the following week, then made a winning return from a couple of weeks off at Sentower on Sunday (15 September).

“He’s come back really strong and won again there, so he’s in great shape, I’m really happy with him,” said Joe. “The grand prix was tough; 60 qualified and there were only nine clears, which speaks for itself about the height and the technicality. When Hulahupe is jumping well like that, you can feel as if you can do anything on him and he won it through the three turns in the jump-off. There was a turn back to the double, then two turns back to the oxers and I jumped them on a very tight angle and I reckon he saved a second on each turn.

“In a grand prix like that I try to stick to my own plan; I’ve made some mistakes in the past trying to chase people when actually I’m quite naturally fast as a rider anyway, so what I’ve learned with a bit of experience is just to try to do the best round I can personally and if it works that’s great. When the horses are jumping that well it gives you the freedom to go a bit faster! It’s a fantastic feeling.”

Joe also won a young horse class at the show with Stephanie Holker’s talented seven-year-old stallion Maserati WS, and Steph won a 1.25m herself riding Guido.

“I’m delighted for Steph because she’s been working so hard with her horses,” said Joe, who also credited groom Lucy Smith for his string’s fantastic wellbeing.

“Without her we wouldn’t be there because I fly home to the family every Sunday and go back a couple of days later and she’s doing a great job of keeping the horses fit and getting them ready, which gives me the freedom to do that,” Joe said. “You need somebody very trustworthy and good with the horses to be able to do that, so when the horses are all in such great form, it’s all credit to her.”

• Sentower Park results
• Ascona results

Showjumping news: an invincible pony Nations Cup squad

Next in this week’s international showjumping news round-up we look to the British heroes of the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final at Azelhof Horse Events in Lier, Belgium, who were once again the gold medal-winning pony squad. The team of Hollie Gerken (Galaxy V), Sophia Rogers on Neil 55, Lucy Capper with Oscar Van De Beekerhiede, Maisie Alsopp on Vaughann De Vuzit and Cate Kerr on 17-year-old Cindy won with a team tally of just one penalty picked up in the first of three rounds of jumping, finishing ahead of second-placed Ireland with Belgium in third.

“We knew we’d won before Cate went in, but she wanted to jump, jumped clear and we finished on a total of one fault!” said chef d’equipe Clare Whitaker. “They all rode really well, it was a great result!”

In the children’s Nations Cup the Dutch took the title ahead of Great Britain, with Ireland in third.

“I thought it would be fast – I didn’t think it would be wild”

And finally in this week’s showjumping news round-up, the 2024/25 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup North American League kicked off with victory for Kent Farrington on 10-year-old mare Greya ahead of runner-up Sam Hutton of Great Britain on Melusina BVL Z in Traverse City.

The US rider was first to jump double clear in the seven-way jump-off and couldn’t be beaten with a winning time of 37.19sec over Alan Wade’s track. The British challenger came within 0.2sec but had to settle for second.

“Going first, I thought the jump-off would be fast, but I didn’t think it would be wild,” said Kent, who withdrew Greya from the Olympics when she developed a “bad cough” that required a course of antibiotics. “The first part of my round was secure, and then at that point going to the last jump, I thought I played it a bit safe. I thought I had done a pretty aggressive round that someone would have to try hard to catch. It got a little closer thank I would have liked, but we had luck on our side today.

“She’s a sensational horse,” Kent added. “She was always extremely, extremely careful. She had a bit of a wild personality, but she’s always been an exceptional athlete and a special horse. I’m very proud of what she’s developed into. We’re still at the very start of her career. I’m excited to see where it goes.”

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British showjumper Harry Charles describes the past couple of weeks as a “whirlwind”. Sealing a momentous summer, the 25-year-old rider broke into the world’s top 10 ranked riders for the first time, before winning team gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics with Romeo 88 – despite breaking his arm in the build-up. He then returned home and landed the prestigious Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) of London grand prix on Sunday (18 August) with an exceptional performance from the less experienced Sherlock.

No wonder Harry was last seen celebrating with a large glug of his winner’s champagne out of the grand prix silverware on the London podium.

He dedicated Sunday’s five-star win to yard favourite Sherlock, who has an unusual personality in that he’s both “very laid-back” and extremely sensitive, saying it was “his chance to shine”.

Harry Charles and Sherlock: the journey to the top

The 11-year-old Sherlock was bred by Gustaaf Quintelier of De Donkhoeve, the same breeder as Jessica Springsteen’s Don Juan, who won last year’s LGCT London grand prix. The two horses share a grand-dam, Utopia Van De Donkhoeve. Sherlock is by Ludo Phillipaerts’ old stallion Bisquet Balou, who currently has three offspring jumping at the top of the sport, including Laura Kraut’s Bisquetta.

He came to Harry’s Hampshire base of Heathcroft Farm as a five-year-old and is now owned by Stall Zet and Harry’s father Peter Charles.

“We’ve done everything together, from his first show all the way to his first grand prix, and he’s the horse I’ve had the longest,” says Harry. “I’ve always said, and people didn’t really believe it at the time, that right from a young horse he was one of the best athletes.

“I remember driving back from Windsor when he arrived in the stable in the middle of a show to go and see him. I have a video of the first time I ever sat on him, I’ve never really filmed a horse like that before, I just had a funny feeling about him and ever since his first jump at home I’ve loved him.”

“We struggled – now I can ride him with two fingers on the flat”

Sherlock wasn’t the fastest in his early days and Harry has been working on his flatwork behind the scenes.

“I’ve struggled a lot with the time allowed with Sherlock,” Harry explains. “He would land and then take three or four strides to collect again and turn. So I’ve been really working on that over the past two years. Now he can pirouette, he can turn and he can go fast and then slow down at the snap of the fingers. He’s really, really adjustable. I can ride him with two fingers on the flat.”

Sherlock really started to catch the eye at the start of last year, when the rising 10-year-old won a ranking class on home soil and Harry predicted to H&H that Sherlock’s “time will come and it will be on a bigger stage”. Well, they don’t get much greater than your first LGCT grand prix on home soil.

“He’s had two grand prix wins now in eight months and he’s only really at the start of his career,” says Harry, mentioning his La Coruna World Cup victory in December.

“So it’s super exciting and I am so happy for him to get this big win.”

Harry Charles: “Sherlock ran forward and I fell off backwards!”

However, there was drama the day before Sunday’s feature class in London when Harry fell off the sensitive Sherlock.

“He’s very laid back but then he can just spin like there’s a switch on him,” explains Harry. “After he jumped clear [in the grand prix qualifier], I came out and went to take my jacket off and he ran forward and I fell off backwards. I had no reins so it was quite embarrassing!

“You’ll see that when I take my hat off or when a rug touches him on the side, he’s really, really sensitive but he is also the most chilled out horse, he doesn’t stress, he doesn’t get worried. He’s really funny.”

Anyone watching Sunday’s grand prix may have noticed Sherlock turning to give his devoted supergroom Georgia Ellwood a kiss as he went into the arena for his first round.

“He’s very affectionate and everyone loves him, he’s like a teddy bear,” says his rider. “He is eager to learn and so willing to please, he makes our life so easy. He hacks around at home and has a very chilled lifestyle.”

Harry’s horses are now enjoying some quality time out in the field while Harry takes some time out to reflect and let these incredible few weeks “sink in”.

“I’m so lucky to have great support and more importantly, incredible horses,” says Harry. “You know, it doesn’t always go like this, so we’re really going to enjoy it for a bit.”

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‘Probably the best round of my life’: Harry Charles and Romeo’s fabulous Olympic clear keeps Britain on top

‘He’s almost asleep at the in-gate but big jumps are his forte’: meet Harry Charles’ Olympic hope

‘I don’t know if this is a dream or not’: Britain’s Olympic gold medallist follows up with outstanding London grand prix win

‘We are part of the family, not just a groom’: behind the scenes with Harry Charles’ groom Georgia Ellwood

‘No better place to win my first Nations Cup’: Harry Charles reflects on momentous home win, 13 years after watching his father

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Great Britain’s Harry Charles questioned whether he was dreaming when, barely a fortnight after winning Olympic gold in Paris, the 25-year-old won the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) grand prix of London in front of an ecstatic home crowd.

“It was the best day of my life a couple of weeks ago and to do this straight after feels a bit weird,” said Harry, who teamed up with the brilliant Sherlock to win Sunday’s (18 August) five-star thriller at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

“I don’t know whether it’s a dream or not, but for Sherlock that was a big milestone in his career.”

Seizing the advantage of final draw in a pulsating seven-way jump-off, Harry and the 11-year-old Sherlock, who is owned by his father Peter Charles and Stall Zet, flew home just quarter of a second quicker than the lightning quick time set by Paris 2024 Olympic individual gold medallist Christian Kukuk riding the exciting mare Just Be Gentle (Tyson x Ticallux Verte).

“I tried hard enough – Just Be Gentle is naturally quick and I thought we were quick enough, but Harry deserved to win that,” reflected Christian, paying tribute to the British victor after the battle of the Olympic gold medallists. “Harry tried everything, he tried his heart out – it was an unbelievable jump-off. So I’m very happy with my second place.”

The 2021 LGCT London winner Pieter Devos of Belgium took third with the now 17-year-old mare Toupie De La Roque.

Harry Charles: “I didn’t know this little fella could go that fast!”

Sherlock has been with Harry Charles since a five-year-old and the Hampshire rider had considered him as a Paris 2024 contender but opted instead for the more experienced Romeo 88 in Versailles, where Harry followed in the footsteps of his 2012 team gold medal-winning father Peter Charles to claim a gold medal of his own.

He and Sherlock took out a stride between fences one and two, before executing the perfect rollback to fence three which put them up on the clock early on. It was neck-and-neck with the German rider coming into the home straight but, with the crowd urging them on, the brilliant British duo took a flyer to the final oxer, stopping the clock clear in 36.68sec.

Harry revealed he’d heard the roar of the spectators as he crossed the line but was surprised nevertheless to see the number one next to his name on the scoreboard.

“I don’t know how Sherlock did it but he did it – I didn’t know this little fella could go that fast!” Harry reflected.

“The crowds here carried me to the win and thanks to Sherlock too. I’ve always believed the world of him.

No better place to win – and a first British success since 2019

“After Paris, there was no better place to come home and have a great reception, especially as the last to go,” added Harry, who had watched his Paris team-mates Scott Brash win this class for the second time in 2018 on Hello Mr President and Ben Maher take the trophy with Explosion W in 2019 – the last time a British rider won the LGCT of London grand prix. “So to add my name to this class is very special.

“To come straight in and win a five star grand prix at home after Paris is pretty crazy. These last few weeks are going to take a lot of processing.”

Harry’s outstanding performance to land his first LGCT grand prix also qualifies him for the Super Grand Prix in Rabat, Morocco, at the end of the season.

Wins like this are certainly worth celebrating but we can all bask in the golden glow of what has truly been a glorious summer for British showjumpers.

You can read the full report and reaction from Sunday’s five-star grand prix, plus all the action from this three-day show in London, in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, in the shops Thursday 22 August.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Paralympic Games, Burghley, HOYS and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Fresh from their glittering success at the Paris 2024 Games, all four of the Olympic showjumping gold medallists will be competing at this week’s Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) in London (16-18 August), where they will be celebrated with a special ceremony.

Great Britain’s team gold medal-winning trio of Scott Brash, Harry Charles and Ben Maher will be in action alongside Germany’s newly crowned individual Olympic champion Christian Kukuk.

This quartet of heroic gold medallists will be joined in a special ceremony by bronze team medallist Simon Delestre of France and the Dutch individual bronze medallist Maikel van der Vleuten.

The medallists’ ceremony will take place in the main ring during the LGCT show at Royal Hospital Chelsea on Saturday, 17 August at 1.15pm ahead of the start of the day’s five-star action. The grooms and riders will be given gifts and there will be a live Q&A.

In 2021, the newly crowned Olympic champion Ben Maher was celebrated in similar style with an Olympic medallists’ parade at the London LGCT show.

15 Olympians to watch

A total of 15 riders from Paris 2024 will head straight to London including the LGCT overall ranking leader Max Kuhner, plus Edwina Tops-Alexander and Richard Vogel.

Other global showjumping stars heading to the capital are Malin Baryard-Johnsson, Olivier and Nicola Philippaerts and Christian Ahlmann.

Leading British showjumpers

Among the leading British names bidding for success on home soil at the 12th leg of the LGCT series in London are John Whitaker, newly crowned young rider European champion Olli Fletcher and Hickstead’s recent King George V Gold Cup winner Donald Whitaker, with cousins Jack Whitaker and Robert Whitaker also completing the line-up from the famous showjumping dynasty.

Last year’s winner of the LGCT of London grand prix was USA rider Jessica Springsteen.

H&H will be keeping you up-to-date with all the action from the three-day show online, with a bumper report in next week’s Horse & Hound magazine, in the shops on Thursday, 22 August.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Paralympic Games, Burghley, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Team gold medal-winning showjumpers Harry Charles and his father Peter are considering a party, and “hitting the road running” for the World Championships in two years’ time.

Harry and Peter Charles, who won gold last week and 12 years ago, with Romeo 88 and Vindicat W respectively, both jumping clear and both with Ben Maher and Scott Brash on the team, spoke after today’s individual Olympic showjumping final.

Harry had qualified for today’s showdown but withdrew Romeo as the 15-year-old had a slight overreach. But asked if he was disappointed, Harry said: “No. Romeo’s in great shape, and if he’s not 110% I wasn’t going to jump and we go home happy.

“He goes home with a gold medal. We did what we came here to do with the team, and he jumped an amazing round yesterday, after that, so I’m delighted. And obviously I would have liked to jump, but hopefully I’ll have a couple more goes at it.

“To win the Olympic gold medal is every sportsperson’s dream, and I think to do it in the manner we did it, the only team to have three clear rounds, was really special. So we have a lot of people to thank, and we’re going to go home and reflect on it.”

Harry was at his second Olympics and he said he would not have been there, and able to win a medal, without his experience in Tokyo three years ago.

“That, for me, was a big learning curve, and I definitely wouldn’t have been able to deliver what we did here without that,” he said. “So I’m very grateful for that, even though at the time, it wasn’t exactly how I saw it going. I think you’ve seen a difference in how much the partnership has grown, we’ve been together now three and a half years. It makes such a difference, you know, knowing your horse, and I’ll for ever be grateful to him.

“It got tough in Tokyo, not the round we wanted, and then we had to go back in again for the team. I had to dig deep a bit; to be honest, I walked the course and really didn’t want to ride. But my dad said, ‘No, you have to do this. This is going to make you’. And he often says that was a defining moment in my career. I could have gone in there and crumbled. And actually we came out with not a bad score in a team final. That was my last round, so actually, I felt we left on a really good note. And since Tokyo, then my career kind of took off a little bit, we’ve had some great wins. It was a really a making moment for me, I think.”

Peter agreed it had been a good week, but that he does not get too excited or too depressed.

“You take the rough and the smooth,” he said, adding that the road to Paris had been a bumpy one, including Harry’s breaking his arm.

“I wasn’t too worried; there’s other people far more worried than me,” he said. “Harry was fine, I knew he’d be fine. Did I expect a medal from these guys? Yes. Gold, a bonus. Bronze, I thought we’d squeak it. But the way they all rode, there was no Big Star, there was no Explosion, no Sanctos in the team but three very, very good horses.

“The night before, we had a talk about it, all the lads had to ride 100% of their talent and ability. The horses all had to give close to that maximum. And that’s exactly what happened.

“You could see in the ring, no rider made any mistakes. Yes, a time-fault here or there, but the fences didn’t fall. It was going to be close to getting a medal. And then, you know, a gold medal was just the way a cookie crumbled a bit.”

Peter said he was very proud, but asked how much credit he took for keeping Romeo going since Harry’s fall, said: “Anyone could have done it!”

And when asked if there was to be a party, Peter said he was already planning the road ahead instead.

“I’m thinking the World Championship for two years, finding more horses you’ve got to do that, got to qualify for LA,” he said. “There’s a lot to do. And if the work starts right now, you won’t be sitting on your backside. This is done and finished with me; I’m down the road to hit the road running.”

But asked if Harry would be at a party to celebrate the fantastic week, he said: “Yes, and Dad will be attending it!”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Burghley, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Harry Charles has withdrawn from the Olympic showjumping individual final at Paris 2024, after winning team gold last week.

The British rider said: “Unfortunately Romeo and I will not start the individual final today in Paris. After a small overreach yesterday he is not quite the 110% that he has been the whole Games, so we are not taking any risks.

“Maybe I’m a little disappointed but honestly not really – he has given me so much and took me beyond my dreams, we’re leaving Paris with a gold medal and more importantly a happy Romeo, so that’s way more than enough for me!”

Harry added: “Team GB have a great shot at the medals with two of the best today in Scott [Brash] and Ben [Maher] so we will be on the sidelines cheering them on.

“Thank you to everyone for all the support you’ve given me and Romeo throughout the Games and for making it an experience of a lifetime.”

Harry Charles and Romeo 88 would have had a strong chance in the Olympic showjumping final. They had been on great form throughout the week here in Paris, having one fence down in the team qualifier and jumping clear in both the team final and yesterday’s individual qualifier.

Harry’s withdrawal means the pair who finished 31st in yesterday’s qualifier, Canada’s Mario Deslauriers and Emerson, will now jump as the first starters today.

Britain’s Ben Maher is fourth in on Dallas Vegas Batilly and Scott Brash is 20th to go with Jefferson.

The class starts at 10am local time (9am British time). The 30 riders jump one round, with a jump-off if required for the gold medal. The silver and bronze medals will be split by time from the first round in the event of equality of faults, with a jump-off only needed if the riders’ time is also equal.

• To stay up-to-date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Burghley, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also be interested in:

‘We did what we came here to do’: Harry Charles delivers in Olympic showjumping individual qualifier

‘Probably the best round of my life’: Harry Charles and Romeo’s fabulous Olympic clear keeps Britain on top

‘Very proud to be part of Team GB’: Harry Charles reflects on opening round of Paris 2024 Olympic showjumping

‘I thought my Olympics were done’: British rider’s remarkable race back to fitness with fractured arm

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Great Britain’s newly crowned team gold medallist Harry Charles has continued his stunning form with Romeo 88 to produce a clear round in the Paris Olympic showjumping individual qualifier.

Harry and the 15-year-old gelding, who he owns with Ann Thompson, were the first of the Brits to contest course-designer Santiago Varela and Gregory Bodo’s tough track. The pair had a little rattle of fence 11, a 1.65m vertical over a water tray, but it stayed in place and they came home comfortably within the 79sec time allowance, stopping the clock on 75.72sec.

“It doesn’t always happen like this, so it’s nice to keep coming back with a smile on my face,” said Harry.

“He felt incredible. I didn’t think I’d actually say this, but it would probably be a better round than the one we jumped on Friday (2 August). It just felt super easy, and he felt so comfortable. He kind of went round at maybe 70-80% ability, so to do that ahead of tomorrow fills me with confidence, and I’m just enjoying every moment now.

“We did what we came here to do, and anything now is just a bonus so I’m enjoying every minute of it.”

Harry said the time allowance didn’t have too much of a bearing on his round today.

“My first two rounds (in the team competition) were on the faster side, so I thought the most important thing was to be jumping the jumps. If I had had one down, I did have a plan B,” explained Harry.

“I was going to leave a few strides out and turn up a bit tighter, but I didn’t hear any hit the ground. So I thought, ‘Ok, we stick with plan A’. I’d like to think all clears will get the chance to jump in the final, so hopefully that’s the way it plans out.”

Harry and Romeo 88 have had a couple of days’ downtime since Great Britain’s epic gold medal-winning performance on Friday, of which they’ve still to celebrate fully.

“We’ve not celebrated as hard as we wanted to, but we’re going to get home first. We’ve still got a job to do today and tomorrow, so don’t worry, when we get back next weekend, we’ll have a good old party – but I think it’s well deserved,” he said, adding that he’s been doing some light trot work with Romeo on the racetrack over the weekend.

“The two days off have been excellent. I’m really happy the organisers allowed that. It lets our horses refresh and recharge, as well as us. Romeo’s biggest trait is he’s got the hugest engine. He never gets really tired so it was really easy for his batteries to go back up to 100%. You saw at the end [of our round], he let out a bit of a buck in play. I think he’s enjoying it as much as I am.”

Harry added his arm, which he fractured four weeks before the Paris Olympic showjumping, is recovering well.

“I’m only really wrapping it now because the doctor tells me to, but it feels like I could go without it. It’s just a precaution more than anything, I think this would be my last show with it on,” he said.

“I won’t be able to swing a golf club just yet, but hopefully in a few weeks!”

Harry Charles’ superb clear was the sixth of the day in the Olympic showjumping individual qualifier, and good enough to sit in provisional fourth at the end of the first 25 riders, with 48 combinations still to jump. Scott Brash and Jefferson, who delivered the all-important final clear jumping round on Friday (2 August) to secure team gold, are the next of the Brits to go, drawn 44th, with Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly drawn 66th.

There are 73 combinations in action today, with the top 30 progressing to tomorrow’s (6 August) medal decider.

• To stay up-to-date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Burghley, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Britain topped the Olympic team showjumping results today, claiming a second equestrian team gold of Paris 2024 with a dream result from Ben Maher, Harry Charles and Scott Brash.

Let’s catch up on all the stories from Versailles…

Scott Brash clinched Britain’s victory with a superb clear on Jefferson under the maximum pressure, picking up just one time-fault.

• How the Brits reacted to their win

Harry Charles and Romeo 88 took the middle leg for Britain and added nothing to Team GB’s score.

• What Harry said about the “biggest moment in my career”

Ben Maher rode Dallas Vegas Batilly – who was swapped into the British team following initial selection as a reserve – to an opening jumping clear with one time-fault, getting the day off to a great start.

• Ben’s thoughts on how the course suited his mare – and why he had a time-fault

The US turned their equestrian luck from this Games around by taking the silver medal in the Olympic team showjumping results.

• What Karl Cook said about going from reserve to medallist in less than 48 hours

The home side landed the team bronze, to the joy of the patriotic crowd.

• Read the French team’s emotional response

Ireland suffered disappointment today, finishing in seventh place, after a strong start.

• What happened to Shane Sweetnam, Daniel Coyle and Cian O’Connor?

They might not have won a medal, but one Olympic debutante was savouring the moment.

• Find out how this Canadian rider felt just before the bell rang

.An 18-year-old horse has made an impressive comeback after a career-threatening injury to make the team finals.

• What happened to Quel Homme De Hus?

Eiken Sato is hoping for individual honours after the team contest didn’t go Japan’s way.

• What helps Eiken manage his disappointment?

Home-breds were to the fore with one of the French silver medallists riding one as well as an Australian rider.

• What does it mean to ride a horse you have known since its conception?

Finally, it’s back to dressage for the weekend, with the team medals in that sport being decided tomorrow and the individual honours on Sunday, before we return to showjumping for the individual contest on Monday and Tuesday.

• What to look out for in the dressage tomorrow

Stay tuned for more action from Paris over the next four days.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Burghley, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also be interested in:

They’ve done it! Scott Brash secures Olympic team gold for Britain

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How to watch showjumping at the Paris Olympics live from around the world

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Harry Charles and Romeo 88 jumped “probably the best round of my life so far” to boost Britain’s position in the lead of the Olympic team showjumping at Paris 2024, with a superb clear round.

After Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly got the team off to a fantastic start, jumping clear with just one time-fault, Harry and the 15-year-old gelding he owns with Ann Thompson gave a beautiful performance to cross the line with neither jumping nor time-penalties to keep Britain at the top of the pile on one fault.

Their round came four weeks to the day after Harry broke his arm in a fall at Aachen but he rode like the professional he is, and Romeo, his veteran campaigner, flew for him.

“I’m pretty speechless, I need a few more hours I think to reflect and it was the probably the best round of my life, definitely the biggest moment in my career so far ,” he said. “And to have me be good and Romeo come through like that probably the best he’s ever jumped, on this stage and in this moment – we’re really proud of him and hopefully it’s enough now to get something so we’ll have to wait.”

The result on a very tough track puts Britain in the lead after the second rotation of riders, by two penalties from France on three and the US on four; last-minute team addition Karl Cook and Caracole De La Roque jumping clear.

Ireland is in fourth place with two riders gone, on a total of five faults.

2021 Olympic champions Sweden are in seventh place; Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward and Rolf-Goran Bengtsson and Zuccero HV had a fence down apiece to put them on a total of eight at this stage.

“The course was a fantastic course again from the course-builder; very fair for the horses but just not good enough riding for me,” Henrik said. “That line that he built very cleverly, so you have to push out of the triple, then it’s the short one down to the plank. And I got trapped in that trap. I didn’t get King Edward back enough and got too deep to the plank and he had it in front.”

Daniel Coyle, who jumped a fabulous clear with his wonder mare Legacy for Ireland, after Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz had clipped the very last fence and added a time-fault, said: “I’m heartbroken for Shane, that early to go things can always happen but such a shame for him and for us but hopefully Cian [O’Connor] can deliver and hopefully we still make podium. We’re still in a great position; to be at this position at the Olympics is also a dream come true.”

Daniel said Legacy is an “amazing” mare.

“She always gives all she’s got and if that ain’t good enough. I don’t want any more,” he said.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Burghley, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also be interested in:

‘I thought my Olympics were done’: British rider’s remarkable race back to fitness with fractured arm

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After Ben Maher’s foot-perfect clear earlier in the day, Great Britain’s second line rider Harry Charles (Romeo 88) kept Great Britain firmly in the hunt on day one of team competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic showjumping with just four faults.

“Ben gave me all the feedback,” said Harry. “The lines didn’t really suit Romeo – he’s not the biggest striding horse and today was more suited to a bigger striding horse. So when I walked the course I had quite a different plan to the one I rode. But that’s the beauty of not going first, you can watch a few and slightly adapt it. If I was to go in and ride it again, I would do a few things differently. But Ben is amazing to have on the ground to give you a few pointers. So I’m happy he’s going first.”

Harry, whose arm is strapped up after fracturing it in two places just weeks before the Olympics, and the 15-year-old gelding made a hugely positive start for Great Britain. The duo sailed down the tricky line of a water jump on a dog-leg sandwiched between a vertical and an oxer. Having swung wide to the triple combination – the penultimate fence on the course – they just tapped out the flimsy pink plank that tops the vertical at the middle element, which has caught out plenty of combinations throughout the opening qualifier of the team competition.

“My arm feels perfect,” said Harry, 25, who made his Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games, also riding Romeo 88. “I didn’t really feel it, but I can’t wait to get this [support bandage] off and get some air to it – it’s so hot here! 

“Sure, it disturbed my preparations a bit, but I knew when I got straight back on a horse a few weeks ago, that it was going to be fine – I’ll make it work. I would say it’s nearly fully healed. I don’t know if the doctors would agree with me but it feels pretty good.”

Harry Charles on the Olympic showjumping: “I don’t want to let Ben and Scott down either”

“I was of course a bit nervous going in there – you never really 100% know what’s going to happen,” added Harry. “But he was great. There are some spooky jumps out there, some really technical lines and it’s probably a bit bigger than I thought it would be. But I’m very happy with four faults and the most important thing is that he finished as well as he started, so tomorrow we all go back to zero and we start from scratch, so it’s a new fight tomorrow.

“I don’t want to let Ben and Scott down either, they’re amazing guys. But to have a full crowd here – which we didn’t get to have in Tokyo – is fantastic and to see the stands packed out is even cooler. This really feels like something a bit bigger than showjumping, with all the other athletes and stuff like that, so I’m very proud to be part of Team GB.”

The top 10 teams from Thursday’s 20-strong qualifier progress to Friday’s team medal decider. The individual showjumping contest at the Paris 2024 Olympics begins on Monday 5 August with the medals decided the following day.

• To stay up-to-date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Burghley, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also be interested in:

‘I thought my Olympics were done’: British rider’s remarkable race back to fitness with fractured arm

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Great Britain’s Harry Charles considers himself extremely fortunate to have made it to Paris 2024 as part of the Olympic showjumping squad, having fractured his arm in two places just four weeks ahead of the Games.

The 25-year-old was competing at CHIO Aachen in Germany at the start of July when he fell at the combination on nine-year-old stallion Bandit in a five-star jump-off class, injuring his arm as it took the full force of the landing.

“I knew straight away what I’d done and I thought that was me done for the Olympics,” said Harry, who was found to have two fractures in his arm – one in the radius (lower arm) and one at the top of his wrist.

“Even for the first week afterwards I was in a cast right up to my shoulder, so I really thought my Olympic chances were gone. But luckily I have some very positive people around me.”

Taped and braced – how Harry made it back to the ring ahead of Paris 2024

After a tough couple of weeks, Harry returned to the ring at Hickstead’s Agria Royal International Horse Show last week (25-28 July) with his arm in a brace (pictured above).

He jumped his Olympic partner Romeo 88 in lower-level classes in a back ring and partnered 14-year-old gelding Casquo Blue for the five-star classes, coming home with just two down in Sunday’s Agria King George V Gold Cup won by Donald Whitaker and Millfield Colette.

“My arm felt perfect, really good,” said Harry after his performance in the International Arena.

“We’ve a very good physiotherapist who has helped me and taught me how to tape it up before I ride and I just use a brace over the top when I actually get on a horse. So you still have all the movement you want, it just stabilises it.

“The first two weeks of healing were pretty slow in terms of progress, whereas the last week it’s gone really quick, so hopefully with one more really good week, it will still need taping in Paris, but I’m hoping I might not need the brace.

“Romeo was meant to do a smaller show the week before at Chard as his final jump before Paris and obviously we couldn’t do that so I thought I might as well take him to Hickstead instead and just pop him round once or twice to see how he’s feeling and let him just chill out and have fun. He feels really good. So I’m really excited now.”

Harry Charles: “Bandit was fine, which is the main thing”

Harry, who made his Olympic debut at Tokyo in 2021, has watched the video of his fall at the treble combination fence in Aachen but is still unsure what caused it.

“I jumped into the triple pretty well and just got caught up in it,” he said. “He was very good to stay on his feet – it could have been a lot worse if he didn’t. I’ve watched the video a few times to see if I could have done anything better, if I could have landed better, but it’s just natural and instinctive to stretch your arm out when you fall. But the horse was fine, which is the main thing, so I was very relieved about that. He’s back jumping small fences at home and is absolutely fine.”

Soaring into the top 10 in the world rankings

Harry has reigned for several years as the world’s leading under-25 rider and last month the Hampshire rider could celebrate moving into the top 10 in the senior rankings for the first time, reaching number nine in the Longines world rankings.

“For the past two years I’ve been hovering around it – I made number 11 four times,” said Harry. “So I’m really happy to achieve that. It was also totally unexpected because I didn’t do as much this month but I think it was the double clear in Rotterdam [Longines League Of Nations] that did it.

“So it’s really nice for my horses and my whole team – it’s a reflection on everyone.”

The Olympic showjumping in Paris begins on Friday, 1 August with the team qualifying competition, in which Harry lines up with his own and Ann Thompson’s Romeo 88 alongside team-mates Ben Maher (Dallas Vegas Batilly) and Scott Brash with Jefferson.

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‘No better place to win my first Nations Cup’: Harry Charles reflects on momentous home win, 13 years after watching his father

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The British selectors and officials are confident Harry Charles will be fit and on form for the Paris Olympics as the arm fracture he sustained at Aachen the weekend before last was a minor one.

Harry was unseated from Bandit in the RWE Prize of North-Rhine Westphalia on Friday, 5 July, when the nine-year-old stumbled after the last element of the triple combination.

Harry went to hospital in Aachen, then saw a specialist, through the British Equestrian World Class Programme, on his return to Britain, who diagnosed a “very small” and “quick-healing” fracture.

He and his Tokyo Olympic ride Romeo 88, owned by Harry and Ann Thompson, were named in the final squad for Paris last week, along with Scott Brash (Hello Jefferson) and Ben Maher (Point Break). Joe Stockdale and Cacharel are the alternate combination.

Harry shared a picture of himself in the saddle this week, with the phrase “back to it, see you in Paris”, and H&H understands that as of today (17 July) his healing is on track for a positive outcome.

The showjumping at the Paris Olympics starts on Thursday, 1 August with the first team qualifier; the team final is the following day. The individual qualifier and final are on Monday and Tuesday, 5 and 6 August.

This will be a second Olympics for Harry, who jumped in Tokyo with Romeo 88. The pair also helped secure Britain’s place in Paris as part of the team that won bronze at the World Championships in 2022.

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

The British Olympic showjumping team for Paris 2024 has been announced today (Wednesday, 26 June).

The four combinations selected to represent Great Britain are:

• Ben Maher with Point Break, owned by rider, Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright (groom: Derren Lake)
• Harry Charles with Romeo 88, owned by rider, Ann Thompson (groom: Georgia Ellwood)
• Joe Stockdale with Cacharel, owned by Laura Stockdale and Joy Cocklin (groom: Charlotte Attwell)
• Scott Brash with Hello Jefferson, owned by Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham (groom: David Honnet)

Meet the British Olympic showjumping team

This will be a remarkable fifth Olympic appearance for Ben Maher, 41, who is the reigning Olympic champion after winning gold in Tokyo with Explosion W. He was also part of Great Britain’s London 2012 gold medal-winning team. He brings the rising star of the sport, 10-year-old stallion Point Break.

Scott Brash, 38, was also part of the London 2012 team gold medallists and he brings championship stalwart Hello Jefferson, at 15 the joint-oldest alongside Romeo 88 and one of the most experienced horse on the team.

Harry Charles, who turns 25 before he heads to Paris, made his Olympic debut in Tokyo and was part of Great Britain’s bronze medal-winning team at the 2022 world championships and he brings the same horse, 15-year-old Romeo 88, to Paris. Harry’s father Peter Charles won gold alongside Ben Maher at the London Olympics 12 years ago.

A few months younger than Harry, 24-year-old Joe Stockdale is another British showjumping Olympic team rider to be following in the footsteps of his Olympian father, the late Tim Stockdale. Joe has soared to the top tier of the sport since swapping his cricket bat for showjumping a few years ago and Cacharel’s fantastic potential was recognised by his father, who bought and produced her through her early days, with Joe now joining his regular team-mates Ben and Harry on the greatest stage of all.

What a story, what a team.

“Here’s to achieving dreams”

Team GB chef de mission, Mark England said: “A huge congratulations to all the athletes, grooms, and horse owners named today as we select the three squads of equestrian riders that will travel to Paris to compete for Team GB.

“There is an incredible wealth of experience across all three disciplines, with some athletes set to compete at their fourth, fifth and seventh Olympic Games this summer, which will undoubtedly stand them in good stead in Paris. I look forward to watching them compete at the historic Palace of Versailles in a month’s time.”

Equestrian team leader Helen Nicholls added: “I’m exceptionally proud of the 12 athlete combinations and their connections who will travel to Paris across the three disciplines of equestrian. We have an exciting balance of experience, talent and potential, and we head to the Games in a strong position, and with medal ambitions. The hours of preparation, enormous sacrifice and total dedication will now be put to the ultimate test. The teams behind the athletes – both equine and human – have left no stone unturned in their quest to support them to their very best performances.

“The Olympic Games give us the opportunity to showcase our amazing sports and the unique bond between horse and rider to a new legion of supporters as well as give the equestrian community the chance to be part of Team GB and their family of sports. Here’s to making lifelong memories, achieving dreams and hopefully medal celebrations.”

The Olympic showjumping competition starts on Thursday 1 August with the team jumping qualifier. The team medals are decided the following day, Friday 2 August. The individual qualifier takes place on Monday 4 August with the individual final on Tuesday 5 August.

Sweden are the reigning Olympic team champions and Great Britain has won individual gold at the past two Olympics, first by Nick Skelton and Big Star in 2016, then Ben Maher and Explosion W in Tokyo.

You can follow all the Olympic showjumping build-up to Paris 2024 and keep up t0 date with all the Olympic news with Horse & Hound.

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

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

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

One senior championship debutant and five team regulars have been included on the list of British showjumping Olympic entries for the 2024 Paris Games.

British Equestrian and the British Showjumping selectors have today (24 May) confirmed the 12 combinations – six riders and 12 horses – whose names will be submitted to the FEI. The final squad will be confirmed next month.

This would be a first senior championship for Robert Whitaker, and a first Olympics for Joe Stockdale, who represented Britain with Equine America Cacharel at the 2021 Europeans and 2022 World Championships, and Tim Gredley, who jumped Medoc De Toxandria at last year’s Europeans, and Omelli at the 2006 World Equestrian Games. Olympic champion Ben Maher, Scott Brash and Harry Charles all represented Britain in Tokyo, and Scott and Ben were on the team that won gold at London 2012.

British showjumping Olympic entries:

Scott Brash with 15-year-old Hello Jefferson (pictured)

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Bernard Mols

Breeding: by Cooper Van De Heffinck, out of a mare by Irco Mena

Scott Brash with 10-year-old Hello Valentino

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Tina Petersson-Lind

Breeding: by Diamantino, out of a mare by Careful 28

Harry Charles with 12-year-old Aralyn Blue

Owners: Ann Thompson and Harry’s father Peter

Breeder: Franjo Udovc

Breeding: by Chacco-Blue, out of a mare by Ludwig AS

Harry Charles with 15-year-old Romeo 88

Owners: Ann Thompson and Harry’s father Peter

Breeder: Picobello Horses

Breeding: by Contact Van De Heffink, out of a mare by Orlando

Harry Charles with 11-year-old Sherlock

Owners: Stall Zet and Harry’s father Peter

Breeder: Gustaaf Quintelier

Breeding: by Bisquet Balou C, out of a mare by Malito De Reve

Tim Gredley with 11-year-old Imperial HBF

Owners: Tim’s father William and wife Rachel, and Unex Competition Yard

Breeder: HBF Stud

Breeding: by Glasgow-W VH Merelsnest, out of a mare by Original VDL

Tim Gredley with 12-year-old Medoc De Toxandria

Owners: Tim’s father William and wife Rachel, and Unex Competition Yard

Breeder: Werner Dierckx

Breeding: by Der Senaat III, out of a mare by Kelvin De Sainte Hermelle

Ben Maher with 11-year-old Dallas Vegas Batilly

Owners: Rider, Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: Jean Claude Viollet

Breeding: by Cap Kennedy, out of a mare by L’Arc De Triomphe

Ben Maher with 10-year-old Enjeu De Grisien

Owners: Rider, Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: SCEA Elevage de Grisien

Breeding: by Toulon, out of a mare by Andiamo

Ben Maher with 10-year-old Point Break

Owners: Rider, Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: Nya Äppelvikens Ridskola AB

Breeding: by Action-Breaker, out of a mare by Baloubet Du Rouet

Joseph Stockdale with 13-year-old Equine America Cacharel

Owners: Joy Cocklin and Joe’s mother Laura

Breeder: Bohm Helmut

Breeding: by Cachas, out of a mare by Quinar

Robert Whitaker with 11-year-old Vermento

Owners: Stephen and Caroline Blatchford

Breeders: Robert’s parents John and Clare Whitaker

Breeding: by Argento, out of a mare by Skippy 12

The grooms’ names have not been confirmed but will be included in the final squad announcement.

Selection decisions are subject to riders’ and horses’ maintaining fitness and performance, and this list may be amended at any point up to 25 June. The selected squad of four combinations to travel to Paris, plus reserves, will be announced in late June.

Nominated entries for dressage combinations will be announced in the coming weeks; nominated entries for the para dressage squad for the Paralympic Games in Paris will be published in June.

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

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

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

Never has one rider’s new horse got people talking as much as John Whitaker’s potential Olympic hope Arqana De Riverland and the pair’s sublime clear round at CHI Al Shaqab in Doha at the weekend was shared all over social media as they continue to step up to the bigger classes.

Plus, we saw a 16-year-old rider clearing 1.85m to win her first CSI4* and a 24-year-old beating two Olympic legends in a World Cup qualifier, where the world number one rider bounced back from a warm-up fall to finish second. Read on for all this week’s showjumping news and results.

Showjumping news: “She’s going to be really competitive” says John Whitaker

A video of John Whitaker jumping clear on new ride Arqana De Riverland – touted as a prospect to take the 68-year-old to the Paris Olympics – was circulating far and wide on social media this week, such is the global love for our British showjumping legend. Their clear round at the CSI5* Al Shaqab in Doha was shared alongside hundreds of appreciation posts for John as they stepped up to 1.50m level at just their third show together, and he told H&H the mare was “jumping very well”.

“She’d been with her previous rider Juliette Faligot for seven years so she was a bit set in her ways, but she jumps brilliantly – just sometimes we don’t have that control yet and there’s been the odd misunderstanding, but I think we’re coming together more and more,” he said. “She’s really careful, she’s quick and I think she’s going to be really competitive.”

John also jumped into the placings with two masterful double clears on his Nations Cup hero Equine America Unick Du Francport at the show, including a fifth-placed finish behind winner Malin Baryard Johnsson (H&M Indiana) in the grand prix.

“He has had a rest and seems to have come back really well, we just did a couple of small shows in Belgium before we came out here and to get used to the mare too,” said John. “You walk the courses out here thinking ‘Oh this is big’, then everyone goes in and jumps clear. But he feels fantastic.”

Ireland’s Richard Howley was another rider making showjumping news by finishing in the ribbons, landing the 1.50m with nine-year-old multi-winner Zodiak Du Buisson Z.

“I am absolutely over the moon,” he said. “My horse is in great shape, he is really growing into this level so easily and week after week he is impressing me more. This gives me great belief for the future that my horse can win at grand prix level.”

Richard finished ahead of France’s Simon Delestre (Dexter Fontenis Z) and Mark McAuley in third on GRS Lady Amaro for Ireland.

The action continues at the same venue this coming week when the 2024 Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) season kicks off.

• CSI5* Al Shaqab results

Teenager clears 1.85m to beat her older rivals

The youngest rider in the 12-strong field contesting Saturday’s six-bar on the Andalucia Sunshine Tour in Spain, British teenager Tabitha Kyle, smashed the opposition, throwing both hands in the air as she celebrated clearing 1.85m to win her first ever CSI4* class.

Tabitha, 16, was riding Su and Gordon Hall’s 16-year-old mare Desterly at her first international show after recovering from a neck fracture sustained in a car accident which meant she missed the last few months of 2023, her last year on ponies.

• Andalucia Sunshine Tour results

Home-bred secures “unbelievable” World Cup glory for 24-year-old rider

Dutch showjumper Lars Kersten made showjumping news headlines as a surprise winner of the final leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup series of Western Europe in Gothenburg, Sweden, riding grey mare Hallilea. World number one Henrik von Eckermann bounced back from a collecting ring fall to claim the runner-up spot on King Edward, with fellow Swede Peder Fredricson third on 18-year-old Catch Me Not S after a seven-way jump-off.

The 24-year-old Dutchman, part of the Young Riders Academy, is trained by his father Pieter and was riding his father’s 12-year-old home-bred mare to beat two of the greatest Olympic riders in the world in a thrilling jump-off.

“That makes it even more special – I’ve been working with Hallilea all her life and she has been a big part of my career,” said Lars. “To grow together to this level and to win a World Cup in Gothenburg is unbelievable.

“The moment she turned five, I took her over and it’s special that we’ve done this journey together. We already had some nice placings, but almost nothing beats winning the World Cup here in Gothenburg – it feels a bit unreal!

“I’ve seen Henrik and Peder in so many jump-offs so I know they are capable of being faster than me,” he added. “To sit in front of these guys is not easy and most of the time I will be behind them, so today is a big, big day. But I think I was pretty fast and in the end it showed that it was not that easy to beat me, so I’m very, very pleased with my mare. She absolutely gave 100% today.”

Lars has also had training from his “idol growing up”, Marcus Ehning, and six-time Olympian Jos Lansink.

“I was told the Scandinavium Arena wasn’t an easy ring to ride in, but I found it quite comfortable,” he said.“Maybe it fits my riding, I’m maybe a bit of a light rider and I try to stay fluent throughout the turns, so actually maybe the [oval] shape of it suited me very well. And obviously the horse felt really great as well so it all came together.”

Henrik’s jump-off performance came only minutes after he slipped out of the saddle on landing over a warm-up fence on King Edward during the preceding rider’s round. Ever the professional, he put his unscheduled dismount behind him and his world championship-winning partner scorched round, but couldn’t quite catch the time set by the young winner.

“Maybe my horse jumped too well in the jump-off and he lost a bit of time,” Henrik said. “But this is a good way to lose.”

Peder Fredricson batted off questions about Paris this summer by saying, “Asking me about the Olympics in February is like asking how the weather will be in August! We are building up the horses but there is still a long way to go. It is for sure my main goal this year. I am giving all my horses in the stables a chance now and we will see in the next months how it is going.

“Lars is a great rider. It is nice to see the next generation doing so well.”

Among the top 18 riders who have qualified for the World Cup Final in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in April are title-holder Henrik von Eckermann, who topped this year’s league, Steve Guerdat, Ireland’s Richard Howley and a quartet of British showjumpers; Robert Whitaker, Harry Charles, Scott Brash and Ben Maher.

• Gothenburg Horse Show results

Showjumping news: “Dreams really do come true”

British showjumper Claudia Moore proclaimed that “dreams really do come true” when winning her first CSI3* 1.50m grand prix in the final week of the Moura Spring Tour in Valencia, Spain, riding Hardesther. The only other double clear came from another Brit, Chloe Aston, riding the Arko III nine-year-old Akito Von Rocherath Z.

“’Hardy’ is my horse of a lifetime, I trust her and didn’t overpush her as she’s naturally fast,” said Claudia, one of a strong contingent of British winners at this week’s show.

• Moura Spring Tour results

There’s just no stopping Daniel Coyle, “I stared death in the face at the Liverpool”

Continuing a phenomenal winning streak, Irish rider Daniel Coyle made more showjumping news when he lifted the CSI3* $100,000 LeMieux grand prix at the World Equestrian Center, Ocala, Florida, this time riding Farrel, after a 15-way jump-off.

“On Farrel, you can turn on half a stride,” said Daniel of the 14-year-old KWPN gelding (Cardento 933 x Stakkato) owned by Ariel Grange.

“He’s an amazing horse to turn back to a vertical. He’s had a few years off but he’s very handy. Turning back so tight to the second-last jump, that’s all to do with the horse there. [Second-placed] Aaron Vale and I both took risks, but at the end it comes back to the horse and if you can nail it.

“I galloped to fence one and hoped everything came up good, I was really risky across the centre to the Liverpool – I couldn’t see the flags and I stared death in the face, but he pricked his ears and jumped it.

“The celebration in the end is the only part of the sport when we get to interact with the crowd,” added Daniel about his third win of this week; he also finished third behind Aaron Vale (Obi Wan) on another 14-year-old, Quintin. “It’s usually just the horse, the owners and the people, so when the audience comes out screaming and are having a great time, it makes it so special for us.”

Showjumping news: Vogel has the magic Touch again

Germany’s Richard Vogel, ranked 11 in the world, and United Touch S captured top spot in the $385,000 Lugano Diamonds CSI5* grand prix at Wellington International’s Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) after a four-way jump-off in which the quartet all produced double clears over Anthony D’Ambrosio’s tracks.

“I have been lucky enough to ride a lot of good horses in my life, but he’s outstanding,” said Richard. “When he leaves the ground, that power and scope is something very unique and I’m very happy to be in his saddle.”

Darragh Kenny had set the early standard on 17-year-old Holstein stallion VDL Cartello before the lead jumped first to US Olympic team gold medallist McLain Ward on 16-year-old Callas and Shane Sweetnam on James Kann Cruz, back from a break, settled for third.

“I was very lucky that I went behind all three of these guys, and I knew I had to risk it all,” said 26-year-old Richard, whose groom Felicia Wallin won the $500 grooms’ award presented by Double H Farm. “If I had a rail, I was fourth and if I was a slow clear, I was fourth so there was not so much to lose.”

• WEF results

Ben Maher is back at the top

And finally in this week’s international showjumping news round-up, world number two Ben Maher won the $116,000 Adequan WEF Challenge Cup round seven at WEF with Dallas Vegas Batilly, with less than a second separating the top three riders.

“I’m lucky with Tilly – she has a huge stride, so I was able to get going and make up some time,” said Ben, 41. “It was lucky for me that I stayed ahead today. It’s always difficult to win here, whether on Thursday or Saturday night. When you have riders like Kent Farrington and Richard Vogel coming behind you, it’s never over until it’s over.

“She’s been an incredible horse early in her career. She jumped great in the five-star a couple weeks ago and I felt she was on form, which is why we brought her back this week.

“My 18-month-old son Cooper can sit on her and she’s the sweetest horse ever. But when you’re on her, she has a lot of opinions. I have to be the passenger, not the pilot, and get her to do things by asking her, not telling her. We’ve come with a great relationship, and I want to bring out the best in her. We saw today that she’s a real fighter for me.”

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

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

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

In a bumper week of international showjumping news, we bring you plenty of top-flight action including Harry Charles securing his ticket to the World Cup Final, and we were thrilled to see Laura Renwick winning her first grand prix since recovering from serious injuries sustained in consecutive falls. Then not a week goes by without mention of Daniel Coyle and his incredible winning streak.

Read on for a round-up of this week’s showjumping news and results from around the world.

Showjumping news: “The beginning of a very successful story”?

Swiss superstar Steve Guerdat landed the penultimate leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Western European League in Bordeaux, France, with exciting 11-year-old mare Is-Minka. He was joined on the podium by 22-year-old Frenchman Jeanne Sadran (Dexter De Kerglenn) in second with young British star, 24-year-old Harry Charles, third on Sherlock, securing his ticket to the World Cup Final in Saudi Arabia in April.

Steve, a three-time World Cup title-holder, described the victory as “so exciting”, on this Mylord Carthago mare who was due to be sold last year, but Steve’s father-in-law stepped in to secure her future with the 2012 Olympic champion.

“We had a bit of bad luck with a lot of four faults in our first five-star grands prix, but today she showed what she’s capable of and it’s only the beginning of a very successful story for her!” he said. “The track was pretty tough – it started with two big jumps and that really backed up the horses, and then the triple combination [fence six] was very difficult but Is-Minka is a very good combination jumper and she showed that today.”

Three riders lost their chances here, including two falls, one from world number one Henrik von Eckermann and Calizi, although he later reported that both he and the mare were none the worse for the experience.

Harry Charles agreed that the first-round track was “relentless” but was delighted with his La Coruna victor Sherlock, whom he hopes to take to the final.

“He should have been clear in the World Cup last week in Amsterdam, he just had a small mistake at the last jump, but I’m happy to have put it right this week and I’m very proud of him,” said Harry. “He’s still very new at this level and he felt pretty at ease around there so I have good hopes for the future.

“I saw Steve’s jump-off round and he made it look a lot easier than it was. I thought maybe I could get him but then I realised quickly after the first three jumps ‘I don’t think I’m actually close’, so I just tried to leave the jumps up. Sherlock needs another few rounds at this height going at that speed to really get it. But I couldn’t have asked for more.”

Harry had earlier won a 1.50m five-star speed class at the show with Stall Zet’s multi-winning Billabong Du Roumois, while Matt Sampson continued his winning form from previous weeks winning Saturday’s 1.45m equivalent with MGH Candy Girl, chased home by Scott Brash on Hello Mr President.

Sunday’s Audi grand prix was won by home rider Julien Epaillard on Donatello D’Auge, with Irish riders Denis Lynch in second on Brooklyn Heights and Jessica Burke third on Nikey HH.

• Jumping Bordeaux results

Grand prix success for Debney on comeback mare: “I never have to wear spurs”

Also in this week’s showjumping news, US-based British rider Grace Debney jumped to CSI2* grand prix glory in week four of the 2024 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) on the grass Derby field at Equestrian Village in Florida. Riding 13-year-old Diamant De Semilly mare Zarina De Vidau, the 20-year-old US-based rider topped an 11-way jump-off

“My horse is naturally super fast,” she said. “I walked a plan and talked about it with a few people, but I felt like I should stick with it. A couple of people had different ideas but I know my horse really well because I’ve had her for five years.

“I was definitely worried about Tom Wachman and Mark Bluman – Mark had my time, so I was definitely sweating a little. She’s so quick though, I never have to wear spurs on her because she’s always just going and you can’t really beat that footspeed. She actually won this grand prix two years ago and then she was out last WEF, so it’s just really nice to have her back.”

Tom Wachman for Ireland finished nearly two seconds adrift on Coolmore Showjumping’s 15-year-old Lazzaro Delle Schiave.

• WEF results

Irish one-two in Florida

WEF’s $62,500 Hérmes CSI4* 1.50m classic resulted in a one-two for Ireland, led by Shane Sweetnam on new ride Irandole Du Flot (Vivaldi Du Seigneur x Ogano Sitte), ahead of Cian O’Connor with Eve D’Ouilly, after a 14-way jump-off at WEF.

“This horse has had a great week,” said Shane. “She only did her first 1.50m class at the end of last year so to be this competitive already against this standard of horses shows how good she is. It’s a great class because it’s not a grand prix, but it’s a top class. You can really judge where your horse is experienced and where they need more education, whereas a grand prix is a very tough class, so if the horse is inexperienced they can get lost.

“They learn a lot in these 12 weeks of circuit and it’s great to have options like the grass and the international ring throughout the season,” added Shane, who was awarded the Martha Jolicoeur leading international rider award.

• WEF results

Showjumping news: Renwick makes winning grand prix return after injury

British rider Laura Renwick accumulated some eye-catching results on home soil last week and transferred that winning form during the first week of the Spring Tour in Valenica, Spain, claiming top spot in the CSI3* grand prix with a typically scorching round aboard the former Ben Maher ride Enjoy CK Z, owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright.

This was a welcome comeback for Laura, who only returned to the ring last summer and has been rebuilding her string after two consecutive falls put her out of action — in the first fall she broke her pelvis and femur, then she later broke her neck and was off for a further three months.

“I’m not sure I believed I would ever be able to win something like this again after my injuries, but this mare has given me everything,” she said of Enjoy. “It was a silly fall on the flat and I didn’t really think I’d hurt myself — I thought I’d hurt my arm and hit my head but when they did an MRI, they found a fractured bone at the top of my neck.”

• Moura Tours in Valencia results

Daniel Coyle makes it a big-class hat-trick

No stranger to H&H‘s showjumping news pages at the moment, flying Irishman Daniel Coyle landed his third big win in as many weeks when, now back in the USA, he topped the $100,000 Wheels Up grand prix at the World Equestrian Center, finishing first and second with Farrel and Quintin respectively.

Fresh from claiming back-to-back World Cup victories in Europe with Ariel Grange’s great mare Legacy, he qualified another two of her horses, both 14-year-olds, for the nine-way jump-off and ended up beating his own time to win.

“Leopoldo Palacios is the best course-builder there is,” said Daniel. “The most difficult for sure, but most people like that. I was lucky because I was able to go first on Quintin. He has a bigger stride, but Farrel is fast in a different way – he’s handy, neat and tidy in the way he jumps. I knew I had a good round on Quintin, but I also knew I could do a whole lot more with Farrel.”

The Irishman is hoping to represent Ireland at the forthcoming Longines League of Nations at the same venue.

“Legacy just got back here, so she’ll have a little break and she’ll start to work her way up and hopefully if everything goes well, we can get selected to jump,” he said.

Showjumping news: “I’m grateful for the entire team that makes wins like this possible”

US-based British showjumper Amanda Derbyshire credited her whole team for her four-star win with grass specialist Otto BH at WEF, Florida.

“He’s a great horse and the 1.50m is kind of his level, so I use him when I can,” said Amanda, who also finished fifth in the grand prix riding 16-year-old Cornwall BH.

“I’m grateful for the entire team that makes wins like this possible, and I love riding on this field, so I always save him for this. He’s fast, careful and very catlike and economical in his jump.

“He has a big stride so you can go forward to the fences, especially with this big field on a long run,” she added. “You can really dare him at the jumps, knowing you don’t have to slow up too much because he’s going to try to clear them.”

• WEF results

Paul O’Shea: “He feels as good as ever” at the age of 16

And finally in this week’s showjumping news round-up, there was further Irish success when Paul O’Shea and 16-year-old Emerald gelding Imerald Van’t Voorhof lifted the $215,000 MARS Equestrian CSI4* grand prix at WEF, Florida. Nineteen-year-old Mimi Gochman finished second with a double clear on Holsteiner mare Celine BH for owner Gochman Sport Horses.

“He’s been a super horse for me; he’s done amazing things over the five years we’ve been together,” said Paul. “We jumped double clear in the Nations Cup at Hickstead which was a big thing for me because I always watched Hickstead growing up. He also won the Queen’s Cup in Spruce Meadows and he won the five-star grand prix at the Palm Beach Masters so he’s done a lot of really good things and he feels as good as ever.”

• WEF results

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Rider gives up on dry January after winning back-to-back World Cups and William Funnell’s side wins Nations Cup

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

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

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

This Sunday (10 December), Swiss showjumper Martin Fuchs will be bidding to keep his Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping dream alive with victory at CHI Geneva.

Martin, 31, became the live Grand Slam contender after his outstanding grand prix victory at the Spruce Meadows Masters tournament riding Leone Jei and he will be lining up alongside some of the world greats in Sunday’s grand prix, a class he’s won twice before, after an “incredible year jumping at the highest level of the sport”.

“I am extremely excited to be coming into my home Major, CHI Geneva, as the live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping,” says the world number five ranked rider of “one of the best shows in the world”.

“Riding in front of a Swiss crowd, with all of their support is amazing.

“I love having my family and friends there supporting and watching me, it really motivates me to do well and make them proud.”

The team and individual European champion credits his team as “vital to my success”.

“So much goes on behind-the-scenes,” he says. “My parents have been fundamental in building a special team around me and this allows me to really focus on my training and doing well in the ring. I do not have to think about anything else apart from training and competing, as my team manages everything else.

“I have some great grooms that look after our horses, I would not have this amount of success without my grooms,” he stresses.

Martin Fuchs: ‘Growing up, you watch your idols compete and win’

Martin reveals the importance of the showjumping Majors in the calendar and how he has been inspired.

“They are the ones that every rider aims to win and dreams of competing at when they are growing up,” he explains. “They are the pinnacle of our sport – all the greats have competed at these Majors.

“Growing up, you watch your idols compete and win at the Majors. This makes you so motivated and driven to train and do well in competitions, so that one day you can join them at these venues and to be perhaps fortunate enough to win one.

“It is extremely important that this opportunity is offered to the next generation as they will gain priceless experience competing at a Major,” Martin continues.

“Competing alongside the best riders in the world allows you to watch and learn from them – which is so valuable. I was very fortunate when I was younger to compete at the Swiss five-star shows, which gave me the opportunity to ride at the highest level as a young rider, even though I wasn’t at the top level yet. I learnt so much from these incredible opportunities.

“When you go back home, you have so much you want to work on and many additional goals – it is inspirational.”

Away from the ring, Martin loves producing his young horses.

“It is incredibly rewarding watching a horse develop to the top level,” he explains. “It is a very satisfying part of our job. In our sport, you never get bored, each horse is so unique, which means that every day is different. This makes you become a better rider and horseman to try to get the best out of each individual horse as well as trying to provide them with the best life possible.”

CHI Geneva: not just the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping

As well as competing in Sunday’s 1.60m Rolex grand prix at CHI Geneva, Martin Fuchs will line up for Friday night’s 22nd Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final. His opponents are Shane Sweetnam (IRL), Harrie Smolders (NED), Max Kuhner (AUT), Simon Delestre (FRA), Julien Epaillard (FRA), Steve Guerdat (SUI), Kent Farrington (USA), world number one Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden and Great Britain’s world number two Ben Maher, who won the prestigious class in 2021 on Explosion W.

“This was one of my favourite classes to win so far in my career,” says Ben. “The competition is so unique and the crowd and atmosphere that’s created in Geneva is like no other indoor arena. Explosion showed that evening why he’s such a great champion.”

Other British riders heading to CHI Geneva this week are the rider in-form Harry Charles and Scott Brash, while Robert Murphy and Claudia Moore will be contesting the under-25 classes and eventers Alex Bragg and Kirsty Chabert will be tackling the popular indoor cross-country.

A strong Irish contingent of Bertram Allen, Daniel Coyle, Mark McAuley and Conor Swail join Shane Sweetnam among these year’s CHI Geneva entries, and other big names include Jessica Springsteen, Peder and Jens Fredricson, and Daniel Deusser, and H&H will be bringing you coverage all the action.

With thanks to Rolex Grand Slam Of Showjumping.

You may also like to read…

‘One horse will make dreams come true’: from a hot-headed foal to multi-grand prix winner, the story of Leone Jei

‘We are part of the family, not just a groom’: behind the scenes with Harry Charles’ groom Georgia Ellwood

Scott Brash: eight years on since he made showjumping history – and which horse he nearly picked over Hello Sanctos

‘I wanted to change the bit, Dad said just ride better!’ Special horse delivers dream win in $3m grand prix

Groom David Honnet shares his travelling tips and reveals Scott Brash’s next superstar

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

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

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

Great Britain’s Harry Charles continued his excellent run of form with two superb victories with rising star Sherlock and speed demon Billabong Du Roumois at the CSI5*-W La Coruna, Spain, this weekend (1-3 December).

Victory with Sherlock in the World Cup qualifier put the Hampshire rider top of the Longines FEI World Cup Western European league standings and he looks all set to contest his third World Cup Final in Saudi Arabia in April.

A huge field of 14 made it through to the jump-off for Sunday’s feature class, the World Cup qualifier. Harry had originally planned to give Sherlock “a building round for the future” rather than go all out for victory with his father Peter’s 10-year-old, who is still new to the level. However the poles kept falling for his rivals round a tricky track set by Javier Trenor and only two had gone clear when last-drawn Harry entered the ring.

“The day before, I’d been in the jump-off with Billabong Du Roumois, who is the fastest horse in the world, and I was really annoyed with myself because I nearly had it won but I just took too much of a risk to the last line and had both jumps down – I ride to win,” explained Harry. “But I said if I get in the jump-off on Sherlock, I need to remember I’m not on Billabong, I just wanted to give him a nice experience.

“He jumped the first round really well, but you could just feel he was a bit cautious, trying to work it out a bit, because it was big. You don’t see jump-offs like that and Jack Whitaker was in the ring helping me and he said, ‘Whatever you do, don’t come out of the ring having knocked a jump down’. I set myself a target and when I saw Willem Greve jump before me and have one down, I said to Georgia Ellwood [Harry’s groom], ‘We’ll win this!’,” said the 24-year-old.

The pair executed some remarkable turns and soared sky-high over the final airy vertical to stop the clock nearly a second faster than Austria’s Max Kuhner on EIC Julius Caesar, with Spain’s Armando Trapote finishing third on Tornado VS.

Harry Charles on Sherlock: “He’s such an intelligent horse”

The world number 14, who leads a British one-two ahead of Ben Maher in the World Cup standings, punched the air in delight after crossing the line.

“It probably wasn’t the prettiest round I’ve ever ridden – I had to hustle and bustle a little bit and when I finished the emotion came out a bit but I couldn’t really help it because I couldn’t quite believe it!” he said.

“Sherlock is jumping well but he’s not the fastest just yet – but he’s not slow either. You have good horses and great horses, and I never had any doubt that he’d be one of the great ones – I just didn’t think it would be this quick,” said Harry, who finished second in the class last year on Casquo Blue.

“He’s won two of the last three grands prix he’s done. But even from the start of the year when he was doing the three-star grands prix down in Oliva, he was green and spooky and having two down, one down, but I was always delighted with him because he took it all so well. He’s such an intelligent horse, he doesn’t get stressed, he doesn’t worry – he’s actually very lazy to ride until he comes in the ring, then he lights up.”

Harry finishes the year at CHI Geneva this week, then brings Romeo 88, Billabong and Casquo to the London International, saving Sherlock for the World Cup Final.

“He still wants a few more rounds experience-wise, so with the pressure off to qualify for the final, I might take him to one more World Cup just to get a bit more mileage into him,” said Harry, who also achieved the outstanding feat of beating lightning-quick French rider Julien Epaillard to win the 1.50m Caixabank Trophy against the clock with Stall Zet’s Billabong Du Roumois on Friday night.

“That was the first time I’ve ever beaten Julien in any kind of speed class, it’s not easy to do!” said Harry. “But it’s easier when you’re on Billabong.”

You may also like to read…

Harry Charles enjoys ‘one of the best shows of my career’ and a treble clear helps Great Britain celebrate

‘We are part of the family, not just a groom’: behind the scenes with Harry Charles’ groom Georgia Ellwood

A ‘difficult’ young horse is transformed, a gentle giant wins and there’s a big milestone in a champion’s career

‘One of the best rounds of the year’: Great Britain wins Nations Cup Final opening leg

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

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

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

What a bumper selection of showjumping news we have to bring you this week! From Harry Charles coming oh, so close to winning just about everything at the Stuttgart German Masters, to the dazzling spectacle of the Global Champions Playoffs in Prague, a World Cup jackpot in Las Vegas and an outstanding British Nations Cup success, we didn’t know where to look – it was a weekend packed full of epic sport.

Want to find out who won what and where? Then read on for this week’s round-up of international showjumping news and results.

Showjumping news: ‘One of the best shows of my career’

British showjumping star Harry Charles enjoyed a winning double, narrowly missing out on an outstanding four-timer, at the CSI5* Stuttgart German Masters. With the speedy Billabong Du Roumois, the 24-year-old finished second in the opening speed class, following up with a convincing 1.55m victory the next day. Later that night, he triumphed with Ann Thompson’s Aralyn Blue in the 1.55m Stuttgart German Master, sealing the week with a runner-up spot on Casquo Blue in Sunday’s Longines FEI World Cup qualifier behind Kevin Staut (Beau De Laubry Z).

“This has been one of the best shows of my career and it’s one of those weeks that doesn’t happen very often in this sport,” said Harry, who finished just 0.14sec slower than his French rival in the World Cup. “I didn’t quite think I could catch Kevin – Casquo isn’t the fastest horse – but when you have a crowd like this behind you, you give it everything and my horse gave it everything as well. It was so close, but it feels like a win anyway!

“It’s amazing what Casquo can do with his body, how athletic he is, and today he had a bit of speed in him as well,” added Harry, crediting the brilliant team around him for “letting me have weekends like this”.

“On Friday, to become the German Master was a pretty cool title. I would have loved to have won the World Cup, too, but maybe I’ll come back next year and try again!”

• Stuttgart German Masters results

A dazzling win for super Epaillard and a round of ‘pure joy’ for von Eckermann

Amid pyrotechnics, lights and big-stadium atmosphere at the Global Champions Playoffs in Prague, Czechia, Julien Epaillard was the star of the show in Saturday night’s €1.26m Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Super Grand Prix, for which riders qualified at each of the season’s grands prix. Two technical rounds of jumping set by Uliano Vezzani resulted in no double clears so the flying Frenchman won with chestnut mare Dubai Du Cedre as the quickest four-faulter, just tapping out fence three in a nail-biting second round.

“I had my plan and I was disappointed with the fault,” said Julien. “I saw Henrik von Eckermann’s round on King Edward and my mare is very different – she has a smaller stride – so I couldn’t do the same plan as him. I still had a lot of delicate fences to jump and two good riders following me, so I felt the pressure.

“I don’t have all the comfort with her, she’s a bit special,” he said of the Baloubet Du Rouet x Diamant De Semilly mare. “But she has a lot of blood and she uses that to jump – sometimes with me, sometimes not!

“This is one of my biggest victories, so I’ll enjoy it.”

Former Super Grand Prix winner Henrik von Eckermann’s second-round clear with King Edward lifted them from seventh to second ahead of third-placed Max Kuhner (Up Too Jacco Blue), but the world number one was disappointed. But he described every round with his brilliant partner King Edward as “pure joy”.

“Every time I go in the ring with him, I try my best because we can only do so many shows,” he said. “So even if I’m second today, a round like that is pure joy, because of the feeling he gives me.”

There were no British riders in contention for this year’s Super Grand Prix, but Ireland’s Bertram Allen and Pacino Amiro soared up to fourth with a superb second-round clear. The top three grooms, Caroline Belouet, Louise Barraud, and Mariella Offner, were also awarded in the prize-giving.

Jodie Hall McAteer and her great mare Hardessa flew the British flag in Saturday’s 1.50m jump-off class, finishing second to Frank Schuttert (Isis), while Sophie Evans (Florida Van Maarle) won a CSI2* speed class.

• GC Playoffs results

Showjumping news: Nations Cup glory for Great Britain

In other showjumping news, British rider Mark Edwards continued his excellent run of overseas form by winning the CSI2* grand prix in the Villamoura Champions Tour, Portugal, with Royale Tale. The Welsh rider then became the hero of the Great Britain team when jumping a triple clear on Marlene Edwards’ Flying Tinker II, including a thrilling jump-off performance versus Belgium and USA, to take them to the top of the podium in Sunday’s CSIO3* Nations Cup.

Mark was joined on the podium by Olli Fletcher (Hello William), Adrian Whiteway on Chacco Volo and James Smith riding Tayvale Hunky Dory, and Mark credited “great team spirit all week”.

“I knew what was needed to win and Flying Tinker came out in the jump-off like the little superstar he is,” said Mark, who beat the Belgian challenge by nearly 2sec. “Today’s win makes it all the more special, jumping treble clear on a home-bred.”

• Villamoura Champions Tour results

One million less in prize money: ‘the pressure was immense’

The 2023 Global Champions League (GCL) season champions Riesenbeck International followed up with victory in Sunday’s €6.5m GCL Super Cup Final. They were represented in this epic season finale by GCL rider of the year, Christian Kukuk (Checker 47), Eoin McMahon (Mila) and Philipp Weishaupt (Zineday), the latter two securing crucial double clears for the squad. Valkenswaard United agonisingly took second for successive years, with a double clear from Marcus Ehning on Stargold, and just four faults apiece for Great Britain’s John Whitaker (Equine America Unick Du Francport) and Gilles Thomas (Luna Van Het Dennehof).

“One rail down and it was one million less in prize money – the pressure was immense,” said Philipp, the final rider in for Ludger Beerbaum’s GCL team, who threw his hat in delight at securing victory with that vital clear. “As I crossed the line, it all just came out of me – can you imagine you are last in the ring and it’s all in your hands and you deliver it? It’s an amazing feeling and the reason we do the sport.”

• GC Super Cup Final results

British rider speeds up her husband’s horse! ‘She’s been a hero’

British showjumper Louise Simpson (Cindy R) won the 1.50m CSI3* grand prix at the Autumn MET II in Oliva Nova, Spain, with Cindy R, a mare previously ridden by her husband David Simpson.

“Cindy R is not the fastest horse and I have only been riding her a few months, so I don’t know her inside out,” said Louise of the Clarimo x Quidam De Revel 11-year-old, bred by Dietmar Rohling, and who was used as a broodmare until three years ago. “She does have a big stride, but I did not think I would be anywhere near fast enough to win!”

Louise and the chestnut mare triumphed after a 10-way jump-off.

“When there were quite a few clears, I thought ‘Oh God’ – I did not think it was going to be easy,” said Louise.

“We have had her for about a year. She is a huge mare and on paper you would definitely say she’s a guy’s horse. My husband David has been riding her for most of the year, but actually ignoring her size, she is so sweet and easy that I kind of stole her three or four months ago and she’s been a hero.

“The plan was to put me on her to speed her up, so I feel like I’ve done that now.”

• Autumn MET results

Showjumping news: Viva Swail in Las Vegas

Irishman Conor Swail hit the World Cup jackpot when winning his first qualifier of the season in Las Vegas riding his great partner, 16-year-old Count Me In. The pair topped a six-way jump-off to take victory after an “up-and-down year” for the gelding.

“I’m lucky that ‘Crosby’ is very quick,” said Conor. “Regardless, he is very careful. We went through a little period where he wasn’t comfortable jumping the bigger fences, so we took a step back. Tonight he felt as good as ever, so I’m really delighted.

“The horse owes me nothing. I think he’s the best horse I’ve ever ridden. He brought me to the World Cup Final, I won at Dublin, he’s brought me incredible days and basically brought me to the top 10 in the world.”

Conor beat his student Vanessa Mannix of Canada riding Lehar into second, but said they remain very good friends.

“Vanessa has been riding great for a number of years now,” he said. “She’s got a nice string of horses at the moment, and it’s fantastic to see her on the podium as well.”

• Las Vegas National results

‘It’s just me and my wife doing the grooming’

And finally in this week’s showjumping news round-up, we were impressed with the story behind Irishman Dylan Daly securing victory at the Wellington International Annual Series in Florida. The 26-year-old grabbed the headlines in the CSI3* Flagler Insurance grand prix riding Cinderella Z and there is no expansive team to thank for this enterprising young rider.

“At the moment, it’s just me and my wife doing the grooming ourselves,” said Dylan. “The main thing for me is to spend time with the horse and really build up that team partnership.”

Picture of the week: What an angle!

We couldn’t finish this week’s showjumping news round-up without mentioning this fantastic image captured by Cassidy Klein of the athletic duo of Brazil’s Luiza Leivas and Novak De Kalvarie. This flying combination took the shortest route of all to win the national grand prix at Wellington International after a five-way jump-off. What a horse!

You may also like to read…

‘Beyond my wildest dreams’: British university student lines up alongside Harry Charles and Ben Maher for World Cup debut

‘She’s the boss, I’m the passenger!’: Ben Maher lifts a World Cup and Vermento resumes his winning ways

‘We are part of the family, not just a groom’: behind the scenes with Harry Charles’ groom Georgia Ellwood

A long-awaited win and an incredible comeback in the battle for Olympic qualification

A ‘difficult’ young horse is transformed, a gentle giant wins and there’s a big milestone in a champion’s career

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

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

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

“This is what I’ve been dreaming of,” says young British showjumper Antonia Platt, who has just returned from making her five-star debut at the prestigious Jumping Verona show in Italy.

Not only did the 22-year-old rising star line up against the likes of world number one Henrik von Eckermann and European champion Steve Guerdat for some top tier competitions, but she qualified for her first ever World Cup class, coming home with a very creditable 12 faults on horse of a lifetime Marvin Van De Waterhoeve.

This is a fantastic achievement for a 22-year-old, who is also studying agriculture at Nottingham University and ranked 1,624 in the world. No wonder she’s still on cloud nine.

“It was my first five-star and first World Cup so a double whammy actually,” Antonia told H&H. “I’ve been working with Matteo Guinti, who is part of the CT [Cavalleria Toscana] Academy and it was through them that I got offered the chance to compete at a five-star, in Verona. So I’ve been looking forward to it and working towards it for months!”

Antonia says she felt a bit apprehensive, but was made to feel very welcome by her fellow riders.

“I was a bit worried I was going to get there and feel like an imposter but I didn’t at all, everyone was so nice,” she says. “I was so excited to be there.

“They put all the Brits together, so I was stabled next to Ben Maher and Harry Charles, so that put it all into perspective! What more could you want?”

Coming home with 12 faults in Sunday’s Longines FEI Jumping World Cup of Verona presented by Scuderia 1918, behind winner Ben Maher, is a result to be proud of and she says her 12-year-old Marvin (Falco x Game Boy) gave her an “unbelievable feeling”.

“We’ve had him since he was nine and I’ve always said he’s a five-star horse, but I’m not that experienced – we don’t really have enough horsepower to get the ranking points, so I haven’t really had these kind of opportunities up to now,” explains Antonia. “It’s taken time to get to this point, even though I’ve grabbed every opportunity available to me. But I’ve always believed in him.

“So although we didn’t have a winning weekend, he tried his heart out and proved he could do it and he has all the potential to become a proper five-star horse.”

Antonia Platt: “A learning curve for both of us”

Antonia says of Marvin: “He has the odd quirk, but we have a very special bond.

“He’s incredibly special to us. It was a learning curve for both of us and he made a few green mistakes in the World Cup, but at the start of the year I said to my mum that I wanted to jump a World Cup qualifier, but I never imagined I would qualify for a World Cup at my first five-star.”

Marvin is now set to enjoy a well-deserved holiday after a summer of great results including placings at the CSI2* Longines Global Champions Tour of London and victory in the under-25 grand prix at Royal Windsor Horse Show.

“I’d love to get to some more of these big shows now – it’s literally what I dream of,” says Antonia, who was previously on young rider teams. “Marvin has been amazing though.

“We’ve got a few younger horses, but like everyone we’re just really desperate for some more horsepower. But I’ll focus on the young ones over the winter and take them to MET in January.”

About juggling her studies with top flight showjumping, Antonia says: “I just have to say to myself that anything is possible and I make time for it all. I am very lucky to have such a good team at home though, so I can take some time out to concentrate just on my work, rather than trying to juggle it all.

“Right now, this is beyond my wildest dreams – I’ve always believed I could do it, but for it all to come to reality so soon is just amazing.”

You may also like to read…

‘I hadn’t sat on him for two weeks’: rider juggles exams and jumping to take Royal Windsor under-25 win

‘She’s the boss, I’m the passenger!’: Ben Maher lifts a World Cup and Vermento resumes his winning ways

‘A new focus’: top British rider steps back to help UAE prepare for Paris 2024

‘We are part of the family, not just a groom’: behind the scenes with Harry Charles’ groom Georgia Ellwood

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

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

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

High-flying British showjumper Harry Charles’ groom Georgia Ellwood has been part of the hugely successful Heathcroft Farm team for four years. As show groom, she has established herself as a key part of Harry’s success at some of the biggest shows on the international circuit, travelling to the likes of the Tokyo Olympics, the Rolex Majors, European and World Championships, and World Cups.

Georgia, who was recognised at last month’s British Showjumping awards as groom of the year, took some time out of her busy schedule to chat about her role looking after nine horses in Harry’s string.

“They are all different ages and have different levels of experience,” Georgia explains of her charges. “Romeo 88 and Balou Du Reventon are our older and more experienced horses. Balou du Reventon is an absolute gem – he is the yard’s favourite at the moment. He is a stallion but does not act so at all – he is so sweet. We call him the old grandpa of the yard.

“On the other hand, Romeo 88 is more of a handful than Balou. He is quite grumpy but can also be very affectionate at the same time. He wants the attention, then once he has it he changes his mind.”

According to Georgia, one of her favourite younger horses is rising star Sherlock, a Belgium-bred 10-year-old son of Bisquet Balou VD Mispelaere.

“He is the most lovable little thing that you could ever come across,” she reveals. “He is cheeky and very sweet, and he gives everything when he is in the ring which is so nice to see. I am sure that Harry would agree with me that he is a little trooper.”

She describes Malcolm Pyrah’s home-bred eight-year-old Dunroe Quality, known at home as Bandit, as “very special”.

“He is incredibly scopey – he is like a spring,” she says. “He is very cool but comes with some challenges. He loves to test me on the ground, but he becomes a different horse when Harry rides him. He is one of the best young horses that I have ever seen. I am hoping that in the future he will continue to develop, and I really think he will be something very special to the sport of showjumping.

“All the horses have different characteristics; you definitely have to spend some one-on-one time with them to get to know them.”

Georgia Ellwood: ‘A lovely yard to be a part of’

Georgia describes being part of Harry Charles’s hugely successful team, based at Heathcroft Farm in Hampshire, as “truly exciting”.

“At Heathcroft Farm we are part of the family, not just a groom,” she says. “Peter Charles trusts us and that means a lot to us. He is extremely involved in the yard but at the same time, he likes us to have our independence. It is a lovely yard to be a part of. The family is amazing to us, which helps us love our jobs. They are just so nice to be around.”

During her time as Harry Charles’ groom, Georgia has accompanied the world’s leading under-25 rider to some of the biggest competitions in the world, including flying the British flag at the Rolex Majors, Tokyo Olympics, European and World Championships, Nations Cups and World Cups.

“I have noticed a significant difference in his riding,” she says. “He is such a chilled person to be around. At the same time, when he is at the bigger shows, he wants to do well and so he sometimes places pressure on himself. I try to remain calm and quiet to help him out.

“Harry is a perfectionist and after working here it is clear to me how hard he works. He is one of the hardest-working riders that I have ever seen. He wants it so much.”

Georgia describes being recognised by British Showjumping as groom of the year as “amazing”.

“It was great to be recognised – we all put in so much hard work and the hours are long, so having that recognition meant the world to me,” she says.

“When I first started in the sport, there was a division between the riders and grooms. Whenever a rider won a class, the spotlight was placed on the rider, the horse, and the owner. But in the past year or two, the grooms have come to be recognised. This is great and makes a difference.

“We work so hard behind the scenes,” she adds. “There are so many people in the teams behind each of the riders and their horses, including trainers, farriers, vets, and business managers, and everyone’s role is vital, as we work in a team sport.”

Georgia has always been interested in horses and competed through her childhood.

“As I got older, I began to recognise that I was probably not as good as some of the other young riders, so I decided to switch to grooming and I got a job when I was 15 mucking out stables,” she says. “It escalated quite quickly for me to my first full-time job as a show groom.

“I enjoyed the fact that I was still part of a team and got to ride,” she adds. “Being around a rider who competes at the top shows definitely gives you a buzz. My advice for the younger generation is that being a groom is hard work and it is tiring. But when something clicks and goes right, it is just an unimaginable feeling. Just keep working hard and the results will show.”

Life as Harry Charles’ groom: ‘I was immensely proud’

The best parts of the job, says Georgia, are winning, and working with and learning about new horses, “watching them develop”.

“When they get older and they jump in their first grand prix, it’s a lovely feeling,” she says. “I definitely feel proud to be part of this.

“I really enjoy attending the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping Majors as they are so well organised,” adds Georgia. “They have not just thought of the riders, but they also focus on the wellbeing of the horses. As a groom, this is so important for us. The grooms are treated and viewed the same way as riders, and that is one of the nicest things. The atmosphere at the Majors is incredible. CHIO Aachen is one of my favourite shows to attend. The Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping Majors are definitely some of the best shows in the world.”

Georgia underlines the “significant effect” the Rolex Grand Slam has had on the sport.

“It has opened doors for young riders and grooms, and provided access to different types of venues,” she says of the “amazing” events, which have “raised the level” of the sport.

“They are so well organised and hosted in great locations. The Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping Majors have had a significant impact on the grooms – they have really recognised us and enabled us to have a say on things.”

Looking back on the past few years, Georgia says she has so many proud memories, but Harry’s bronze medal-winning performance at last year’s world showjumping championships stands out.

“Harry jumped an amazing clear round on the final day to secure the medal,” remembers Georgia. “Another highlight was the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on the first day when Harry jumped clear. I was immensely proud.”

Georgia describes the grooms’ community as “extremely close”.

“We are a big friendship group,” she says. “We see each other week in and week out so you form great friendships. It is a nice community of people.

“It is a very supportive atmosphere as well – if you need help or are struggling, someone will come and help you,” she adds. “There is not a bad person in the grooming community. We are all very lucky that we have one another and that we support each other as it can get slightly overwhelming at some points.”

With thanks to Rolex Grand Slam.

You might also be interested in:

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‘I do not view this as a job, it’s a way of life and I love it’: Behind the scenes with Joe Stockdale’s groom Charlotte Attwell

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

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

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

It’s been a bumper week for international showjumping news this week. Irish showjumper Shane Sweetnam is ranked number 12 in the world and has contested the World Cup Final but, somewhat surprisingly, had yet to win a World Cup qualifier. But, thanks to his flying grey James Kann Cruz, that all changed last week, when he won the feature class in Lexington, USA.

There was also a mighty comeback in the hard-fought battle for Olympic showjumping qualification, as well as the medals, at the Pan American Games. You’ll find all that and more British success in this week’s international showjumping news and results round-up.

Showjumping news: a long-awaited World Cup win

Irish showjumper Shane Sweetnam won the Longines FEI World Cup at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, USA, riding the brilliant grey James Kann Cruz with whom he won team silver at the European Showjumping Championships. The US-based rider held off the challenge of defending champion Daniel Bluman of Israel riding Gemma W, with US rider Devin Ryan finishing third for the second week running on Eddie Blue after an 11-way jump-off over Alan Wade’s track. This was Shane’s first World Cup success.

“To win this class is a big deal,” said Shane, who piloted the scopey 10-year-old to the top of the leaderboard from fourth draw, despite a dramatic slip on the turn back to the combination. “It was always one of the classes I wanted to win. I really did as much as I could in the ring. James Kann Cruz had to show how amazing he was [after the slip].”

“He does spend a lot of time in the air, but obviously, that’s a help,” added Shane. “He’s a very smart horse. But I still think there’s more room there for us to go to another level.”

• National Horse Show Lexington results

The name’s Bond Jamesbond De Hay

Spectators at the CSI5*-W Longines Equita Lyon in France were treated to a pulsating and eventful 14-way jump-off to decide the third leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Western European League series. Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet and the 12-year-old stallion Bond Jamesbond De Hay were neither shaken nor stirred when scorching to victory ahead of home hero Julien Epaillard (Dubai Du Cedre), with British riders Ben Maher (Dallas Vegas Batilly) and the world’s leading under-25 Harry Charles on Romeo 88 third and fourth respectively.

“My horse doesn’t have much experience with jump-offs, but I felt I had something to play with today,” said Gregory, who’s next leg will be at the London International Horse Show in December. “I am getting to know him more and more, and he is showing so much scope and quality over the fences. I did not think he was that agile when I started riding him, so I am very happy with how things are developing.”

Ben Maher added: “It would always be nice to have a second go! But Gregory was unbeatable, so well done to him.”

• Equita Lyon results

A mighty comeback for Olympic qualification: ‘I needed the defibrillator!’

Also making showjumping news headlines this week were the USA squad of McLain Ward (Contagious), Kent Farrington (Landon), Laura Kraut (Dorado 212) and Karl Cook (Caracole De La Roque), who made a mighty comeback from fifth position after an eventful first round to claim gold at the Pan American Games in Chile. The Canadians also rallied to move into silver, with Brazil dropping from top spot to finish with bronze. With a ticket for the 2024 Olympics also at stake, there was delight for USA, Canada and fourth-placed Mexico, who are now Paris-bound.

“If you were watching it with nobody in the hunt, you’d have to say this was fantastic sport. But when you had somebody in it, it was very, very concerning at times because of course the qualification for Paris is such a big deal to every country and no team wanted to go home and say ‘guess what, we didn’t qualify!’” summed up Canada’s chef d’equipe Ian Millar. “I needed the defibrillator, but other than that I’m fine!”

American riders dominated the individual podium too, but gold went to Brazil’s Stephan de Freitas Barch after a brilliant performance with his quirky mare Chevaux Primavera Imperio Egipcio, who makes a performance of going in the arena.

“To win this kind of championship in South America is a dream come true,” said Stephan, who was flanked on the podium by Kent Farrington in silver and McLain Ward, who secured bronze.

“Since I started this journey 25 years ago in Rio de Janeiro, I worked every day for a day like this – I want to just say thank you to everybody that has helped me during this journey.”

• Pan American Games results

Showjumping news: ‘What a horse!’: British top three

Graham Gillespie paid tribute to his 15-year-old partner Veneno by saying “What a horse!” after the pair won the CSI2* grand prix in Vilamoura, Portugal, in another successful week for British riders. The grand prix podium was all British, with Guy Williams and Ernie Of Greenhill Z finishing second and James Smith (Tayvale Hunky Dory) third.

• Villamoura Champions Tour results.

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

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

Five years of patience and long-term thinking with what was once a “difficult” young horse has really paid off for British Olympic showjumper Harry Charles as the 10-year-old secured his first grand prix victory in Belgium this week. Meanwhile, flying Dutchman Harrie Smolders claimed the overall title as Longines Global Champions Tour champion of champions for the second time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Read on for our round-up of this week’s international showjumping news and results.

Showjumping news: Sherlock finds all the answers

At Sentower Park, Belgium, the 1.55m CSI3* grand prix was won by Great Britain’s Harry Charles and 10-year-old rising star Sherlock. In a four-way jump-off, Harry went head-to-head with Lorenzo De Luca on F One USA, coming out over half a second faster of the two double clears to secure the 10-year-old stallion’s first grand prix success. The previous day, 24-year-old Harry also won a 1.45m two-phase with the speedy Billabong Du Roumois.

“It was Sherlock’s first grand prix win – he’s not done so many though,” Harry told H&H. “I’ve had him since the start of his five-year-old career so he’s actually the horse I’ve had the longest in the stable.

“As a six- and seven-year-old he was very difficult – he was very sensitive and thought about the job a lot. A lot of times I’ve thought ‘Where am I going with him?’ But his jump was always so amazing – he’s one of the best young horses I’ve ever seen jumping, let alone ridden – then when he put it all together, he was exceptional. So we always knew it was worth keeping going with him.”

The Belgian-bred son of Bisquet Balou VD Mispelaere only jumped his first ranking class as a nine-year-old.

“He’s 10 now, but I still treat him like he’s a year behind the other horses – a lot of 10-year-olds will have been to championships,” said Harry. “But it’s all about doing things in his own time and at the last few shows the results have been amazing. He’s not had many jumps down and the big jumps are very easy to him.”

Harry felt that the track for Sentower’s three-star grand prix was “not far off a five-star”.

“They only got four clears, which says something,” he said. “Sherlock used to be quite a slow horse, but over the past year I’ve been working on trying to pick his speed up a bit. We’ve been doing a lot of turns in the indoor school and getting him to try to follow my hands. Now, he’s actually the easiest horse I ride. He went from the most difficult to the easiest horse I have! He’s so intelligent – you just have to point him at a jump and he does it. You turn him left, he goes left, you turn him right, he goes right, you say ‘Whoa’ and he comes back. He’s the perfect horse actually, very special.”

The next goal for the pair is the World Cup qualifiers of Madrid and La Coruna.

“I’m half thinking about him for the World Cup Finals, then with the Olympics next year we have Balou, but behind him he’s a great horse to have,” said Harry. “The Olympics might just come a little bit early, but he is more than capable of it.

“Then Billabong had a little win too – he’s always chipping in!” said Harry, who is in action later this week at the World Cup show in Lyon, France.

• CSI3* Sentower results

British victory in Portugal

In other showjumping news, Lily Attwood took a starring role at the CSI2* Villamoura Champions Tour in Portugal, when landing Sunday’s grand prix with her great partner Cor-Leon VD Vlierbeek Z, sealing a great week for the Brits in which Laura Renwick made a return to the winner’s enclosure and Graham Gillespie triumphed in a jump-off class with Veneno.

• CSI2* Villamoura Champions Tour results

Phillip Miller on tour

On his first competitive trip abroad for four years, Phillip Miller helped Great Britain to sixth in the Nations Cup in Vejer, Spain, going on to finish sixth in the CSIO3* Andalucia grand prix with Brendon Stud and Pennie Cornish’s Don Royale, just 2sec off the pace with an eye-catching double clear. Joining him on the British squad for Friday’s Nations Cup, led by Stanny van Paesschen, were Joe Stockdale (Ebanking), Adrian Whiteway (Chacco Volo) and Skye Higgin (Djordania Du Tillard).

• CSIO3* Andalucia results

A returning LGCT champion is crowned

Stepping up to be crowned the 17th Longines Global Champions Tour champion of champions was flying Dutchman Harrie Smolders. Following up on his 2017 title, the 43-year-old clinched the crown ahead of nearest rivals Maikel van der Vleuten and Henrik von Eckermann after a battle that rumbled into the final grand prix of the season.

“I know how it feels [to win the championship] and I wanted to feel it again,” said Harrie. “To be the overall champion again is a big marker in my career. All the dedication from my team, my people and my grooms make this a big milestone for all of us.”

Showjumping news: final ticket to the Super Grand Prix is pocketed

Some breathtaking turns and a pulsating finish from last-drawn German Christian Kuker on the 13-year-old Comme Il Faut stallion Checker 47 earned a well-deserved top spot in the Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix of Riyadh by just 0.16sec and he headed home with the hefty £150,000 first prize.

“I had flashbacks because I was last to go in Doha [at the start of the season] and lost it by 0.05sec [to Philipp Weishaupt] to finish second, so I thought, ‘That’s not going to happen today!” said Christian, stable jockey at the Ludger Beerbaum stables. “I felt a little slower over fences one, two and three – I had the strides I wanted, but they were holding strides everywhere – but then I turned very, very tight to the double, which I did yesterday with him in the GCL. He did it very well then, so I thought ‘Why not try it again?’ He did it super again.

“To bring it home and to cross the finish line and see that you’ve won is always an amazing feeling, but that was very, very special for me today.”

Riesenbeck International were crowned GCL 2023 champions, retaining the title from last year. In action in this leg were Philipp Weishaupt on Zineday and Ireland’s Eoin McMahon with Mila, but Christian Kukuk has been key to the success of the squad owned and managed by Ludger Beerbaum.

“It was six wins, leading overall from the first competition – most of the time with a comfortable margin,” said Ludger. “It got tight at the end and Paris Panthers made it really exciting, but we’ve never had a team dominating the season more than we did this year.”

• LGCT of Riyadh results

A first five-star win after a 10-year wait

And last but certainly not least in this week’s international showjumping news round-up, US rider Katie Dinan and 17-year-old “gentle giant” Brego R’n B posted their first five-star victory together in the $450,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup at the Washington International Horse Show. This win came 10 years after Katie’s last five-star success.

“It’s hard not to love Brego,” she said of the Namelus R gelding owned by Grant Road Partners, who she has ridden for five years. “He’s 17 and he really, really deserves it – I’m thrilled for him. In the jump-off, he showed all of his amazing qualities – he has huge scope, quality, bravery, intelligence and he tries hard. You can’t really ask for more as a rider. I think he knew he won.”

Katie combines top-flight showjumping with a PhD programme studying circadian rhythms in a genetics lab at Rockefeller University.

“Brego has had the same groom, Lou Beudin, since we got him five years ago and he loves her so much – they’re a really great pair,” she said.

• Washington International Horse Show results

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A magical win, a missed flight and an Irish pub – this week’s showjumping action

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

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

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

Jodie Hall McAteer had a long trip from her Dutch base to Birmingham for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) – but it was worth every mile as she won the leading showjumper of the year title after a thriller of a jump-off.

Jodie and her mother Mandy’s 11-year-old Hardessa saw off all comers in the grand prix, which included some of the cream of British showjumping talent. Harry Charles, who took the title in 2021, came second on his Olympic partner Romeo 88 with his sister Sienna third on Harry’s 2021 winning ride Stardust.

Jodie, whose last HOYS win was the 2016 pony showjumper title with the wonder mare Tixylix, managed to secure pole position of the 12 riders through to the jump-off; as the fastest first-round clear, she was last to go and knew exactly what she had to do.

“I’m over the moon,” she said. “I wasn’t really expecting it; this is her first bigger show for a while but she’s an amazing horse, a real little fighter, and she really stepped up today. She’s so lovely; just pricks her ears and takes everything in her stride. She’s really brave and really careful; hopefully this is just the beginning for her.”

Jodie and the Berlin mare came in meaning business; attacking from the start and making two killer turns before the last line that allowed her to breathe before they flew the last, to huge applause.

“I came back especially for this show; my trainer in Holland said I was half mad, coming all the way to England, he wanted me to jump in Belgium, but I said ‘You don’t know how special this is for British riders,” she said. “And I’ve paid my bills, anyway!

“The atmosphere is amazing; I don’t think there’s another CSI3* in the world like HOYS, it could be a five-star, and the crowd gets behind you as a Brit. I’ve been coming here since I was nine or 10 and as a young rider you spend the year trying to qualify. It’s the pinnacle for so many British riders.

“I’ve always wanted to win this, and it’s a big tick off the bucket list.”

Harry and Romeo had looked on top form; Ann Thompson’s 14-year-old gelding looked fresh and strong and up for the challenge as they put in a fantastic clear less than half a second behind Jodie.

“That’s great,” Harry said. “He hasn’t competed for six weeks so it’s a perfect start to the indoor season.”

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

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

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

While Great Britain’s tremendous winning form from round one couldn’t transcend to Sunday’s Longines FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, Spain (1 October), there was still plenty of reason to celebrate in a tough competition between the top eight teams.

It was instead Team Germany’s turn to triumph – but there were a few heart-stopping moments en route for the quartet in a sizzling afternoon in Barcelona.

An eight-fault opening round over Santiago Varela’s testing track from Jana Wargers (Dorette) certainly had the team sweating and anchorman Richard Vogel was almost jumped out of the saddle by an over-exuberant leap by United Touch S at fence one. But, with Christian Kukuk (Checker 47) and Hans-Dieter Dreher (Elysium) having already posted clears and Richard surviving unscathed, the quartet won the title for the first time since 2016 on a zero score.

Chef d’equipe Otto Becker said: “These guys deserve the win. I’m a lucky guy to be part of this team. We had two down, I got a bit worried, but what they did is unbelievable.”

Jana described it as the “perfect win” and Hansi agreed it had been a “good week” while Christian said the pressure had benefited him.

“I need that a bit,” he said. “I came here with a good feeling – I knew we had a really strong team because all five of us have had great seasons. I was disappointed to have one down on Thursday so I wanted to do better today.”

Nations Cup Final: ‘This course is giving me a headache – take an aspirin!’

Christian only took the ride back on Checker (Comme Il Faut x Come On), who is owned by Madeleine Winter-Schulze and looked after by Sofie Karlsson, when his boss Ludger Beerbaum retired earlier this year.

“He’s in great shape – I would have liked a double clear so i’m disappointed with that, but I’d be nothing without my team-mates,” said Christian. “We had a lot of fun this week and that’s really important for the team spirit.”

Richard was not required to jump on Thursday to secure the team’s third place and qualification as one of the top eight for Sunday’s final, which benefited the 11-year-old Untouched stallion, who is looked after by Felicia Wallin.

“He was very fresh,” he said. “I was hoping I could do something for the team because up to today I felt like a spectator, so I’m glad I delivered. When I saw the course it gave me a headache because the combinations are difficult for my horse – he has such a big stride. I can take out strides down lines with him but not in combinations! I told Otto that a course with two doubles and a treble was giving me a headache. Otto said take aspirin!

“He almost jumped me off at fence one – he likes to do a spectacular jump but maybe he was a bit rusty. He has pure energy, he’s so strong with so much scope.”

Olympic qualification for Brazil from Nations Cup Final

France, defending champions Belgium, and Brazil finished on eight faults in second, third and fourth respectively according to accumulated time.

The celebrations began for Brazil who secured the single qualifying spot on offer for the Paris 2024 Olympics after a tense battle with USA. Agonisingly for USA, there was only a time-fault separating the two nations.

Switzerland, who have yet to win the title, took sixth, with Great Britain and Ireland filling the bottom two placings on 12 and 13 faults respectively.

Great Britain’s hero of the day was 21-year-old Lily Attwood, who jumped the team’s sole clear on Cor-Leon VD Vlierbeek Z, owned by Emmy Freeman-Attwood and looked after by Niki Javorkova. The 13-year-old gelding has had a quieter year after suffering some mild colic relapses, so Lily was “thrilled” with his return and the gelding received huge pats of appreciation from his rider.

“We haven’t had the easiest year so to finish like that was brilliant,” she said.

Harry Charles and Aralyn Blue, who is owned by Ann Thompson and looked after by Georgia Ellwood, came home with four faults, just missing out on a share of the €100,000 double clear bonus, which was split three ways.

Robert Whitaker riding Caroline Blatchford’s King George hero Vermento, who is looked after by Louisa Taylor, and Tim Gredley with Unex Competition Yard’s Medoc De Toxandria, whose groom is Paul Drew, each had two fences down, Tim with a time-fault.

“We all had a good result on Thursday. But having got ourselves in that position, today was always going to be difficult – Lily rode fantastic today though,” reflected Robert. “My horse just showed a couple of little mistakes but this Nations Cup Final is a completely different level for him and he’s coped with it well. I think he’s got a great chance for next year.

“So on the whole, we’ll come away from here thinking there’s a lot to look forward to next year for the Nations Cups.”

‘I’ve really enjoyed this year and I’m so looking forward to next year’: Di Lampard

Great Britain’s chef d’equipe Di Lampard said she “couldn’t have been more proud of the team on the first day – to do it in the style they did”.

“Every one of them put in their clear rounds this week,” she said. “Sunday was a proper course – 18 jumping efforts, but exactly what you expect in Barcelona.

“Lily was a bit rusty at the level on day one, because she hasn’t been competing all summer. One little error on the first day caused a domino effect down the last line. It was absolutely heartbreaking. But to come back and notch up that clear round on Sunday was fantastic. But also no surprise, she’s very capable. It’s all coming together for her.

“With Robert and Vermento we are building another partnership to look forward to next year – Vermento is very inexperienced at this level, but really exciting for next year.

“Harry is a solid member of our team and has been with us all year – it’s amazing how many appearances he’s had this year, how many clear rounds on different horses,” said Di. “He’s backed us 100%.

“Tim is improving all the time, it’s a very different sport to what he was competing in before. He’s had a terrific year.

“So it’s very exciting for next year,” said Di, when the new format Nations Cup comes into play, along with the Paris Olympics to look forward to.

“This year we’ve been short of a couple of partnerships who were good for us last year, so when we get everyone back it’ll be fantastic. It’s such a lovely squad of riders that we’ve used and integrated this year. There’s been a real mix of youth, in both horses and riders, to of course the living legend John Whitaker, who is in and out of the squad when needed. I’ve really enjoyed this year and I’m so looking forward to next year.”

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

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

Great Britain has won the opening round of the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, Spain, and the team now goes through to Sunday’s (1 October) eight-way decider in pole position.

The squad have clearly bounced back from a disappointing European Showjumping Championships in Milan and they were the only nation from the 15 starters to complete on a zero score on Thursday afternoon (28 September). First-round clears came from pathfinder Tim Gredley with his championship partner Medoc De Toxandria, Robert Whitaker on his King George hero Vermento, and anchorman Harry Charles riding Ann Thompson’s 12-year-old Aralyn Blue, who is looked after by Georgia Ellwood. Lily Attwood’s 12-fault round with Cor-Leon VD Vlierbeek Z was the day’s drop score, but chef d’equipe Di Lampard said she was “absolutely delighted with all four of them”.

“It’s shown progression from Milan – the two riders [Tim and Harry] have come out much more confident and delivered,” she said on day one of the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona.

“We’re getting the girls in the mix too!” she added, including fifth team rider Sienna Charles, younger sister of Harry. “Harry is masterly in anchorman position – a bit didn’t go his way in Milan, but hasn’t he bounced back? That was a near-perfect round.”

‘It’s an honour to be picked for the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona’

Tim Gredley was full of praise for his 11-year-old Medoc De Toxandria, who is looked after by groom Paul Drew. The duo with were part of the victorious Nations Cup team at Hickstead, as well as the European Showjumping Championships team last month.

“When he’s jumping like that, it’s really, really enjoyable,” said Tim. “He’s so careful and he has so much scope – he makes my job much easier.“That was probably one of the best rounds of the year. It’s all about Nations Cups and representing my country – I really enjoy the format and all the pressure that comes with it. He’s obviously jumped a lot this year and he’s been picked for the final, which is a big honour, so I’m just glad I could pull a clear out of the bag.”

Thursday’s victory puts Great Britain in a coveted final draw of the eight teams who will jump again on Sunday. Joining them in the concluding round of the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final in Barcelona will be Brazil, Germany and Switzerland, who all finished on a team score of four.

Title-holders Belgium and USA will also be in the mix after their eight-fault tallies in Thursday’s opening round, while 12-faulters Ireland, France and Mexico had to be split by time, meaning Ireland and France were celebrating, while Mexico will instead head to Saturday night’s Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final Challenge Cup for the seven lower ranked nations.

They will be joined by the Netherlands, who had an uncharacteristically high-scoring day, hosts Spain, Italy, Australia, Argentina and Uzbekistan.

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

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

The best job, the best year, and the time of your life.

H&H spoke to three of the British team grooms at the European Showjumping Championships, about snacks and singing – “or squawking!” – in the lorry, mothering riders, and the highs and lows of what is a way of life, rather than just a job.

Lindsay Decottignies, Paul Drew and Georgia Ellwood are grooms to Samuel Hutton, Tim Gredley and Harry Charles respectively,

“It gets to you sometimes, when you’re not having a great run and stuff like that, it does get to you,” said Georgia. “I’m a bit ‘What are we doing?’ But then when it comes good, and it all works out – for a groom, it’s got to be tiring or sometimes you don’t get on with the rider – but looking at it from where we are, it is the best job.”

The grooms and the horses – Oak Grove’s Laith (Laith), Medoc De Toxandria (Medoc or Doc) and Casquo Blue (Casper), arrived in Milan last Sunday, after a three-day drive from England for Paul and Medoc, and shorter trips for the others who were already on the Continent.

All three praised the British Equestrian (BEF) team and system, which meant the stables were all ready for their occupants, complete with full bedding, drapes and Union Flags.

“British Equestrian have got us all double stables so the horses have got loads of room,” Paul said. “We’re probably the only team that’s got that, which is quite nice. I think the others are jealous!”

Apart from the British set-up, which includes the BEF vet, farrier and physio who work with the riders’ teams at home, the championship experience is different in many ways. Georgia is a veteran of such events, but it is a first for Paul.

“The main thing for me is how much time there is,” he said. “I’m not used to going to a show with one horse; the class starts at 1pm, and normally we’ve done four before then!”

But the routine is kept as normal as possible; the horses will be fed, walked out and hand-grazed in the mornings.

“You have to keep everything pretty much normal. You can’t be changing stuff just because it’s a championships,” said Georgia. “Obviously for us it’s a little bit different, but I quite like sitting in my chair!”

And the grooms are being well looked after in Milan.

“I find things are getting a bit better because they’re starting to appreciate the grooms more; there are more options,” Georgia said. “At some shows, you’re like an outsider. Here is quite nice because we’ve got everything we need; they provided the hotel for us, the shuttles, the food is really nice, there’s even like a snack bar in the stables – there are TVs in there if you want to watch the class.”

The grooms described their charges; Laith, who can scream like the stallion he is at home, but is “like a pony” at a show, and loves his grass, Doc, “the most laid-back horse I’ve ever known”, who lies down to sleep at 9pm and gets up at 7am, and Casper, who spends a lot of time asleep, but comes out “like a kangaroo”.

“When he’s out of the stable, I can’t keep up with him,” Georgia added. “I need to go to the gym more often!”

And of course it’s not just about the horses, it’s the riders too; the grooms said they have to get on with the riders they work for, as a less-good relationship could transmit to the horse, and make sure they’re as ready for the ring as their equine partners.

“I get a bit nervous, but I don’t let him see that,” Georgia said. “I know when he’s not nervous, I can just relax a bit. But when I find him a little bit nervous, I just stay quiet and let him do his thing. He knows what he’s supposed to do and he’s got everything that he needs.”

She added: “I get the ‘George’ and I know a question is coming; ‘George, where’s my tie? George, where’s my jacket? George, where are my boots?’!

“You’ve got to get on with them as if there’s no relationship there, there’s no chance of anything working. You have to appreciate each other and have respect for each other to be able to do this job.”

Paul agreed: “I have to find all Tim’s clothes, his jacket and tie, boots and hat; I bring all that or it would never get here!”

And after the medals have been decided and the jumps cleared, the grooms will be setting off on the long drive home – Georgia for 24 hours’ rest before she heads back to the Continent for another show.

But both she and Paul said they like the driving side.

“I love driving. I’ve got a really nice truck, with a nice bed and a shower and kitchen, and we pull over to give the horses hay and water, and it’s all booked in advance so we know where we are at the end of each day,” Paul said. And the snacks are the best bit of the drive.”

Georgia agreed, adding that singing along to the tunes is also a major part of the trucking experience.

“I feel like I’m Beyonce in that truck,” she said. “It’s not singing, it’s squawking, I’m quite glad the horses can’t hear!”

Georgia said she loves going to shows, at all levels; seeing the horses progress from early outings makes her appreciate the top-level success all the more.

Other highlights are of course the wins, and the good rounds, and although the hours are long, they love what they do.

“This is not a job, it’s a lifestyle for a groom,” Georgia said. “Because you dedicate so much to them; the rider, the team, the horses, that is your life. We don’t really go out, you have to organise your life around what you’re doing here. But I wouldn’t change it.”

“If you win a class – when we won the Nations Cup at Hickstead, that was one of the best days of my life,” Paul added.

“When you’re kids, you go to the riding school and help; I started on a Saturday afternoon for your one ride every month. But I think once you decide you’re going to do it, and you’re going to do it properly, I don’t think ‘I’ve worked 64 hours today’ or whatever.

“It’s a great way of life. I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve done this job for nearly 40 years, on and off, and I’m having the time of my life. This is one of the best years I’ve had, and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

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

Horse & Hound has a team of reporters covering all the European showjumping action. To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription. Visit horseandhound.co.uk/join to buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com for a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, the cost to upgrade your subscription to include full website access is minimal – call 0330 333 1113 to find out more.

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

Great Britain has finished ninth behind gold medallists Sweden at the European Showjumping Championships at the San Siro racecourse in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September).

The quartet of Ben Maher (Faltic HB), Tim Gredley (Medoc De Toxandria), championship debutant Sam Hutton (Oak Grove’s Laith) and Harry Charles on Casquo Blue managed to climb one place from their overnight position of 1oth, but there was inevitable disappointment within the British camp at finishing so far out of the medals.

“I’ll be happy to leave, this show hasn’t been great,” said Harry, who picked up eight faults in Friday’s third and final round of team jumping at the European Showjumping Championships. “The ground isn’t even good enough for a two-star show in places. It’s not been up to standard. So it’s been a bit of a disappointing championship.

“But we have a great chance in the individual medals [with Ben Maher in contention] so at least there’s a positive to take away. I have a fantastic horse and this week doesn’t reflect how good he is. He’s coming away fit and healthy.”

European Showjumping Championships: it started with a clear

British pathfinder Ben Maher jumped clear for the second day running with Pamela Wright and Charlotte Rossetter’s Faltic HB.

“We tried to come back as much as we could today and Faltic felt good coming out, not stressed at all,” said the reigning Olympic champion, who finished the day in fifth on the individual leaderboard ahead of Sunday’s final.

Great Britain’s second-line rider Tim Gredley produced a four-fault round with just one time-fault to add on his rising star Medoc De Toxandria.

“That was very annoying. That’s probably the best he’s jumped all week,” said Tim. “We just got a bit deep to the combination. He slipped around the corner to the vertical and I thought I was a bit off but I’m frustrated because the horse jumped brilliantly. He’s just been on the wrong side of a couple of fences this week. Otherwise we could have been right in there.

“I think he now knows it’s proper jumping and even working him this morning, he was more alert. I wish I had another two days to go but I don’t. Nothing will be much bigger than what he’s jumped this week, so at least we know that height is not a problem for him – we know he’s a championship horse.

“We’ll give him a good break now and try aiming him at championships every year, if we protect him. I think the experience we gained here was more for the rider than the horse to be honest! I’ve learned a lot as well. So it’s just disappointing because I knew we could have done a bit better.”

Sam Hutton: “Maybe he doesn’t like Italy!”

Belgium-based Sam Hutton came home with 16 faults on the final day of his first championship on Oak Grove’s Laith.

“I don’t know if it’s the heat or he doesn’t like Italy!” reflected Sam. “He’s been jumping so well, he’s been really consistent at every show up until here and he just doesn’t seem happy. I don’t know what it is.

“But it’s great to come here and compete against the best riders in the world. Unfortunately we haven’t performed as well as I would have liked or we were hoping this week. The whole experience has been great – apart from the result.”

Great Britain’s chef d’equipe Di Lampard summed up the championships: “It hasn’t been our week, but the aim was always to come here and give valuable championship experience to some new riders and horses ahead of Paris 2024 and I feel we’ve achieved this. There will be plenty to analyse as we move forward and make a plan for the next 12 months.

“All eyes are now on Ben Maher and Faltic HB ahead of the individual final. They’ve been on brilliant form so far and hopefully they can carry this through to Sunday.”

Horse & Hound has a team of reporters covering all the European showjumping action. To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription. Visit horseandhound.co.uk/join to buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com for a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, the cost to upgrade your subscription to include full website access is minimal – call 0330 333 1113 to find out more.

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

Great Britain’s showjumpers have made it through to Friday’s team medal decider of the European Showjumping Championships at the San Siro racecourse in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September).

Thursday’s second qualifying competition for individuals and final teams was a real nail-biter. But Great Britain finally secured 10th position and, with just the top 10 teams from the 15 in action progressing to Friday’s final round to decide the team medals, there’s still plenty to play for.

In the second day’s competition, Ben Maher and Faltic HB opened proceedings with a smashing clear, followed by an eye-catching four-fault round from Tim Gredley riding Medoc De Toxandria.

European Showjumping Championships: “It’s just not our show”

Sam Hutton revealed he was “gutted” to come home with 12 faults on his European Showjumping Championships debut with Oak Grove’s Laith, while anchorman Harry Charles and Stall Zet’s Casquo Blue hit two fences, which the rider described as “really annoying”.

“He’s done so many great things this year, so that was an uncharacteristic mistake – it’s just not our show,” reflected Harry.

Great Britain’s chef d’equipe Di Lampard reflected: “We always knew that the first day was going to be tough.

“A table C class requires you to know your horse and be very disciplined in your riding. Today’s team qualifier was a very different challenge. It was big, with a tight time allowed – you needed to ride accurately with a forward rhythm and the course left no margin for error.

“As a team, we are looking forward to the final tomorrow,” she added. “We’ll analyse what’s happened over the past two days, make a plan, and hopefully turn our fortunes around. It’s another day and there’s still plenty of jumping to do before the medals are awarded. With Paris qualification secured last year in Herning, our aim was to come here with some fresh faces on the squad and to give them some championship exposure, with the experienced Ben Maher to act as today’s pathfinder and give them confidence.

“I’m excited about what’s to come over the rest of the week and for the next 12 months.”

Germany has moved up to the top of the leader board ahead of overnight leaders Sweden. Switzerland sits in the bronze medal position with Ireland finishing the day in fourth. However the top four teams are separated by less than one penalty meaning Friday’s medal decider looks set to be a thriller.

Great Britain heads into the team final more than three fences off the pace, but anything can happen in these European Showjumping Championships.

Horse & Hound has a team of reporters covering all the European showjumping action. To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription. Visit horseandhound.co.uk/join to buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com for a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, the cost to upgrade your subscription to include full website access is minimal – call 0330 333 1113 to find out more.

You may also be interested to read…

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

Rising showjumping star Harry Charles and his super consistent partner Casquo Blue jumped the best round from Great Britain on day one of the European Showjumping Championships at the San Siro racecourse in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September).

The pair just picked up four faults at the problematic Longines oxer, but their high-speed round put them into 22nd position individually at the close of the first qualifier for teams and individuals at the European Showjumping Championships.

The same score came next from Great Britain’s anchorman Ben Maher with Faltic HB, albeit in a slower time that placed the reigning Olympic champion nine positions behind his team-mate. When combined with the eight-fault round from pathfinder Sam Hutton, while Tim Gredley’s 12-fault performance being the drop score, the British team finished the opening day sitting in 10th place, around three fences behind leaders Sweden.

“It felt alright, it didn’t feel amazing though,” said Harry, 24, a veteran of two championships but at his first with the Stall Zet-owned Casquo Blue. “It was pretty hard work for a 1.50m class with the ground in there.”

European Showjumping Championships: “There’s still a lot to play for”

Harry continued: “Obviously the team is not having the best of days but we’ve got Olympic qualification in the bag, so the pressure was a little bit off at this championship. We did still want to come and do well obviously, but the first day is always… not the least important, but you know, it’s not all lost on the first day, so there’s still a lot to pay for with two bigger rounds tomorrow and Friday, which makes it more about jumping. So we’ll see what we can do. Today would have been a lot better without that fence!”

Harry revealed that he had reverted to plan B after the pole fell.

“I walked two courses – one if I had a fence down and one if I was clear, so I quickly activated the second plan and I took a stride out to the double of oxers,” explained Harry, who was part of the bronze medal winning British team at last year’s world showjumping championships. “So I kept myself not too far down the rankings list, which was good.

“Casquo Blue is a very brave and bold horse. So this ring suits him. They’re feeling the ground underneath them a bit, especially towards the end of the class, which is not ideal on the first day.”

Ben Maher, who faulted at the same Longines oxer with Faltic HB, added: “I was happy enough with my round, it went relatively to plan. He’s not the fastest horse so I tried to take some time where I could. It’s not the perfect start but we try again tomorrow.”

Great Britain’s individual contender at the 2023 European Showjumping Championships, Donald Whitaker with Di Caprio, finished the day in 50th position.

“He’s a very solid horse but it’s a new championships for him and me,” said Germany-based Donald, part of the famous Whitaker showjumping family. “You’re only here with one horse so there’s a lot of waiting around to do for 80 seconds in the ring! So then the adrenaline is all at once and then you can’t wait to get back in there again.”

Horse & Hound has a team of reporters covering all the European showjumping action. To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription. Visit horseandhound.co.uk/join to buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com for a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, the cost to upgrade your subscription to include full website access is minimal – call 0330 333 1113 to find out more.

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

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

With the benefit of Paris 2024 Olympic qualification already in the bag, Great Britain’s showjumping chef d’equipe Di Lampard has had the luxury of being able to field a real mix of championship debutants and seasoned pros for this year’s European Showjumping Championships in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September). But there’s also the hope that Great Britain’s showjumpers can continue to build on the superb medal hauls of recent years. So who has been chosen for the British team for the 2023 European Showjumping Championships?

British team for the European Showjumping Championships 2023

Harry Charles and Casquo Blue

The youngest member of the British team at the European Showjumping Championships 2023, 24-year-old Harry Charles, is actually one of the most experienced riders on the British squad, certainly when it comes to championship mileage, and the world’s leading under-25 rider has been to an Olympic Games as well as winning team bronze at the world showjumping championships last year, then riding the great Romeo 88.

For his first crack at a European Championships, Harry brings the Stall Zet-owned Casquo Blue, a 13-year-old son of Chacco-Blue x Carthago Z, who was bred by Paul Schockemohle. The gelding is looked after and beautifully turned out by Harry’s groom Georgia Ellwood. The pair jumped double clear to help Great Britain win the Nations Cup at Hickstead last month – his second consecutive faultless performance in that competition – and the combination have earned plenty of five-star placings, proving their big track abilities. However, Harry also has a direct reserve horse in the 12-year-old Aralyn Blue, who is by the same sire as Casquo Blue and owned by Ann Thompson. It surely can’t be long before this young superstar makes it onto the individual podium.

Tim Gredley and Medoc De Toxandria

The king of comebacks, it’s been 17 years since 37-year-old father of two Tim Gredley last rode at a championship, having retired from the sport for several years to work in his family business. But he’s back in the British team for the European Showjumping Championships 2023 and riding in the best form of his life, already proving a real team asset in this season’s five-star Nations Cups with the 11-year-old 16.2hh gelding Medoc De Toxandria (Der Senaat III x Kelvin De Sainte Hermelle, bred by Werner Dierckx), who he’s been riding for the past year (pictured below).

Among their team highlights were victory on home soil at Hickstead and the second-placed finish in Aachen. Medoc is looked after by groom Paul Drew and is owned by the Unex Competition Yard. He was sourced for Tim by Hickstead Derby winner David Simpson, but previous riders also include Trevor Breen and Guy Williams.

“Medoc wasn’t the most obvious horse to buy, but one of the things I enjoy and maybe I’m good at, is picking horses – and maybe not choosing the most obvious ones,” says Tim. “I’d say Medoc is unique! Now I’ve got to know him, I find him easy, but he has a special way of doing things – he’s just always on his forehand. So he might be a bit unorthodox, but what he lacks there, he gives you in confidence and that’s probably why we’re a good combination. He finds it so easy and he enjoys life.”

Tim’s return to the British team fold has been his ambition since returning to the sport and he says he’s “loving every minute”.

Sam Hutton and Oak Grove’s Laith

Belgium-based British showjumper Sam Hutton will be making his senior championship debut with 12-year-old stallion Oak Grove’s Laith, owned by the Caramello Company and looked after by groom Lindsay Decottignies. Sam, 34, is originally from Surrey and started riding at the age of seven, forging a great career in the sport. He moved overseas, training with Jan Tops in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands, but he has been based with Abdel Said in Belgium for the past few years.

Oak Grove’s Laith, a London x Quaprice stallion who was bred by SCEA Riverland, twice qualified for the world championships as a five-year-old and a seven-year-old before Sam started riding him year ago. The duo warmed up for Milan with two Nations Cup appearances, jumping clear rounds at both, just parting company unexpectedly in Dublin, but look just the type to excel in a championship environment.

Donald Whitaker and Di Caprio

No British showjumping team would be complete without a Whitaker on board and 30-year-old Donald will also be making his championship debut as part of the British team in Milan riding Di Caprio. This pair were part of the Nations Cup-winning squad in the UAE last year and have been in flying form since.

Like Ben Maher’s Faltic HB, the Holsteiner Diarado x Cassini I stallion, bred by Harms Carsten, was produced and previously owned by the Oakingham Stud in Great Britain, jumping to great success in young horse classes – including with Irish team member Eoin Gallagher. Germany-based Donald’s girlfriend Nicola Pohl first started riding Di Caprio in 2020 before Donald took over a year later.

“He has everything to be a very good horse,” says Donald of the stallion, who is groomed by Ally Gill.

Ben Maher and Faltic HB

The reigning Olympic champion Ben Maher has proved an integral team member, helping Great Britain to team gold at the Olympics in 2012, team bronze and individual fourth at the world championships in 2022 with Faltic HB and he already has five European medals to his name, including individual silver on Explosion W in 2019. He has returned from a serious shoulder injury and heads to Milan as one of the red hot favourites with the 13-year-old Baltic VDL x Concorde stallion, who was bred in the Netherlands by HA Brinkman and previously owned by the Oakingham Stud – again produced in the hands of Ireland’s Eoin Gallagher – and now belongs to the Hertfordshire rider’s supporters Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright.

“A lot of people have been a part of this horse’s career and they’ve done a good job with him,” says Ben.

Groom Derren Lake looks after Faltic HB and Ben has also nominated two mares, Dallas Vegas Batilly and Ginger-Blue, as his direct reserves for the British team at the European Showjumping Championships 2023.

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The reigning Olympic champion and Nations Cup heroes are among those named in the British team for the European Showjumping Championships.

Today (7 August) British Equestrian and the British Showjumping selectors have confirmed the five horse and rider combinations that will form the list of definite entries who will compete in Milan, Italy, from 29 August to 3 September.

The selected combinations for the British team for the European Showjumping Championships, in alphabetical order, are:

Harry Charles with 13-year-old gelding Casquo Blue

Owner: Stall Zet

Breeder: Gestuet Lewitz (GER)

Breeding: by Chacco-Blue, out of Whizz Kid, by Carthago Z

Groom: Georgia Ellwood

Tim Gredley with 11-year-old gelding Medoc de Toxandria

Owner: Unex Competition Yard Ltd

Breeder: unknown

Breeding: by Der Senaat 111, out of Koriganne De Toxandria, by Kelvin de Sainte Hermelle

Groom: Paul Drew

Samuel Hutton with 12-year-old stallion Oak Grove’s Laith

Owner: Caramello Company

Breeder: SCEA Riverland (FRA)

Breeding: by London, out of Sirene de Riverland, by Quaprice

Groom: Lindsay Decottignies

Ben Maher with 13-year-old stallion Faltic HB

Owner: Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and rider

Breeder: H A Brinkman (NED

Breeding: by Baltic VDL, out of Beloma B, by Concorde

Groom: Derren Lake

Donald Whitaker with 12-year-old stallion Di CaprioOwner: Reitsportanlage Dagobertshausen GmbH and COKGBreeder: Harms Carsten (GER)Breeding: by Diarado, out of Zanzahra, by Cassini IGroom: Ally Gilly

The reserves, in alphabetical order, are:

Harry Charles with 12-year-old mare Aralyn Blue (Harry’s direct reserve)Owner: Ann ThompsonBreeder: Franjo Udovc (SLO)Breeding: by Chacco-Blue, out of Apienne, by Ludwig AS

Ben Maher with 10-year-old mare Dallas Vegas Batilly (Ben’s first direct reserve)

Owner: Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and rider

Breeder: J Viollett (FRA)

Breeding: by Cap Kennedy 2, out of Violetta Batilly, by L’Arc de Triomph

Ben Maher with 12-year-old mare Ginger-Blue (Ben’s second direct reserve)Owner: Jane Forbes ClarkBreeder: P Verberne (NED)Breeding: by Plot Blue out of Royal Rose, by Royal Bravour

The non-travelling reserve is:

Jessica Mendoza with 11-year-old gelding Play

Owner: rider

Breeder: E von Essen (SWE)

Breeding: by Luidam, out of Naiade Des Abers, by Diamant de Semilly

Groom: Duncan Skinner

Selection decisions are subject to the athlete and horse maintaining fitness and performance, and this list may be amended at any point up to midnight today.

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The nominated British entries for the European Showjumping Championships have been announced – and the final list will not be far behind.

British Equestrian (BEF) and the British Showjumping selectors have announced the 10 combinations on the list for the event, which runs in Milan, Italy, from 29 August to 3 September.

The British nominated entries for the European Showjumping Championships are:

Harry Charles with 12-year-old mare Aralyn Blue

Owner: Ann Thompson

Breeder: Franjo Udovc (SLO)

Breeding: by Chacco-Blue, out of Apienne, by Ludwig AS

Harry Charles with 13-year-old gelding Casquo Blue

Owner: Stall Zet

Breeder: Gestuet Lewitz (GER)

Breeding: by Chacco-Blue, out of Whizz Kid, by Carthago Z

Tim Gredley with 11-year-old gelding Medoc de Toxandria

Owner: Unex Competition Yard Ltd

Breeder: unknown

Breeding: by Der Senaat 111, out of Koriganne De Toxandria, by Kelvin de Sainte Hermelle

Samuel Hutton with 12-year-old stallion Oak Grove’s Laith

Owner: Caramello Company

Breeder: SCEA Riverland (FRA)

Breeding: by London, out of Sirene de Riverland, by Quaprice

Ben Maher with 10-year-old mare Dallas Vegas Batilly

Owner: Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and rider

Breeder: J Viollett (FRA)

Breeding: by Cap Kennedy 2, out of Violetta Batilly, by L’Arc de Triomph

Ben Maher with 13-year-old stallion Faltic HB

Owner: Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and rider

Breeder: H A Brinkman (NED

Breeding: by Baltic VDL, out of Beloma B, by Concorde

Ben Maher with 12-year-old mare Ginger-Blue

Owner: Jane Forbes Clark

Breeder: P Verberne (NED)

Breeding: by Plot Blue out of Royal Rose, by Royal Bravour

Jessica Mendoza with 11-year-old gelding Play

Owner: rider

Breeder: E von Essen (SWE)

Breeding: by Luidam, out of Naiade Des Abers, by Diamant de Semilly

Donald Whitaker with 12-year-old stallion Di Caprio

Owner: Reitsportanlage Dagobertshausen GmbH and COKG

Breeder: Harms Carsten (GER)

Breeding: by Diarado, out of Zanzahra, by Cassini I

Joe Whitaker with 11-year-old stallion Hulahupe JR

Owner: Jessica Crane

Breeder: J Reitsma (NED

Breeding: by Bubalu, out of Verixt, by Indoctro

Selection decisions are subject to riders’ and horses’ fitness and performance. The selected squad of four combinations and one reserve to travel to Milan, and non-travelling reserves, will be announced by 7 August. The grooms’ names have not yet been confirmed but will be included in the final squad announcement.

“The funding that the British Equestrian World Class Programme receives from the National Lottery and UK Sport is pivotal in preparing our teams for senior championships and supporting them on the ground,” a BEF spokesman said.

“British Equestrian is also extremely grateful for the support we enjoy from our partners – Bates Saddles, Dodson & Horrell, Fairfax & Favor, Haygain, NAF, SEIB and Toggi – and team suppliers – Equi-Trek, Horseware, Lotus Romeo, Marksway Horsehage and Point Two. We’re indebted for the year-round support they provide to the World Class Programme and British teams, which helps us to best prepare for senior championships.”

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‘The best day’: an emotional John Whitaker helps Great Britain triumph in Hickstead Nations Cup

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

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

One of the heroes of Friday’s victorious Hickstead Nations Cup team was 24-year-old British rising star Harry Charles.

A year after jumping a double clear for his country with Stall Zet’s impressive Casquo Blue in the Longines FEI Nations Cup of Great Britain, the Hampshire rider achieved the feat once again, this time in a crucial result for the sport. For it had been 13 years since British showjumping fans last had reason to celebrate on home soil when, back in 2010, Harry’s father Peter Charles and the great Murka’s Pom D’Ami, alongside William Funnell (Billy Congo), Tina Fletcher (Hello Sailor) and Michael Whitaker (GIG Amai II) had last lifted the Edward, Prince of Wales Trophy.

But this year, Di Lampard’s squad of Harry, John Whitaker (Equine America Unick Du Francport) – who had been on the sidelines watching the 2010 Nations Cup – Tim Gredley (Medoc De Toxandria) and Ben Maher (Exit Remo) brought home the silverware once again, to some epic celebrations.

Somewhat surprisingly for Harry, who is a veteran of an Olympic games, a world championship medallist and a mainstay of five-star British teams, this was his first Nations Cup success.

“This is amazing – it’s my first Nations Cup win but it’s also amaing for all the guys and Di Lampard,” said Hampshire-based Harry, who also picked up a share of the bonus as one of three riders who jumped double clears in Friday’s two-round competition. “This has been the goal to win the Nations Cup and bring it back. So when a plan comes together like it did today, it’s a real sense of achievement.

“I’m proud of everyone, it’s a really special day.”

Hickstead Nations Cup: ‘I was just a nipper!’

Harry was only 11, “just a nipper!” when he watched his father help Great Britain win the Hickstead Nations Cup in 2010, but he recalls the occasion vividly.

“I remember being here with Jack Whitaker [son of GB team rider Michael] and Will Fletcher [son of Tina Fletcher] in 2010 and I remember that day very clearly – I can’t believe that was the last time we won it! So it’s probably overdue and I’m very happy to bring it back,” said Harry. Notably, both of his friends from that day were also in action in the five-star classes at this year’s Longines Royal International Horse Show, with Jack Whitaker also securing a landmark first senior win at Hickstead.

If someone had told Peter Charles in 201o that it would be 13 years before Great Britain would next win on home soil, with his son on the team, he would have been “very surprised that it was so long coming”, but he had no doubt even back then that his then 11-year-old son would one day be forging his own incredibly successful showjumping career path.

“All through juniors and young riders, he’s been a real horseman, and his sisters Scarlett and Sienna too, so this is a credit to him. I’m very proud,” said Peter.

As a nod to his prowess as a team rider, Harry, who was the youngest of the quartet jumping in the Hickstead Nations Cup this year, has been shifted into the anchorman role as fourth team rider to jump.

“It’s a real privilege to be put in that position in your home Nations Cup,” said Harry. “So thanks to Di and Stanny van Paeschen for the trust.”

The competition had been sealed by third rider John Whitaker’s second-round clear, so Harry’s second round “was nice,” said a smiling Harry.

“The boys did all the hard work – I could just smile and wave a bit!” he said. “But I love jumping here at Hickstad, it’s the perfect place to win my first Nations Cup.”

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

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

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