There’s no need for football to come home, as showjumping has done it, again, was the verdict as Great Britain triumphed in the 2026 Agria Nations Cup at the Royal International Horse Show.

The team had been victorious in 2023 and 2024 but having just been pipped by Germany last year, came back to win with a fence in hand.

Jessica Mendoza (Summerhouse), Adrian Whiteway (Chacco Volo), Tim Gredley (Medoc De Toxandria) and Ben Maher (Catelly) finished on a total of eight faults, two fences ahead of Ireland, with Canada third on 24. Tim and his superstar campaigner Medoc jumped one of only two double clears to help seal Britain’s third win on home soil in four years.

Chef d’equipe Di Lampard said it was good to be back at the top.

“You talk about teamwork, this is what it’s all about, isn’t it?” she said, paying tribute to the teams behind the team, and her right-hand man Stanny Van Paesschen.

“I was quietly confident this morning, and yes, I had a bit of a nervous jitter towards the end of the second round – but I had every confidence in them.”

2026 Agria Nations Cup: Britain flying from the off

Britain was on flying form from the start; the first combination in, Jessica and her own 11-year-old gelding – a half-brother to her championship ride In The Air – jumped a textbook clear, sure and rhythmical, to give the team the best possible start, especially as it was the only clear in the first rotation of riders.

By the time Adrian came in, Britain’s was still the only clear. Chacco Volo did not touch a pole, but inexplicably stopped at the water, and the resulting time-faults meant they finished on a total of 20. Third in was Tim and the Gredleys’ and Unex Competition Yard’s 14-year-old, who were never in danger of touching a fence.

The luck had not been with Ireland in the first round; David Simpson and his Hickstead Derby hero Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve and Shane Breen and the versatile Scarteen had clocked up an uncharacteristic eight faults apiece, and team debutante Michaeli Byrne and MSH Claregalway four. But Conor Swail’s clear with Clonterm Obolensky put the team total at 12 and the pressure on by the time Ben came in with new ride Catelly.

Again, Ben and the 14-year-old owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright did not touch a pole – but again it was the water that was an issue, as Catelly went into it with a back foot.

This meant the team had a first-round total of four, a fence ahead of Brazil and two ahead of Ireland and the UAE. European champions Belgium and France were in seventh and eighth place, with 21 and 24 faults respectively, so missed out on the second round.

This rotation of riders led to a shake-up of the team order; Canada had finished round one in fifth place on 16 faults but Chris Pratt and Ideaal ES jumped clear and Kyle King (Kayenne Z) and Nicole Walker (Panter JVH) for four, so Amy Millar and Gaiete D’Elle’s five – an unlucky clip of the last fence and a time-fault – could be dropped for a total of 24. This was the same total as the UAE, who clocked up 12 in each round, but Canada’s faster time secured the podium. Brazil added four fences down in total to finish fourth.

In the second round, Jessica and Summerhouse clipped the troublesome early double, and Chacco Volo had an uncharacteristic two rails, which meant the pressure was on Tim and Medoc, who went round like the pros they are to leave everything up.

So in the end, it all came down – as it often has here before – to Ireland and the Brits. David and Pjotr had jumped for four, Michaeli eight and Shane and Scarteen a beautiful clear. So had Conor and Oliver Glancy’s 10-year-old clipped a single rail, or gone a second over the time, it would have been a home win without Ben needing to jump again. But their round was fast and faultless, the only other double clear secured, and leaving all the pressure on Ben’s shoulders. He could have one fence, two would have meant a jump-off with the Irish.

But Catelly wasn’t going to touch the water this time, and he flew everything else, clearing the last oxer to rapturous applause.

Ben paid tribute to the team at Hickstead, for the perfect going, sponsors Agria and the crowd.

“I’ve only had Catelly four months, so he was thrown in the deep end a bit, and we’re still making the odd mistake,” he said. “It was a bit of a unique fault I had in the first round; I don’t think I’ve ever seen a horse with a back foot in a water jump! So I had to make a bit of a plan B and got away with it.

“Then to come back, it was great to be able to finish it for this amazing team. I thought they were lying to me when I went in, that I had two jumps in hand and they’d told me one so I didn’t get too sloppy So I need to pay a bit more attention but Catelly jumped amazing, and showed what he can do. I’m very lucky to have the team of horses I have.”

Coming back to win

Jesssica and Adrian both jumped on this team last year and both were delighted to return and secure the win.

“I’ve had Chacco a long time, we’ve done it all together, and I’ve had an amazing season,” Adrian said. “This is actually probably the worst day we’ve had, unfortunately. But he’s an amazing, amazing horse. Unlucky today but that’s showjumping, and we’ll come back next time.”

Tim and Medoc were on the winning team here in 2023 and 2024, and Tim was delighted by the hat-trick, adding that Hickstead is the “holy grail” of showjumping.

“It’s where the showjumping all began for me, and I really want to give back to them every single year,” he said. “So to come here, jump a double clear and win on the team is brilliant, what it’s all about.

“Medoc got my career exactly back where I wanted to be, he’s been brilliant. Today was always the plan, we’ve been building towards this, and it’s come off. It’s very rare that plans come off, but it’s a nice feeling when they do.”

“This is for Bob”

Di added that the win was dedicated to the late legendary course-builder Bob Ellis

“We really wanted to win this year for Bob,” she said. “We all learned round his courses, they’re renowned all round the world. So talking to his daughter, we said we want to win at Hickstead. His memorial is in August and she said ‘I won’t be able to come [to Aachen], but bring a medal back’. Bob’s looking down on us.”

Hickstead director Edward Bunn thanked Agria, as without such support these shows cannot happen, and his team for their tireless weeks of work since the Derby meeting to ensure the ground was as good as it could be.

“Congratulations to Team GBR, to Di and her team,” he said. “Football doesn’t need to come home – showjumping does it for them.”

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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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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.

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Irish showjumper Jessica Burke celebrated a milestone first five-star victory at Jumping International De Bordeaux on Saturday (7 February) with one of the most exciting horses on the circuit, Good Star Du Bary.

The pair produced the sole double clear in a four-way showdown against some of the best in the business to decide the 12th leg of the Longines FEI World Cup in Western Europe.

“This horse has been close so many times and I was hoping for a top-five finish, but I didn’t think I could win, so I’m delighted,” said former school teacher Jessica.

Jessica Burke: “To have patience and wait for your day to come is very hard”

Jessica was drawn last against the clock and as her three rivals had all faulted, she knew a clear round could seal a landmark success. Absolute silence filled the venue as the pair skipped round the 1.60m track and, maintaining an upbeat tempo but with a cautionary check to the final oxer, this spectacular pair crossed the finish line clear, earning a huge round of applause. But Jessica deflected all the glory to the gorgeous grey gelding, pointing to him before she lavished him with affectionate pats.

This was a historic victory for 34-year-old Jessica as she became the first female rider to win Bordeaux’s feature class on just her sixth attempt at a World Cup competition with the 10-year-old.

“Five times he’s had one down but today we were clear,” said Jessica. “To have patience and wait for your day to come is very hard.”

“He’s the best horse I’ve ever ridden. You watch him jump 1.30m and you think that’s all he can jump but he’s so special,” added an emotional Jessica, whose family was in Bordeaux to support her while owner Liam Nicholas was also there celebrating his 60th birthday. “I only have one horse at this level at the moment but one very good one; he makes my life very easy. In the warm-up he’s totally relaxed but then he totally lights up with the crowd.

“His breeders will be so happy – I think the horse has a bigger following than I do in France,” she said of the French-bred son of Rock’n Roll Semilly, bred by Marina Storgato. “He has a massive heart. There aren’t many horses like him.”

Jessica Burke, who has recently left her base of Arion Stud in Hampshire to return to her native Ireland, has now secured her place in the World Cup Final in Fort Worth in April.

Jodie Hall McAteer finished best of the Brits in the World Cup with just a time-fault in round one riding La Gupardie. Sunday’s Audi grand prix was won by Martin Fuchs with Conner Jei, representing Switzerland.

Jessica Mendoza wins grand prix: “I knew I had to go for it”

Another showjumping Jessica, Jessica Mendoza, also found winning form on the international showjumping circuit this week, the British rider topping the CSI4* grand prix in Ocala, Florida, riding 13-year-old mare In The Air. Victory came after a nail-biting seven-way jump-off in which Jessica beat Ashley Vogel of USA riding Otis Blue as the only other clear against the clock.

“I was third to go with some fast riders behind me, so I knew I had to go for it,” said Jess. “I didn’t plan on doing that inside turn, but the person in front of me did it, and I thought, ‘Oh my God, I didn’t know I needed to do that.’ But she’s so athletic. I know I can do that turn on her, and she’d be right there with me.

“She’s always been amazing, but she’s turned into this superstar of a horse. She loves jumping, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have her.”

Richard Vogel versus Ben Maher in mighty battle

Also in USA, three of the world’s best riders topped the podium for the WEF $500,000 Fidelity Investments CSI5* grand prix at Wellington International, Florida. The winner was Germany’s Richard Vogel with rising star Gangster Montdesir, nudging out British Olympian Ben Maher with his great partner, the “sharp and high-energy” Enjeu De Grisien, who finished 0.3sec adrift. World number eight Nina Mallevaey, 26, finished third riding Dynastie De Beaufour.

“He’s a very exciting addition to my string,” said Richard of the Kannan x Cornet Obolensky stallion he started riding in September. “Right away I had a super feeling with him. He always wanted to do a good job from the very first show. I couldn’t wish for anything more than how he jumped tonight and how he was fighting for us.

“If you get such a talented horse stepping up so quickly, you must always find a balance – we want great nights like this, but we never want to overface the horse. Right now, he feels highly motivated and very game. He’s green at this level, but we have high hopes for him.”

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One fence separates the top seven combinations in the individual final at the Longines FEI European Showjumping Championships – as Scott Brash and Hello Folie remain in the silver medal position at this stage, and four Brits are through to the final showdown.

The top 25 combinations came forward to contest the first round of this afternoon’s (20 July) astonishingly close competition. Course-designer Santiago Varela upped the ante with certain lines offering striding options, and a tight time allowed of 76 seconds in this first round.

Four of the five Brits had made it through to today’s final; Donald Whitaker and Millfield Colette in 18th, Jessica Mendoza and In The Air 16th, Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly eighth and Scott Brash and Hello Folie second.

Going into the first round, only two poles separated the top 25 and only one pole the top 13. This meant to make it through to the second round – when only 12 come back – a clear was a must. All four Brits delivered and have sealed their places in the second round, where a pole now separates the top seven.

Donald Whitaker lies in 11th, Jessica ninth, Ben in fourth and Scott remains in the silver medal position.

“Colette jumped her heart out once more, she’s absolutely fantastic,” said Donald, after his first round.

“The course walked a bit more difficult than it looks like it’s riding; there were quite a lot of stride options from the first line to the last. It was quite big as well.”

Jessica Mendoza was thrilled with In The Air.

“I think she was a little tired today, but she stuck her teeth into it,” she said.

“It’s a different course from the other day, there’s a lot of big gaps between the fences so I think he’s testing us a bit more with the time allowed and our control.”

Ben and Dallas Vegas Batilly looked on their usual brilliant form, as did Scott and Hello Folie. Scott had his work cut out as Folie looked keen to get on with the job, rattling the oxer at fence 5 and the first part of the combination at fence seven, but Scott used his expertise to guide them home clear.

There was disappointment for reigning champion Steve Guerdat who was in the bronze medal position with Albfuehren’s Iashin Sitte, but an agonising knock of the final fence dropped them down to 12th going into the second round.

European Showjumping Championships individual final second round

The top 12 combinations now come back to contest a second round over a different course. Germany’s Richard Vogel and United Touch S remain in the gold medal spot, and Belgium’s Gilles Thomas and Ermitage Kalone in third, behind Scott and Hello Folie.

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Competing for Great Britain as an individual at this week’s Longines FEI European Showjumping Championships in Spain is Jessica Mendoza and the brilliantly scopey mare In The Air.

The pair produced a four-fault performance on the opening day, but returned on day two for a dazzling clear, which Jess described as “Pretty damn good!”

“She was flying!” Jess said. “My plan was of course to jump a clear round, but the course walked big and there were a lot of hard jumps for her – she shifts a little off the right lead going right and there were at least four jumps that I thought would be a bit of a trick – bogey jumps for her. But she never felt like she was going to touch a pole today, that’s for sure!”

Syndicate-owned mare gives owners plenty to cheer about at European Showjumping Championships

In The Air is a 12-year-old Dutch-bred mare looked after by groom Lina Karlsson and owned by a syndicate unofficially known as “The Moms’ Club”. It consists of Pernilla Amman, Georgia Kipp, Kristi Mitchem, Melissa Skowlund and Jess – as well as her father Paul Mendoza.

“In The Air and my other horse Summerhouse are owned by The Moms’ Club – they’re all the mums of my clients that I train, so it’s really lovely,” explained Jess. “And I own part of them both and my dad does too – he’s the only one not in the moms’ club!

“They’re all fantastic kids that I’ve been lucky enough to train and now I’m lucky enough that they want to invest in me. They’re not here in Spain, but they’re watching every round and cheering us on and they ring me as soon as we’ve jumped. It’s brilliant.”

Dutch-bred mare In The Air: why she’s more cat than dog

In The Air is quite a character.

“I describe her as a cat – I think most horses are more like a dog personality in that they want petting, they want love,” said Jess. “Whereas she’s never going to be the most loving and in your face – she’ll watch you, and she watches everything, but she’ll come to you in her own time.”

Jess, 29, describes the British team in A Coruna, who currently sit top of the leaderboard, as “one of the best teams I’ve been a part of”.

“I’ve done a lot of British teams and this one just has the camaraderie – everyone just has funny banter here and we’re all just a good group. It’s really nice to be a part of,” she said. “Even last night, we don’t have a team dinner as such, but we just go to dinner and we’ll hang out. So that’s great.”

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British rider takes the lead on day one of European Showjumping Championships: ‘I couldn’t be more proud’

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Jessica Mendoza and the 12-year-old mare In The Air have set the ball rolling for Great Britain on the opening day of the European Showjumping Championships (16-20 July) at A Coruna, Spain.

Competing as an individual for Great Britain, 29-year-old Jess just fell foul of a tricky flimsy plank at fence 11, approached off a tight turn. But the pair cruised home to finish with a solid four faults in a time of 79.40sec. The faults and time from this opening round are then converted to penalties via a coefficient and that score will be carried through to leg two of these championships on Thursday (17 July).

In The Air (Air Jordan x Indoctro) is owned by Jess, Pernilla Amman, Georgia Kipp, Kristi Mitchem and Melissa Skowlund AKA The Moms’ Club.

Reaction from Jessica Mendoza on day one of the European Showjumping Championships

“I’m very happy,” said the newly engaged Jess, who is now based in the US. “I just made one mistake there at the plank. That’s a little disappointing, but the mare jumped fantastic.

“She feels great. I mean, she puts her whole effort in every time she jumps. She does gymnastics over the jumps, so every jump is a different feeling. But she puts her heart into every jump.”

Describing Santiago Varela’s 1.50m track for day one of the European Showjumping Championships, Jess said: “The course rode tough enough but without being too killer so I think it was perfect.”

Portugal’s Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida and Karonia L were first in the ring and hold the lead at this early stage in the competition.

• To stay up to date with all the news from the European Showjumping Championships as it happens, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website today from just £1 a week. Our reporter Eleanor Jones will be on site throughout

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Two of Britain’s Olympic 2024 gold medal-winning riders, and one of the horses, are on the list of nominated entries for the British European Showjumping Championships team.

Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly, who jumped clear in Versailles last year, are among the 10 combinations whose names will be submitted to the FEI for the event in Spain next month.

They are joined by Scott Brash, whose clear with Hello Jefferson secured that team gold, but who is named here with two other horses, and the Paris reserve rider Joe Stockdale, also with another horse.

Up-and-coming star Matt Sampson is included; it will be Matt’s championship debut if he starts in A Coruña, and a senior championship debut for Jessica Mendoza and Donald and Robert Whitaker, if they are selected for the final squad.

British European Showjumping Championships team, nominated entries

The full list of entries (in alphabetical order by rider surname) is:

Scott Brash with 10-year-old Hello Mango

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: H P H Vaessen

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

Scott Brash with 10-year-old Hello Folie

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Claire Gouin

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

Ben Maher with 12-year-old Dallas Vegas Batilly

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and rider

Breeder: Jean Claude Viollet

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

Ben Maher with 11-year-old Enjeu de Grisien

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and rider

Breeder: Elevage de Grisien

Breeding: by Toulon, out of a mare by Andiamo

Ben Maher with 11-year-old Point Break

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and rider

Breeder: Nya Äppelvikens Ridskola

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

Jessica Mendoza with 12-year-old In The Air

Owner: rider

Breeder: C Den Boer

Breeding: by Air Jordan, out of a mare by Indoctro

Matthew Sampson with 13-year-old Medoc De Toxandria

Owners: Rachel Gredley, William Gredley and Unex Competition Yard

Breeder: Werner Dierckx

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

Joseph Stockdale with 11-year-old Ebanking

Owners: Barbara Hester and Joe’s mother Laura Stockdale

Breeder: V Vriend

Breeding: by Etoulon, out of a mare by Aranebel

Donald Whitaker with 12-year-old Millfield Colette

Owners: Reitsportanlage Dagobertshausen GmbH and rider

Breeder: Sue Jaggar

Breeding: by Cornet Obolensky, out of a mare by Clearway

Robert Whitaker with 12-year-old Vermento

Owners: Caroline and Brian Stephen Blatchford

Breeders: John and Clare Whitaker

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

A British Equestrian spokesperson said selection decisions are subject to athlete and horse maintaining fitness and performance. The squad of five combinations who will travel to A Coruña, plus non-travelling reserves, will be announced on or around 25 June.

“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,” she said.

“British Equestrian is also extremely grateful for the support we enjoy from our partners – Agria, Bates Saddles, D&H, NAF, SEIB and Toggi – and team suppliers – Equi-Trek and Lotus Romeo. 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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Heading to the European Showjumping Championships at Casas Novas? Here’s where to stay

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Can anything in the sport of showjumping cap a day in which you win one of the most prestigious grands prix in the world? Well, yes it can if your first child also decides to make her arrival on the morning of the competition. We headline this week’s international showjumping news round-up with the remarkable story of Olympic champion Christian Kukuk’s unforgettable day in Florida, in which he won the $750,000 Rolex grand prix hours after becoming a father. No wonder he described himself as “the happiest man on the planet”.

Read on for all of this week’s showjumping news and results from around the world.

Showjumping news: “A day we’ll never forget”

The Olympic champion Christian Kukuk had “a day we’ll never forget” on Saturday, 29 March, when he not only celebrated becoming a father for the first time, but he also won one of the biggest grands prix on the global circuit for the second year running.

With almost immaculate timing, Christian and his partner Veronica Tracy were due to welcome their first child just after the 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, concluded. But baby Lila decided to make her appearance a day early, arriving at 1am on the morning of WEF’s season finale, the $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open grand prix.

Christian won the competition last year and the euphoric new father teamed up once again with his incredible Olympic gold medal-winning partner Checker 47 to produce one of the performances of his life. In an eight-way jump-off, he beat runner-up US rider Laura Kraut (Bisquetta), with pathfinder Ashlee Bond of Israel riding Donatello 141 finishing in third.

“I’ll be there as fast as I can!” was his message to Veronica after winning the class on Saturday evening.

“As always, Checker gave me his all. It really was a dream come true and something we’ll be able to relive for every birthday to come. I am the happiest man on the planet tonight,” he said, also crediting groom Sofie Karlsson, for whom the Madeleine Winter-Schulze-owned Checker is “like her best friend”.

“I know every single button and Checker knows and trusts me. It’s a relationship based on trust,” he said. “I know exactly what I can ask from him, and he knows I would never ask anything crazy from him. Consistently winning on this level is only about creating a deep relationship with your horse.

“I knew Laura was fast and that I had to try everything in the jump-off,” added Christian, who has spent his first winter in Florida. “It went well and then suddenly I had too many strides to the last. I thought for a second that I had lost it but I looked to the screen and saw I got lucky in that moment.”

Laura admitted she had “left the door open”, and Christian managed to stop the clock 0.29sec quicker than her and Cherry Knnoll Farm’s 11-year-old mare.

“Being second to the Olympic champion feels pretty good,” she said. “Bisquetta is a very quick horse, but I got a bit cautious.”

Ashlee Bond credited her Olympic partner: “Donnie and I have been together for nine years, and after the Olympics I wasn’t sure he was going to do this again.

“The fact that I get to be third in a Rolex 1.60m grand prix makes me grateful and I don’t take any of these moments for granted,” she added. “As long as he keeps telling me that he loves his job, he’ll do it. Then, if he can give my daughter pony rides for the rest of his career, that’s fine.”

• Rolex US Equestrian Open grand prix results

Wins for Mendoza and Maher

Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza added another victory to an impressive string of results at this year’s WEF, this time with borrowed horse VDL Stella, the ride of one of her students.

“There were enough in the jump-off so it was nice I was last to go; I could see what everyone was doing,” she said after landing the CSI2* jump-off class. “She doesn’t have the biggest stride so I couldn’t do the leave-outs. Some did seven [strides] to the double, but I knew doing eight was just as quick. I went quick without losing my cool.”

Ben Maher is nursing a fractured foot, but he also managed to win on the final week of WEF, topping the Adequan WEF Challenge Cup with Point Break, who was newly arrived in Florida from the Dutch Masters and was due on a return flight for this week’s World Cup Final in Basel, Switzerland.

“He came, did his job and he’s leaving,” said Ben, who beat world number two Kent Farrington on Toulayna, with Daniel Coyle third with Ariel Grange’s Legacy. “Competition is tough here – it always is – but I think more and more of the world’s best are coming here.”

• WEF results

Grand prix glory for Ryan

Ireland’s Thomas Ryan landed the Toscana Tour’s CSI4* grand prix in Arezzo, Italy, with 10-year-old Jezebeau BC, after just three combinations made the jump-off. Earlier in the week, Jack Whitaker continued his excellent form with Equine America Valmy De La Lande, finishing second to Harrie Smolders (Mr Tac) in the Longines world rankings grand prix qualifier.

• Toscana Tour results

Showjumping news: a milestone in Mexico

And finally in this week’s international showjumping news round-up, we head to Mexico, where Italy’s Emanuele Camilli delivered a milestone first Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) grand prix success with Chacco’s Girlstar, edging out Jörne Sprehe and Sprehe Hot Easy. Jérôme Guery and Great Britain V completed the podium.

“I took all the risk and I was lucky that it went my way today,” said Camilli, who secured his place at the Super Grand Prix in November.

Denis Lynch is the new LGCT championship leader at this early stage in the series.

• LGCT of Mexico results
• 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
• 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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Much of this week’s international showjumping news centres around the sunnier climes of Florida, Abu Dhabi and Doha, but there was also an electric World Cup victory indoors in Leipzig, Germany.

Our favourite moments, however, were debutant grand prix winner Guido Grimaldi’s gleeful expression on his lap of honour, and we loved Gentlemen VH Veldhof rolling back the years to win a towering six-bar outright at the age of 19 with new rider Robert Whitaker.

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

Showjumping news: “I did my max but Willem was just faster!”

First up in this week’s international showjumping news round-up, we head to Leipzig, Germany where Willem Greve and the mighty 13-year-old stallion Highway TN NOP won the Longines FEI World Cup.

Surprisingly, despite his glittering career, this was actually the Dutch rider’s first World Cup success.

In a competitive 13-way jump-off over a tough track set by Frank Rothenberger, Willem carved out a significant advantage over his nearest rivals Simon Delestre (Dexter Fontenis Z) in second, with the in-form Hans-Dieter Dreher of Germany third on another 13-year-old, Elysium.

“Today we were smooth from the first to the last, everything went to plan and we nailed it,” said Willem, who has been riding Highway for six years. “I’m honoured to ride such a horse for Team Nijhof. He’s always searching for the first distance and I just have to follow him. Richie Skillen [Willem’s show groom] gives everything to the horses, so this is for him, the owners and for everyone who helps make my job very easy.”

Simon added, “I did my max today, but Willem was just faster!”

Cousins Donald and Robert Whitaker were the only Brits in contention, both faulting in round one with Millfield Colette and Vermento respectively. However Robert, who sits in third in the overall World Cup standings so far this season, enjoyed success the previous night when he and 19-year-old Gentlemen VH Veldhof won a towering six-bar outright as the only competitors to jump clear in the fifth and final round.

There was further appreciation for the equine golden oldies of the sport when the hugely popular 17-year-old Vitiki took the Championat of Leipzig for Brazilian showjumper Yuri Mansur.

• Leipzig results

If only we could bottle this rider’s winning feeling

Guido Grimaldi’s ecstatic winning smile says it all (see main image above) after he won the CSI4*-W World Cup grand prix presented by Longines at the Al Shira’aa Show in Abu Dhabi. Riding the 14-year-old gelding Gentleman, the Italian rider produced the performance of his life to claim his first grand prix success.

“This is my first time here at the Al Shira’aa Show, and it’s a moment I will never forget,” he said. “To be on the podium with such fantastic sportsmen and athletes is an honour. And considering riding is not my full-time job, this is just like I’m living in a dream. I always try to do my best, and this is such a special night.

“From Monday to Wednesday last week, I was in Istanbul for business, so I have to thank Luiz Felipe Cortizo Gonçalves De Azevedo Filho for preparing the horses over the past few days. He’s been training me for many months, and I consider their team a second family. More than anyone, I have to thank my wife for always supporting me.”

Great Britain’s Lily Attwood and Karibou Horta secured a double of victories at the show, heading a 1.45m accumulator and a ranking class.

“This is my first time competing in the UAE, and I’m delighted with the win and placings from last week. It’s nice for them to have the sun on their backs and the facilities here are superb for horses, riders and grooms. Al Shira’aa has put on an amazing event, I hope to come back again next season,” said Lily.

• Al Shira’aa Show results

Showjumping news: “Mom Club” sees their “unique” horse win with Jessica Mendoza

A week after enjoying an African horseback safari, Jessica Mendoza returned for week two of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) where she won the $32,000 CSI3* Adequan WEF Challenge Cup with a blitzing challenge riding In The Air.

“My horse is the most incredible horse to go in the ring on, let alone a jump-off,” she said of the 12-year-old Air Jordan mare. “She is the most unique horse I’ve had. You can’t jump her at home, she’s horse-shy, people-shy, but you go in the ring and she puts her blinkers on and all she wants to do is win. She’s all business.”

In The Air and her brother Summerhouse were found in the Netherlands where they were being produced by a young rider. A group of Jessica’s clients clubbed together to buy both horses for her to compete.

“All the moms of my clients got involved so we call it the ‘Mom Club’,” she revealed. “We had big plans for her and she’s exceeded them. I’m not sure where she’s going to go but I think she’ll go all the way.

“She has such a positive attitude. I take my time and plan everything for her. I don’t ride how I want to ride, I ride how she needs to be ridden. I think she really appreciates that. She’s so careful that doesn’t need to jump big at home; I train, work on her straightness and then she comes and does her job in the ring.”

• WEF Week Two results

All-British podium

Finally in this week’s international showjumping news, we head to the Doha Tour in Qatar, where Portugal’s Duarte Seabra finished the week with CSI4* grand prix glory riding Dourados 2. But it was also a great week for Great Britain’s Millie Allen, who secured a winning double, including topping an all-British podium with Clearround IL Mondo Z on Friday ahead of Ellen Whitaker (Korlenski) and Scott Brash (Hello Folie).

“I have a really lovely team of horses at the moment, so to be able to go to such an excellent venue as Doha and get results like this is a great feeling,” said Millie.

• Doha Tour results
• 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 celebrate big wins for British riders Amanda Derbyshire and Jessica Mendoza. A shout out also to photographer Mackenzie Clark/FEI for capturing this remarkable chestnut stallion in mid-flight (above). There’s no way Ikigai was touching a pole this week! His rider Alex Matz reveals the best advice for aspiring young riders is to “watch and try to learn from the best – it’s free!”. Hats off to you, Alex, a top tip indeed.

Also this week, we are loving the fact Sophie Hinner has just won her first World Cup qualifier a week after her boyfriend Richard Vogel landed the previous leg in Lyon. That’s #couplegoals right there.

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

Showjumping news: hat-trick winner credits “free” tips after last-minute call-up

US showjumper Alex Matz, 28, had a last-minute call to attend this year’s Royal Horse Show in Toronto, Canada, but he was handsomely rewarded with a remarkable five-star winning treble, including his first ever Longines FEI World Cup qualifier with the sensational flying chestnut Ikigai, who certainly wasn’t going to touch a pole this week.

“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet,” said Alex, who produced the only double clear with the Dutch-bred Elvis Der Putte stallion. “I knew I had to give it my all because I had really fast riders behind me.

Ikigai came from Alex’s former employer Jos Lansink three years ago and their partnership has exceeded all expectations.

“Jos said he had quite a special horse but I didn’t really believe him,” said Alex. “Then I sat on him and he was like nothing I’d ever sat on.”

An injury last year put Ikigai on the sidelines for nearly a year, but in recent months the pair have been producing some of their biggest and most consistent results yet.

“He’s come back better than I could have ever imagined,” said Alex, whose father, US Olympic medallist Michael Matz, won the grand prix at The Royal in 1977. “I’m really proud because I’ve told everybody how good he is, but I think a lot of people didn’t believe me until recently. Now he’s proved it.”

Alex’s other two wins in Toronto came with the “phenomenal” 16-year-old Cashew CR, aka Monkey, whom he said it is a “privilege” to ride.

“You go to big shows and watch better riders to learn from them – it’s one big cycle,” he said. “McLain Ward, King Farrington, Conor Swail… those are three people in the top 10 in the world, why wouldn’t you watch and try to learn from them? It’s free!”

British showjumper Jessica Mendoza produced some eye-catching results at the show, including victory in the Brickenden Trophy on I-Cap CL Z, and Daniel Coyle’s partner Incredible, owned by Ariel Grange, was awarded the All-Canadian Cup for the leading Canadian-owned horse.

• CSI5*-W Toronto results

Showjumping boyfriend and girlfriend score back-to-back World Cups #couplegoals

Just a week after Sophie Hinners’ partner Richard Vogel won the Lyon leg of the Longines FEI World Cup, the 26-year-old landed victory of her own in Verona, Italy, riding the 12-year-old gelding Iron Dames My Prins.

“This is really something very special. I had it in my mind after Rich’s win last week how cool it would be if I could win this week, but I didn’t believe it could happen,” she said.

This is Sophie’s debut World Cup season but she beat Olympians Ben Maher (Point Break) and Marcus Ehning (Coolio 42) to the top spot.

While Sophie was in action in Italy, her boyfriend Rich Vogel also continued his winning form, landing the $170,000 Mad Barn Big Ben Challenge riding the eight-year-old Levi Noesar (Zirocco Blue x Baloubet Du Rouet).

CSI5*-W Verona results

Showjumping news: Amanda Derbyshire wins $100,000 grand prix

US-based British showjumper Amanda Derbyshire bookended the grand prix podium on the CSI2* Split Rock Jumping Tour in Aiken, USA. She won with Cornwall BH and tied for third with Zadora, dead-heating with fellow Brit Grace Debney riding Jesprit HS.

• Split Rock Jumping Tour results

Arriba Harry Charles! Brit comes close in big money class in Mexico

Flying the British flag far and wide, Harry Charles and Casquo Blue finished third in the CSI5* La Silla grand prix in Mexico. The winner was home rider Andres Azcarraga on Contendros 2 but barely a second separated the top four riders after the 12-way second round.

• CSI5* La Silla results

A bucket list win for Smolders

And finally in this week’s international showjumping news round-up, Dutch showjumper Harrie Smolders won the CSI4* grand prix of Maastricht with 12-year-old Toulon gelding Mr Tac. In a thrilling jump-off, he beat Laura Kraut (Bisquetta) and Pieter Devos (Primo DV) to the top of the podium.

“Jumping Indoor Maastricht is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric competitions in the Netherlands,” he said. “It has four-star status but radiates five-star quality.

“Indoor competitions seem to suit Mr Tac well. The length of his stride to the last jump was amazing – he really stretches out.”

• Jumping Indoor Maastricht results
• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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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 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in the Saudi capital of Riyadh fast-approaching (16-20 April), the preparations are currently in full swing for 35 of the world’s leading riders from 19 nations with 42 horses between them. So who’s who among this year’s star-studded field of World Cup Final showjumping contenders bidding for a place in history?

Remarkably, the last British rider to claim the World Cup crown was Nick Skelton in 1995 with Dollar Girl. The three contenders flying the union flag hoping to break that duck are Ben Maher, Scott Brash – both of whom qualified from the Western European League – and US-based British team rider Jessica Mendoza, who gained points from the North American League. Ben will be in action on his top mare Dallas Vegas Batilly while Scott lines up with Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham’s super Swedish-bred grey Hello Valentino.

Meanwhile Jessica, who turns 26 just ahead of her trip to Riyadh, will be making her World Cup Final debut. She brings 12-year-old gelding I-Cap CL Z, who she has produced right up through the grades and with whom she represented Great Britain at the recent Longines League Of Nations at Ocala, Florida, alongside Ben.

Defending champions hoping to continue the World Cup dream

The defending champions Henrik von Eckermann and the brilliant King Edward will be back in a bid to retain their World Cup crown. After lifting the trophy in Omaha, USA, last year, the Swedish world number one said: “It was always a big, big goal and a dream for me to have my name on that trophy. This is very special.”

Henrik will be joined by team-mate Peder Fredricson with his 2021 European bronze medal-winning 18-year-old Catch Me Not S, with whom he also finished third in the 2019 World Cup Final.

Former World Cup Final winners Martin Fuchs (Commissar Pezi) and Steve Guerdat (Is-Minka) will represent Switzerland. This will be the latter’s 15th World Cup Final and the 2012 Olympic champion will be bidding for a record fourth victory again this year.

Among the other A-list names in action are another World Cup three-time title-holder, Marcus Ehning for Germany, with a relatively new ride, the 11-year-old Coolio 42, plus Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet on 14-year-old gelding Ace Of Hearts, Julien Epaillard who will be one of the favourites on Dubai Du Cedre, with Kent Farrington lining up for USA. Kent is one of a handful of riders bringing two horses, the 10-year-old rising stars Greya and Toulayna.

World Cup Final showjumping debutant carries the Irish flag

Richard Howley was the highest ranked Irish rider in the Western European League, winning the opening two qualifiers of the series, and he will be Ireland’s sole representative as he makes his debut at the World Cup Final riding 13-year-old Equine America Consulent De Prelet Z, who he co-owns with Sarah Borthwick and his and his wife Morgan Kent’s HK Horses.

“He’s so clever and he’s so smart, so it makes my job easier because he’s so talented,” says Richard of the gelding. “I don’t think he’s even fully found himself yet – I still think he has more to give. So we’re just trying to find a bit of middle ground of consistency and trust in the partnership. I think the world of him, and my owner Sarah Borthwick and myself think this horse could give everything. But we’re just trying to get the best out of him.”

The Arab League is represented by five athletes, with three riders from the host nation Saudi Arabia qualifying with strong performances in the Middle Eastern sub-league. Seasoned World Cup veteran and Olympic medallist Ramzy Al Duhami brings Addressee and Untouchable 32, while 25-year-old Khaled Almobty rides Jaguar King WD and the former Ellen Whitaker ride Spacecake.

Olympic bronze medallist Abdullah AlSharbatly rides 16-year-old Alamo, with whom Steve Guerdat won the 2019 World Cup Final and who later went to Spanish rider Sergio Alvarez Moya before Abdullah took the reins at the end of 2022. The pair have gone on to achieve five-star success, but he also brings 13-year-old Fiumicino Van De Kalevallei, who came from Dutch rider Jur Vrieling last year.

World Cup Final attracts talented crop of young showjumpers

Among the crop of young talents stepping out on the global stage for this year’s World Cup Final showjumping contest are 22-year-old French rider Jeanne Sadran (Dexter De Kerglenn), who enjoyed a successful career on ponies.

Canada’s Mario Deslauriers holds the record as the youngest World Cup winner at the age of 19 in 1984, and the youngest riders in Riyadh later this month will be US teenager Skylar Wireman on Tornado and Egyptian showjumper Zain Shady Samir with London Eye. Both riders are just 19 years old.

Skylar has been riding since a young child, hitting the headlines in 2020 when she won the USEF Showjumping Talent Search Final. Swedish-bred Tornado was sent to her as a sales horse but she bought him with the help of some family friends. Skylar is trained by her mother and 2004 Olympic team gold medallist Peter Wylde, and although she doesn’t normally have a groom – preferring to do everything for her horses herself – she will be supported in Riyadh by groom Alicia Thompson.

Another youngster is Egypt’s 22-year-old Abdelrahman Shousha who brings the 14-year-old Quincy 230.

From Balcormo Stud in Scotland to the World Cup Final

British showjumping fans will recognise the lovely gelding How Easy (by Talan, out of the Quite Easy mare Come Easy), who was bred and produced at Balcormo in Scotland by Sandra Low Mitchell. He went on to compete with Julie Andrews and Robert Murphy, but now competes under the Czechia flag with Sara Vingralkova, 21, a consistent performer at junior and young rider European Championships. The young rider also takes the 14-year-old Belgian-bred gelding Kas-Sini DC.

Sandra’s 91-year-old mother Jacky had originally picked out How Easy’s sire Talan in a catalogue as a three-year-old and has hit the jackpot using him with broodmare Come Easy. Both Sandra and Jacky will be glued to the livestream as they continue to follow How Easy’s progress in Riyadh.

“Mum’s had the thrill of following him the whole way through, we’re so proud,” says Sandra. “They’ll be the babies of the class, but I love the way Sara rides him –How Easy has landed on his feet with her.”

Sandra’s late father Dugald bought How Easy’s grandam in-foal along with another mare at a local auction and her offspring, Come Easy, has produced a string of quality youngsters, including How Easy’s full-sister Mytee Easy LM, currently jumping with Molly Andrews and Julie Andrews.

“How Easy did two shows as a four-year-old and won the four-year-old sport horse at the Highland Show, then we just hacked him about when he was five and let him grow,” explains Sandra. “I registered him when he was six and he immediately won a British novice, but this was just before my hip operation and this horse was too beautiful and sensitive for me to ride at the time – it broke my heart as he was so lovely, but I knew I wasn’t the right person to ride him.

“I kept a share in him but Julie Andrews did the next steps, then Rob Murphy took him to the next level before Sara bought him. He was always beautiful and they all live up to their Easy names.”

History in the making at the World Cup Final?

For Japan, the sole representative Shinichiro Sugiyama rides the aptly named Rising Sun, while from the Eurasian League, Nurjan Tuyakbaev hopes to become the first rider from Uzbekistan to win the World Cup crown. Angelos Touloupis of Greece (Lord Mexx) is among the entries from the Central European League.

This is the first time the World Cup Final showjumping has been held in Saudi Arabia, with a record-breaking 2.6million euros in prize money on offer at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center.

The first jumping competition begins on 17 April, continuing with round two the following day, with the winner decided on Saturday 20 April. You can keep up to date with all the action with H&H.

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World number one wins World Cup title as British riders suffer disappointment

‘I owe everything to Legacy’: World Cup podium finishers fight back to win London grand prix

‘One of the greatest horses to ever live’: legendary showjumper dies aged 30

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

With the Longines FEI World Cup series now in full swing, there were two huge British results to celebrate this week, one for Jessica Mendoza in Toronto and the other for Ben Maher in Verona. We were also thrilled to see one of our favourite stallions Vermento back to his grand prix-winning ways in Lier.

Read on for our weekly round-up of international showjumping news and results.

Showjumping news: ‘Dallas gave me everything today’

A week after their third-place finish in the Longines FEI World Cup qualifier in Lyon, France, Ben Maher and uber-mare Dallas Vegas Batilly (Cap Kennedy x L’Arc De Triomphe*Bois Margot) triumphed in this week’s leg in Verona, Italy, presented by Scuderia 1918. A top-class field of eight from 40 starters came through to the jump-off and, from penultimate draw, the reigning Olympic champion and the 10-year-old mare he co-owns with Pamela Wright and Charlotte Rossetter scorched home a fraction ahead of Steve Guerdat with the 14-year-old multi-winning Venard De Cerisy. The Swiss rider injured his shoulder in the first round but he said it didn’t affect his performance against the clock.

Finishing third was Nicola Philippaerts for Belgium riding another super mare, Katanga VH Dingeshof.

“It was a very difficult jump-off – you had to ride the right lines to make it smooth and fast,” said Ben of the track set by Uliano Vezzani. “Dallas gave me everything today, she was really fighting for me and everything went my way – she was incredible!”

Ben revealed he had warmed up the “sensitive” mare away from the main collecting ring because of the incredible atmosphere in the ring.

“I warmed up early so I could watch Steve Guerdat and I picked the right one to watch!” said the Hertfordshire rider. “My horse is a bit like Steve’s – she lands, she turns and everything went my way today, but it was so very close!

“She likes to be the boss and for me to be the passenger!”

The reigning European champion Steve Guerdat paid tribute to his rival: “Ben rode a great jump-off and fully deserves his win.”

British rider and university student Antonia Platt, who turns 22 later this month, made her CSI5* World Cup debut on Marvin Van De Waterhoeve, just coming home with 12 faults.

“Everyone was so nice, I was so excited to be there,” Antonia told H&H.  “Marvin gave me an unbelievable feeling.

“I’ve had him since he was nine and he’s now 12 and I’ve always said he was a five-star horse, but we just haven’t had these kind of opportunities up to now,” added Antonia, crediting Matteo Giunti of the CT (Cavalleria Toscana) Academy for the training and the opportunity to compete at her first five-star show.

Ben had also been in the ribbons the previous day, finishing third with Enjeu De Grisien in Saturday’s winning round competition.

• Jumping Verona results

Big Ben Challenge goes to Daniel Coyle and Legacy

In other showjumping news, there was plenty of top-class action to enjoy at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, Canada, where Ireland’s Daniel Coyle and Ariel Grange’s great mare Legacy triumphed in the prestigious $150,000 Mad Barn Big Ben International Challenge. Kelvin Bywater was in action as course-designer and seven combinations went through to the jump-off where Daniel drew gasps from the crowd as he set an unbeatable target.

“Legacy now knows how to go very fast,” said Daniel. “I believed she could do it. She’s an amazing horse and I’m delighted to have her. It probably wasn’t the smoothest round I’ve ever had, but she’s such a fighter.”

• Royal Horse Show results

Vermento returns to his winning ways

British showjumper Robert Whitaker rode Caroline Blatchford’s King George-winning stallion Vermento to grand prix glory at the CSI2* Azelhof Autumn Tour, a perfect warm-up for their appearance at this week’s CSI5* World Cup show in Stuttgart, Germany.

“I haven’t really jumped him since HOYS but I’m going to Stuttgart this week so I took him there and he jumped good,” Robert told H&H. “He was clear in the other ranking class too, but I didn’t jump off because there were so many clears that day.

“The grand prix was a bit harder – there were only eight clears, which isn’t so many for a two-star. Siebe Leemans, who finished second, was very, very fast but Vermento was just very, very good on the turns and quick.

“These World Cup shows are hard to get into, but luckily I can get into London this year, so I’ll do that, too.”

• Azelhof Autumn Tour results

Bluman first, Mendoza second in Toronto World Cup

After finishing second to Daniel Coyle in last year’s Longines FEI World Cup qualifier in Toronto, Daniel Bluman went one better this time to triumph on the lovely grey mare Gemma W (Luidam x Unaniem) after a thrilling five-way jump-off. Finishing second was British rider Jessica Mendoza on I-Cap CL Z, with Kent Farrington of the USA third on rising star, the nine-year-old Greya.

“I don’t know how many chances you get to win a grand prix like this one so when you are given the chance, the minimum you can do is beat the time of the rider that went before you,” explained 33-year-old Daniel. “My goal was to beat Kent’s time. Hopefully the rails would stay up and I could then put the pressure on Jess not to beat me.

“Gemma is all heart. She maybe lacks some of the physical ability to jump the big fences, but she will always give you everything. When I walked the course today, the verticals were big, and we had the triple combination to finish. But I had a good feeling that my mare was feeling good. I haven’t jumped her too big this year and was trying to pick the right places for her. She felt amazing, and sometimes it just goes your way.”

Jess Mendoza, who was competing at The Royal for the first time, describes her 11-year-old I’m Special De Muze gelding as “amazing”.

“I trust him completely,” she said. “I know if I make crazy turns and I’m at a big angle, he’s going to take off, and he’s going to do his best to clear it. This is an incredible show and an unbelievable feeling to be in front of that crowd.”

Course-designer Kelvin Bywater first built at The Royal in 1991 alongside mentor Bob Ellis.

“To come back and design here this week has been something special,” he said.

• CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show results

A win for Robert Murphy

British rider Robert Murphy rode the 11-year-old Hulde G to victory in a speed class at the CSI4* Maastricht and finished second in the accumulator. John Whitaker was also in the money at the show with Sharid, and the jumping legend just picked up four faults in the grand prix jump-off on Equine America Unick Du Francport. The feature class was won by Maikel van der Vleuten with Catoki stallion Luigi D’Eclipse.

Showjumping news: Brits hit flying form in Spain

We conclude this week’s showjumping news round-up with the CSI3* grand prix on the Autumn Mediterranean Equestrian Tour, which was won by Spanish rider Mariano Martinez Bastida on Jup, with Donald Whitaker and Nikita Du Roton (Elvis Ter Putte x Chippendale Z) second with the only other double clear of the competition. Among a raft of multi-winning British riders this week was Nicole Lockhead Anderson with I Am A Harley and Christian Street, and Louise Simpson on Dallco Chance and Starouge.

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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

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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Fancy a trip to the European Showjumping Championships? Find out about tickets…

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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

There have been milestone wins, top level comebacks and team celebrations this week. Here is your weekly round-up of just some of the international sporting action from the world of showjumping.

The Olympic champion only needs one stirrup

The 11-time Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix winner Ben Maher returned to top flight competition with his Olympic gold medal-winning partner Explosion W and, proving why he is the best in the world, Ben rode much of his opening round for GCL team Paris Panthers with only one stirrup. The pair went on to finish fourth in Saturday’s LGCT grand prix with the extraordinary gelding producing a flawless double clear, just off the pace of the podium winners.

• LGCT grand prix of Stockholm results

First five-star grand prix glory for Matt Sampson

In Spruce Meadows, Canada, British rider Matt Sampson landed a milestone and emotional first victory in a CSI5* grand prix riding Fabrice DN. The world number five, Conor Swail, finished second for Ireland.

“It’s my first five-star and for it to be at Spruce Meadows is a dream come true,” said Matt (pictured below). “I grew up watching the greats – Michael Whitaker John Whitaker and Nick Skelton – compete here. It’s what I worked for.”

• Spruce Meadows “national” results

Nations Cup success for Team GB

Great Britain’s Team NAF landed the CSI3* Nations Cup at Gorla Minore, Italy. The squad produced a near flawless performance to win with a zero score, thanks to double clears from Oliver Fletcher (Hello William), Amy Inglis (Wishes) and Joseph Fernyhough (Calcourt Particle) with a great performance from Joe Whitaker (Hulahupe JR). At the Nations Cup over at the CSIO3* in Prague, Czech Republic, Great Britain took fifth.

Longines EEF Nations Cup of Gorla Minore result

Christian Ahlmann proves dominant once again with his “superstar”

Christian Ahlmann of Germany rode the tremendous stallion Dominator 2000 Z to win their second LGCT grand prix of the season in Stockholm, Sweden. Second-placed Henrik von Eckermann (King Edward) picked up the prestigious golden ticket for the Super Grand Prix at the end-of-season Prague Playoffs.

“It was unbelievable, you can tell that all the people here are horse people and know the sport, they are behind every rider and it feels great – I am more than happy,” said Christian, who extends his lead at the top of the season rankings to 34 points clear of two-time champion Ben Maher.

The German rider also apologised to the crowd for denying a home win for their local hero Henrik.

“Dominator is an absolute superstar,” he added. “I am very pleased with my horses and my whole team who work really really hard and I really hope that everything stays sound and focused and we can make it at the end of the season.”

• LGCT of Stockholm grand prix results

You snooze, you lose, in champagne fights

After finishing second with I-Cap CL Z in the CSI3* grand prix on the Split Rock Jumping Tour, USA, British rider Jessica Mendoza learned the importance of opening your celebratory champagne bottle quickly, receiving an absolute drenching when hers failed to open in time. The outright winner was US rider Molly Ashe Cawley with the 10-year-old Cappuccino (by Comme Il Faut 5), with the sole clear round in round one.

“He brought his A-game today,” said Molly. “I thought it was a tough course – there were a lot of tall verticals and the triple [combination] at the end [rode a bit like a gymnastic]. He dug in today for me.”

• Split Rock grand prix results

Turkish delight in Stockholm

Derin Demirsoy became the first Turkish rider in 16 years to win on the Longines Global Champions Tour, heading Sunday’s CSI5* 1.50m speed class riding Elzas. Local rider Henrik von Eckermann finished just 0.04sec behind on Glamour Girl, with Scott Brash and Hello Shelby just a further 0.08sec away for third place.

• LGCT Stockholm 1.50m results

Bertram Allen reveals his rising star

Ireland’s Bertram Allen racked up a winning double at the LGCT of Stockholm, winning Sunday’s 1.55m class with Pacino Amiro and topping Saturday’s Future Challenge youngster jumping with the seven-year-old Karlsson (Carrera VDL x Concorde).

“It was definitely a thrilling jump-off,” said Bertram of his 1.55m victory. “It was fast and with Daniel [Deusser] and Peder [Fredricson] both having good rounds I knew I had to take a lot of risks. My horse jumped fantastic today so it was nice to come out on top.”

• Future Challenge results

Jordan Coyle wins Spruce Meadows’ ATCO CSI2* grand prix

Irish rider Jordan Coyle and Picador landed the ATCO CSI2* grand prix in the international ring at Spruce Meadows, Canada, after an 11-way jump-off. Jordan was the pathfinder and laid down an incredibly quick clear in 43.98sec to claim victory.

• Spruce Meadows results

Stockholm Hearts take the lead in GCL

Swedish heroes Peder Fredricson and Malin Baryard-Johnsson remained faultless for Global Champions League team Stockholm Hearts to claim victory on home soil.

“It is so nice to do the home win in front of this crowd, when you are on a horse like my fantastic Indiana she makes my life so much easier,” said Malin. “But of course, the pressure makes it harder but she is in super form and we are doing amazing at the moment.”

• GCL of Stockholm results

Grand prix glory for Laura Renwick

At the CSI2* Bonheiden, Belgium, Laura Renwick and MHS I’m The One proved top class to win the grand prix after a 12-way jump-off.

• Bonheiden grand prix results

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Showjumping is often a very serious business but the annual Great Charity Challenge at the Winter Equestrian Festival is the perfect opportunity for riders to unleash their inner superhero, cartoon character or alter ego and raise astonishing sums of money for charity, and this year’s contest certainly didn’t disappoint.

The theme for Saturday night’s (5 February) charity showjumping competition was favourite childhood story books and 33 teams of horses and riders entered the arena as everything from Scooby Doo (step forward Ben Maher, pictured below in his Shaggy costume) to The Ugly Duckling (Jessica Mendoza).

Each team is made up of junior and amateur riders competing alongside top professionals including Olympians and medallists and the winning squad featured British Olympian Jessica Mendoza with her team-mates Caroline Mawhinney and Mia Albelo representing “The Ugly Duckling” story. The trio had the backing of team sponsor Sexton Engineering and corporate sponsor Triple M Farms and finished in a time of 93.779sec, winning $100,000 for their charity.

“It’s an incredible cause and it’s just amazing to be a part of it, especially with such a fun team,” said Jessica.

Her 17-year-old team-mate Mia added: “It’s incredible to combine your passion of riding and to do something good in the world and our local community.”

Another British rider, Grace Debney, was part of the second-placed team alongside Alexa Elle Lignelli and Evan Coluccio, who came home in 94.885sec to pocket $90,000 for their charity.

The final spot on the podium went to Lindsay Tomeu, Olivia Sweetnam and Shane Sweetnam.

A grand total of $1.7m was distributed to local Palm Beach non-profit organisations thanks to the Great Charity Challenge sponsored by Fidelity Investments.

Recognising that enjoying a story book is a luxury many of us take for granted, more than $70,000 was raised for a #BootsForBooks campaign and the funds will be distributed to organisations with a literacy-focused programming, placing books directly into the hands of adults and children to provide them with the support to learn, read and grow.

The GCC has distributed $17.5m to 292 local non-profit organisations in the past 13 years.

“Seeing how impactful a united community can be has been more than inspiring,” said GCC event and marketing co-ordinator, Kelly Arani. “It is an honor to be part of a movement with such generous donors who trust the GCC to direct their support to deserving organizations. Our dedicated charities, riders, and donors all have the same goal: empowering nonprofits. Seeing that goal become a reality on GCC night is just incredible.”

You might also be interested in:

Ben Maher reunited with 19-year-old Olympic stallion to take superb grand prix win

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‘Never give up’: showjumper wins the class of his dreams – after 12 years of trying

#SundaySchool: controlling the canter with Jessica Mendoza

The international showjumper uses a canter-on-a-circle exercise to help develop balance and control, which can be used in the ring

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Colombian showjumper Mark Bluman has won international showjumping classes all over the US and Europe but, despite 12 years of trying, grand prix success has so far eluded the 30-year-old.

However, underlining why you should never give up on your goals, Mark’s fortunes changed on Saturday (29 January) when he and the nine-year-old mare Marilyn won the $100,000 1.45m CSI2* grand prix at the inaugural Split Rock Saratoga CSI2* at TerraNova Equestrian Center.

The odds were still stacked against him as a huge field of 16 progressed to the jump-off, but seizing the advantage of last draw, Mark and Over The Top Stables’ mare flew round Olaf Peterson Jr’s course to take this milestone victory in impressive style.

“I have been jumping in grand prix classes for about 12 years now and this is my first international win,” said Mark. “I have been close multiple times and was really hoping to come here and get that under my belt.”

Mark grew up in Medellin, Colombia and has been riding since the age of three. He was crowned the national children’s and junior champion before moving to the United States and has represented his country in Nations Cups. He spent two years in Europe at the stables of Tal Milstein in Belgium before rejoining his family to run the successful Bluman Equestrian.

His winning mare Marilyn is German-bred by the stallion Messenger and was previously ridden by Mark’s cousin Daniel Bluman, who represents Israel in top-level showjumping but was dramatically ruled out of the Tokyo Olympics last year.

“Marilyn is not very experienced, but in our family we have big hopes for her for this year,” said Mark.

“I had time to watch everyone go, and in that position the only thing to do was go as fast as I could and turn tight, and hope that the rails stay in place and they did for me,” he added.

“My whole family is a big supporter of the Split Rock shows. We have been big supporters since the beginning and it is always a great atmosphere, great footing and they treat the riders the way they should be treated.”

Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza, who was third behind Mark Bluman in the grand prix, racked up an impressive one-two at the show, winning Thursday’s 1.45m welcome class on the 15-year-old Dublin, also slotting into the runner-up spot on Casanova 499.

“They were both amazing – I didn’t quite expect to be first and second when I woke up today but couldn’t have asked for a better result from them both,” said Jessica, who fielded half of the contenders for the four-way jump-off. “I think Dublin loves the courses built, the type of the arenas, and the great competition [at Split Rock].”

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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 international showjumper uses a canter-on-a-circle exercise to help develop balance and control, which can be used in the ring

Aim

I do this canter exercise regularly, with horses of all ages and abilities. The older and more experienced the horse, the more difficult you can make it. With younger horses, it can be quite a demanding exercise as they might not have developed any brakes yet. For a green horse, I might start off with two poles, one at three o’clock and one at nine o’clock, then add in the third and fourth when they are ready.

It’s a good way of teaching the horse to be soft and carry himself, while being responsive to the control you are asking for.

This exercise also helps riders with their ring rhythm, which is important because they go from forwards to backwards strides frequently. It also teaches the rider to see a stride while not over-jumping their horse.

Exercise

1. Lay out four poles, one at each quarter of a 20-30m circle. Don’t make the circle too small because you don’t want to make it too difficult for the horse. For young or inexperienced horses, start with one pole at a quarter of the circle and build up to four poles.

2. Next, canter six strides between each pole on the circle. Aim to make the strides between the poles exactly the same, in a consistent rhythm. You want the horse engaged, listening and remaining on the same line. It’s also important that you stay in the centre of each pole and don’t cut across, and that the horse is straight through his body.

3. Then start to change the strides between the poles, so do five between one set and six between the next, so that you are riding five, six, five, six. When asking for longer or shorter strides, you need to be smooth and gradual. For longer strides, use your leg and hand to keep the horse soft, then add a gradual leg aid and allow with the hand. To come back to a working stride, lean back and apply a little pressure with your legs, rather than forcing with the hand.

4. Then ride five strides between each pole, and then six between each pole around the entire circle.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

#SundaySchool: the showjumping ‘gym’ with Holly Smith

The international showjumper talks us through this multi-fence workout which she uses with both her younger and more experienced horses

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Tips and pitfalls

• Always have a plan in your head of what you’re going to do before you do it.
• If your horse jumps to the left or right over the poles, it will affect the distance to the next pole, so be consistent in where you land after each pole. Having the horse straight means you can set yourself up nicely for the next pole.
• Horses can become disunited, so if this happens bring them back to trot and re-canter.
• Build the exercise up gradually so that your horse learns what you want.

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Currently based in the Netherlands, Jessica, 23, was a member of the gold medal-winning showjumping team at the 2011 and 2012 pony European Championships. She also won individual silver and team gold at the 2014 junior European Championships, having won team bronze in 2013. Jessica went on to represent Britain at senior level in 2015 and was travelling reserve for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Training the stars

I use this exercise with most of my horses and am finding it particularly useful at the moment for my seven-year-olds I-Cap CL Z and Heat Off The Night.

This is a good exercise to help keep your eye in to see a stride.

It also teaches your horse manners, as well as control and balance. After all, related distances are everywhere on a course. It helps horses to learn to adjust their stride in the ring, so they don’t get stuck in the same rhythm.

Tackling the issue

1. Depending on your horse’s experience, start with two canter poles placed 18 metres or four canter strides apart on a straight line. Build this up to three poles, each 18m apart (see diagram one below).

Start by riding four canter strides between each distance, then make it five strides. Play around with alternating the number of strides, too: four strides, then five and back to four.

Ask someone on the ground to count the number of strides between each canter pole.

2. When you’ve mastered this, progress to placing four poles on a circle at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock (see diagram two below). Practice altering the striding between poles again. This is harder as you have to ride each one accurately — there’s no room for error.

3. To increase the difficulty, replace the poles with cavaletti. Do this on a straight line to begin with. Start by swapping the third pole for a cavaletti, then work your way up to changing all three.

When you do this on a circle, it becomes even more difficult. Only change alternate poles to cavaletti unless you and your horse are experienced and confident.

Continued below…

#SundaySchool: the showjumping ‘gym’ with Holly Smith

The international showjumper talks us through this multi-fence workout which she uses with both her younger and more experienced horses

#SundaySchool: William Whitaker on how to develop rhythm

Sharpen up your showjumping basics with this curved grid exercise

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Consider this…

• Don’t overface the horse at any point.
• Always make the initial distance between poles and cavaletti four strides, otherwise the exercise is too difficult.
• If you have a hot, fiery horse, keep the exercise simple and aim to make it as flowing as possible so he doesn’t become overexcited. Therefore, use just two or three poles on a circle and make the distance five strides each time, rather than alternating between four and five.
• If it goes wrong, go back to walk. If you are on the circle, come out of the circle. Gather yourself and your horse, find a good canter and come again.

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The international showjumper uses a canter-on-a-circle exercise to help develop balance and control, which can be used in the ring

Aim

I do this canter exercise regularly, with horses of all ages and abilities. The older and more experienced the horse, the more difficult you can make it. With younger horses, it can be quite a demanding exercise as they might not have developed any brakes yet. For a green horse, I might start off with two poles, one at three o’clock and one at nine o’clock, then add in the third and fourth when they are ready.

It’s a good way of teaching the horse to be soft and carry himself, while being responsive to the control you are asking for.

This exercise also helps riders with their ring rhythm, which is important because they go from forwards to backwards strides frequently. It also teaches the rider to see a stride while not overjumping their horse.

Exercise

1. Lay out four poles, one at each quarter of a 20-30m circle. Don’t make the circle too small because you don’t want to make it too difficult for the horse. For young or inexperienced horses, start with one pole at a quarter of the circle and build up to four poles.

2. Next, canter six strides between each pole on the circle. Aim to make the strides between the poles exactly the same, in a consistent rhythm. You want the horse engaged, listening and remaining on the same line. It’s also important that you stay in the centre of each pole and don’t cut across, and that the horse is straight through his body.

3. Then start to change the strides between the poles, so do five between one set and six between the next, so that you are riding five, six, five, six. When asking for longer or shorter strides, you need to be smooth and gradual. For longer strides, use your leg and hand to keep the horse soft, then add a gradual leg aid and allow with the hand. To come back to a working stride, lean back and apply a little pressure with your legs, rather than forcing with the hand.

4. Then ride five strides between each pole, and then six between each pole around the entire circle.

Continued below…

Tips and pitfalls

• Always have a plan in your head of what you’re going to do before you do it.
• If your horse jumps to the left or right over the poles, it will affect the distance to the next pole, so be consistent in where you land after each pole. Having the horse straight means you can set yourself up nicely for the next pole.
• Horses can become disunited, so if this happens bring them back to trot and re-canter.
• Build the exercise up gradually so that your horse learns what you want.

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

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

Jessica Mendoza said she is “heartbroken” after her top mare Spirit T died at the age of 18, days after giving birth to a foal.

The mare delivered a healthy filly by Aganix Du Seigneur Z on 7 July with no problems, albeit four weeks early, but it soon became clear there were complications and that the mare was not well, so while the vets looked after her, Jessica put out the call for a foster mare.

“She was trying to look after the foal but couldn’t produce the milk,” Jessica told H&H.

“The power of Facebook meant we were inundated with messages and we found one lady whose foal had died the day before and she was able to bring her mare straight over. Luckily the foal took straight away and she’s doing fine.”

Despite the best efforts of the veterinary team, Spirit T died on Tuesday morning (9 July).

“I have a feeling that’s why she gave birth so early — it’s really nice to know she gave the foal the chance to live,” said Jessica.

“The foal was with her right up until her final moments, as the stress of taking her foal away would have been too much, and that gives us some comfort.

“I know I’ll never have another horse like her.”

Jessica and Spirit T were selected as reserves for Great Britain’s 2016 Olympic showjumping team in Rio and jumped everything from the junior and senior European championships to CSI5* grands prix and Nations Cups.

“She was my everything,” said Jessica. “The best horse and best friend anyone could ask for.

“She was the best thing that ever happened to me — she took me, a 20-year-old girl, to the Olympics. Everything I had ever dreamt of, we did it together. We travelled the world and competed in classes I could only dream of and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in crime.”

Continues below…

Jessica has named the filly foal Barcelona T after the last show — the Nations Cup final — at which she and Spirit T competed in 2016.

This was British-bred Spirit T’s first birth after she produced two foals last year by embryo transfer — both by Big Star. The colt yearling belongs to Big Star’s owner Gary Widdowson, while Jessica has kept the filly.

“Thank you for everything Spirit T and thank you to everyone along her journey,” added Jessica. “I hope that her ‘Spirit’ will be carried in her babies and her legacy will live on.”

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British showjumper Jessica Mendoza has lost one of her top horses, Ramiro De Belle Vue, to colic.

The 16-year-old gelding had undergone an eye operation after an accident in the stable at Jessica’s base in the Netherlands, and succumbed to complications from colic shortly afterwards.

Jessica, who is currently in Wellington, Florida, for the start of the Winter Equestrian Festival, said: “It’s been such a sad and tough week for him and all of us.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better few years on him. He took me from winning at my first Global Champions Tour to winning my first Derby and car.

“He was the most cheeky and cheerful character who has a special place in all my team’s heart,” she added.

The Belgian-bred son of Mozart Des Hayettes was previously ridden by Jerome Guery and Vincent Lambrecht and came to Jessica in 2013. The pair went on to compete at the highest level.

In 2014, they won a two-phase at the CSI5* Longines Global Champions Tour (GCT) of London, beating Frenchman Roger Yves Bost. This was Jessica’s first appearance on the GCT circuit. Earlier that year, Jessica and Ramiro had been crowned victors of the prestigious derby in Eindhoven, pipping William Funnell and Billy Onslow in to the runner-up spot.

Jessica and Ramiro’s last show together was the CSI2* at Madrid in November and the pair had been in spectacular winning form on the Vilamoura Champions Tour the month before, notching up a hat-trick of victories.

Related articles:

• 8 riders who are so young and successful, we can’t help being jealous
• Jessica Mendoza shows off exciting new rides at HOYS
• British showjumping star Jessica Mendoza collects FEI award

Jessica, 20, who originally hails from Chippenham in Wiltshire, was travelling reserve for the Rio Olympics in 2016 with her other top horse Spirit T and is a regular squad member on Great Britain’s Nations Cup teams.

“Thank you for everything and sweet dreams little man,” said Jessica in tribute.

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The British team clinched victory in Rome for the second year running at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup.

Performance manager Di Lampard’s team comprising John Whitaker (Ornellaia), Ben Maher (Tic Tac), Jessica Mendoza and her mare Spirit T and Michael Whitaker and Cassionato finished on a four-fault score after two rounds.

France and the USA settled for the runner-up spot, with both nations completing on 12 faults.

Exemplifying why at 60 years old he is still at the top of the sport, John’s second-round clear sealed the result even though he and Ornellaia had one fence in hand.

“This was Ornellaia’s first Nations Cup and she showed what she can do. She has done some good things already,” said John. “She’s really careful and she’s the one for Rio if I am needed. I’m definitely keen to go — the Olympics are the Olympics and there’s nothing like them.

“I don’t feel the pressure any more, I’ve done everything I’ve ever wanted to do so now I just go out and enjoy myself — I’ve got nothing to prove,” added John, who also confirmed Argento won’t be available for Rio selection.

“Argento is a great horse, he’s a real fighter but he has his limits and I don’t want to push him beyond them,” he explained.

Michael’s enigmatic Cassionato was “a bit too fresh” in the first round and was the team’s discount score with nine faults. However, the pair pulled it back in the second round with a foot-perfect display that was pivotal to the end result.

The quartet’s win in Rome will certainly be food for thought for Di ahead of the Rio Olympics — perhaps making the team selection all the more difficult. “It’s a really good problem to have,” she said following the triumph.

Ben Maher was pleased with his new ride Tic Tac. They left all the poles up in the first round but, along with Jessica Mendoza, made minor errors in the second round. Ben knocking two fences and Jessica having one down.

“I started riding Tic Tac in January — I’m still getting to know him but he has a lot of experience and I’m looking forward to the future with him,” said Ben.

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British showjumper Jessica Mendoza was among the five winners at the FEI awards 2015.

Dubbed the “Oscars of the equestrian world”, Jessica won the Longines rising star prize.

This award was open to riders aged 14-21 who demonstrate “outstanding sporting talent”.

Nineteen-year-old Jessica made her senior championship debut this summer at the Europeans in Aachen.

This made her the youngest British senior championship team member for nearly 40 years.

Jessica has taken top honours a number of high-profile shows across Europe, including the Gucci Masters in Paris in December 2014.

She has won gold medals at pony and junior European level and also has numerous Olympia and Horse of the Year Show titles to her name.

“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone, I really wasn’t expecting this”, she said.

“I am honoured to be amongst such great sporting talent.”

Australian driver Boyd Exell fought off competition from Charlotte Dujardin and William Fox-Pitt to take the Reem Acra best athlete award.

Jose Eduardo Garcia Luna of the USA won best groom and Oriana Ricca Marmissolle (URU) was the winner in the “against all odds” category.

The FEI solidarity honour went to the Haitian project Les Chevaux Qui Pansent Les Plaies (horses that heal wounds).

“The FEI awards recognise talent and excellence in all aspects of equestrian sport across the globe,” said FEI president Ingmar de Vos.

“We know that all the winners will continue to achieve distinction, whatever their involvement in our sport.

“It is humbling to meet such incredible individuals and celebrate their achievements.”

Six other Brits were shortlisted for the awards, which were presented by actress Bo Derek at the FEI general assembly gala dinner in Puerto Rico on 13 November.

These were Alan Davies (Valegro’s groom), Charlotte Dujardin, Ben Hobday, Phoebe Peters, William Fox-Pitt and Imogen Mercer (groom to eventer Sam Griffiths).

“I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to the recipients of these prestigious awards, and particularly to Jessica Mendoza, winner of the Longines Rising Star Award”, added Juan-Carlos Capelli, from Longines.

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William Fox-Pitt, Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro’s groom Alan Davies are among the list of Brits that have been shortlisted for the 2015 FEI Awards.

A total of 29 candidates — seven of which are British — are up for prizes that will be presented at a gala dinner at the FEI general assembly in Brazil on 13 November.

Alan has been nominated for the best groom prize along with fellow Brit Imogen Mercer, who works for eventer Sam Griffiths.

This award recognises “behind the scenes team members who work around the clock” to give their horses the best possible care and attention.

“I’m really lucky, looking back I have always enjoyed my career,” Alan told H&H.

“Over nearly 30 years I have worked with some of the best riders, horses and grooms in the world and you never stop learning.”

Joining Alan and Imogen on the shortlist is Jennider Arnsten (USA vaulting team), Marlen Schannwell (Bertram Allen), Jose Eduardo Garcia Luna (Steffen Peters) and Zoltan Herczeg (Jessica von Bredow-Werndl).

Charlotte Dujardin and William Fox-Pitt have made the shortlist for the Reem Acra best athlete category.

Also nominated is Boyd Exell, Jaques Ferrari, Ingrid Klimke and Jeroen Dubbeldam.

Showjumper Jessica Mendoza, who made her senior championship debut at the Europeans in Aachen this year, is on the list for the Longines rising star accolade.

This is for equestrians aged between 14-21 who demonstrate “outstanding sporting talent”.

World record-breaker Phoebe Peters has also made the shortlist for the rising star award.

Dressage rider Phoebe, 16, made history at the pony European championships in Malmö, Sweden (5-9 August) after breaking world records in the individual test and the freestyle.

As well as winning two individual gold medals, Phoebe was also part of the British gold medal-winning team.

Phoebe and Jessica are up against Ireland’s Bertram Allen, Juan Matute Jr from Spain, Kelsey Russell from the USA and Germany’s Gina Schumacher.

Four-star eventer Ben Hobday has been put forward for the Against All Odds category.

Ben was diagnosed with cancer in June and is now returning to riding following treatment.

Also nominated are Gerado Tazzer from Mexico, Oriana Ricci Mannisille from Uruguay, Austria’s Pepo Puch and Rixt van der Horst from the Netherlands.

Hollywood actress Bo Derek, chair of the jury for this year’s awards, will present the honours.

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British rising star Jessica Mendoza has added to her already impressive horsepower and showcased her new talents at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last week (7-11 October).

The 19-year-old showjumper, who helped the British team to an Olympic qualification at this summer’s European Championships riding her mother’s mare Spirit T, has been riding the two new horses for just one week.

Jessica’s boyfriend Michael van den Bosch previously rode Atilja, a 10-year-old mare by Guidam (pictured top). The Belgian rider enjoyed success with the mare at this year’s young rider European Championships — they were members of the gold medal-winning team.

“I’ve always liked her and Michael rode her for about three years before, but he has now decided to concentrate on the family business and is riding less,” said Jessica.

“We were placed at HOYS so I was really happy with her. We’re not quite there yet but it was interesting to see how she responds, so I can make it better next time. We now have a really exciting group of horses at all levels and I am really looking forward to the next few months.”

The Brit, who is based in Holland, collected further placings in Birmingham aboard Wan Architect (pictured above), having recently taken over the ride from Eric van Vleuten. The Dutch rider had triumphs in Nations Cup teams and also at five-star level with the 12-year-old gelding.

Jessica will be campaigning Wan Architect internationally under the new private ownership of Julia Hammond.

The horse hasn’t been seen on the European circuit since 2013, having competed in both America and Canada last year under Brenda Riddell and Francie Steinwedell-Carvin.

Jessica jumped the gelding in both the 1.35m and 1.40m classes at Opglabbeek in Belgium ahead of HOYS. Their best result in Birmingham came during Saturday (10 October) evening’s Naylors Equestrian Accumulator, where they picked up the £3,300 prize-fund for third place.

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The British squad from the European Championships and chef d’equipe Di Lampard picked up the main award of the night at the annual British Showjumping awards on Tuesday (6 October).

The squad — made up of Joe Clee, Michael Whitaker, Jessica Mendoza, Ben Maher and reserve Guy Williams — competed at Aachen in the summer, securing Britain’s Olympic qualification for Rio 2016.

There was a lot of pressure going into the event, as Britain’s final chance to secure a space at next year’s Games. However, not only did they make it, they were narrowly off a medal.

Di admitted that being so close to a medal was disappointing, but they had done what they set out to achieve.

Pathfinder and H&H cover star Joe Clee also won another award — the Nations Cup team member of the year.

The British rider, who is based in Belgium, has enjoyed a stellar year proving a key player for Team GBR.

Joe’s teammate Jessica Mendoza was another with a double trip to the podium on the night, taking the leading under 21 rider (horses).

Pony rider of the year went to Jodie Hall Mcateer from Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.

The top level team grooms award was won by Scott Brash’s groom Hanna Colman. Hannah has been responsible for looking after Rolex Grand Slam winner and history-maker Hello Sanctos this year.

Hello Sanctos was recognised later in the night when the gelding and Scott Brash were named FEI international combination of the year.

Scott Brash was unable to be present, as he had been competing at the LA Masters, but was thankful for his award in a prerecorded video.

Coach of the year went to Sarah Tubbs from Barnard Castle, County Durham and breeder of the year was Keeley Durham, who bred John Whitaker’s Argento.

Nigel Coupe from Preston won the International Stairway League.

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The British squad for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup final in Barcelona at the end of this month (24-27 September) has been revealed.

The squad is made up of the four combinations who competed at the FEI European Showjumping Championships last month (18-23 August).

Joe Clee and 11-year-old stallion Utamaro D’Ecaussines, Ben Maher and 10-year-old mare Diva II, Jessica Mendoza and 14-year-old mare Spirit T and Michael Whitaker and 10-year-old stallion Cassionato all head to Spain.

The fifth rider is Laura Renwick with nine-year-old gelding Bintang II.

Fresh from his Rolex Grand Slam win at Spruce Meadows (Sunday, 13 September) World number one Scott Brash and his partner Hello Sanctos will not feature on the team.

However, the horse’s owner Lord Harris was quick to dispel any rumours telling H&H that the horse had been put up for selection.

“We made Hello Sanctos available, but he was not chosen,” he said.

Ahead of the FEI European Championships last month the rider came in for criticism from fellow showjumpers after he made Hello Sanctos unavailable for the competition, to save the horse for Spruce Meadows, which fell just a month later.

At the time he told H&H he hoped winning the grand slam and the publicity it would generate would be of benefit for showjumping, but riders frowned upon choosing the Canadian grand prix over jumping for his country.

However, Dan Hughes of the British Equestrian Federation told H&H that the team heading to Barcelona had been initially selected before Hello Sanctos was made available.

“Based on the assumption that given the very long flight and demanding competition programme in Calgary, it would not be in the horse’s best interests to travel and compete again so soon,” he added.

“Now that we have successfully qualified a showjumping team for Rio, performance manager Di Lampard also wished to use the final in Barcelona to test a range of horse and rider combinations at the highest level to ensure we have the broadest choice of horses and athletes available for selection in 2016”.

The final of the Nations Cup series takes place at the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona.

A total of 18 teams plus the home team if not already qualified will all be eligible to compete. Teams from within Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, Asia/Australasia and Africa will all be competing.

The final consists of three competitions. The top eight teams from Thursday’s opening class will go forward to the third and final competition on Saturday while the remainder will compete in the Challenge Cup which will be held on the Friday.

Live footage will be shown on www.feitv.org

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They’re not just good for their age group, they’re brilliant across the board. And although we’re really happy for them, it does make us feel pretty inadequate. All we had done by the time we turned 19 was pass a few exams and won the bending race 12 years ago on the last day of Pony Club camp. Here’s why you should be keeping an eye on these guys as they head to the horsey stratosphere…

Eventing

Alex Kennedy

Age: 18

Alex was a member of the bronze medal-winning team at this year’s junior European championships with her faithful partner Chocolate Domino. She also managed individual seventh place at these championships. Alex, based with top up-and-coming event rider Millie Dumas and her family, has an almost faultless cross-country record over the past two years and she was recently described by the chairman of the British junior selectors Darrell Scaife as “outstanding in every phase.”

Sam Ecroyd

Age: 18

Aged just 13 Sam won a team gold medal at the 2010 pony European eventing championships. He has since gone on to win two team bronze medals and individual silver at both pony and junior European championships. Sam doesn’t have a weak phase and has already completed two advanced classes. He has an eviable string of horses and the future looks bright for him.

Sophie Beaty

Age: 19

Sophie has been a stalwart for the British youth teams since 2010 where she was a team gold medalist and individual fourth at the pony European Championships. In 2011 she won a team silver medal at the pony Europeans, while in 2013 she was a member of the junior quad before upgrading to young riders, where she was a squad member in 2014 and an individual silver medalist in 2015. She has already jumped around three CIC3*’s and was 11th in the CCI3* under-25 class at Bramham this year. Look out for her at a four-star in 2016.

Continued below…

16 things we miss about being young

If for you the days of Pony Club, picnic rides and galloping ponies bareback across stubble fields are but a

9 things we got up to at Pony Club camp that we’re sure wouldn’t happen now

Dressage

Holly Kerslake

Age: 11

Yes, this girl is just 11-years-old and she is already tipped for the top. Trained by none other than Charlotte Dujardin, Holly is already winning at British Dressage medium level with her ponies and recently competed in her first international pony competition at Hickstead.

Rose Hugh-Smith

Age: 16

A former team bronze medal winner at the pony European championships, Rose who trains with Gareth Hughes, was second reserve for this year’s junior European Championships. Already winning at advanced medium level BD, we are certain that Rose will be one to look for on the youth teams in years to come.

Showjumping

Jessica Mendoza

Age: 19

Jessica needs little introduction, bursting onto the senior stage this year as a member of the British European showjumping championship squad. She won gold medals at pony and junior European level and has since gone on to win at huge shows across the globe including the Gucci Masters in Paris (December 2014). She has multiple HOYS, Hickstead and Olympia wins to her name and is surely set to remain at the top of her game for many years to come.

Harry Charles

Age: 16

Son of Team GB showjumping Olympic gold medalist Peter Charles, Harry was bred for his job. He won individual silver and team bronze at this year’s junior European showjumping championships. He is regularly jumping in two-star competitions and he won the leading pony showjumper of the year title at HOYS in 2014. Peter needs to watch his back!

Jodie Hall McAteer

Age: 15

Jodie, who is in the enviable position of having the ride on Jessica Mendoza’s former pony multi-European medalist Tixylix, won team gold and individual silver at the 2015 pony European championships. She has also enjoyed success with horses, placing in a couple of two-star classes at the London Global Champions Tour earlier this year.

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Britain has secured its qualification for a showjumping team to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

The team finished fourth today (21 August) in the Mercedez-Benz-sponsored class at the FEI European Showjumping Championships in Aachen, Germany, just 0.76 of a penalty behind the bronze medal-winners.

“I didn’t know we’d qualified until I came out of the ring — obviously now we’re disappointed not to get a medal, but the qualification was plan A,” said Joe Clee.

Joe had a fence down today, his first of the championship, when Ludwig Criel’s Utamaro D’Ecaussines took off the back bar of the oxer out of the treble at fence five. He still holds eighth individually ahead of Sunday’s final, although he is painfully aware that had he gone clear, he would be in the lead.

Ben Maher was Britain’s best performer today, conjuring a vital clear from Tatiana Korsakova’s Diva II.

“She’s in the form of her life and going to the normal jumps today I was comfortable, but I wanted to get the combinations out the way after our blip yesterday,” said Ben, who crashed through the final oxer yesterday when the mare took off a stride early.

“Today’s combination wasn’t the nicest to come to without being able to train and regroup, but she jumped fantastically.”

Ben is now in 10th place individually.

Jessica Mendoza, 19, found her form when it counted today. Having been the team’s drop score for the previous two days, she cleared all the fences today, with her mother Sarah’s Spirit T just dropping a foot in the water for four faults.

“I was so concentrating on going clear, I could have focused more on the water, but I’m really happy,” she said.

Michael Whitaker’s young horse, Beverly Widdowson’s Cassionata, was tired today after two fantastic performances. He lowered both the second part of the double of verticals over water trays (12b) and the final fence (13), as well as adding a time-fault.

“He’s jumped unbelievably, but he’s not used to doing three days in a row,” said Michael.

Irish appeal after O’Connor’s round interrupted

Britain may be celebrating, but Ireland’s Olympic qualification hangs in the balance [READ AN UPDATE]. Cian O’Connor jumped clear up to fence 10 on Good Luck, but as he rounded the mound to the next obstacle, a man was in his way. He had fence 11, the red DHL oxer down.

“I had to shout at him to get out of the way and it put me off my line, the horse sidestepped him a bit — it was as clear as day the guy was in my way,” said Cian. “My chef d’equipe [Robert Splaine] has filed an objection.”

With Cian’s four faults, Ireland finished seventh, behind Spain in sixth. Had Cian secured a clear round, Ireland would have finished ahead of Spain and picked up an Olympic qualification.

Show director Frank Kemperman confirmed in tonight’s press conference that the results are still provisional pending the outcome of the appeal. [READ THE DECISION FROM THE APPEAL COMMITEE]

Read more about how the medals were won

Full report on the European Showjumping Championships in H&H next week, out Thursday, 27 August.

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Britain’s riders performed brilliantly again today (20 August) to remain in the hunt for medals — and crucially, for a Rio 2016 Olympic qualification — at the FEI European Showjumping Championships in Aachen, Germany.

Having been third after yesterday’s speed leg, the team now hold fourth place. They are just 2.59 penalties behind the Germans in bronze position and within one fence of the Dutch, who are lying second before tomorrow’s final team contest.

Joe Clee was one of Britain’s star performers again today in the Mercedes-Benz-sponsored class and his clear with Ludwig Criel’s Utamaro D’Ecaussines means he retains third individually.

“I was more relaxed than yesterday,” said Joe. “My horse jumped great — he was a bit too good in the beginning [jumping too big] but he settled down after fence four.”

The pressure was on Britain’s final two riders, Joe and Michael Whitaker, after mixed fortunes for the first two.

Pathfinder Ben Maher was having a superb round until the last combination, which was meant to be taken on two strides. But Ben’s ride, Tatiana Korsakova’s Diva II, took off after one stride, landing in the middle of the final oxer in a scatter of breaking poles. Ben did a fantastic job just to stay on the 10-year-old chestnut mare.

“She felt perfect the whole way and I purposefully took a longer line to the last double, to create a lot of pressure for her [to jump this double of big oxers],” said Ben.

“I put pressure on her at the first — and she took off a stride early. It became a survival moment — four faults wasn’t a bad round today, but if I’d been on the floor it would have all been over.

“She’s still inexperienced and young. I don’t think I could have got it any better if I did it again. But she jumped as good as any horse and that’s the way it goes. It’s still a solid round for the team and hopefully it gives the others confidence.”

Individually, the error pushed Ben from seventh last night to 22nd, but Michael Whitaker said he deserved a medal just for staying on the mare.

Jessica Mendoza was next in and was unable to improve on her two fences down yesterday, with Sarah Mendoza’s Spirit T knocking down the last two parts of the treble at fence five, plus the silver Mercedes upright at 12.

With 12 faults on the board, it was clear that to remain competitive the British would need to drop Jessica’s score. Joe rose to the occasion — and then anchorman Michael Whitaker did the same, putting in a clear with Beverly Widdowson’s grey stallion Cassionato.

Afterwards, Michael was clearly emotional.

“I said when I came out of the ring I’ve never felt pressure like that — if I’d gone in and cocked it all up that would have been it, we wouldn’t have been going to the Olympics,” said Michael.

And he was right — had the team had to count Jessica’s 12 faults, they would have missed the cut for tomorrow’s final team competition, as only the top 10 teams go through, and it would all have been over for Britain’s Rio hopes.

Michael is now 22nd individually. The top 25 contest Sunday’s individual final.

Ireland also made it through to tomorrow, with a clear from Cian O’Connor (Good Luck) helping the team to ninth.

The Irish are also looking for Rio 2016 qualification, which goes to the top three nations here excluding those already qualified. The teams still in the mix for those crucial Olympic places are Great Britain (currently fourth), Switzerland (sixth), Spain (seventh), Denmark (eighth) and Ireland (ninth).

France take control

Germany dropped from first overnight to team bronze today, having to count one four fault round alongside two clears. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum’s grey Fibonacci 17 had a toe in the water, while Christian Ahlmann and Taloubet Z took the back bar off the Turkish Airlines oxer at fence six.

But clears from Ludger Beerbaum (Chiara 222) — who retains second individually — and Daniel Deusser (Cornet D’Amour) kept the team in the medals.

“I wasn’t fully aware of all the other results, but I knew we needed a clear to stay in the game,” said Daniel.

France recorded three faultless rounds today, with Penelope Leprovost keeping her individual lead with Flora De Mariposa. She was backed up by Simon Delestre (Ryan Des Hayettes) and Kevin Staut (Reveur Du Hurtebsie HDC). They moved up to take the gold position overnight.

The Netherlands also added nothing to their score from yesterday and so bounced up the leaderboard from fifth to second.

Individual standings

Team standings

Full report on the European Showjumping Championships in H&H next week, out Thursday, 27 August.

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Britain’s showjumpers made a fantastic start to their campaign at the FEI European Showjumping Championships in Aachen, Germany, today (19 August).

The team sit in bronze position after the Turkish Airlines-sponsored speed and handiness competition, with Joe Clee also third individually.

Placings in today’s competition are converted into points to determine the team standings. Riders then carry these points with them throughout the team competition (Thursday and Friday) and, for the top 25, into Sunday’s individual final.

Joe was the final team member today and he rode tight, economical lines to finish clear in 69.67sec on Ludwig Criel’s Utamaro D’Ecaussines.

“I was aware I had to go fast and he’s a great horse to go fast on — the faster you go, the more he tries,” said Joe. “But I was worried about going fast for the first time in the arena as the faster you go the bigger he jumps. But he handled it well and the further round I went, the more risks I felt I could take.”

Britain’s first and second team members in, Michael Whitaker and Ben Maher, put the team in a strong position.

Michael was sent in first for the team as his horse is not particularly fast. His clear with Beverly Widdowson’s Cassionato put him 41st of the 92 starters today in 76.56sec.

“My horse is pretty inexperienced and not very fast because he jumps so high,” said Michael. “I did as good as I can today and I just need to carry on doing that, but the other three need to be faster than me.”

Ben was next in on Tatiana Korsakova’s Diva II and had a fantastic round for seventh place in 70.78sec.

“I played it safe to one jump, the Mercedes fence at number 10,” he said. “I saw one less stride quite a way back, but I felt her lose balance a bit [so I added a stride].”

Jessica Mendoza took the number three slot today on her senior championship debut with Sarah Mendoza’s Spirit T. She started off well, but had the second part of the double at fence 8 down and then also fence 11, a purple oxer off four strides from the Mercedes upright. Her time was fast, but with 8sec added for the knockdowns she sits 56th on a total of 79.35sec.

“It wasn’t my best round,” said Jessica. “The first fence was a bit unlucky, then I pushed her on and she found the distance a bit short in there [to fence 11]. I try not to get nervous, but today I was a bit nervous.”

Britain’s focus here in Aachen is to win qualification for the 2016 Olympics in Rio, which means finishing in the top three, excluding the teams already qualified (the Netherlands, France, Germany, Sweden, the Ukraine). The team certainly got off the start blocks towards that aim in great style today.

Home side lead

Germany leads the team competition after today’s speed class. Three of their riders went clear, with Ludger Beerbaum (Chiara 222) sitting second, Christian Allman (Taloubet Z) eighth and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (Fibonacci 17) 11th.

“We’ve only done a third of the team competition, so no one went completely flat out like you would in a jump-off, but I’m happy with my performance and that of my team,” said Ludger.

The fourth home side pair, Daniel Deusser and his 2014 World Cup champion Cornet D’Amour, had the gate at fence six down to sit 22nd — this was the largest fence on the course at 1.53m. This was one of the two places where course-designer Frank Rothenberger had given riders a choice of an inside or outside line over different fences, but the slower outside route was barely used.

France holds silver position, spearheaded by Penelope Leprovost, who retained the individual lead she took as the seventh rider into the arena today. She scorched round in 67.67sec on Flora De Mariposa.

“I was too long to the triple bar, but she was amazing,” said Penelope. “I didn’t think I would be so fast.”

The ground in the arena felt a little soft underfoot today after some rain over the past few days, but riders said it rode well. Frank Rothenberger explained that he avoided setting any tight turns to protect the ground with nearly 100 horses running over it.

All the competitors progress to tomorrow’s team competition. After that, only the top 10 teams (out of 23 who have started today) and the top 50 individuals will move forward to Friday’s class.

Full report on the European Showjumping Championships in H&H next week, out Thursday, 27 August.

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Following the announcement of the British squad for the Longines FEI European showjumping Championships in Aachen, Germany (19-23 August), we bring you all of the facts and figures about the four selected horses and riders.

Meet the British showjumping squad for the Europeans

Joe Clee

Age: 37

From: Belgium

Horse: 11-year-old Utamaro D’Ecaussines (Uta)

Owner: Ludwig Criel

Previous success: Joe made his first senior championship appearance for Great Britain at the World Equestrian Games last year. Originally from Yorkshire, he moved to Belgium over 10 years ago where he lives with his wife and three children. Joe represented Great Britain at junior level at the European Championships in 1996. Uta and Joe have been part of the British team at the past three Nations Cup events, winning in Rotterdam.

What you might not know: Joe began his career working as a stable jockey at the Brendon Stud.

His reaction to selection: “I’m delighted to have been selected and I’m really happy for Utamaro’s owner and the entire team. It’s been a lot of pressure in the lead up to this and I just want to thank everyone for putting up with me!“

Ben Maher

Age: 32

From: Hertfordshire

Horse: 10-year-old Diva II (Diva)

Owner: Tatiana Korsakova

Previous success: No stranger to the senior Great British team, this European Championship will mark his fourth European team call-up. Ben was also a member of the 2012 Olympic Games gold medal-winning team. Ben and Diva are regulars on the Global Champions Tour circuit and most recently were on the British Nations Cup team for both Rotterdam and Hickstead.

What you might not know: Ben first represented Great Britain at the young rider Euoropeans in 2004 riding Alfredo.

His reaction to selection: “I’m very happy to be selected. Diva has been a great horse to me over the past twelve months and has proved herself to be a good team horse. Hopefully we can play a strong part in qualifying Great Britain for the Olympics.”

Jessica Mendoza

Age: 19

From: The Netherlands

Horse: 14-year-old Spirit T (Spirit)

Owner: Sarah Mendoza

Previous success: Jessica got her first British team call-up in 2010 for the pony Europeans. Last year she won team gold and individual silver at the Junior European Championships with Spirit. Originally from Wiltshire, Jessica recently moved to The Netherlands where she is now based with her parents. Spirit and Jessica have come up through the showjumping ranks together and were recently part of the winning British Nations Cup team in Rotterdam.

What you might not know: Jessica was National School individual champion at Hickstead in 2007 and 2008.

Her reaction to selection:

Michael Whitaker

Age: 55

From: Nottinghamshire

Horse: 10-year-old Cassionato (Casey)

Owner: Beverley Widdowson

Previous success: A stalwart of the British showjumping team for many years, this championship will mark Michael’s 14th European Championship appearance. He was a member of last year’s World Equestrian Games team riding Viking and won team gold riding the same horse at the 2013 European Championships. Michael and Casey have notched some good results on the Global Champions Tour circuit and were part of the winning Rotterdam Nations Cup team earlier this year.

What you might not know: Michael trained with legendary Swedish coach Lars Sederholm when he was 16.

His reaction to selection: “I think we’ve got a very good team, it’s been a good selection. All horses have been on really good form; in fact they have all been brilliant. I’m looking forward to it and feeling confident”.

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The British team for the FEI European Showjumping Championships has been revealed — and it doesn’t include world number one rider Scott Brash.

Joe Clee, Ben Maher, Jessica Mendoza and Michael Whitaker will all head to Aachen next week (19-23 August) to represent Team GBR.

The four riders were in the team that won the Rotterdam Nations Cup earlier this year.

However, the pressure is on, as the Europeans is the final chance for Britain to qualify for Rio next summer.

To do so they must finish in the top three of non-qualified nations at Aachen. This also includes Ireland, who recently won the Dublin Nations Cup (7 August) and Belgium, who took the Hickstead leg (31 May).

The Netherlands, France, Germany and Sweden have already qualified.

As current Olympic and European champions, the British team will be also hoping to retain its title.

“We are all entirely focused on the job we have ahead of us,” said chef d’equipe Di Lampard.

“Qualifying for Rio is at the forefront of our minds and we are absolutely committed to giving Great Britain the chance to defend the team gold title won at London 2012. We move forward to Aachen as a strong united team and are looking forward to the championships and all it brings”.

Joe Clee, who is based in Belgium, will be taking part with Utamaro d’Ecaussines. The pair were part of the World Equestrian Games (WEG) squad last year.

Ben Maher, who was instrumental on the 2013 Europeans team, helping Britain to gold and securing individual silver, will partner Diva II.

Ben said: “Diva has been a great horse to me over the past 12 months and has proved herself to be a good team horse.

“Hopefully we can play a strong part in qualifying Great Britain for the Olympics.

“Regarding the team, it’s a previous winning combination that has been selected consisting of good horses and we are all looking forward to repeating the form we had together in Rotterdam.”

Nineteen-year-old Jessica Mendoza makes her senior championship debut with Spirit T. The pair put in a gutsy performance in the King George V Cup at Hickstead last month, securing her spot on the team.

Jessica added: “It’s amazing. Spirit’s jumped absolutely brilliantly this summer and deserves it.

“It was never in my plan at the beginning of the year, but she kind of made it the plan as she just kept getting better and better each time we stepped up a level.”

Team GBR stalwart, Michael Whitaker who was also on the gold medal-winning Europeans 2013 team will ride Cassionato.

Travelling reserve is Guy Williams and Titus II.

Non-travelling reserves are Robert Whitaker and Catwalk IV and William Whitaker and Fandango.

All four selected athletes contest the team competition, with the three best scores counting. The top 25 combinations will be invited to contest the grand prix from which the individual medals are decided.

Last month Scott told H&H Hello Sanctos was not jumping, should he be selected for the team, but that he was putting nine-year-olds Hello M’Lady and Hello Forever forward.

It was not in Sanctos’s “best interests” to contest both the Europeans and the final leg of the Rolex Grand Slam in Calgary (9-13 September) — where the pair stand to win a €1million bonus.

However, Hello M’Lady didn’t compete in the King George V Cup at Hickstead as planned and picked up four faults during the Dublin leg of the Nations Cup (7 August).

Ben Maher’s top ride, 13-year-old mare Cella was also ruled out as she had picked up a “minor injury” while John Whitaker also ruled himself and Argento out of contention saying the horse wouldn’t be suited to the big, grass arena at Aachen.

For a full preview of next week’s FEI European Championships at Aachen, plus guest comment from Graham Fletcher, don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H, out Thursday (13 August).

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The Team Fairfax children-on-horses, junior and young rider European showjumping championship squads have been announced.

Chosen to represent Great Britain in the children-on-horses section at Vejer De La Frontera, Spain (16-21 July) are Maja Burnell, 14, (Zimza La Bim), Harry Chares, 13 (Murka’s Milord D’Elle), Will Edwards, 13, (R Candy), Robert Murphy, 13, (Del Fuego) and Olivia Poole, 14, (Andorra). 

The junior squad consists of Jessica Mendoza, 17, (Spirit T), Emma O’Dwyer, 18, (Miss Tonic), Laura Robinson, 18, (Cree Cruiser), Jake Saywell, 16 (Farinelli Van De Zeshoek) and James Shore, 18, (Vitales).

The British young riders line-up includes Pippa Allen, 19, (Cupido Z), Chloe Aston, 18, (Quiet Easy 4), Abbe Burchmore-Eames, 20, (Wilandri E), Jessie Drea, 21 (Touchable) and Spencer Roe, 20 (Wonder Why).

The teams will be led by chef d’equipe and team coach Corinne Bracken and competition starts on Wednesday, 17 July for all three age groups with team medals decided on Friday, 19 July, and individual medals on Sunday, 21 July.

Don’t miss the full reports in the following issue of Horse & Hound, out Thursday, 25 July.

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

Star young pony rider Jessica Mendoza will be out for up to three months after breaking her ankle at Scope Festival of Showjumping.

Fifteen-year-old Jessica was competing in the jump off of the under 16 class last week when she fell from Usar Hune and landed awkwardly.

“She was just going flat out — she always tries so hard and wants to win — and if you’re going to ride on the edge then it’s a risk,” Jessica’s father Paul Mendoza told H&H. “It didn’t actually look too bad a fall, she just went out the side door and landed running, but she broke her ankle.”

The Wiltshire-based teen will be out for up to three months.

“She’s very frustrated and sore,” added Paul. “She won’t be able to compete at Horse of the Year Show, but is determined to get better in time for Olympia.

Jessica has had pins put in her left ankle and is back home recovering.

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

Thirteen-year-old show jumper Jessica Mendoza has been nominated for BBC West Young Sports Personality of the Year.

Jessica, who was a member of the John Whitaker International Pony European Championship Team and was the youngest rider to be named the British Show Jumping Association show jumper of the month, has had a fantastic year.

She has won a number of International pony grands prix— including in Belgium, Germany and Holland — and will be competing at Olympia in two weeks’ time.

The BBC West Young Sports Personality of the Year award is presented to a team or individual who has achieved a high standard of performance at local, national or international level.

The award ceremony will take place at the University of Bath on 6 December.

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Saturday morning at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) is traditionally confirmed to small ponies and these youngest show jumpers at the show once again gave a good crowd great entertainment.

Jessica Mendoza has been in great form all form all year and the Wiltshire-based 11-year-old crowned her season with first and second places in the 128cm championship.

The 138cm title also went to form when Olivia Wells lived up to her favourite’s billing to win from final draw on the extraordinary More Than Milton.

Essex-based Graham Lovegrove is jumping in the international classes here for the first time after winning a wildcard place at Unex Towerlands. But he and Angel, the seven-year-old he jumped in Thursday’s Horse & Hound Foxhunter final, looked thoroughly at home in the arena en route to a decisive victory in the Xerox Special Event Services Cup.

“She’s a really careful mare and her favourite thing to do is running and jumping,” said Graham.

The major class of the afternoon, the Woof Wear Stakes, resulted in the second victory of the show for the Irish contingent. Billy Twomey produced a terrific jump-off round on Whinny Jackson to head a classy jump-off field and hold off Ben Maher with new ride Pablo V by almost 1sec.

The Dutch-bred 16-year-old is usually partnered by Billy’s stable jockey, Anthony Condon. “I pinched him back for this show, mainly as a speed horse, but he’s been going so well that I thought I’d try him in this class. I’m pleased I did,” said Billy.

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