William Fox-Pitt has taken on the ride on Clifton Signature, the four-star horse previously ridden by New Zealand’s Jock Paget.

“There is great excitement here at Fox-Pitt Eventing as we have a new arrival of the horse Clifton Signature who has been previously campaigned very successfully by Jock Paget,” said a piece on William’s website.

“[The horse’s owner] Frances Stead has very kindly asked me to take on the ride in the short term, with a view to doing some normal one-days and hopefully some ERM [Event Rider Masters] classes. The intention is for him to be sold, so hopefully I will be able to find an owner or a syndicate to take him on.

“Signature has had some very good results with Jock over the years and he is still in his prime being only 12 years old, so there is a lot to look forward to with him.”

Clifton Signature, by Espri, finished 14th at Pau CCI4* in 2015 with Jock, as well as fifth in the ERM at Blenheim last year.

Jock moved back to New Zealand at the end of last year after being based in Britain since 2010. Australia’s Kevin McNab has been keeping Signature ticking over, although the horse has not yet competed this year.

Continued below…

More eventing news:

Meet Horse & Hound Grassroots Eventing Championship contender Cassey Watson

Grandmother scores first BE win aged 69

First female Event Rider Masters winner crowned at Chatsworth

William is taking the horse to Houghton this week to “make the most of the extra few days to get to know him” and hopes to take him to Nunney as their first competition together “if conditions are favourable”.

The news that William has the ride on Signature will be exciting for fans as this top British rider is currently short of horsepower at four-star level — he did not compete at Badminton or Kentucky this year and is not entered for the next four-star on the calendar, Luhmühlen.

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

Clifton Lush, New Zealand rider Jock Paget’s selected Rio Olympic horse and consistent three- and four-star contender, has been put down after a field accident.

Jock announced the news this morning (31 March) on his Facebook page.

“It is absolutely devastating that we say goodbye to Clifton Lush, he was flying around his paddock as he sometimes likes to do and suffered an injury that he won’t recover from to have a comfortable enough retirement,” he said.

“This is obviously a major blow to anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. He was such a legend and he was living proof that with enough heart you can do anything. I had the pleasure of working with Lush for six years and I am hugely grateful for everything he taught me and how he gave everything and then some when I needed him to, he made the biggest of tracks feel like nothing but he would never give anything away in the warm-up.”

Jock described the 18-year-old gelding as “a true warrior” who loved his job.

“Huge condolences to his owners Lucy and Shaun Allison and Frances Stead and Russel Hall,” he added. “He was retired last year with the greatest intentions and it’s a crying shame that this little legend won’t get the retirement he deserves.

“He is being cremated and the ashes will be spread in Lucy and Shaun’s orchard.”

Clifton Lush’s most notable results included sixth place at Badminton last year, third at Badminton in 2015, fifth place at Burghley in 2012 and 2011 and victory in the CIC3* at Bramham in 2011 and the British Open at Gatcombe in 2013.

He was produced to four-star level by fellow New Zealander Joe Meyer before Jock took over the ride in 2011.

The New Zealand-bred chestnut, who broke his withers in eight places as an eight-year-old, was also selected to compete at the Rio Olympics but had to be withdrawn after the first trot-up. This was due to a stable accident at the event where he cut his cheek and had to be operated on, resulting in 100 stitches.

Joint owner Sophie Allison, who was looking after Clifton Lush in his retirement at her home in Hampshire, said: “Absolutely gutted to say that yesterday we had to put Clifton Lush to sleep. He had a severe injury from galloping around the field. He was a real legend.”

Keep up to date with the latest eventing news, reports, interviews and much more, in 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

Eventer Jock Paget is to move back to his native New Zealand to join its performance coaching programme.

The 32-year-old, who was part of the Kiwi Olympic team for Rio but was forced to withdraw before the competition when his mount Clifton Lush suffered an injury in the stable, is still aiming at the 2018 World Equestrian Games and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but will also concentrate on improving domestic performance.

He and wife Tegan plan to set up home in North Island before the end of the year.

“Coaching is something I really enjoy doing,” said Jock, who has been based in Britain since 2010. “I want to become a world-class coach and I believe this is the programme to do that in. It is very exciting.

“It makes the most sense to be based near Taupo if possible, and particularly the National Equestrian Centre where there is a lot of exciting development going on, including the brand new world-class indoor arena which will be ready in March. I think it is the place to be.”

Nine-year-old gelding Angus Blue and Jock’s 2013 Badminton winner, the retired Clifton Promise, will join the couple in New Zealand.

“Frances [Stead, Clifton Promise’s owner] is very happy that Promise will be continuing his retirement back in New Zealand,” said Jock.

“Angus Blue is a very good horse who did his first CCI3* in September. I have every intention of still targeting the major events throughout the world but just with a smaller team.

“To do both my riding and coaching properly, I won’t be able to have the same size team I have done, so I will now only have ones I think are going to be world-beaters.”

Equestrian Sport New Zealand high performance director Sarah Dalziell-Clout said: “This is a great development for our eventing programme and an invaluable opportunity for our riders in New Zealand.

“Jock’s experience as a member of our high performance eventing team is an exciting addition to the performance coaching team.”

Related articles:

• Clifton Lush’s Rio injury: ‘He needed a two-hour operation with 100 stitches’
• Clifton Promise to be retired at Badminton
• Irish eventer’s Rio ride to be sold at auction

Jock will take up his role in February, working with coaches Penny Castle, Clarke Johnstone, Tracy Smith and Jeff McVean.

“Having Jock here competing too is also exciting for the domestic competition scene,” Ms Dalziell-Clout added. “We will now have two of our Olympic campaigners in Clarke and Jock competing and coaching nationally. I hope this will further encourage more spectators to attend and support our events in New Zealand.”

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

New Zealand eventer Jock Paget has confirmed to H&H that Clifton Lush is fit and healthy and is being aimed at Pau in October, following an accident at Rio that meant the horse was withdrawn from the Games.

Clifton Lush was pulled from the New Zealand team when he cut his face on a pipe outside his stable in Rio, an injury that required 100 stitches.

However, Jock yesterday (Sunday 21 August) told H&H that the horse was back to his normal self and it was full steam ahead for the French four-star (12-16 October).

“It’s business as usual, I’m back riding Lush and preparing him for Pau,” said Jock, who is based near Hungerford in Berkshire.

“He’s had his stitches out and you’d have to walk right up to him to see the scar, you’d be surprised how quickly it has healed.

“He was a bit tired when he got off the plane and he moped around the paddock for a couple of days but he’s over his jet lag now, he’s very happy in himself and is good to go.”

No one saw what happened in Rio but when the officials checked at 6am he was fine.

“However, at 7am he was found with the tap handle from the tap outside his stable on the ground next to him and there was a lot of blood,” said Jock.

“There was a 2in piece of metal that was connected to the tap handle. This was then exposed, which he could reach from his stable, so I can’t see that it could have been anything else.

“It was handled really well, we got Lush to the sick bay as soon as possible and he was stitched up, everyone was fantastic and the surgeon did a great job.”

Related articles:

• Clifton Lush’s Rio injury: ‘He needed a two-hour operation with 100 stitches’
• Clifton Promise to be retired at Badminton

The 17-year-old gelding, who is co-owned by Lucy Allison and Frances Stead, was not comfortable with a bit in his mouth due to the injury, so Jock was forced to withdraw from competition.

He was replaced by travelling reserve horse Ringwood Sky Boy, ridden by Tim Price. The pair fell on the flat while turning between fences across country.

Jock and Lush had previously finished third at Badminton in 2015, sixth this year, and fifth at Burghley in both 2011 and 2012.

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

Clifton Lush, Jock Paget’s mount who was withdrawn from the New Zealand eventing team at the Rio Olympics, needed 100 stitches after he cut his face on a pipe outside his stable, his owner has told H&H.

Lucy Allison, who co-owns the horse with Frances Stead, said: “He was found by his groom with a gash five inches long. This necessitated the Olympic surgeon and three more vets sewing him up. The gash was large enough for the vet to be able to push his hand through from his cheek into his mouth. It took two hours and four layers, comprising over 100 stitches, to sew him up.

“Everyone attending him gave him every due care and attention, but as it was so close to his mouth, Jock had to ride him in a headcollar with reins attached. It was then apparent to everyone that time was against him, as he couldn’t have a bit in his mouth.”

Clifton Lush was presented at the horse inspection and asked to trot twice, but then passed. However, he was then withdrawn and replaced by travelling reserve horse Ringwood Sky Boy, ridden by Tim Price. The pair fell on the flat while turning between fences across country.

Lush is now home and well on the road to recovery.

“He is very well, ” said Lucy, adding that the horse will be aimed at Burghley (1-4 September) or if he needs more time, for the French four-star at Pau (12-16 October).

Clifton Lush’s good results with Jock Paget include third at Badminton last year and sixth this year, as well as fifth at Burghley in 2011 and 2012.

Continued below…

Related articles:

One horse sent to the holding box at first eventing trot-up at Rio Olympics

Stable accident forces another leading team to change Rio Olympics line-up

Britain out of medals in Rio Olympics eventing after poor cross-country performances

Full report on the eventing from the Rio Olympics in the issue of H&H out now (dated 11 August), including full analysis of every phase and comments from Mark Phillips, Ruth Edge and Tina Cook.

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 New Zealand team have made a substitution to their eventing team for the Rio Olympics following this morning’s first trot-up.

Earlier this week Jock Paget’s ride Clifton Lush cut his cheek on a pipe outside the stable that had somehow become exposed during the night, according to a statement from the national federation.

The cut required suturing and the vets have been happy with the horse’s progress. Under expert supervision Clifton Lush has been kept in work and has been working well. However, despite the positive daily progress, it has been decided that the horse should be given further time to heal to make a full recovery.

“Obviously it is very disappointing for me and Clifton Lush’s owners, but we’ve decided this is best for the horse,” said Jock. “It’s been a real team effort from the Rio 2016 veterinary hospital and our own vet Christiana Ober — they have all given Lush exceptional care and attention.”

Clifton Lush looked lacklustre at the trot-up this morning and was asked to trot twice by the ground jury (the USA’s Marilyn Payne, New Zealand’s Andrew Bennie and Britain’s Sandy Phillips) before he was accepted.

Following the withdrawal, Tim Price, the travelling reserve with Ringwood Sky Boy, will compete. The teams with a travelling reserve trotted up that horse this morning too, and they can be substituted until two hours before the dressage starts tomorrow morning at 10am.

Tim will make his Olympic debut, riding alongside his wife Jonelle, who won team bronze in London on Flintstar. The other members of the New Zealand team are Mark Todd (Leonidas II) and Clarke Johnstone (Balmoral Sensation).

“I am really proud to make the team, but it’s disappointing that it comes off the back of the misfortune of my team-mate Jock and his connections,” said Tim.

Tim will trailblaze for the team, followed by Mark and Clarke, with Jonelle riding in the anchor position.

New Zealand are one of the leading nations in the eventing competition and will compete for the medals with nations such as Germany (the favourites), France and Great Britain.

Continued below…

Related articles:

• German team call on reserve at Rio Olympics
• One horse held at Rio Olympics first trot-up
• Walk the Rio Olympics cross-country course: pictures of every fence

The dressage starts tomorrow at 10am and continues on Sunday. Monday (8 August) is cross-country day and the competition concludes on Tuesday. Follow the dressage as it happens with H&H Live.

Full 25-page report on the eventing from Rio 2016 in H&H next week — out Friday, 12 August. H&H is published on Friday instead of Thursday to next week only to allow us to report the full competition from the Olympics.

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

Mark Todd heads the list for New Zealand’s Rio eventing team and will make history as his country’s most senior Olympian.

Rio will be the eighth Olympics for the eventing legend, who has two horses on the list — his London 2012 team bronze medal-winning ride NZB Campino and Leonidas II.

“I am very excited about it,” he told H&H. “I think we have a pretty good team — there are no real weak links. We are a pretty even, strong team and that is going to be our strength.”

He added he will ride Leonidas II at Barbury (9-10 July) and NZB Campino is entered for Aachen (15-16 July), after which the decision will be made about which horse he will take.

The 60-year-old is also set to break his country’s record for its most senior Olympian.

“I don’t think about it really — I don’t feel my age, what are you meant to feel like at my age?” he said.

Joining him on the team are Jonelle Price, Jock Paget and Clarke Johnstone, with Tim Price as travelling reserve. The final horse selection has not yet been revealed.

New Zealand’s individual dressage place at this summer’s Games goes to Julie Brougham on Vom Feinstein.

“It has been an incredibly difficult process for selectors for both dressage and eventing,” said Equestrian Sports New Zealand high performance director Sarah Dalziell-Clout.

“But when selection is difficult, it’s a positive sign for New Zealand’s equestrian sport for the future.

“There were a lot of solid performances at the highest level from our eventers over the past 18 months, with the majority of riders having successful performances on multiple horses.

“For dressage, it has been an exciting time as new levels have been reached by our two high performance combinations (Ms Brougham and John Thompson).

“With such a hard-fought contest for this single place, it was disappointing to not be able to have selected them both.”

Jonelle and Jock were both on the London 2012 team and Clarke won team bronze at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Related articles:

• Stockdale, Sanctos and Big Star make Rio showjumping long-list
• Zara Phillips misses out on Rio Olympic place
• And the fourth British dressage team member for the Rio Olympics is…

“To have athletes selected who can draw on multiple Olympic medal-winning experiences from previous campaigns is a powerful thing,” added New Zealand Olympic committee CEO Kereyn Smith.

“I would like to congratulate Sir Mark Todd on continuing to raise the bar ahead of his eighth Olympic Games appearance and wish every one of the athletes selected today all the very best in Rio.”

The team riders and their horses are as follows:

• Mark Todd (NZB Campino or Leonidas II)
• Jonelle Price (Faerie Dianimo or Classic Moet)
• Jock Paget (Clifton Lush)
• Clarke Johnstone (Balmoral Sensation)

Reserve:

• Tim Price (Bango or Ringwood Sky Boy)

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

Clifton Promise will officially be retired at this year’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (May 5-8), Jock Paget has announced.

The 2013 winner had originally been entered for next month’s event but Jock and owner Frances Stead, of Clifton Eventers, have since decided he should retire from competition.

“I always said if I prepare him the same as I always have every year, then I will know when it’s time to retire him – and now feels like the right time,” Jock told Horse & Country TV.

“He’s done two competitions this season at Aldon and Burnham and he doesn’t feel the way he has in the past. It’s important we retire a day early rather than a day late.”

The pair’s international successes included winning team bronze at the London 2012 Olympics, finishing seventh at the World Equestrian Games in 2010 and winning the New Zealand Eventer of the Year title in 2009 and 2010.

Badminton final scores

Jock’s website describes Clifton Promise as “always the perfect gentleman to all people around him. He would never even put his ears back at anyone, let alone dream of biting or kicking them”.

The official retirement will take place on the final day of Badminton 2016 (8 May).

“We are honoured to be able to officially retire him on the Sunday at Badminton. We would like to thank Hugh and his team for this privilege at an event that means so much to us,” said Jock.

Cliton Promise will enjoy his retirement at Jock’s yard near Hungerford.

Related articles:

• Celebrating Badminton Horse Trials’ winners: 2000-2015
• Three top riders down to one horse at Badminton 2016
• 12 things we learnt about the 2016 Badminton Horse Trials cross-country course

“He will retire with me and I will take great pleasure in watching him in the paddock and riding him at home,” said Jock.

“It wouldn’t have been the right end to a successful career if Frances, the team and I couldn’t retire him happy and healthy.

“I would like to thank Frances (Clifton Eventers) for giving me the ride on Promise all those years ago. Promise is the ultimate gentlemen – he has changed my life.”

Jock and Clifton Promise also won Burghley in 2013 but were stripped of the title after the horse tested positive for banned substance reserpine.

Jock was later cleared of all charges by an FEI tribunal and found to have no responsibility for the positive test, as it was found the contamination was linked to a liquid supplement fed to the horse.

Jock provided evidence to prove he had consulted the team vet and product manufacturer repeatedly to ensure the supplement was free of banned substances — and that Clifton Promise had tested negative four times after receiving the supplement.

Jock will compete at this year’s Badminton on his other ride, Clifton Lush.

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

It wasn’t all plain sailing at Bramham Horse Trials this weekend (11-14 June) for the eventers who headed north for the Yorkshire event. While 27-year-old Flora Harris and Bayano stormed to victory in the CCI3*, others had a few stickier moments and a number of photographers were well-positioned to catch the action… We bring you the You’ve Been Framed moments of Bramham 2015.

Bramham Horse Trials: thrills and spills

Sit tight! Pippa Funnell and the 16.1hh, nine-year-old Sandman 7 survive a hairy moment in the showjumping, but they make an impressive recovery to go clear around the rest of the course and finish in sixth place.

France’s Regis Prud Hon and the 15-year-old grey gelding Debiut add some flare to their cross-country round

Oliver Townend and the 16.1hh gelding Dunbeau have a tricky moment at the brush into water at fence 13, picking up expensive penalties for this run out.

Rosalind Canter and the 17hh gelding Allstar B make an impressive recovery after this hairy looking moment at the first part of the combination at fence 15, finishing in 21st place.

Continued below…

The Cottesmore Leap — and 11 more of the world’s biggest rider frighteners

We look at 12 rider frighteners from around the world. How many would you willingly take on?

But it was fence 12, the Kidney ponds, that proved particularly influential (or unlucky) on the CCI3* track

Emma Silman and the 10-year-old gelding Sillogue Cailiocht hit the deck in the Bishop Burton College Under 25 CCI3*

Going, going… Jack Paget and the 16.3hh gelding Shady Grey have a tricky moment…

…before Jock parts company with his mount.

France’s Helene Vattier and the 12-year-old Quito De Baliere lose their balance…

…before Helene comes out the side door. And with Quito De Baliere standing at 17.2hh, it’s a long way to fall

Sweden’s Katrin Norling clings onto Zarina Cora…

…but the water beckons (with ducks looking on)

Don’t miss our full report from Bramham in the 18 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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

Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh (pictured) return to the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials this year (7-10 May) to defend their title.

Eight other riders who have previously won the event are also among the entries released today, but only one, Jock Paget, is riding the horse on which he won (Clifton Promise).

The other past winners entered are Mary King (Kings Temptress), Pippa Funnell (Redesigned and Second Supreme), Andrew Hoy (Rutherglen and Lanfranco), Mark Todd (Leonidas II and Oloa), Paul Tapner (Kilronan and Indian Mill), Oliver Townend (2014 runner-up Armada) and William Fox-Pitt.

William has four horses on the list, but his first choices are Parklane Hawk and Chilli Morning, who many will consider the ante-post favourite.

Parklane Hawk is one of 10 horses entered who have previously won four-stars. The others are Kings Temptress (2011 Kentucky), Clifton Promise (Badminton 2013), Wesko (Luhmühlen 2014), Nereo (Pau 2012), Avebury (Burghley 2012, 2013 and 2014), Cool Mountain (Kentucky 2010), TS Jamaimo (Adelaide 2013) and Paulank Brockagh (Badminton 2014).

Badminton final scores

Six British first-timers have thrown their hat in the ring: Rose Carnegie (Landine), Tom Crisp (Coolys Luxury), Nana Dalton (Absolut Opposition), Matthew Heath (The Lion), Michael Jackson (Kangasong) and Ben Way (Galley Light). Ben competed in the Grassroots Championship at Badminton in 2011.

Reigning Olympic champion Michael Jung — whose plans were up in the air between Kentucky and Badminton — has not entered. But four Germans do appear on the list, headed by Pau winners Ingrid Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob.

The following horses appear on the Badminton entries list, but are more likely to compete at Kentucky: Bay My Hero (William Fox-Pitt), High Kingdom (Zara Phillips), Wesko (Tim Price), Easy Target (Francis Whittington) and Annie Clover (Nicola Wilson).

Small entry

A total of 104 horses from 12 nationalities were entered for Badminton this year, considerably fewer than the 141 who were originally in the mix last year. This is Badminton’s smallest entry for some years, perhaps because the tough cross-country set last year by new course-designer Giuseppe della Chiesa has made riders consider whether they are really ready for the test.

Fourteen horses are on the wait list. 90 horses have been accepted, but a maximum of 85 will start — the extras take into account that four riders have more than two horses accepted, but they can only start on two.

Horses are accepted into Badminton on the basis of which have won the most FEI points at three- and four-star level in the past two years, so the horses with most points are accepted and then the others are wait listed in points order.

Since this system was brought in in 2008, between 15 (in 2013) and 43 horses (in 2009) have been accepted from the wait list into the competition, so it is likely that this year all those who have entered will be able to compete. Last year 19 horses made it into the event from the wait list.

Curiously, the 2011 Kentucky winner Kings Temptress is 13th on the wait-list initially as she has been out of the competitive fray due to injury. She had her first run since the middle of 2013 at Aldon last weekend, jumping a double clear.

The wait-listed entries will replace horses which are withdrawn up until 2pm on Sunday, 3 May.

View the full list of entries here: www.badminton-horse.co.uk/2015-entries/

Keep up-to-date with all of H&H’s Badminton news here: www.horseandhound/badminton

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

Move over, Munnings. Five leading Kiwi riders have tried their hand at drawing sketches of horses to raise money for New Zealand Riding for the Disabled (NZRDA) — and the results are pretty impressive.

Andrew Nicholson, Mark Todd, Jock Paget, and Tim and Jonelle Price joined 25 other famous New Zealanders for the Great RDA Horse Doodle campaign .

The celebrities were asked to doodle their interpretation of a horse on to a canvas and inject as much of their personality into it as possible.

RDA funding and marketing manager James Craw, said: “It’s not about their level of drawing ability or art skills, but about creating something fun and quirky.”

The celebrities’ handiwork was then auctioned off online in support of the NZRDA, which gives children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to ride.

Jock drew a horse jumping — it is a fine effort, though we’re not sure about the rider’s upper body position — while Andrew’s doodle is titled “Quimbo” and depicts his memorable one-handed leap into the Head of the Lake en route to winning last year’s Rolex Kentucky.

Tim and Jonelle opted for a different angle; they drew a horse standing on top of a podium, with the quote: “The worst of them sense our fears and take advantage of us. The best of them sense our dreams and take us there.”

But there was no doubting the winner — is there no end to Sir Mark Todd’s talents? Toddy’s jumping horse doodle fetched a whopping $1,762 (£876) at auction — second only to the contribution from iconic New Zealand artist Dick Frizzell, whose Thelwell-esqe drawing of a sitting horse entitled “Horsing about”.

Ref: H&H 18 December, 2014

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

British riders Oliver Townend and Tina Cook, who both performed their dressage tests this morning in the eventing at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, were slightly disappointed with the results.

Oliver rides as an individual and lies 15th on 47.2 riding Karyn Schuter’s Black Tie II (above).

“He went in and did a ‘clear round’ — there were no mistakes and he behaved himself, but his general way of going was a bit tense and tight,” said Oliver, who was the first rider in the arena this morning.

“We wanted him to be on yesterday and sort of had him ready for that, then we couldn’t get too much work into him yesterday and he was a bit bright in there.”

Tina, the third British team member to perform, holds 22nd on a score of 50 with Jim Chromiak’s and her own De Novo News. The 11-year-old garnered some eights in his extended work, but also had some small mistakes in the flying changes.

“He went a bit babyish, which sounds silly when he’s done three four-stars, but he went in there and got quite tight,” said Tina. “He showed a bit of a tendency to look around and get tight in the neck. Through tension, the mistakes came in, which you can’t afford at this level.”

Jock Paget takes second

Three riders broke into the top 10 this morning. New Zealand’s Jock Paget, riding at his first major competition since the drama of his doping case and the “no fault or negligence” verdict, scored 38 to take second place on Clifton Promise (right). He sits just 0.5 of a penalty behind Britain’s overnight leader William Fox-Pitt on Chilli Morning.

“It’s good to see Promise hasn’t forgotten his job,” he said. “There was nothing I was disappointed with — I’m proud of him for going in and doing the same thing as last time he was at a four-star [Burghley 2013].”

Jock’s result is a boost for the New Zealand team, which holds the lead over Germany with one rider for each team still to go.

Lucy Jackson, another Kiwi but riding as an individual, piloted Willy Do to seventh on 43.8 this morning.

She said: “I’m absolutely thrilled with him — the mistakes in the rein-back and one flying change proved expensive, but it’s his first championship. Some experienced horses have not been responding as well in there — they seem to freeze a bit, but my horse didn’t so I’m chuffed with him.”

Ruy Fonseca lies ninth on 44.2 crediting his good test to increased funding from the Brazilian federation in the run-up to the 2016 Olympics and training with Brit Anna Ross Davies.

Britain’s final rider is Harry Meade on Wild Lone at 4.40pm today local time (3.40pm British time).

Live results

Check back for more updates from WEG eventing online. Full report in H&H next week, out Thursday, 4 September.

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

Following the biggest doping scandal to hit eventing, H&H's acting deputy news editor Sophia Heath visited Jock Paget at his Surrey base. He is now preparing for the World Equestrian Games, but lifting the ‘cloud’ of doping allegations won’t be easy

“I will be shitting myself the next time one of my horses get [drug] tested,” said Jock Paget, who is only the second rider in history to have been cleared of doping charges by the FEI.

If the past 10 months have taught the event rider anything, it is that the danger of contamination [in Jock’s case through a calmer called LesstressE] is a real threat to any rider in any discipline.

The FEI verdict, which was released two weeks ago (7 August), excused Jock and his mentor Kevin McNab of any wrongdoing, but the case has thrown excessive supplement use and the dangers of contamination into the spotlight.

Supplement issues

In his evidence at his FEI Tribunal, Jock said Clifton Promise was on seven different products. If there is a risk of a supplement containing an illegal substance, he’s increasing the odds sevenfold compared with not feeding supplements at all. However, Jock maintains that supplement use is essential for event horses.

“I give each supplement to a horse for a reason. It’s not because I just like the name or the colour so I chuck them in,” Jock said.

“You are not dealing with a human athlete, like a runner, where a coach can say: ‘you need to make sure you eat this and drink that’.

“We can’t have those conversations with the horse. And we need to bridge the gap between what they are getting and what we are asking them to do at a three-day event.

“Supplements are essential, but this [case] is a great example that you can’t be too careful with the supplements that you use.”

During the tribunal process, Roger Hatch, director of Trinity Consultants, which manufactures LesstressE, admitted to using a “wooden spoon and plastic bowl” to make the supplement, and that there was no quality control in place.

“Of course I wouldn’t have used the product if I had known that was the situation,” Jock said. “I don’t think anyone would use a supplement that they knew was being made like that. It is laughable.

“But when I spoke to Mr Hatch, no alarm bells went off. He has been working in this industry for 46 years and this product has been on the shelf for 18 years.

“I never went out to his business to have a look at the way he makes things. Maybe that’s something people should do.”

During the Tribunal, the FEI wanted Jock to be able to prove the exact point of contamination, but it was decided by the Tribunal that this would be an “unreasonable burden”. Some people have suggested that this might change the parameters for future cases.

“I think it will be a case-by-case scenario,” Jock said. “I don’t think it’s going to set a precedent for people who can’t necessarily show where it [the contamination] happened, but can show that it happened before they got it [the product].

“You are going to need quite a bit of evidence around that as well to be exonerated.”

Kiwi tensions

In April, at Jock’s request, a “partial decision” was made by the FEI and Jock was stripped of his Burghley title, which was handed to Andrew Nicholson. Andrew — who was competing in Kentucky at the time — launched into a verbal tirade when questioned by a

New Zealand television reporter about the move (news, 1 May).

“You are in New Zealand so you will be hearing all this bulls**t about what a good man Jock was for surrendering it. Well, that’s a load of bulls**t, he surrendered nothing, he didn’t have it to f****ng start with, he lost it the moment the horse was tested,” said Andrew at the time.

Despite this, Jock insists there is no remaining tension with his idol, with whom he will compete on the same team at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) later this month.

“I still look up to him and I always will — he is a legend of the sport,” Jock said.

“One of the things we love about Andrew is that he says what he thinks.

“I think he made it pretty clear he didn’t have a problem with me but had a problem with the process and the way people were interpreting the process.

“He said what he thought and I like him for that.”

A further argument also came to a head last week when fellow Kiwi rider Joe Meyer said that he had been wrongly named in the evidence given to the FEI for suggesting the LesstressE product to Jock (news, 14 August).

“I am sorry that Joe has been dragged into this mess,” Jock said.

“But I gave evidence under oath. He did recommend the product.”

Time is a healer

Although Jock has now been cleared of any wrongdoing, he still believes it may take a while for his association with doping to be forgotten.

“Of course there are concerns and I don’t want to have that cloud above me,” he said. “It is there and I can’t change that. All I can do is hopefully do some good things and eventually, with time, it will be filtered out and replaced with something positive.

“I haven’t been out and about enough to get a real measure of what people think, and I know most people won’t say things to my face anyway.

“The facts are the facts and that should be how people make their opinion. I am not interested in people who make up their opinion on what they want to hear.

“The people that I have spoken to and been close to have been fantastic throughout.”

Jock also admitted that he will now always be scared whenever one of his horses is checked for prohibited substances.

“I will be shitting myself the next time one of my horses get tested. I was so confident before Burghley — I didn’t even give it a thought when they asked to take Promise for testing.

“But now I know anything can get contaminated.”

Looking forward to WEG

The former bricklayer is now focusing on WEG to prove to his doubters that his success has been based on nothing more than natural talent.

“Promise knows his job very well and he gets better every year,” he said. “I have done my preparation now and I am happy with my preparation, regardless of what has happened. All that is left to do now is perform on the day.”

Clifton Promise is no longer on LesstressE, but Jock is not worried that it will influence his performance.

“I won’t know until I go to a big competition again and see how he copes. But he went to Hartpury last weekend (6-10 August) and he was eating his feed and he was happy so I am not too concerned.

“He is mellowing in his older age. But he is a Ferrari, not a Volkswagen, and he loves his job and is very good at it.

“I would never recommend this experience to anyone, but now that I am on the other side of it I am glad that I went through it. I have learnt a lot, but I am never going to be safe [from contamination].”

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

Kiwi eventer Joe Meyer has told H&H he is “dumbfounded and furious” to have been named in evidence in the Jock Paget case.

Last week (6 August), Jock Paget was cleared of any wrongdoing after his horse Clifton Promise tested positive for banned substance reserpine at last year’s Burghley Horse Trials. The substance was found to have come from a contaminated calmer called LesstressE, made by Trinity Consultants.

In his submission to the FEI, Jock stated that he “had started using LesstressE in 2010 on recommendation of Mr. Joe Meyer who had previously used it, and that it had resulted in negative testing results for FEI prohibited substances.”

However, Joe Meyer told H&H that he was “furious” when he found out he had been mentioned in the case via online web reports.

Joe insists that he had been asked to use LesstressE by one of the owners of Clifton Lush — Lucy Allison — after a poor dressage test in 2008. He added that he had used the product a “few times” in the spring of 2009, but that he didn’t like it.

“I felt that it did have a strong calming effect. But I was very uneasy with the product because I couldn’t find out exactly what it had in it and I didn’t feel it was a good thing for the horse,” said Joe. “I felt it made the horse too calm and I was worried about the welfare of the horse and myself to go out and jump if the animal was still under the influence of the stuff.”

Joe stopped using the product in 2009 and instead uses WINNINGEDGE.

Mrs Allison — who is a part owner of two of Jock’s rides (Clifton Lush and Shady Grey) — confirmed to H&H that she had “recommended the product” to Joe having previously used supplements from Trinity Consultants for horses, herself and her dogs.

“I have nothing against Jock, but I haven’t even spoken to him in years,” Joe added.

“I didn’t hear anything from anyone beforehand about it. Not from Jock or his defence and not from the FEI.

“A recommendation and letting someone know that something is on the market are two completely different things.”

However, despite his rebuttal Jock maintains that Joe did recommend LesstressE to him.

“I am sorry for Joe Meyer that he has been dragged into this mess,” he told H&H. “But I gave evidence under oath. He did recommend the product.”

For an in-depth look into the FEI tribunal verdict with reactions from riders and vets don’t miss this week’s Horse & Hound — out today (14 August)

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

After 10 months Jock Paget (pictured above) and his former trainer Kevin McNab have both been cleared of any malpractice after their horses tested positive for banned substance reserpine at last year’s Burghley Horse Trials (5-8 September 2013).

The FEI Tribunal found that the long-term tranquiliser came from a contaminated calming supplement called LesstressE, produced by Trinity Consultants.

Twelve bottles of LesstressE were obtained from the stables of Jock Paget, Kevin McNab, Adam Trew and Jonelle Richards for testing and reserpine was detected in 10 of them.

The FEI countered by claiming the bottles had a “simple flip top lid” so could have been tampered with after leaving the manufacturers.

The FEI claimed Jock would have “strong motivation” to do this, given that reserpine is known to have a calming effect for dressage and he had admitted that Clifton Promise was “highly strung”.

Director of Trinity Consultants Roger Hatch admitted mixing LesstressE “to order” on his kitchen table using a “wooden spoon and plastic bowl” and that there was no quality control. Due to the nature of the manufacturing process it was impossible to prove exactly how and when the contamination occurred.

The Tribunal also found that neither rider had shown “negligence” because they couldn’t have “reasonably known or suspected” that LesstressE would be contaminated with reserpine.

Moving on

Although still stripped of his Burghley title, Jock is now free to ride again, as is Kevin, both escaping a potential two-year ban.

Jock can now concentrate on preparations for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. He was selected for the New Zealand squad earlier this summer.

“It is the ultimate relief. It has been the only thing on my mind,” Jock told H&H.

“I was fortunate that we were able to find the source of the contamination, trace it and prove — most importantly — that I wasn’t responsible nor could I have known.”

Kevin (pictured left riding Clifton Pinot) is also keen to “finally move on”.

“I’m not a doper, I always knew it had to be contamination,” he said.

Both horses are owned by Frances Stead of Clifton Eventers, who has maintained both riders’ innocence throughout.

“This outcome confirms what we have consistently said since this news broke last year — that both Jock and Kevin are two exceptional individuals who are not only very talented and hard-working, but also operate at all times in an ethical and honest way,” said Frances in a statement.

“It is also great news for the sport of eventing, as it confirms it remains clean of any drug abuse of horses.”

Supplement concern

The case has once again thrown into the spotlight the possible problems with contamination in supplements.

It was revealed that Clifton Promise was on seven supplements and that Clifton Pinot had been given three different calmers — including LesstressE — on the morning of the dressage at Burghley (6 September).

The FEI argued that under the context of the World Anti-Doping Code, athletes had been warned supplements may be contaminated with prohibited substances. As a result, the riders had “assumed the risk” by still using them.

“This case highlights the much discussed concerns about the use of herbal supplements,” said H&H vet consultant Karen Coumbe. “It can be extremely difficult to know for certain what precisely the contents are and how they are manufactured.”

Event Riders Association president Bruce Haskell added: “This is a wake-up call that riders need to be more responsible.”

LesstressE was still available on the Trinity Consultants website for £17 last week with claims to contain no prohibited substance for either the FEI or national equine ruling bodies, but it has since been de-listed.

H&H asked Mr Hatch why LesstressE had still been available and if he could confirm his products were no longer at risk of contamination. Mr Hatch refused to comment on the contamination risk.

Standing up to scrutiny

The high-profile nature of this case has put the FEI Tribunal system under widespread public scrutiny.

The organisation has been criticised during the past 10 months for the amount of time it took to process the case.

In March, Olympic event rider Ian Stark told H&H the FEI disciplinary system “really needs tightening-up”.

“The FEI lets things linger on and on. Eventing needs to work on this, when cases hang on, it can have adverse effects on people’s careers,” he said (news, 6 March).

Jock’s elimination from Burghley after a “partial decision” by the FEI did not happen until 23 April — the day before Kentucky three-day event where Andrew Nicholson was attempting to win the second leg of the Rolex Grand Slam, having finished second to Jock at Burghley.

The length of the case has also resulted in Jock and Kevin missing several major events.

Concerns have now been raised that the FEI’s approach to the case was defensive rather than investigative.

“I would like in future to see the FEI take a strong investigatory role following initial positives and to do so at an early stage to ensure that in cases where there is no fault, such as Kevin’s, these cases can be identified and resolved much more quickly,” said Kevin’s lawyer Rory Mac Neice.

“The process needs to be more streamlined,” added Jock’s lawyer Jeremy Dickerson. “It’s the right result, but it’s taken us a jolly long time to get there.”

“More money and time needs to be spent across the board,” added Bruce Haskell. “We all want a fair sport and that requires a combination of the athlete and the administration.

“If we want eventing to stay as an Olympic sport we need it to be credible. Cycling now has no credibility, weightlifting now has no crediblilty and I would hate to see eventing go the same way. It requires both sides to play within the rules and get better at what they do.”

First published in Horse & Hound magazine on 14 August 2014

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

Eventers Jock Paget and Kevin McNab have been cleared of any wrongdoing for doping offences at Burghley last year. The official decision was released by the FEI yesterday (8 August) and stated that a herbal supplier was to blame for a contaminated calmer, which had caused the positive tests.

The full details of the case were released by the FEI in 36- and 33-page documents. H&H has put together a summary of the arguments that were put forward by both sides and the verdict from the Tribunal.

In summary

Last October, it was revealed that the rides of eventers Jock Paget (Clifton Promise) and Kevin McNab (Clifton Pinot) had both tested positive for the prohibited substance reserpine at Burghley Horse Trials. As a result of the positive tests, both riders were automatically banned from national and international competition.

B samples from both horses were then tested and confirmed the positive result in November.

In April 2014, Jock was officially disqualified from his winning title at Burghley following a “partial decision” by the FEI Tribunal. A statement from the FEI confirmed that Jock had accepted that the “banned substance had been found in the horse and requested that the FEI Tribunal rule separately on the automatic disqualification from Burghley”.

On 22 May, at the request of the riders, the FEI agreed that both cases could be heard together.

The final FEI hearing was held in London on the 3-4 June and yesterday (7 August) the Tribunal’s decision was announced, clearing both riders of any wrongdoing.

The case

To avoid punishment, both riders had to prove “no fault and no negligence”. This means they firstly had to prove they were not at “fault” for the drug being in the horses’ systems and secondly that they could not be accused of being “negligent” for its presence.

No fault argument

Riders submission

• Both riders argued that the drug had entered the horses through a calmer called LesstressE which was produced by Trinity Consultants.
• Jock stated he had begun using the product in 2010 on the recommendation of fellow New Zealand eventer Joe Meyer.
• Kevin said that he had started to use the product after bringing three horses to the UK in May 2012 and stabling them with Jock. He said he had “adopted Mr Paget’s suppliers and the feed selected by him” which included LesstressE.
• Both riders admitted the calmer had been given to Clifton Promise and Clifton Pinot on the morning of the dressage at Burghley (6 September).
• 12 bottles of LesstressE were obtained from the stables of Jock Paget, Kevin McNab, Adam Trew and Jonelle Richards to be tested. Resperine was detected in 10 of them.
• Director of Trinity Consultants Roger Hatch admitted mixing the supplement LessStressE on his kitchen table using a “wooden spoon and plastic bowl” and that there was no quality control in place.

FEI argument

• The FEI countered the argument by claiming the bottles had a “simple flip top lid” so could have been tampered with after leaving the manufacturers.
• The FEI claimed Jock would have “strong motivation” to do this, given the drug is known to have a calming effect for dressage and he had admitted that Clifton Promise was “highly strung”.
• The FEI also argued that all of the tested bottles had come from people who all knew each other.
• They claimed that Jock and Kevin had an obligation to prove the exact moment of contamination — which was not possible due to the nature of the manufacturing process at Trinity Consultants — and therefore they should both receive a two-year ban from the sport.

Counter argument

• Jock and Kevin argued it was an “unfair obligation” to have to prove the exact moment of contamination.
• Five witness statements were provided by riders who had given samples of LesstressE, saying that they had not added reserpine to the product post manufacture.
• Two other riders — Arabella Spilman and Patricia Andrews — who had also given postive samples of the supplement said they had never met Jock or Kevin.
• They argued that on the balance of probabilities (i.e. more than 51%) it was most likely that the contamination had occurred at the manufactures.

Tribunal decision

• The Tribunal found that on the balance of probabilities the LesstressE administered to the horse at the event caused the positive finding of reserpine.
• It agreed that it would be an “unreasonable burden” on the person responsible to demonstrate the particular circumstances in which LesstressE had become contaminated.
• The Tribunal noted that because “no good manufacturing policies existed and that no quality control had been in place” at Trinity Consultants there was an “increased likelihood of contamination of any products”.
• The Tribunal said that, due to the various locations and the lack of connections between the different positive samples, the contamination of the produce after it had left Trinitiy Consultants was “unlikely”.
• As a result, the Tribunal found that “on the balance of probabilities” the contamination of LesstressE had occurred at the manufacturers and therefore both riders had proved the first prerequisite of how the prohibited substance had entered the horses’ systems.

No negligence argument

Riders’ submission

• Both riders argued they had taken comprehensive steps to check the supplement was legal.
• Jock said that he started using the product on the recommendation of Joe Meyer, and that Joe’s horse had always had negative drugs test results.
• Jock added he had used the product in Aachen in 2010 and the horse had tested negative — this reassured him that the product was safe to use and did not contain prohibited substances.
• He also argued that the horse had been drug tested “several more” times between 2010 and 2013 — all tests coming back negative.
• Jock claimed he had contacted Roger Hatch of Trinity Consultants who had “unequivocally confirmed” that the product did not contain prohibited substances.
• Jock explained that the New Zealand team vet Oliver Pynn had approved his use of LesstressE.
• Kevin argued that Clifton Pinot tested negative for banned substances having been fed LesstressE at Luhmühlen in 2012.
• He said he had also been aware that Clifton Promise had tested negative on several occasions.
• He argued further that he had checked on the Trinity Consultants website and spoken to the manufacturer directly about prohibited substances.
• Kevin claimed he was aware that the New Zealand veterinary team had reviewed the substance and were happy with its ingredients.

FEI argument

• The FEI argued that under the context of the World Anti-Doping Code, athletes had been warned of the risk that supplements may be contaminated with prohibited substances. As a result, the riders had “assumed the risk” by still feeding supplements.
• The FEI continued that it had also “specifically warned” riders about the danger of supplements and possible contamination.
• The FEI argued that because both riders were using multiple supplements they should be “excluded from denying any responsibility”.

Riders counter argument

• Both riders argued that the tribunal has previously “expressly recognised supplements had to be treated differently in the context of equestrian sport”.
• They further claimed that the proper care of elite horses required the use of supplements.
• They stated that line between “supplement” and “feed” was blurred as some feeds contained additives. As a result the risk of contamination in hard feed could also not be ruled out.
• As a result they claimed that it was “unrealistic” to be able to take all precautions to avoid the horses coming into contact with a contaminated product.

Tribunal Decision

• The FEI Tribunal said there should be a distinction between supplements used for welfare and performance enhancing products.
• The Tribunal argued that LesstessE “had been used with the intention of enhancing the horse’s performance“.
• However, the Tribunal said that just because it is a performance enhancing product “did not mean that the person cannot claim no fault of negligence”.
• The Tribunal agreed the riders had taken reasonable steps in the past to ensure that an illegal substance was not in a product.
• As a result the Tribunal found that the persons responsible had a “right to rely” on the product.
• The Tribunal found that the riders could not have “reasonably known or suspected” that LesstressE would be contaminated with resperine.
• As a result both riders were found to have established that they bear “no fault or negligence” for the rule violation.

For more analysis and reaction on the verdict, don’t miss next week’s issue of H&H magazine, out 14 August.

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

Jock Paget and Kevin McNab have both been cleared of doping after their horses tested positive for banned substance reserpine at last year’s Burghley horse trials.

The FEI has issued its final decision and in both cases has stated that the riders, who are the persons responsible, had “no fault or negligence for the rule violation”.

The final hearing has concluded that the substance had entered the horses’ system through a supplement called LesstressE and that contamination had occurred at the manufacturing stage.

In April a partial decision was reached by the FEI in the case of Jock Paget stripping him of his Burghley title. This decision still stands and Kevin has also been disqualified from Burghley as both horses competed on an illegal substance.

More to follow.

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

Jock Paget is set to line up with Sir Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson and Tim Price for the New Zealand team at this summer’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG).

However, Jock’s participation is subject to the final ruling from the FEI tribunal.

The eventer was suspended from competition for 8 and a half months after his ride Clifton Promise tested positive for banned substance reserpine at Burghley last September.

Earlier this month (3-4 June) he attended an FEI tribunal that made a “partial decision” to allow Jock to return to competiton. He rode 6 horses at Salperton last weekend and finished 27th on Clifton Promise.

Jock joins a strong all-male line up, and New Zealand — who won double gold in 1990 and 1998 — are aiming for the top again.

Andrew has ridden in all 6 WEGs — with his best individual result a bronze in Kentucky in 2010, when New Zealand also won a team bronze.

H&H columnist Mark Todd has ridden at four WEGs. It will be the 2nd time Jock has ridden at WEG but his 1st in the team. This months’ Luhmühlen winner Tim makes his championship debut.

Caroline Powell and Lucy Jackson have been named as individuals. It will be Lucy’s championship debut also.

“Everyone has worked very hard to reach the high targets we have set as a team, and that includes the riders, the trainers, all of the support team and the selectors,” said Equestrian Sport New Zealand high performance eventing coach Erik Duvander

“We have an incredible amount of energy in this team and we have super-talented horses.

“We are going out to win. If you are riding to win, you have to stick your neck out and that increases the risk, so we are looking forward to very exciting days in Normandy.”

ESNZ high performance director and WEG chef de mission Sarah Harris added: “This is an outstanding team and really shows the depth and calibre of our riders and the high performance programme.”

Team

• Andrew Nicholson and Nereo (owned by Libby Sellar) or Avebury (owned by Rosemary and Mark Barlow)
• Sir Mark Todd and Leonidas (owned by Peter Cattrell and Di Brunsden)
• Tim Price and Wesko (owned by Christina Knudsen, Peter Vela, Lucy Sangster and Kate Watchman)
• Jock Paget and Clifton Promise (owned by Frances Stead and Russell Hall)

Individuals

• Caroline Powell and Onwards and Upwards (owned by Cameron and Mary Crawford)
• Lucy Jackson and Willy Do (owned by Mark, Gillian and Charlotte Greenlees)

Reserves

• Jonelle Price and Classic Moet (owned by Trisha Rickards),
• Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy (owned by Robert Taylor, Selwood.com and Price)
• Megan Heath and her own St Daniel

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

Jock Paget has told H&H he is set to make his return to competition later this month. He is now aiming for the World Equestrian Games (WEG) after his ban was lifted following a partial decision by the FEI.

The eventer was suspended from competition for 8 and a half months after his ride Clifton Promise tested positive for banned substance reserpine at Burghley last September.

He attended an FEI tribunal last week (3-4 June) to give evidence. The FEI announced on Friday (6 June) it had made a “partial decision” to allow Jock to return to competiton.

Jock now has 7 horses entered to run at Salperton Park on 21 June.

“I don’t think I will be completely relaxed about it until the final verdict is announced,” Jock told H&H.

“I don’t want to count my chickens too early but it is obviously a positive sign and my focus now is purely on WEG.

“For the past 8 and half months it has been the first thing on my mind every morning so it’s nice to have some of the pressure lifted.”

Jock is hoping to be selected on his Badminton winner Clifton Promise who will run in the open intermediate at Salperton.

“I have always prepared Promise the same way and he knows his job very well,” Jock said.

“I don’t want to change anything because of this.”

Kevin McNab’s horse Clifton Pinot also tested postive for the same substance at Burgley and it is expected he will also make a return to competition soon.

Both Clifton Promise and Clifton Pinot are owned by Frances Stead of Clifton Eventers.

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

Jock Paget and Kevin McNab can return to competing following a decision by the FEI tribunal to lift their temporary suspensions.

The riders were both suspended after their horses Clifton Promise and Clifton Pinot, tested positive for the banned substance reserpine at Burghley Horse Trials last September.

In a statement the FEI said:

“The FEI Tribunal has today lifted the provisional suspensions of Jonathan Paget (NZL) and Kevin McNab (AUS) with immediate effect. The 2 athletes had been provisionally suspended following positive tests on their horses, Clifton Promise and Clifton Pinot, for the banned substance Reserpine at Burghley (GBR) in September 2013.

“The decision follows a specific request from the 2 athletes for the lifting of the provisional suspensions. The request was made during a 2-day hearing before the FEI Tribunal in London (GBR) on 3-4 June.

“The lifting of the provisional suspensions is a preliminary decision. The FEI Tribunal’s final decision in both cases will be issued at a later date.”

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

An FEI tribunal concerning doping allegations against last year’s Burghley winner Jock Paget and his mentor Kevin McNab has started this morning (3 June) in London.

Jock and Kevin have both been suspended from competition after their horses, Clifton Promise and Clifton Pinot, tested positive for the banned substance reserpine at Burghley Horse Trials last September.

Both horses are owned by Frances Stead of Clifton Eventers. In an unusual move for tribunals of this nature, both cases will be heard together.

Jock appeared to avoid the waiting media by entering through a back entrance of Bird & Bird law firm’s offices in London where the tribunal is taking place behind closed doors.

Kevin entered through the front entrance, but did not comment on proceedings.

Last month the FEI reached a partial decision on Jock’s case and stripped him of his Burghley title but Kevin’s result still stands at the moment.

The full tribunal will determine whether either rider is at fault for the banned substance being in their horse’s system. If they are found guilty they could face a minimum 2-year-ban from the sport.

The tribunal is expected to last one or 2 days, but a verdict may not be reached for a further 4 to 6 weeks.

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 FEI’s handling of the Jock Paget affair continues to be shrouded in mystery.

As the eventing world gathered in Kentucky, rumours circulated that Jock Paget, with Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ), had asked the FEI to adjudicate on whether or not Jock should keep his Burghley title (pictured).

This created great activity on social media, portraying Jock as the good guy. It also had an unsettling effect on Andrew Nicholson as he prepared for the second leg of a possible Rolex Grand Slam when he kept being asked: “Aren’t you grateful to Jock for giving you the Burghley title?”

Everybody needs to take one step back here. Jock got caught with a banned substance in his horse. Much as I like and sympathise with Jock, he is not the good guy. Andrew won on merit and within the rules of the sport; he is the one who deserves that label and to be the world number one.

Having said that, if Jock or ESNZ asked for this costly adjudication in the interests of the sport as the 2014 four-stars loomed, that was laudable.

My only query is why this action should have come from the New Zealand side and not from within the FEI in the interests of the sport and its long-time sponsor Rolex.

There was more than one person in Lexington speculating that the FEI’s current association with rival watchmaker Longines had an influence on both the timing of this announcement and the length of time it took to release the information.

Now we know that we have to wait until 3 June for Jock’s tribunal.

In the meantime, the showjumping World Cup, sponsored by Longines, has trouble on the horizon. Already some of the biggest shows, such as Calgary and Wellington, are choosing to keep their Rolex sponsorship and opt out of the World Cup or, in Aachen’s case, to run a Nations Cup outside of the Furusiyya league.

That is a scenario set to spread and Kentucky, the favorite candidate for the 2018 World Equestrian Games [WEG], has already said the Rolex stadium is non-negotiable in its bid.

Optional fences?

THIS year’s Kentucky was blessed with great weather, albeit with showers on Friday, which produced perfect footing for cross-country day.

Almost a third of the field went inside the time, despite the course having maximum efforts and minimum distances and being measured very, very tightly.

This was not because this was a soft four-star track. It may not have been as big as Burghley, but the angles, bending lines and narrows took the sport into a new era. Course-designer Derek di Grazia had the riders’ attention, even if some of the let-up fences were three-star efforts.

That, given the terrain, was no bad thing and helped give better pictures on the back end of the course.

It also added more fuel to what designers have been saying for a while now, which is that at four-star we should have a couple of extra fences which are only included in the course if the conditions are perfect.

This would ensure we keep the influence of cross-country because while dressage tests have become more difficult, the showjumping bigger and more technical, the cross-country parameters have barely changed — except for the loss of the long format endurance factor.

The current situation is exasperating when, as in Kentucky and at the WEG test event last season, we had nearly half the field within 10 dressage marks. The competition becomes more and more about the dressage and showjumping.

Having said that, close scores do make for real entertainment on the last day. William Fox-Pitt’s clear round to win was quite something. Lauren Kieffer, a newcomer to this level, also impressed. She has surely booked herself a ticket to Normandy.

With good results from Sinead Halpin and Buck Davidson, plus Clark Montgomery, Tiana Coudray and Boyd Martin still to show their form, the USA medal chances in France are getting a considerable boost.

So last weekend in Kentucky was once again all about William Fox-Pitt, winning his 53rd CCI. Can he now do the second leg of the Rolex Grand Slam at Badminton?

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 FEI announced last week (23 April) that New Zealand’s Jock Paget had lost his 2013 Burghley title, more than 6 months after the initial offence.

Jock’s ride Clifton Promise tested positive for the banned sedative reserpine at the horse trials last September. Reserpine is a long-lasting, powerful tranquillizer that some riders and trainers privately accept has been used in the past.

The result was confirmed on 26 November but, despite pressure from the equestrian community, the FEI refused to strip Jock of his title until a tribunal had been heard. A second horse in the same ownership, Clifton Pinot — ridden by Jock’s mentor, Australian Kevin McNab — also tested positive for reserpine at Burghley.

In an unprecedented move, Jock wrote to the FEI and requested that a “partial decision” be taken.

In a statement, the FEI explained Jock had accepted that a “banned substance had been found in the horse and requested that the FEI tribunal rule separately on the automatic disqualification from Burghley”.

A full tribunal, which will explore the circumstances and Jock’s punishment, has been scheduled for 3 June.

The 2013 Burghley title now belongs to Jock’s fellow Kiwi Andrew Nicholson.

Somewhat bizarrely, Kevin’s Burghley result, 13th, still stands. Burghley told H&H that last year’s prize-money will not be redistributed “until the FEI tribunal has issued its final decision in the McNab case”.

However, Jock and Kevin seem unlikely to lose out personally, since the owner of the Clifton horses, Frances Stead, confirmed: “I paid both Jock and Kevin their prize-money in 2013, as I said I would.”

Frustration on all sides

Riders and organisers have become increasingly vocal about the harmful time lag in concluding the tribunals for these cases.

“The case has left a cloud hanging over the sport for far too long and, for Jock’s sake, it could have been sorted out in a fraction of the time and the suspense lifted,” said William Fox-Pitt.

Frances Stead told H&H that she is “frustrated” by the length of time that the case is taking. When the positive samples were first discovered, Mrs Stead hired an expert scientist to help analyse the various sources of possible contamination.

In a statement in October, she said that the substance could be found in grassland and hedgerow plants in the UK. But vets H&H spoke to thought this was very unlikely.

“Both Jock and Kevin have always wanted things to be resolved quickly, and have done all they can to facilitate this,” said Mrs Stead. “Unfortunately, the timing has been outside their control.”

The FEI is signatory to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code and has to respect the WADA principles. The code states that all cases should take place in a “timely” manner, which will be dependent on the complexity of the case.

A spokesman from the FEI reiterated that “all parties have to have the right to be heard and have sufficient time to produce their submissions”.

Greater transparency

Equestrian Sports New Zealand, which speaks on behalf of Jock, has confirmed that the full tribunal will take place in London and that Jock will present his evidence in person.

The FEI has told H&H the hearing, as with all hearings before the FEI tribunal, will be held in camera [closed door session]. The secretive nature of the process has frustrated some riders.

“It would be in the interest of the integrity of eventing for this procedure to be completely transparent,” said Event Riders Association chairman Bruce Haskell.

What’s next?

JOCK and Kevin could face bans of 2 years or longer if found guilty. The only way that a rider, who is deemed to be the “person responsible” for the horse, can be cleared is if they put forward a case that shows they are at “no fault or negligence”.

British endurance rider Christine Yeoman is the only rider to have been exonerated by the FEI on a doping charge.

Christine spent £200,000 on legal fees and proved that the substance found in her horse — ractopamine — derived from a contaminated supplement.

The same firm that successfully defended Christine — Burges Salmon — is representing Jock.

The horses’ owner remains positive that both Jock and Kevin will be cleared.

“Neither has done anything wrong nor anything to bring this unfortunate position upon themselves,” said Mrs Stead. “As a result, I am expecting that the FEI tribunal finds them both ‘no fault’ when their cases are eventually heard.”

The eventing community now turns its attention to Badminton (8-11 May), where William Fox-Pitt will try and secure the second leg of eventing’s grand slam. But H&H is betting that last year’s winner Jock won’t be on the programme cover.

What the riders say:

Mark Todd: “I don’t think the FEI has played the role it should have. Once the B sample tested positive, Jock should have lost Burghley. Jock is a friend, but he’s been left in limbo. Everyone knew that Andrew [Nicholson] was going to win Burghley so why the FEI took so long to [make the decision] I’ve no idea, but the FEI is at fault.”

William Fox-Pitt: “The protracted nature of the case is unreasonable and unfair and it ensures that everyone is in limbo. It wouldn’t happen in any other sport and it shouldn’t happen in ours. I hope it’s all coming to an end. It doesn’t look very professional.”

Andrew Nicholson (as told to TVNZ): “You will be hearing all this bullsh*t about what a good man Jock was for surrendering it, well that’s a load of bullsh*t, he surrendered nothing, he didn’t have it to f****** start with, he lost it the moment the horse was tested.”

Last year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials winner Jock Paget and Equestrian Sport New Zealand (ESNZ) have “welcomed” the partial tribunal ruling made by the FEI yesterday (23 June) which officially disqualified Jock from the 2013 event.

Jock’s disqualification handed the 2013 title over to fellow kiwi Andrew Nicholson.

Jock’s ride Clifton Promise tested postive for banned sedative reserpine at the event in September and a “B” sample confirmed the result last November.

Despite the postive tests, Jock’s Burghley win was due to stand until an FEI tribunal hearing had taken place. But in what is believed to be an unprecedented move, Jock requested that a ruling on his “automatic disqualifation” be made before the full hearing.

A statement released by ESNZ on Jock’s behalf said: “Paget is aware that the ongoing uncertainty with regard to the Burghley title is having a detrimental effect on the sport of eventing and especially the build-up to the first 2 major events of the northern hemisphere.”

The statement also confirmed that the Jock will attend in person the tribunal hearing, which is due to take place on 3 June in London.

“Paget submitted a comprehensive dossier of evidence explaining and supporting his claim of ‘no fault and no negligence’.

“Paget is clear that all presently available evidence shows that neither he nor anyone else knew of the presence of the banned substance, before the sample was taken,” the statement added.

“Today’s ruling is welcomed by ESNZ and Paget, who will continue to focus on his case to the tribunal in London in June.”

Jock’s mentor Australian Kevin McNab’s Burghley ride, Clifton Pinot, also tested positive for the banned tranquiliser reserpine. The FEI has not yet confirmed whether McNab has also been officially disqualified. The date of his tribunal has not been publically announced at the current time.

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

Last year’s winner Jock Paget has officially been disqualified from Burghley Horse Trials last September following a “partial decision” by the FEI tribunal.

Jock’s horse Clifton Promise tested postive for banned sedative reserpine at the event and a “B” sample confirmed the result last November.

A statement released by the FEI today (Wednesday 23 April) explained that Paget had accepted that the “banned substance had been found in the horse and requested that the FEI tribual rule separately on the automatic disqualification from Burghley”.

All the points and prize-money from Clifton Promise’s Burghley win now must be forfeited.

The full hearing of the Clifton Promise case is now scheduled for 3 June, after which a final decision will be issued by the FEI Tribunal.

As a result of Jock’s disqualification Andrew Nicholson and Avebury have now been promoted and are the Burghley 2013 winners.

Andrew, who is in America preparing to compete at Kentucky Horse Trials told H&H he was “pleased that the right decision had been made”.

The upgrade means that Andrew is now aiming to secure the 2nd leg of eventing’s most lucrative prize — the Rolex Grand Slam, at Kentucky (24 –27 April).

“I always expected that the result would change, which is why I have Avebury here at Kentucky,” Andrew told H&H.

“Avebury has travelled very well and is going very well. I am expecting a big competition.

“I haven’t come here to pick up a minor placing. I have come here wanting to win.”

The change in result also means that Avebury is the first horse to have achieved consecutive Burghley victories.

“No one likes to win things this way,” Andrew added, “But Avebury did nothing wrong and win is a win whether that comes 7 months later [or at the time].”

“His owner Rosemary Barlow is very excited about the news and she has been very supportive of me bringing him out here to try and secure the grand slam.

“It is most tough for the owners because they missed all the celebrations on the day.”

See Burghley winners in pictures: 2000-2013

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 date for New Zealand eventer Jock Paget’s doping tribunal has still not officially been set, but there is speculation that it will take place on 30 April.

Jock Paget’s ride Clifton Promise and his mentor Kevin McNabs’ Clifton Pinot both tested positive for the banned substance reserpine at Burghley Horse Trials last year (8 September).

Jim Ellis from Equestrian Sports New Zealand told H&H: “This date for the hearing [30 April] is still being considered between Jock, his advisers and the FEI.

“My understanding [as of Monday, 7 April] is that no final decision has been made on the date of the hearing.”

Frustration has been growing in the eventing community that the tribunal has not been held sooner. It is understood that Jock handed in his submission to the FEI on 17 January.

The 30 April date falls on the Wednesday after Kentucky, meaning that Andrew Nicholson, who was second behind Jock at Burghley, will compete there not knowing whether he is attempting to win the second leg of the Rolex Grand Slam, which comprises Kentucky, Badminton and Burghley.

If the tribunal does take place on 30 April then Jock could potentially be cleared before Badminton Horse Trials (7-11 May). However, director Hugh Thomas told H&H that there is “no possibility” that he would be able to compete.

“He wasn’t eligible to enter at the time and the entries are now closed,” said Hugh.

“There is no chance that anybody who hasn’t entered would be able to run.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (10 April 2014)

Frustration is growing on all sides as the season gets under way, while Burghley’s doping scandal remains unresolved and uncertainty hangs over the eventing community. 

Jock Paget’s Clifton Promise and Kevin McNab’s Clifton Pinot both tested positive for the banned sedative reserpine at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials on 8 September.

Both riders were immediately suspended from all national and international competition pending B sample test results and a tribunal. Both their B test sample results came back positive in November, but horse sport’s governing body the FEI told H&H last week that the tribunal date still “has not yet been set”.

Equestrian Sports New Zealand chief executive Jim Ellis confirmed this was the case and they are now not expecting the tribunal to take place until late April or early May.

This is causing concern to many.

Kiwi eventer Bruce Haskell, president of the Event Riders Association (ERA), said a swift resolution was needed.

Badminton ballot concern

Another element fuelling the frustration is that, due to FEI procedures, the results of Burghley 2013 will not be amended until after the tribunal. Thus neither prize-money nor important FEI points needed to qualify for other top events can yet be reallocated.

Some riders believe that the results should have been changed immediately after the B samples came back positive. This is on the grounds that, no matter how the drugs entered the horses’ systems, they were competing on banned substances and therefore must be disqualified.

However, the FEI says this has not happened because disqualification “is only automatic once a rule violation has been established”.

“The finding whether there has been a rule violation can only be made by the tribunal once the case has been heard,” a spokesman added.

Some riders who completed Burghley and are trying to secure a place to run at Badminton, need the additional FEI points that would come with an improved finishing position at the September fixture.

Badminton director Hugh Thomas told H&H that it was “frustrating for everyone in the sport that this case is not resolved”.

“We have prepared a schedule of how the points would be affected if and when they [Jock and Kevin] are removed from the prize list,” he added.

“As far as the leading horses are concerned, it’s not going to make the slightest difference. But there are a couple of horses who at the moment don’t have very many points for whom it would have an impact.

“Pippa Funnell’s Redesigned and Michael Owen’s The Highland Prince could potentially both be affected.”

Andrew Nicholson told H&H…

Andrew Nicholson finished second, behind Jock Paget on Clifton Promise, at last year’s Burghley. If Clifton Promise is disqualified, it will be Andrew’s fourth Burghley title. It will also mean he has secured the first leg of the Rolex Grand Slam.

“I am pretty chilled about it,” Andrew told H&H. “These things take time and there is nothing that I can do to change the situation.

“I can’t see how I can’t win Burghley because it has been proved that the horse was competing on an illegal substance. So I will be targeting Kentucky and Badminton.

“To me the only problem with it taking so long is that, if they find Jock totally innocent, they will have cost him a month of big competitions.”

Paget teaching, but cannot compete

Jock Paget, who is still based at his yard in Dunsfold, Surrey, and has been teaching while he awaits his tribunal, is also disappointed about the delay.

“This has been a huge setback for Jock, especially coming after the year he had been having and his strong assertion of innocence,” said Jim Ellis.

“With the New Zealand squad riders getting back into training in January, this is clearly more frustrating for Jock, as he can see his teammates at squad clinics and is unable to join them.

“With the start of the UK season, the frustration at being provisionally suspended naturally increases. He is keen to be able to put his case to the FEI tribunal hearing as soon as the system allows.”

Jock did not wish to comment further, but supported the comments made on his behalf by Mr Ellis.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (6 March 2014)

Suspended riders may struggle to sustain a living in the horse industry if the FEI adopts the revised WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) code effective from 2015.

To date, most equestrians cope with doping bans by continuing to teach, produce and sell horses, and can spectate at FEI events. But WADA’s newly approved article 2.10 forbids anyone competing in elite sport having “professional association” with suspended persons.

WADA is also increasing the minimum ban for most offences from two years to four.

Eventer Jock Paget would be hard hit if his likely suspension for Clifton Promise’s positive test at Burghley spans 2015. Paget has already been stood down from training New Zealand international riders.

It could also throw Middle East endurance into disarray. Some previously banned riders have management roles at major yards. They include Mubarak Bin Shafya, of Sheikh Mohammed’s premier Al Aasfa stables; Ali Salman Al Sabri, who returned from a ban to run the new Al Barrari venue, and Ali Al Muhairi, banned for four years in March 2012 but only recently resigned as trainer at Sheikh Hamdan snr’s SAS stables.

WADA consultation documents suggest that doping offenders could not even give athletes free assistance.

FEI anti-doping regulations have closely followed WADA’s template since 2009. An FEI spokesman said national federations would be consulted before voting at the 2014 General Assembly.

“But, as we govern a sport that involves an animal, we will need to implement rules generally consistent with the WADA Code, with respect to determining anti-doping rule violations, results management, fair hearings, consequences, and appeals,” the spokesman added.

Alastair Cotton, a lawyer with Farrer and Co LLP with special interest in sport, said: “The majority of the changes will undoubtedly advance the ability to combat doping. They strengthen the anti-doping message, while moving towards a more just system.”

This story first appeared in H&H 12 December 2013.

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 “B” sample taken from Kevin McNab’s Burghley ride, Clifton Pinot, has tested positive for the banned tranquiliser reserpine.

Equestrian Australia (EA) made the announcement earlier this morning (Monday, 2 December) after receiving confirmation from the FEI.

It comes a few days after Kevin’s protégé, Jock Paget, learnt that his Burghley winner, Clifton Promise, had returned a positive B sample for the same substance.

Kevin and Jock will now face an FEI tribunal, probably early in the new year. They remain suspended from competition, pending the hearing.

Both horses are majority-owned by Frances Stead’s Clifton Eventers. She has stated that neither rider has “taken any actions with the intent of administering any prohibited substance”.

In a statement, Equestrian Australia said: “In accordance with FEI processes, Kevin must now provide a written explanation to the FEI.

“EA has spoken to Kevin who is now considering his options.

“EA treats any breaches of doping and medication control seriously and has fully adopted and endorsed the FEI and ASADA anti-doping policies and procedures in this regard.

“As the case is ongoing, Equestrian Australia cannot make any further comment at this time.”

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

Jock Paget must now look to an FEI hearing in order to clear his name — after the “B” blood sample taken from Clifton Promise after his Burghley win (8 September) also tested positive for the banned sedative, reserpine.

Equestrian Sport New Zealand (ESNZ) said it had received confirmation of the second positive test from the FEI and made the announcement earlier this evening (26 November).

In a statement, Jock said that while the B sample result was disappointing, it was expected — given that the blood in the B sample was taken at the same time as the A sample.

He said: “I will continue to work closely with my team to provide a full explanation to the FEI.”

Surrey-based Jock is currently teaching and visiting family in New Zealand.

ESNZ chief executive Jim Ellis said they had stood Jock down from teaching official ESNZ clinics — in line with their own clean sport policy and in support of the FEI’s clean sport stance.

Mr Ellis said Jock was fully supportive of their position.

He added: “ESNZ is confident that he will provide a full and persuasive explanation to the FEI.”

Clifton Pinot — ridden by Australia’s Kevin McNab — also tested positive for reserpine after Burghley. The Australian federation has not yet published the results of the Clifton Pinot B test.

Frances Stead — the majority owner of both horses — did not wish to comment.

Both riders are suspended from international competition, pending the outcome of the case. The minimum FEI suspension for a banned substance is two years.

Contrary to some media reports, Jock does not automatically lose his Burghley title. That awaits the outcome of the FEI tribunal, which is expected to take place early next year.

But it looks unlikely that Jock will be able to contest the Rolex grand slam of eventing at Kentucky in the spring (24-27 April). He would need to have been fully exonerated by the FEI tribunal by then in order to compete.

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

In the new issue of H&H Jock Paget speaks frankly about Clifton Promise’s positive dope test at Burghley — and how he is confident that the “truth will come out”.

Jock talks to H&H about the effects of the positive test and his suspension on his morale, team and training — and what’s being done to try to clear his name.

Don’t miss the new issue of H&H, out today (Thursday, 21 November).

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 B sample from Jock Paget’s Burghley winner Clifton Promise will now not be tested until mid-November, Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ) has announced.

It emerged last month that Clifton Promise had tested positive for banned substance reserpine at Burghley Horse Trials (5-8 September). The FEI will now test the B sample to determine if the first result was correct.

Reserpine is a powerful human tranquilizer, which is on the FEI banned substance list. When the results of the first sample were announced Jock said he was “absolutely dumbfounded” by the discovery.

Initially a result was expected from the second B sample within 3 weeks — today’s date — but ESNZ has issued a statement saying that the analysis is not expected to happen for another couple of weeks.

The statement from ESNZ added: “This timescale is a normal part of the legal process currently underway.”

Clifton Pinot, ridden by Jock’s mentor, Australian eventer Kevin McNab, also tested positive for the same substance at Burghley. Frances Stead of Clifton Eventers — the principal owner of both horses — has repeatedly expressed her faith in Jock and Kevin.

The Australian federation has not yet announced when Clifton Pinot’s B test will be analysed.

Both of the riders are currently suspended from competition pending the results of the B sample.

If the B sample comes back positive Jock will automatically lose his Burghley title and face an FEI tribunal to determine the length of his ban, which could be up to 2 years.

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

Jock Paget says he is “absolutely dumbfounded” over the discovery that his horse, Clifton Promise, tested positive for a banned substance at Burghley last month (8-11 September).

The horse tested positive for the substance reserpine — a powerful tranquillizer used to treat humans which is on the FEI banned substances list. Banned substances are those deemed by the FEI to have no place in equine medicine.

“It’s been a massive shock to us, devastating news,” Jock told Fairfax Media.

“We are looking at everything and trying to find out just how this has happened. There’s obviously been some sort of mistake, but I’ve got no idea at this stage.”

The FEI will now test the “B” sample to determine if the first result was correct, with the results due in 2-3 weeks time. If the “B” sample is also positive then Jock will lose his Burghley title and could face a lengthy ban.

He is currently suspended pending the outcome of the “B” sample test — which means he will not be able to compete at Pau (23-27 October), the last four-star horse trials of the year.

Jock has reportedly requested that the “B” test is sampled in a different laboratory to the “A” sample.

“I haven’t even heard of it (reserpine), I have never done anything with that sort of stuff. It’d be sheer stupidity to because you know if you do well your horses will be tested, I’m absolutely dumbfounded by it all,” Jock added.

“To my knowledge, from what I’ve heard in the past 12 hours, you can’t even get this stuff in the UK although I’m not 100 per cent sure on that. I have also learned it can be confused with other substances and plants so we need to find out more about that.

“The whole thing is just crazy.”

Clifton Pinot, the horse ridden by Jock’s mentor — Australia’s Kevin McNab — also tested positive for the same substance at Burghley.

Kevin told H&H that he had “no comment” on the positive test.

Frances Stead of Clifton Eventers owns Clifton Promise and also joint owns Clifton Pinot with rider Kevin.

A statement on Clifton Eventers website said: “Clifton Eventers is deeply shocked by these events and reiterates that all the relevant parties state categorically that none of them have taken any actions with the intent of administering any prohibited substance.

“We are working with both the respective National Federations on establishing the probable cause of these testing results.”

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

Jock Paget has been suspended from national and international competitions with immediate effect after the horse that gave him back-to-back Badminton and Burghley wins, Clifton Promise, tested positive for a banned substance after his Burghley win (11 September).

The horse tested positive for the substance Reserpine. This is a powerful tranquilizer which is on the FEI banned substance list. According to the FEI these are: “substances that have been deemed by the FEI to have no legitimate use in equine medicine and/or have a high potential for abuse i.e. human antidepressants, antipsychotics, nervous system stimulants, etc”

Clifton Promise has been provisionally suspended from competition for two months pending the testing of the “B” sample,

H&H could not reach Jock for comment, but a statement from Equestrian Sport New Zealand (ESNZ) said: “Surrey-based Paget was understandably shocked at the finding.

Badminton final scores

“He and all relevant parties state categorically that none of them have taken any actions with the intent of administering any prohibited substance.

“ESNZ and Paget are establishing a likely cause of the positive test and will provide submissions to the FEI Tribunal as required.”

The FEI Tribunal’s list of pending cases also shows that Clifton Pinot, ridden by Jock’s mentor — Australian eventer Kevin McNab — also tested positive for the same substance at Burghley.

If the “B” sample returns positive Jock will automatically lose his Burghley title and face an FEI tribunal to determine the length of any subsequent suspension.

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

Jonathan Paget (Jock) couldn’t do rising trot 10 years ago. Yesterday he scooped the coveted Burghley title only 4 months after winning Badminton at his first attempt

Jonathan Paget (Jock), 29, completed a phenomenal Badminton-Burghley double yesterday (8 September 2013) when he claimed the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials title on Frances Stead’s Clifton Promise. And he now has the opportunity to go for the Rolex Grand Slam at Kentucky next spring.

For those who know Jock, this level of success isn’t such a surprise — he was being heralded as “the next Mark Todd” even at the 2010 World Equestrian Games.

Early days

Jock was born in Wellsford, New Zealand, moving to Sydney when he was 3. He grew up there with his mother, who showjumped in her youth. Being a single mum of 3, there was no question of being able to send Jock for riding lessons.

When he was 18, his father moved to the foot of the Blue Mountains outside Sydney and bought a horse. Jock determinedly started riding with him, despite falling off all the time. He ended up doing this for money on weekends — riding in rodeo competitions.

A career in horses

When Jock left school at 15, his mother insisted he learn a trade, and by 19 he was a qualified bricklayer. His love of horses dragged him away from cement, and at 20 Jock went to work for Australian rider Kevin McNab in Queensland — despite having never jumped a fence.

Jock did the fitness work since he couldn’t school the horses, earning very little and learning a great deal.

After a year, Kevin gave Jock a young horse to produce — Kelecyn Stiff Drinks, who he took to 3-star level.

After 3 years, Jock went his own way with Kevin’s blessing, and the following year — 2007 — he started riding a youngster called Clifton Promise for Frances Stead of Clifton Eventers.

The turning point

Jock campaigned Promise for the 2010 World Equestrian Games, an unrealistic goal given his lack of mileage — the horse had gone from novice to 3-star in 3 months.

The New Zealand Equestrian Federation were only able to help with costs of campaigning horse who were eventually selected. So Jock took a risk, racking up large debts bringing Promise to England to qualify. He based himself at businessman and eventer Joe Giannamore’s place in Surrey.

Jock scraped through to be selected by the skin of his teeth, but once at the Worlds, Promise pulled off the best dressage test of his career — scoring 44 — and jumped double clear to finish 7th.

Hanging on to Promise

This set Jock up for Olympic selection, for which he needed to be based in Britain. He stayed with 5 top Clifton horses, but to fund this needed to sell Promise.

After 9 months, they didn’t have a buyer — the horse isn’t the easiest to ride, and Jock has quite the partnership with him — and so Promise joined the London campaign. Once there, he helped teammates Andrew Nicholson and Mark Todd to team bronze.

And so Jock headed to Badminton, not the favourite, but quietly confident. And while everyone else was watching Michael, or William, or Andrew, he snuck up the leaderboard and reminded us that eventing is a sport, not a foregone conclusion, and young kiwis should never be ruled out.

In August Jock proved his Badminton success was only the beginning by winning the British Eventing Open Championship at Gatcombe on Clifton Lush.

And when he won Burghley yesterday, he cemented his position as one of eventing’s biggest names, acheiving the Badminton-Burghley double in a single year for the first time since 1989, when Ginny Elliot and Master Craftsman won both events.

Jonathan Paget factfile

Rider: Jonathan Paget (Jock)

Date of birth: 17 November 1983 (29)

Top advice: Work hard, be trainable, and be nice to people

Training mantra: Sit still in front of the fence — don’t kick, shove or pull, just soften your hand and put your leg on

Trainers: New Zealand coach Erik Duvander, and riders Kevin McNab, Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson, Michael Jung

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

Jock Paget has completed a phenomenal Badminton-Burghley double on Frances Stead’s Clifton Promise by scooping the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials top prize this afternoon.

This is the first time a combination have achieved the double in a single year since 1989, when Ginny Elliot and Master Craftsman won both events.

The showjumping, designed by Richard Jeffery, proved influential and no one in the afternoon session jumped clear. Jock had 2 fences in hand when he entered the arena and looked like he would be fault-free until hitting the very last fence. But it didn’t matter as he still won on a final score of 41.1.

“There are always nerves when you want to win, but he was jumping well in the warm-up,” said Jock. “I knew I had 2 in hand so I wasn’t too worried — if I’d had 2 down you probably would have seen me start flapping.”

Jock now has the opportunity to go for the Rolex Grand Slam at Kentucky next spring.

Fellow Kiwi Andrew Nicholson was 4.9 penalties in arrears on last year’s winner, Rosemary Barlow’s Avebury, and also took 3rd on Deborah Sellar’s Nereo. Both horses had a single fence down, Avebury the gate at 8 and Nereo the parallel at 11.

“It’s great they are so consistent and shows we’re doing things along the right lines,” said Andrew. “Consistency keeps you at the top and keeps you winning big ones.”

Andrew was also crowed the season’s winner of the HSBC FEI Classics today, although his victory was already in the bag before Burghley. William Fox-Pitt was 2nd and Jock 3rd.

Britain’s William Fox-Pitt and Catherine Witt’s Parklane Hawk finished 4th — their overnight place, although they came in sitting 3rd due to the withdrawal of Clifton Lush — after two parts of the treble at 10 fell. This is this horse’s 3rd top-4 placing here in 3 years.

Ingrid Klimke was thrilled with FRH Butts Abraxxas, who put in one of his very best three-day showjumping rounds with just fence 3 down and was rewarded by moving up from 6th to 5th.

Jonelle Richards (The Deputy), Mark Todd (Oloa) and Andrew Nicholson again (Calico Joe) made it 6 New Zealanders in the top 10 by taking 6th, 7th and 8th. Jonelle and Calico Joe each had 12 faults, but Mark had just 4.

Ludwig Svennerstal had 1 fence down to move up to 9th for Sweden on King Bob, while Tina Cook’s single error at fence 3 with the rising star De Novo News left her 10th and 2nd best of the British.

Nicola Wilson hit the 1st fence with Opposition Buzz and then had 2 more down to drop from 11th to 9th.

Talking about the lack of showjumping clears at the top, Andrew said: “I thought the oxers were a bit higher and wider than sometimes. It’s often the way that there are more clears here in the morning as those horses have gone slowly across country. With the terrain here the horses which went faster are not as supple as at Badminton where it’s flatter. But that’s part of Burghley, you’ve got to ride what you’ve got.”

Buy H&H next week for full 18-page Burghley report, with full analysis, pictures of every cross-country fence and comments from Sally O’Connor, Lucinda Green and course-designer Mark Phillips.

FINAL RESULTS

1. Jock Paget on Clifton Lush (NZL) 41.1

2. Andrew Nicholson on Avebury (NZL) 46.3

3. Andrew Nicholson on Nereo (NZL) 47.3

4. William Fox-Pitt on Parklane Hawk (GBR) 50.3

5. Ingrid Klimke on FRH Butts Abraxxas (GER) 52.2

6. Jonelle Richards on The Deputy (NZL) 59.4

7. Mark Todd on Oloa (NZL) 59.5

8. Andrew Nicholson on Calico Joe (NZL) 60.3

9. Ludwig Svennerstal on King Bob (SWE) 60.7

10. Tina Cook on De Novo News (GBR) 62.4

Full results 

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

Jock Paget’s ride Clifton Lush, sitting second overnight, was not presented at the final horse inspection at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials this morning.

The non-appearance of Frances Stead and Lucy Allison’s Clifton Lush (pictured on the cross-country yesterday) means the New Zealander will be relying solely on overnight leader Clifton Promise, owned by Frances, to lift the trophy. Promise has a fence in hand over last year’s winner Avebury, now lying second with Andrew Nicholson.

Paul Ridgeon’s Armada, ridden by Oliver Townend and 27th after cross-country, was also not presented, while Kerry Varley withdrew her own Bluestone Luke (43rd) too.

France’s bad luck continued when Stanislas de Zuchowicz’s ride Quirinal De La Bastide (15th) was sent to the holding box. Stanlislas then decided to withdraw.

Tom Crisp’s ride Liberal, owned by Clare and David Comey and 28th after cross-country, was sent to the holding box and eliminated when re-presented.

Two other horses, Clare Lewis’s Sidnificant (30th) and Kevin McNab’s Clifton Pinot (16th, co-owned by rider with Frances Stead), were held but passed when re-presented.

Dave Burton, groom to H&H blogger Alex Postolowsky’s ride Islanmore Ginger, won the grooms’ prize, which is awarded to the person judged to have best cared for their charge throughout the competition.

Join us from 10.25am for showjumping on H&H Live

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

Jock Paget ruled at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials today. He sits in 1st and 2nd places after the cross-country.

Jock’s dressage leader, Frances Stead’s Clifton Promise (above), added just 0.4 of a time-penalty to hold his advantage, while Frances Stead and Lucy Allison’s Clifton Lush went clear inside the time to move up from equal 5th to 2nd.

Both horses were held on course in the region of Winners’ Avenue due to having blood on them — Clifton Lush hit his nose on his knee at the Elephant Trap at fence 6 and Clifton Promise bit his tongue — but both were allowed to re-start once they had been checked by vets.

“It was a little bit weird,” admitted the New Zealander. “It worked in my favour on Lush because he had a break and then got going again, but not with Promise as it was hard to get his attention back on the fences.”

If Jock can follow his Badminton win with victory here at Burghley, he will be set up a new Rolex Grand Slam challenge, with the possibility of scooping the giant cheque if he wins at Kentucky next spring.

His compatriot Andrew Nicholson went clear inside the time on Rosemary Barlow’s Avebury to move up to 3rd from 7th, but dropped from 3rd to 5th on Deborah Sellar’s Nereo with 2 time-faults.

William Fox-Pitt (Catherine Witt’s Parklane Hawk) held 4th and the best British position despite finishing 2sec over the 11min 24sec optimum time. Kiwi Jonelle Richards rose from 12th to 6th with Lucy Sangster and the Morices’ The Deputy, who had 1.2 time-faults.

There were just 3 clears inside the time — Clifton Lush, Avebury and Andrew’s first ride Calico Joe, who is in 8th. There are 7 New Zealand horses in the top 10, as Mark Todd is also 10th on Oloa.

“The course was nowhere near as big as some years, but it was very cleverly done to slow us down,” said Andrew. “That’s not easy with the new rule changes [which have increased the minimum distance at 4-star without increasing the permitted jumping efforts]. You had to be very alert and at the beginning the course you had to sit on your backside and ride, not glide along.”

40 horses recorded jumping clears from the 62 starters.

Brits Tina Cook and Nicola Wilson both had good rounds — Nicola held 9th with Opposition Buzz despite 7.6 time-faults, while Tina gave De Novo News a confidence-building first Burghley experience to move from 8th to 14th due to being 38sec over the time.

Problems on course

Among the well-placed riders who dropped down, German first-timer Ingrid Klimke and FRH Butts Abraxxas fell from 2nd to 7th due to 9.2 time-penalties.

Oliver Townend was 10th after dressage on Armada, but recorded 20 jumping penalties at the Land Rover Dairy Farm. And Germany’s Andreas Dibowski retired FRH Butts Leon, 5th equal in the first phase, early on course.

There were 9 falls, but no horses or riders were seriously injured. France’s Pascal Leroy was taken to hospital for precautionary checks after parting company with Minos De Petra at the planet fence at the Discovery Valley Outward at fence 5.

Re-live today’s cross-country and join us tomorrow for live written commentary of the showjumping

Buy H&H next week for full 18-page Burghley report, with full analysis, pictures of every cross-country fence and comments from Sally O’Connor, Lucinda Green and course-designer Mark Phillips.

RESULTS AFTER CROSS-COUNTRY

1. Jock Paget on Clifton Promise (NZL) 37.1

2. Jock Paget on Clifton Lush (NZL) 42

3. Andrew Nicholson on Avebury (NZL) 42.3

4. William Fox-Pitt on Parklane Hawk (GBR) 42.3

5. Andrew Nicholson on Nereo (NZL) 43.3

6. Jonelle Richards on The Deputy (NZL) 47.4

Results and times

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

Jock Paget is on course to score a Badminton-Burghley double after taking the lead following the dressage in the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials.

Riding Frances Stead’s 15-year-old Badminton winner Clifton Promise, by Engagement, New Zealander Jock performed a smooth test with no mistakes and garnered a 10 in the mid-test halt. He scored 36.7.

“I thought this test was better than at Badminton — I went for too much at the beginning at Badminton and the canter work wasn’t as good as it could have been, but this was more consistent,” said Jock.

Asked about his plan for tomorrow’s cross-country, Jock said he hadn’t firmed up his routes yet, but added: “I’m here to win and I’m going to do whatever I can to win it.”

Ingrid Klimke, who led last night on FRH Butts Abraxxas, still holds second for Germany.

No one else broke the 40-barrier today and New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson, the final competitor of the day, moved into 3rd with Deborah Sellar’s Nereo on a mark of 41.3. He too said his performance was a step up on Badminton in the spring.

“His work was more polished and correct today. There were some very flash moments at Badminton, but also some hiccups,” said Andrew.

William Fox-Pitt is the best Brit in 4th on Catherine Witt’s 2011 winner Parklane Hawk. Two more Thursday tests sit in equal 5th, Jock again on Clifton Lush and Andreas Dibowski (Germany) on FRH Butts Leon.

Bettina Hoy had the worst time in the dressage today.

Lanfranco TSF became nervous and was rearing as she tried to approach the arena. Having been coaxed in and through his trotwork, he then started rearing again when asked to rein-back and Bettina retired.

Course-designer Mark Phillips said today that riders had described the track as “perhaps more of a real four-star than some others we’ve seen recently.”

He believes most of the most difficult questions are in the first 7min of the course, until the Land Rover Dairy Farm at fence 19.

“After that the riders will be disappointed if they make a mistake on the way home,” he said. “I expect them to be down [on time] at 5min, then it’s a case of how much they can make up in the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th minute to 10min at the Burghley Station, as there isn’t much to opportunity to make up time after that.”

The optimum time is 11min 24sec. Cross-country tomorrow starts at 11.30am.

Join us for live written coverage of the cross-country tomorrow.

Buy H&H next week for full 18-page Burghley report, with full analysis, pictures of every cross-country fence and comments from Sally O’Connor, Lucinda Green and course-designer Mark Phillips.

RESULTS AFTER DRESSAGE

1. Jock Paget on Clifton Promise (NZL) 36.7

2. Ingrid Klimke on FRH Butts Abraxxas (GER) 39

3. Andrew Nicholson on Nereo (NZL) 41.3

4. William Fox-Pitt on Parklane Hawk (GBR) 41.5

5eq. Jock Paget on Clifton Lush (GER) 42

5eq. Andreas Dibowski on FRH Butts Leon (GER) 42

Full results and times

H&H eventing editor’s Burghley blog: how to impress your friends

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

H&H eventing editor Pippa Roome rounds up today's dressage at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and previews tomorrow's cross-country action

Press conference

Official video round-up

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

Ingrid Klimke leads after the first day of dressage at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials.

Riding her Olympic and European team gold medallist FRH Butts Abraxxas, who belongs to Madeleine Winter-Schulze, Andreas Busacker and herself, she was the only rider to break the 40s, scoring 39 (above).

Ingrid’s highlight was her mid-test halt, which scored two 9s and a 10. She is a renowned expert in this phase — she also competes at top level in the pure discipline and her father was multiple eventing and dressage medallist Reiner Klimke.

Despite her vast experience, Ingrid is a first-timer at Burghley.

“Normally we have our young horse championships at home this week and all the breeders want the professional riders there, but this year I said, ‘Braxxy is 16, I mustn’t wait too long’. It’s one of my dreams to be here,” said the rider who was the individual silver medallist at last week’s Europeans in Malmö with her younger horse, FRH Escada JS.

Her gold medal-winning teammate from the Europeans, Andreas Dibowski, is in equal second on FRH Butts Leon, another 16-year-old by Heraldik.

Both horses were bred by Friedrich Butts and spent the first 3 years of their lives in a field together. Friedrich’s breeding programme is based on 2 mares, an A line (including Abraxxas and FRH Butts Avedon, who Andreas rode last week in Malmö) and an L line (including Leon).

“Sometimes he doesn’t like grass, he’s better on sand, but the grass here is very well prepared with water and isn’t hard,” said Andreas. “All his concentration was on me.”

Andreas produced this horse, then he was sold to Thai rider Nina Ligon who rode him at the London Olympics, before Susanne and Holger Heigel bought him back for Andreas. 

Jock Paget also scored 42 to sit in equal second for New Zealand, riding Frances Stead and Lucy Allison’s British Open winner Clifton Lush.

Last year’s winners Andrew Nicholson (New Zealand) and Avebury are 4th, with Kai Rüder 5th for Germany on the stallion Leprince Des Bois and Paul Tapner 6th for Australia riding Kilronan.

Sarah Cohen is best of the British in 7th on 48 with Treason, who belongs to Preci-Spark Ltd and Elizabeth Jones. This pair won the Grantham Cup at Belton last year, but Sarah had her 2nd child in March this year so they have had a quiet season until now.

William Fox-Pitt recorded the 2nd best British result today (49) and sits 9th on the Skinners’ and Halls’ Neuf Des Coeurs.

Overnight leader Ingrid said today that while she was thrilled with her test, this is not a dressage competition. Riders are in agreement that Mark Phillips’ cross-country track is very strong.

“It’s one of the biggest I’ve ever seen and it’s only after I walked it this morning with Christopher Bartle [team trainer] that I felt more confident,” she said.

Relive today’s dressage action with H&H Live and join us tomorrow for the second day.

Buy H&H next week for full 18-page Burghley report, with full analysis, pictures of every cross-country fence and comments from Sally O’Connor, Lucinda Green and course-designer Mark Phillips.

RESULTS AFTER FIRST DAY OF DRESSAGE

1. Ingrid Klimke on FRH Butts Abraxxas (GER) 39

2eq. Andreas Dibowski on FRH Butts Leon (GER) 42

2eq. Jock Paget on Clifton Lush (NZL) 42

4. Andrew Nicholson on Avebury (NZL) 42.3

5. Kai Ruder on Leprince Des Bois (GER) 44.2

6. Paul Tapner on Kilronan (AUS) 47.5

Results and times

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

Enjoy daily Burghley Horse Trials‘ updates from New Zealand event rider Jock Paget, winner of Badminton and Gatcombe earlier this year. Jock has Clifton Lush and Clifton Promise (pictured above) competing at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials this week.

Sunday, 8 September

Saturday, 7 September

Friday, 6 September

Thursday, 5 September

Wednesday, 5 September

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

Childéric Saddles has introduced a new addition to its event collection.

Available in their CFSP and CFAP models, the Childéric Lite Event Saddle has been remodelled to remove 4kg of weight by stripping the saddle back to the bare minimum.

The saddle also features anatomically shaped panels and has been specifically built for the cross-country phase.

Badminton winner Jock Paget has been using the new saddle.

He said: “The new Childéric Lite feels identical to my Childéric jumping saddle, yet gives me a real performance edge in the three-day competitions.

“I work hard to reduce my normal weight by 6kg to my competition three-day weight because I believe it makes a big difference to a horse’s energy expenditure across country.

“I can now remove a further 4kg by using the Childéric Lite saddle, which means that we can optimise our performance even before we’ve left the starting box.”

The Lite saddle is bespoke to both horse and rider with prices starting at £3,500.

For further information visit www.childericuk.com

Jock Paget proved his Badminton success was only the beginning by winning the British Eventing Open Championship at Gatcombe today on Clifton Lush.

The 29-year-old New Zealander led from start to finish on Lucy Allison and Frances Stead’s 13-year-old, finishing on a score of 41.3.

“For Lush to win is very special as he’s been knocking on the door for a long time,” said Jock, who plans to take both him and Clifton Promise to Burghley.

Oliver Townend was second — as he was in the Smith & Williamson Intermediate Championship and also Saturday’s advanced class.

Riding Armada, he finished 10sec under the time allowed on the cross-country to complete on his dressage score of 43.1pen.

Australia’s Sam Griffiths was third on his experienced Olympic team horse, Happy Times.

William Fox-Pitt took the intermediate championship for the fifth time, riding Carol Gee and Catherine Witt’s Fernhill Pimms on this occasion. They also led from the word go, adding just a couple of cross-country time-faults to a dressage mark of 23.9.

Oliver was just behind him on Cooley Master Class, while Andrew Nicholson took third on Teseo.

Bettina Hoy was a popular winner of the British Eventing Novice Championship on Seigneur Medicott. The pair added 2.4 cross-country time-faults to their 26.2 dressage and clear showjumping to finish three marks ahead of Aoife Clark and Fernhill Adventure.

Paul Tapner was third on Pioneer Milly.

The advanced class was another success for William Fox-Pitt. He won on Christopher Stone’s Chilli Morning and finished fifth on Running Order. Oliver filled second on ODT Ghareeb, while Emily King took third on Brookleigh.

Steady rain didn’t blight the event, which fell victim to the weather in 2012.

“It was amazing how good the ground was, even towards the end of the Open Championship, considering the rain, the terrain and how many horses ran on it over the weekend,” said Jock Paget.

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

A group of horse owners in Australia are suing the government for its role in the 2007 equine influenza (EI) outbreak, which affected thousands of equestrian businesses — including that of Badminton winner Jock Paget.

The disease devastated the equestrian and racing industries that year, infecting around 70,000 horses on 9,000 properties.

Australian law firm Maurice Blackburn filed a suit in Sydney on behalf of 550 clients on

15 May, for losses arising from the outbreak.

The action alleges that government negligence caused the outbreak, after the virus escaped from the Eastern Creek Quarantine Station near Sydney and spread across eastern Australia.

“There are still hundreds of people struggling to recover from the fifnancial losses they suffered in 2007,” said Damian Scattini, a lawyer with Maurice Blackburn.

“They deserve to be compensated — many have had to restart their entire lives’ work from scratch.”

A public enquiry in 2008 found there were “systematic failures” across Australia’s quarantine systems, he added.

Before the outbreak, Australia was free of equine influenza and horses were not vaccinated against the disease.

Badminton winner Jock Paget, who was living in Queensland in 2007, said the outbreak “grounded all equestrian activity”.

He believes the original infected horses should never have been permitted entry to the country. Four Japanese racing stallions were admitted to Eastern Creek, shortly after an EI outbreak in Japan.

“It took a year to get back to normal,” Jock told H&H.

“I was lucky, because the lack of competition in Australia meant I ended up taking a great job in New Zealand, but for other businesses it was devastating. They have to be compensated.”

A spokesman for the company funding the lawsuit would not reveal the exact level of damages being claimed.

But he confirmed: “It will be in the hundreds of millions.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (30 May 2013)

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

In November 2012, this year's Badminton winner Jock Paget travelled to southern Germany to train with Olympic, World and European eventing champion Michael Jung. Here he reveals what he learnt

I have always believed in “training trips”, if they can be arranged. Spending a few weeks, rather than a few hours, with someone is a great way to take a step to the next level. You can do so much more than with just the occasional lesson.

What Jock Paget learnt

• Michael put me in a slightly different dressage position, adjusting my leg to get the horses a little more active behind. I am continuing this work at home as I think it does make a difference.
• To improve my position on the flat, I need to improve my posture. I’m working with a personal trainer to try to achieve this.
• When jumping we would warm up over a simple vertical, sometimes with a canter pole in front of it. Then we would go and ride some courses, building a new track each time we jumped.
• At home, shape and technique over a fence is my number one priority. I do a lot of gymnastic work to create the shape that I like.
• I try always to jump out of a balanced canter but, in training, I ride slightly differently to how I would in competition. A lot of my horses are thoroughbreds and it is more natural for them to jump a little flat.
• I like to press the horse to a slightly deep distance — taking off a little closer to the fence than I like them to in competition — on a soft hand, to encourage the horse to back off.
• I’m not trying to make them hit the fence, but I don’t go out of my way to help them over it. By getting the horses just fractionally closer, they have to be a little sharper in front and make a good shape in the air.
• At a competition, I give my horses a bit more room in front of the fence and make the canter a little more powerful to help with the distance.
• Michael encouraged me to give my horses more of “a competition ride”. He had me working on the canter to create more quality and power in each stride, and riding to a distance that gave the horse more room. This encourages the horse to jump bigger and out a little more.

The full version of this feature was first published in the 10 January 2013 issue of H&H

To read an exclusive interview with Jock Paget — where he reveals the secret to his success following his win at this year’s Badminton Horse Trials — see this week’s issue of H&H (23 May 2013)

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

Every time I drive down the lane approaching the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and see the carpet of horseboxes, tents and caravans in the event’s campsite, I feel a little frisson of anticipation and a smile plays on my lips. And this year was certainly no different.

Following last year’s cancellation, which left us all feeling bereft, this year’s event promised to be something rather special. But whoever wrote the script, they didn’t write this…

Until a few hours ago it had been all about the Rolex Grand Slam contenders and the German champion going head-to-head. Would it be Michael Jung, Andrew Nicholson or William Fox-Pitt who got their name on the famous trophy?

Now a New Zealand first-timer has gone and blown them all away. And that is just one of the things which make the sport of eventing SO exciting. It’s near impossible to predict.

Who would have expected to see Mary King stopped on course and walking home after jumping the wrong side of a flag on the consistent King Temptress? Not me.

Badminton final scores

Or for the competition to be won – or lost – by the final rider at the final fence of the showjumping phase? Well OK, that has happened before and probably will happen again, but you get my drift.

I admit to being a tad over excited right now as we sit in the press office awaiting the arrival of our winner, Jock Paget (picture centre above), who has insisted on riding his horse back to the stables before attending to his press commitments.

Fair play to the man who has just achieved the biggest win of his career and still puts his horse first I say.

And as the man of the moment arrives, I’d better sign off. What an awesome event it has been. Bring on Badminton Horse Trials 2014. It’s going to have a lot to live up to…

Carol

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

New Zealand’s Jonathan (Jock) Paget kept his cool in a nail-biting final showjumping phase to win the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials on his first attempt.

Adding nothing to his dressage score of 39.7pen, Clifton Promise (pictured top) rose to the occasion and produced a brilliant double clear in the pressure cooker atmosphere of the main arena.

“I came here knowing I had two great horses and could win, but I didn’t think I would win,” said Jock. “At the past few four-stars I’ve made mistakes that lost me the win, but this time both horses did everything I asked and it turned out to be enough,”

Clifton Promise, a 15-year-old bay gelding by Engagement, improved on his second pace at Pau four-star last autumn and his 10^th place at the London Olympics with one of his best jumping rounds of his career to secure the title.

Badminton final scores

Germany’s current Olympic, world and European champion, Michael Jung, looked to have the win sewn up until La Biosthetique-Sam FBW stroked the front rail of the final oxer, causing it to swing lazily in the cups, before belated falling to the ground.

A typically phlegmatic Michael said: “I don’t know what happened. I had a good line and rhythm and the pole goes down – that’s the sport.”

William Fox-Pitt’s attempt to claim the Rolex Grand Slam fell by the wayside when Parklane Hawk had the final element of the treble combination at fence 7 down. Andrew Nicholson fared better with a clear round on Nereo for eventual third, but had to rely on Michael and Jock to make mistakes to make his Rolex dream a reality.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of [the Rolex Grand Slam],” said Andrew. “It’s been exciting for it to go right down to the wire. Myself and William have done our bit and I think it’s been great for the sport.”

Fourteen horses jumped clear inside the time, with the first fence and the oxer at fence nine proving particularly influential. The time allowed was fairly tight, as you would expect at this level jumping on near perfect going, and 19 combinations collected time faults.

• Full report from Badminton Horse Trials in H&H magazine this Thursday (9 May), including comment from Judy Harvey, Ian Stark and Mark Phillips, fence-by-fence cross-country analysis and a very special cover.

Badminton Horse Trials 2013 results

1. Clifton Promise (Jonathan Paget) NZL 39.7

2. La Biosthetique-Sam FBW (Michael Jung) GER 40

3. Nereo (Andrew Nicholson) NZL 40.2

4. Opgun Louvo (Sandra Auffarth) GER 42.5

5. Parklane Hawk (William Fox-Pitt) 44

6. Apollo Van De Wendi Kurt Hoeve (Stefano Brecciaroli) ITA 46.8

7. Borough Pennyz (Vittoria Panizzon) ITA 47.3

8. Master Crusoe (Aoife Clark) IRL 47.6

9. Piaf De B’Neville (Astier Nicolas) FRA 49.3

10. Holstein Park Leilani (Christopher Burton) AUS 49.4

Final Badminton Horse Trials 2013 leaderboard in full

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