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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The British showjumping shortlist Aachen 2026:

Scott Brash with 11-year-old mare Hello Folie

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Claire Gouin

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

Scott Brash with 17-year-old gelding Hello Jefferson

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Bernard Mols

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

Scott Brash with 11-year-old mare Hello Mango

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: HPH Vaessen

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

Harry Charles with 12-year-old mare Holst Freda

Owners: Eve Jobs and rider

Breeder: E Mackintosh

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

Sienna Charles with 12-year-old stallion Chawton

Owner: Peter Charles

Breeder: Peter Charles

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

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

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

Breeder: Werner Dierckx

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

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

Owner: Mandy Hall

Breeder: F van de Linden

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

Ben Maher with 14-year-old gelding Catelly

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: H. Wulf-Hinrich

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

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

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: H. Elevage de Grisien SCEA

Breeding: By Toulon, out of a mare by Andiamo

Ben Maher with 12-year-old stallion Point Break

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: Nya Äppelvikens Ridskola AB

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

Jessica Mendoza with 11-year-old gelding Summerhouse

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

Breeder: C Den Boer

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

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

Owner: Maplepark Farm

Breeder: Finca Horses BV

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

Joe Stockdale with 12-year-old stallion Ebanking

Owners: Barbara Hester and Laura Stockdale

Breeder: E Vriend

Breeding: By Etoulon, out of a mare by Aranebel

Jack Whitaker with 12-year-old stallion Jack JL

Owner: Candice Reilly

Breeder: JE Lammerts-Weide

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

Adrian Whiteway with 13-year-old stallion Chacco Volo

Owner: Deborah Cox

Breeder: Gestut Lewitz

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

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

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We find out why having a plan in place is crucial, while top rider and British Showjumping accredited coach Joao Charlesworth shares his favourite exercises in this exclusive article for H&H subscribers

The best riders in the world never look like they are in a hurry, yet they are able to shave seconds off the clock. The key to being competitive in a jump-off is to focus on a positive rhythm, smooth lines and tight, balanced turns.

British five-star showjumper Jodie Hall-McAteer is well known for turning on the turbo and delivering killer turns when it really matters, but the former Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) leading rider explains that while technical skills win jump-offs, so too does a solid mental game. When it comes to training in how to ride a faster jump-off round, that’s a good place to start.

“Mindset is so important if you want to be competitive,” says Jodie. “If you’re not cantering into the ring with 100% belief and conviction of what you’re riding for then it likely won’t come off. You have to say to yourself, ‘this is what I want to do today’, and be prepared to push yourself out of your comfort zone. This positivity will filter through to your horse, too.”

Choosing the right time to try to be competitive is important.

“You’re not going to be competitive every time you go into the ring and nor should you try to be,” she continues. “But when you are in good form, feeling confident about how your horse is jumping and you have a well thought-out plan, that’s the time to go for it.”

Jodie adds that being more competitive doesn’t necessarily mean winning.

“It depends on you, your horse and how the competition pans out on the day,” she says. “You don’t need to go all out to win a class, but by upping your tempo and cutting a corner or two you can aim to be fifth, sixth, or just a little bit faster than you were the day before. If you ride like this regularly then it becomes second nature and gives you something to build on.”

If you decide that today is the day to win some money, having a game plan is crucial.

“You’ve got to have as good a plan for your jump-off as you do for your first round,” says Jodie.

“When the jump-off happens separately after the first round it’s tempting not to want to think about the jump-off until you get that far for fear of jinxing it – that’s how I used to feel – but you soon realise that having an idea of your jump-off strategy isn’t going to change anything and now I actually find it makes me ride with greater conviction.

“There’s nothing worse than being first or second in a jump-off when you haven’t had a chance to walk or think about a new line or where there’s an option of a route that you haven’t properly looked at.”

How to ride a faster jump-off round: 3 key elements

There are three key ingredients needed to be competitive in a jump-off: a forward, stronger tempo while still retaining accuracy, the ability to ride good turns and the adjustability to take strides out. All these skills should be honed at home.

“Smooth rounds win jump-offs and this relies on setting out in a good, positive rhythm so you’re not pushing and pulling,” says Jodie. “This starts with your flatwork. If you have fences set up in your arena at home, practise riding in and out of them and circling round them in a stronger canter,” she advises.

“This extra tempo can take a bit of getting used to, but the more you practise it the more natural it will feel. Remember to ride forward out of your turns and circles as this is important training for your turn-backs.”

Jodie has two basic rules for riding successful turns in the ring — both depend on looking early.

“You should stick to your line and go with the first stride you see,” she says. “I was always taught to look to the inside wing around the turn as it will help ensure you go on the first stride you see rather than waiting and hooking. Keep your outside leg on to keep the horse coming round the turn.”

Joao Charlesworth, who has coached numerous riders to win big classes, advises riders pick and choose places to make up time.

“There will usually be three or four places around a jump-off course where you can choose how tight a line you take or come inside a jump — you don’t have to do them all, especially if you are new to a level. Instead, choose one or two to attempt,” he says.

Which turns you attempt will depend on variables such as how well your horse turns left or right, or whereabouts in the course they come.

Exercises for training how to ride a faster jump-off round

Joao has two go-to exercises for helping riders master smooth and efficient turn-backs.

1. Half turn practice

“I build an upright and a square oxer on a two-stride distance [35ft] apart. Both fences should be able to be jumped both ways,” he says.

“Start with the upright, angling past the oxer to jump it. Make a half-turn back, bypassing the upright to jump the oxer on an angle.

“This is a fantastic exercise for practising the half-turns you will need in the arena,” he says. “Look up where you are going, keep the horse in an even, forward tempo and commit to your line off the turn. Keep repeating it until you are comfortable with the half-turns.”

2. Serpentine fences

Joao uses a serpentine of small upright fences placed on the centreline.

“The fences shouldn’t be big – 90cm maximum – but by riding the serpentine shape you are recreating the left and right half-turns you will get in a jump-off,” he says. “Think about your balance and tempo, and the smoothness around the turns. Always turn your head and look in the direction you want to travel.”

Should you cut strides out?

Another way to shave off valuable milliseconds is to take one less stride between two fences on a related distance — but this should be considered with the caveat that it might not necessarily suit every horse, or save time.

“With my shorter striding horses I would be cautious about taking strides out and pushing them out of their rhythm,” says Jodie.

Joao adds: “It’s also important to look at how the fences are situated because taking a stride out might not gain you anything if you have a tight turn after the second fence. In this case you would want a smaller, neater jump so that you have control on landing.”

It is generally safer to lose a stride on a curve or a dogleg because you have the option of riding an inside line.

“Make sure you look early, jump the first fence on the inside and ride positively on landing, keeping exactly to your line,” says Joao.

“You should always make up ground immediately on landing after the first fence to allow the last few strides before the second fence to be regular and balanced. If you are too slow to react you may be left chasing a stride in front of the second fence and this will inevitably cause a flat jump.”

• For more expert training advice from top riders and coaches, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Anthony Condon and Oviedo ‘S’ were on top of the world in the Al Shira’aa grand prix at the CSI3* Bolesworth International presented by Al Shira’aa, as the only combination to jump double clear – and in foot-perfect style.

Anthony and Lisa Hales’ 11-year-old were third of only four, from 49 starters, to go in the jump-off, and as Sven Hadley (Phenomene Bleu Vdm) and Paul Sims (Jankorado GB) had both been caught out by the first element of the double, finishing on 50.86sec and 48.9sec respectively, it was there to be won.

Anthony and the huge-jumping Udarco Van Overis stallion jumped clear in 49.86sec, the agile chestnut making every turn as smooth as silk and every fence look effortless. But Jodie Hall McAteer (La Gupardie) was still to go.

Jodie started at her usual cracking pace, her mother Mandy’s nine-year-old mare full of jumping. But it was the second element of the double that caught Jodie out and although her time was a speedy 47.66sec, she had to settle for second.

“On top of the world is an understatement,” Anthony said. “Lisa kindly bought this horse when he was four, and we’ve been taking our time with him. I think this is the first class he’s won, so it was a good one to win! But he’s an unbelievable horse. We knew he was going to get there in the end. And he showed his worth today.”​

Anthony added that the stallion has jumped clear in just about every grand prix he has contested so far.

“He’s just never been that fast, and now he’s learning to get a lot more competitive and building a bit of speed,” he said. “It fell a bit my way today that a clear was enough, but sometimes you need a bit of luck.”

Anthony thanked all his team for their support, crediting the joint effort for the win.

Jodie said this was La Gupardie’s first three-star grand prix, and a “big ask” for the mare.

“She jumped amazing,” she said. “I’m a bit disappointed I didn’t win, but it wasn’t the initial plan to be even in it. So I’m really excited for the future with her.”

Paul was also delighted with his own 11-year-old.

“He’s relatively new to this level, he’s improving all the time and he’s got a bright future,” he said.

Neither La Gupardie nor Jankorado will contest this week’s four-star classes, but Oviedo is staying at Bolesworth .

“Oviedo will be aiming for the grand prix; I’d love to pull it off two weeks in a row,” Anthony said. “But it’s going to be very competitive – today was a very tough class and it was a three-star; next week is four-star. Today was a very good course; it took a bit of riding and was very well built. And thank you very much to Nina [Barbour] for putting on this show, it’s fantastic.”

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

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

What a week of showjumping news! We were treated to a feast of international showjumping on our doorstep at one of our favourite events, Royal Windsor Horse Show this weekend. Some of the leading riders in the world going into battle made for exceptional sport and you can’t help but fall in love with the gallant grey Rolex grand prix winner Leone Jei – he and Martin Fuchs are simply in a different league.

British showjumper Jodie Hall McAteer may have been competing on the other side of the world, but she made international showjumping news headlines with a five-star win in Shanghai, while we also investigated a “tiny” horse, who “thinks he’s 17.2hh” wearing an unusual set of no-nail shoes.

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

Showjumping news: “We had to risk it all”

Swiss sensation Martin Fuchs has built an incredible partnership with the gallant grey Leone Jei, but he took a chance taking just the one horse for the CSI5* classes at this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show. His faith in the 12-year-old’s exceptional talent was rewarded when he took home the Rolex grand prix – the second consecutive year that the Swiss rider has secured the €125,000 (£106,990) first prize here.

“I knew after I walked the course that the jump-off would suit us very well and if I do a good job, then normally he’s going to jump two clear rounds,” said Martin, who piloted one of his other phenomenal horses, Connor Jei, to win in 2023.

“I knew that I had to risk everything, having some of the fastest riders in the world coming after me. If I do the same amount of strides as the others I can be a bit slower but his energy and ability enables me to leave out strides where other horses aren’t able to.”

Both Gregory Wathelet (Bond Jamesbond De Hay) and Steve Guerdat, with his recent Fontainebleau winner Dynamix de Belheme came close, lodging 41.75sec and 41.86 sec respectively for second and third place, with Robert Whitaker best of the Brits on his King George winner Vermento in fourth.

• Royal Windsor Horse Show Rolex grand prix results

LGCT of Shanghai: “You can only dream of this!”

In China, the Longines Global Champions Tour of Shanghai went to Belgium rider Gilles Thomas with Luna Van Het Dennehof, with the pair celebrating in epic style (pictured, above). From first draw in a seven-way jump-off, the speedy pair proved unassailable, finishing well clear of the only other double clear from Edwina Tops-Alexander with Fellow Castlefield. Miami winner Michael Duffy of Ireland set the fastest time with the 10-year-old Cantano 32 but the last fence agonisingly hit the floor for third.

“I only have dreamed of this moment and now twice on the podium – one second and now my first LGCT Grand Prix win, twice on Luna – she is just such a fantastic mare,” said Gilles.

Edwina also heaped praise on the 25-year-old winner, “I think the world of Gilles, he is the best young rider and up and coming rider in the world today,” she said.

“He has so much talent, he is super cool in the head, he is such a team player and I think he has a massive future and this has just boosted it even more.”

Jodie Hall McAteer finished win four faults in round one on Hardessa in the grand prix, but had earlier sealed victory in the two-phase with 14-year-old mare Kimosa Van Het Kritrahof.

• LGCT of Shanghai results

“The horse didn’t love the nails”

In Sunday’s 1.50m Manama Rose Show Stakes at Royal Windsor, Laura Kraut took a well-earned victory with Calgary Tame, who was previously competed barefoot, but now sports ultra lightweight glue-on rubber-coated aluminium front shoes.

“He is so cool, he thinks he’s 17.2hh, but he’s tiny,” said Laura, who took over the ride on the 161cm (15.3hh) Selle Français, who is co-owned by his breeder Eugenie Angot and the Stars and Stripes syndicate, from flying Frenchman Julien Epaillard in 2021.

“When Julien had him before me, he had no shoes, because that’s what Julien does – but I just didn’t like the feeling of it. I always got the impression that the horse didn’t love the nails, so these shoes are rubber coated and they glue on.

“With these shoes he feels great, he’s been really happy with them. I also have Confu in them, as well as a couple of my other horses, and they seem to really like it.

“Knock on wood, they seem to stay on much better than shoes with nails and I have never had one come off! They are also much lighter. We have got to do something [when classes are so close] and every little bit helps!”

The same type of shoes were used by racehorse trainer Charlie Appleby on his Qipco Guineas Festival runner Castle Way at Newmarket on Friday.

• Royal Windsor Horse Show results

Showjumping news: a remarkable hat-trick for one of the fastest riders in the world

Finally in this week’s international showjumping news round-up, we return to Royal Windsor Horse Show, where speedy US rider Kent Farrington claimed the King’s Cup for a third time when he headed the Saturday’s Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes.

“I always loved coming to this show, it’s a great crowd, great atmosphere, top course designers, top competition and Rolex grand prix money!” he said.“It was a fast class as it always is here. It was great fun. As first to go I just stuck with my plan for my horse and it worked out in my favour that some other fast rounds had a rail down.”

It was Brit Joe Stockdale who had almost denied Kent a hat-trick when he jumped an inspiring round 2.66sec up on the clock with Barbara Hester and Laura Stockdale’s talented 10-year-old stallion Ebanking – only to lower the final fence with the lightest of touches.

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

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

The London International Horse Show fancy dress class was back in 2023 and certainly did not disappoint. Some of the world’s top showjumpers and eventers delighted the crowds at the ExCeL Arena on Sunday (17 December) with their fabulous costumes – which were pantomime-themed – and speedy rounds of jumping.

Following each pair’s round, a celebrity panel of Pippa Funnell, impressionist Rory Bremner and none other than Father Christmas gave marks out of 10 for the riders’ performances. The total marks were then deducted from the time, providing the final result.

Check out some of the truly iconic costumes worn by the competitors, and so gallantly carried by their respective mounts.

John Whitaker made a great Ugly Sister…

…His mount was elegantly turned out in silver tinsel too

Robert Whitaker teamed up with his dad to complete the duo of the Ugly Sisters (with some interestingly placed embroidered hands on his costume!). They finished fifth after Robert stole the “10” scoring panel from the judges.

There were cheers aplenty for a very game Joe Stockdale, who fully embraced his new persona as Cinderella

Joe teamed up with Jodie Hall McAteer, who was Prince Charming, and together they finished sixth

Representing the eventers, recent Maryland 5 Star winner, Austin O’Connor, quite literally flew around as Peter Pan (with some help from his wings, of course) 

Austin teamed up with Gemma Stevens, who fully embraced her role as Hook. Together they finished third 

Tim Gredley replaced his magic carpet with a horse when dressing up as Aladdin 

While Tim’s pairing was Lily Attwood, who was dressed as Azerbanana. Sadly they finished bottom of the London International Horse Show fancy dress leaderboard in seventh 

Laura Collett and Tom McEwen were brilliant (and quite convincing too) as Snow White and The Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 

Tom’s “frontage” was a sight to behold, and undoubtedly contributed to their second place 

The winners of the London International Horse Show fancy dress were Harry Charles and Matt Sampson, who, disguised as Dick Whittington and The Cat, blazed around and gained strong marks from the judges 

According to the commentators, although the concept of Mother Goose took some explaining to Portuguese rider Duarte Seabra, he embraced it and finished fourth with Shane Breen, who was the Goose

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

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

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

British showjumper Jodie Hall McAteer is a young star of the sport, regularly competing at five-star level. She rides for GCL team New York Empire. In her latest H&H column, she discusses rider mental health and a change of base for her and her horses

I have just returned from competing in the Global Champions League (GCL) Super Cup Final at the Global Champions Prague Playoffs, where I was the under-25s rider for Georgina Bloomberg’s New York Empire team.

It’s one of the calendar’s most spectacular events, held in a sold-out O2 Arena, and the atmosphere is one of a kind. Being part of the “Walk of Champions” parade alongside some of the best riders in the world is an unforgettable feeling and although I can still feel out of place besides them, it’s remarkable.

It was my third year at the playoffs – I guess you could say I am becoming a veteran! The competition did not quite go our way as my team was knocked out in the quarter finals but I was delighted to take second in Saturday’s feature class with Hardessa, who continued her strong form from Horse of the Year Show.

It’s a rewarding feeling when it all comes together on one of the most prestigious stages in the world and even more so when a partnership starts to be consistent.

It’s not all glitz and glamour

Equestrianism is an all-consuming lifestyle and in showjumping there is no off season. It is not as simple as just putting the racket away. In the last month alone I have travelled to seven different countries, competed at three international shows, two national shows and had about one day to myself to recover from it all!

The glitz and glamour may appeal on Instagram, but logistically it can prove exhausting, not only for me but for everyone else helping to keep the show on the road.

As showjumpers the most common question we ask one another is, “Where are you off to next?” The majority will then reel off a long list of shows they’ve lined up. Sometimes I feel myself getting caught up in the hustle culture of the industry, worrying about where I should be rather than appreciating where I am.

Equestrians can have a long career if we look after ourselves, it is a marathon not a sprint, so it’s essential to go at your own pace.

I was interviewed recently by Horse & Country TV for the Mollie Summerland: Mental Health Awareness programme to discuss how I handle the sport’s inevitable highs and lows. Mental wellbeing is extremely important, and it is refreshing to see more riders sharing their own experience of setbacks and how they overcome them.

In my calendar I like to have some breathing space to train without a countdown to a start bell for a particular class on a particular day. Spending so much time constantly travelling can also induce a severe case of “show sickness”, so it’s nice to refresh and live a life with more to it than just horses.

No place like home

With GCL commitments finished for the year and no World Cups to target, I have made the decision to move my horses back to the UK and work more closely with my family’s stables.

I’ve spent the past three years based with my trainer Ben Schröder at BWG Stables in the Netherlands, and while we’ll continue working together, I’m excited to take on the challenge of thinking for myself more. Alongside learning a system, management and riding, I’ve come away from BWG with the knowledge that it’s more than acceptable to eat cake for breakfast, especially when someone has won or fallen off!

Many British riders have moved to Europe in recent years to work, train and compete overseas but speaking from experience there really is no place like home. Britain is a horse-orientated country with strong professional and upcoming riders. It’s unfortunate that many feel obliged to leave their lives here in attempts to better themselves. I hope this is something that can change and the opportunity to develop becomes more accessible on home soil, but that is a subject for next time!

● Do you think riders are doing enough to maintain their mental wellbeing? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future edition of Horse & Hound magazine

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 30 November, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Stuttgart German Masters results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• GC Playoffs results

Showjumping news: Nations Cup glory for Great Britain

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

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

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

• Villamoura Champions Tour results

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

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

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

• GC Super Cup Final results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Autumn MET results

Showjumping news: Viva Swail in Las Vegas

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

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

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

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

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

• Las Vegas National results

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

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

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

Picture of the week: What an angle!

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

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

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

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

Jodie Hall McAteer had a long trip from her Dutch base to Birmingham for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) – but it was worth every mile as she won the leading showjumper of the year title after a thriller of a jump-off.

Jodie and her mother Mandy’s 11-year-old Hardessa saw off all comers in the grand prix, which included some of the cream of British showjumping talent. Harry Charles, who took the title in 2021, came second on his Olympic partner Romeo 88 with his sister Sienna third on Harry’s 2021 winning ride Stardust.

Jodie, whose last HOYS win was the 2016 pony showjumper title with the wonder mare Tixylix, managed to secure pole position of the 12 riders through to the jump-off; as the fastest first-round clear, she was last to go and knew exactly what she had to do.

“I’m over the moon,” she said. “I wasn’t really expecting it; this is her first bigger show for a while but she’s an amazing horse, a real little fighter, and she really stepped up today. She’s so lovely; just pricks her ears and takes everything in her stride. She’s really brave and really careful; hopefully this is just the beginning for her.”

Jodie and the Berlin mare came in meaning business; attacking from the start and making two killer turns before the last line that allowed her to breathe before they flew the last, to huge applause.

“I came back especially for this show; my trainer in Holland said I was half mad, coming all the way to England, he wanted me to jump in Belgium, but I said ‘You don’t know how special this is for British riders,” she said. “And I’ve paid my bills, anyway!

“The atmosphere is amazing; I don’t think there’s another CSI3* in the world like HOYS, it could be a five-star, and the crowd gets behind you as a Brit. I’ve been coming here since I was nine or 10 and as a young rider you spend the year trying to qualify. It’s the pinnacle for so many British riders.

“I’ve always wanted to win this, and it’s a big tick off the bucket list.”

Harry and Romeo had looked on top form; Ann Thompson’s 14-year-old gelding looked fresh and strong and up for the challenge as they put in a fantastic clear less than half a second behind Jodie.

“That’s great,” Harry said. “He hasn’t competed for six weeks so it’s a perfect start to the indoor season.”

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

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

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

Egyptian showjumper Nayel Nassar scooped the lion’s share of a $1,000,000 prize pot at Spruce Meadows, Jodie Hall McAteer, 23, scored an impressive victory in the Ommen CSI3* grand prix 1.55m grand prix with Kimosa Van Het, plus the European Showjumping Championships for young riders, juniors and children get under way in Gorla Minore, Italy (10-16 July). Read on for a round-up of this week’s international showjumping news and results.

Top prize money on offer at Spruce Meadows

Nayel and the 14-year-old gelding Coronado fended off 34 combinations to win the CSI5* 1.60m ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup at the Canadian venue during the North American Tour (5–9 July). Nayel and Coronado jumped two clear rounds to take the $330,000 (£193,580) first prize, beating Spain’s Sergie Alvarez Moya and Puma Hs by more than two seconds. Nayel and Sergie were the only riders to jump double clear around Olympic course-designer Santiago Varela’s 1.60m track.

• Spruce Meadows results

British victory in the Netherlands

Jodie was thrilled to win the feature class at the Ommen CSI3* (5-9 July), staving off competition from home-side rider Michael Greeve and Jacksonville Eurohill, and Ireland’s Harry Allen and Calculatus. The top 12 combinations returned for the jump-off, and it was Jodie who was the first to take a tight line from a big oxer to secure the win.

“I’m on such a fantastic horse. She fights for it in the ring. She is often a bit on the lazy side, but when she is in the ring she wants to do well,” said Jodie, who is based with the Schröder family in Twente, the Netherlands.

“I learn so much and have a great team behind me. I want nothing more than to develop as a rider and ride in championships one day. It is much more practical to go to the competitions from the Netherlands instead of from England. Of course I miss my family, but I will see them soon when I go to Hickstead (26-30 July).”

• CSI Ommen results

“An awe-inspiringly fast round”

Another young Brit making waves abroad is Robert Murphy, 23, who beat 24 combinations to head the CSI2* grand prix at Longines Tops International Arena on the 10-year-old Imbeer on 9 July. Robert won with an “awe-inspiringly fast round”, and stopped the clock on 30.31 seconds.

“I am delighted with this win, Imbeer jumped fantastic in this incredible grass arena. These shows at Longines Tops International Arena are brilliant to bring a wide range of horses to with such great facilities,” said Robert.

“Recently I moved to Belgium to base myself with Jos Lansink so we will be coming back for the rest of the summer. The atmosphere is fantastic.”

France’s Pénélope Leprevost was second with Fantasy de la Roque Z, and Brazil’s Marlon Mondolo Zanotelli was third on Electro vd Kromsteeg. Marlon went on to win the CSI4* grand prix the same day on Cornest.

• Longines Tops International Arena results

Brits in action in Gorla Minore

This week the European Showjumping Championships for young riders, juniors and children get under way in Gorla Minore, Italy, and Britain is fielding a team in each section.

Junior squad:

Lauren Caroline and 12-year-old gelding Gait L, owned by Lee CarolineSophie Evans and 11-year-old gelding CSIO Beln, owned by ESM EquestrianTabitha Kyle and 15-year-old mare Desterly, owned by TJ Hall LtdNoora von Bulow and 10-hear-old gelding Interstar B, owned by her mother Sharifa Al-HomaiziMaisy Williams and 15-year-old gelding Devil VD To Jo Pe Hoeve, owned by her father Guy Williams

Young rider squad:

Oliver Fletcher and 10-year-old gelding IV Willem, owned by Alison Walton and Graham FletcherNicole Lockhead Anderson and 13-year-old bay gelding Chatondo, owned by Thomas WilliamsSandy Mclean and 12-year-old gelding Gino F, owned by Marjory McNaughton and SandyClaudia Moore and 11-year-old mare Hardesther, owned by her mother Katrina MooreRed Morgan and 12-year-old grey gelding Golia, owned by Didy Morgan

Children squad:

Darcy Breen, from West Sussex, with the 10-year-old chestnut mare Kunis, owned by Lea PopelyEmily Gulliver and 8-year-old mare Fleur De Nuit 8, owned by Ben GulliverSienna Lanni and 10-year-old chestnut gelding Bermudez BDA, owned by Jill WilliamsRuby Payne and 12-year-old mare Whitesparke Pepper, owned by Russell PayneSula von Bülow and 14-year-old grey mare Dabelle, owned by her mother Sharifa Al-Homaizi

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

The much-admired nine-year-old Viper Z took an impressive win for Martin Fuchs [SUI] on his CSI5* debut, topping a thrilling 11-strong jump off in Royal Windsor’s Defender challenge stakes.

The Vigo D’Arsouilles x Grannus gelding, who is owned by Luigi Baleri, was bought in September 2021, and was the most expensive horse ever sold at the Dutch Sport Horse sales. The hammer went down at €750,000, smashing the sale’s previous record of €450,000.

“It was very nice for him to start his first 5* with a 1.50m win,” Martin said, adding that there is “always pressure” when producing a horse, regardless of its price tag.

“He was already good when we got him, although still quite green, and could be a little bit tense in some of the arenas, so usually he gets better by the day at a show. I always knew he’d be a grand prix horse and win a lot of classes.

“A lot of people know him from the auction and they ask me ‘which one is this?’ and I say ‘yes, it’s the expensive one!’” Martin said.

A quick opening round on this striking dark bay earned Martin a useful late draw in the jump off, enabling him to make the most of the gelding’s ground speed and care to steal a 0.05sec advantage over leaders Daniel Deusser [GER] and Kiana Van Het Herdershof.

British riders filled the next three spots on the leaderboard, with 23-year-old Jodie Hall McAteer in close third with Kimosa Van Het Kritrahof Z, and William Funnell hot on her heels with Equine America Billy Marmite in fourth.

Ben Maher collected fifth with the ultra-scopey nine-year-old Enjeu De Grisien, while the previous day’s victor Lily Attwood set the fastest time of the class with a valiant effort on Karibou Horta, but caught an oxer three from home behind.

Bernardo Costa Cabral’s second round track had asked all sorts of questions, with open gallops, angle options and turns.

“I had a good starting position, so I could watch a few of the riders. I already walked the second round during the first, so I knew it would suit my horse,” Martin said.

“Basically just everywhere had to be tight but still keep the canter up — my horse is naturally very quick and very careful.”

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

In this week’s international showjumping news, we watched Great Britain’s Jodie Hall McAteer swoop to victory in a CSI5* speed class in the Longines Global Champions Tour season opener in Doha, Qatar, where an inexperienced mare also posted an “unexpected” grand prix victory.

We were also wowed by one horse-and-rider combination’s daring angles en route to victory in Ocala, Florida, and a 10-time Olympian leading his Nations Cup squad to glory. This is what the sport’s all about! Here is our weekly round-up of international showjumping news and results.

Intricate fan is make or break fence

Course-designer Alan Wade was at his brilliant best at the World Equestrian Centre in Ocala, Florida, with this intricate fan fence (main image, top) in particular testing horses and riders in the $40,000 1.4m CSI3* two-phase. Victory went to speedy US rider Aaron Vale with Lori Osterstock’s I Adermie R4, who scythed over this obstacle at a breathtaking angle to set an unbeatable time.

“Alan Wade is a world-class course-designer and he has been creating great courses all week,” said Aaron. “The first phase let you jump around a bit, then the second phase had some fun elements. There was a hard inside turn from the Wheels Up jump to the fan vertical. It was hard to get inside to that fence smoothly because it was a tough angle.

“I didn’t get there as smoothly as I wanted, but Adermie is quick-footed enough that she kept it up,” he added of the 10-year-old Den Ham Blue R x Namelus R mare. “Then I found the rest [of the course] forward and to my advantage as Adermie is the type of horse that the faster you go, the better she jumps.”

• Ocala results

Kimosa is the speed queen

THE 2023 edition of the Longines Global Champions Tour kicked off in Doha, Qatar, where there was plenty to celebrate for young British rider Jodie Hall McAteer, who swooped home fastest in Saturday’s 1.50m speed class riding the 13-year-old mare Kimosa Van Het Kitrahof.

She beat leading Swedish riders Malin Baryard-Johnsson on Harley Davidson and Henrik von Eckermann riding Hollywood V by nearly 2sec.

“I’d had a bit of an unlucky show but Kimosa’s been in great form recently. We’ve not actually had a big win for a while, although we’ve come close a few times, so it was really nice to get one finally,” said Jodie, who also represented New York Empire in the GCL competition. “I didn’t see Malin and Henrik’s rounds, I just made my own plan and stuck with it. Kimosa is a naturally very fast horse so I never really have to ride her too quick, she naturally covers the ground and she’s like a little pony, with a very fast pace. She’s always very competitive when I leave the fences up.”

Amongst the other winners in Doha was Ireland’s Denis Lynch, who topped the opening five-star two-phase on Cornet’s Iberio.

• LGCT of Doha results

Inexperienced mare posts ‘unexpected’ CSI5* grand prix victory

Philipp Weishaupt (Just Be Gentle) and his co-rider from Ludger Beerbaum‘s stables, Christian Kukuk (Nice Van’t Zorgvliet) filled the top two positions on the LGCT grand prix podium in Doha, Qatar, separated by just 0.05sec. Remarkably, both riders teamed up the previous day to win the Global Champions League representing new team Riesenbeck International while team manager Ludger was in hospital recovering from surgery on a broken leg. Taking third in the grand prix was speedy French rider Simon Delestre on Dexter Fontenis Z after a 12-way jump-off.

It had been 11 years since Philipp’s last LGCT grand prix win and this was the mare’s first ever attempt at a grand prix, at only her fourth show at the top level.

“This is a very very special moment,” said Philipp, who earned a ticket to the Super Grand Prix in November for this victory on the inexperienced nine-year-old mare Just Be Gentle. “Winning a Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix is special but even more so with this young mare. I was never expecting to jump clear, let alone win. These unexpected wins are the nicest ones so I am over the moon right now.”

• LGCT grand prix of Doha results

‘I’m delighted she hasn’t been sold!’

A mare who was brought in to be sold won the $226,000 CSIO4* grand prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Florida, under Irish rider Daniel Coyle.

Ivory TCS is a 10-year-old Falaise De Muze mare whom the 28-year-old rider owns with Ariel Grange’s Lothlorien Farm. She was bought at the 2020 WEF Sport Horse Auction as a seven-year-old, with the original plan to sell her. Instead, she has climbed the ranks with her rider, and grand prix victory at the weekend was secured after a four-way jump-off.

“I think I was beatable, but there wasn’t much of a gap, which was my plan,” said Daniel, who was drawn second of the quartet. “Ivory is a very fast horse in every jump-off. She might take two extra strides than a big horse, but that doesn’t mean she’s necessarily slower, because she does it so fast. I tried to use that today because there were no related distances – it was single fences, then turn back and gallop halfway across the track, so I tried to use the quickness that she naturally has to my advantage.

“She was bought to be sold and I’ve had a few people try her, but I have to say I’m delighted that she has not gone yet,” added Daniel, who was also awarded as the top money-earning Irish rider during CSIO week at WEF.

• WEF grand prix results

Ten-time Olympian leads Nations Cup victory

Canada, led for the first time by 10-time Olympian chef d’equipe Ian Millar, won the CSIO4* Nations Cup at Wellington International. The quartet of Erynn Ballard (Gakhir), Mario Deslauriers (Emerson), Tiffany Foster (Hamilton) and Beth Underhill (Nikka VD Bisschop) fought off some fierce competition from the remaining 10 teams, with Brazil finishing second and Ireland in third, represented by David Blake (Claude), Cian O’Connor (Berlux Z), Shane Sweetnam (Namaste Van Het Eyckeveld) and Max Wachman (Kilkenny).

“I think we had great confidence and we really wanted to give it a good shot for a win, especially with our new leader, Ian Millar,” said Beth. “I think all of us together are friends and have been for many years, so there’s been this great synergy and strength among us.”

Irish chef d’equipe Michael Blake said: “We knew Canada had a strong team and I’d like to congratulate them on their performance. We had some very strong performances tonight and some unlucky faults. As always, I would like to thank the owners of our Irish team horses who make competing in Nations Cups and successes like tonight possible. And to our team sponsors – thank you.”

Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza (OO Seven De L’Equipe), Sam Hutton (Verona 13), Grace Debney (Agadance Van’t Gelutt Z) and Amanda Derbyshire (Cornwall BH) took seventh.

• WEF Nations Cup results

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

Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson took a superb home win in the London Horse Show World Cup leg, from Daniel Duesser and Killer Queen VDM, with Jodie Hall McAteer on Salt ‘N Peppa in third.

Scott and his Tokyo Olympic and 2022 World Championship ride gave a masterclass jump-off display, topped off by a mighty gallop to the last, to finish less than 0.5sec ahead of the German combination, with Jodie just over a third of a second behind.

“Hello Jefferson is fantastic,” said Scott of the Belgian-bred 13-year-old. “He’s so careful and I know I can trust him to ride fast to the last fence.”

Just seven of 37 starters had conquered Bernado Costa Cabral’s testing track in the first round; every fence came down at least once, and just four repeated the feat in the jump-off. Scott and the speedy little gelding had put in an extra stride here and there but a tight roll back to the second-last, and then that gallop, sealed the deal.

“He jumped that vertical forward so the eight [strides] was probably more forward than for the others,” Scott said. “I thought the course was tough; a bit twisty and turny to start with, and some tall verticals that were delicate, but the course-builder has done a fantastic job.”

Daniel praised the Belgian-bred 12-year-old ride, whom he owns with Stephex Stables and whose class jump-off clear came so close to securing the title.

“Of course I’d have liked to win!” he said. “But my horse jumped fantastic. When I saw Scott, I knew his horse is naturally a bit faster than mine and I’d have to leave a stride out here or there, which worked well – maybe if I’d been a bit more motivated after the last, I could have had him! I’d have loved to win but I’m really pleased with my second place.”

It was the first time Jodie had competed at this show in the five-star international classes; having jumped in the 128cm and 148cm pony championships, and having won the national under-25 title twice, she then marked her international debut with third place in the London Horse Show World Cup.

As the last to go in the jump-off, she and her mother Mandy’s 13-year-old jumped a beautiful clear that was also faster than it looked; the crowd let out a huge cheer and then shushed itself as she approached the final line so close to Scott and Jefferson’s time.

“It’s unbelievable,” said an emotional Jodie afterwards. “I’ve been coming here, or Olympia as it was, every year since I was about 10, and to come this year and do this is a dream come true.

“I didn’t think I was as close to Scott’s time as I was; you try to get in the zone and focus but I heard the crowd screaming and thought ‘Oh my god. I could actually get this done.’ I’m a bit annoyed with myself but my horse is amazing.”

Jodie added that she has been training with Ben Schröder as part of the Swiss-based young riders’ academy, and has also had help from Scott.

“I’ve had amazing support all the way,” she said. “I’ll have to come back and try to win it now!”

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

THE “stigma” around wearing body protection in showjumping shows signs of decreasing – but more people need to follow suit, an A&E doctor believes.

A number of top riders have been seen wearing air jackets this summer, including at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) and the World Showjumping Championships.

But doctor Kate Ward, who has jumped up to 1.40m level, told H&H that in her day job, in the trauma unit of a Kent hospital, she sees people hurt in horse-related incidents every day. And although, she said, all those injured in falls had been wearing safety helmets, “the thing that astounds me is that only one patient I’ve seen in the last two years was wearing any kind of body protector”.

“I am not sure if this is coincidence or maybe the people wearing body protectors don’t come to A&E as much,” she said, adding that the one rider who was wearing one was unharmed, although she was in her seventies.

Kate herself started wearing a body protector first, after “a couple of near misses; falls where I couldn’t believe I wasn’t hurt”, then started looking into air jackets.

“I thought if they’re good enough for people coming off motorbikes, they’re probably quite a good idea if you fall off a horse,” she said, adding that the vests are far less bulky than early versions, to the point people now say they cannot see she is wearing hers.

Kate added that the turning point was when a horse’s bit snapped at home and he “bolted towards the concrete” from her unfenced arena. The horse turned left instead of right and she baled out onto the soft surface, but “after that thought ‘I’m going shopping.’”

She now does not like riding without it, but feels the stigma about body protection is still there in jumping.

“Why is there still this stigma regarding safety in this country?” she said. “Do people deem it demeaning to wear more protection? Are we stuck in the dark ages regarding tradition? There may be no clinical trial data that I know of regarding air jackets, but the logic speaks for itself. People need to take safety seriously. My conclusions are all observational, I just feel passionately about safety in equine sports, and if you saw the injuries I am faced with on a weekly basis, you would understand why. It can do no harm, only good, and anything that reduces the risk of serious injury should be considered essential.

“You are never too good to take safety seriously.”

Kate hopes to conduct an audit at work, to try to find some statistics and trends in riding falls.

One of the riders wearing an air vest at the RIHS was US-based Irishman Andrew Bourns, who told H&H that there is less stigma around wearing them in the US.

“A good friend of mine, [fellow Irish showjumper] Kevin Babington, broke his neck and was paralysed in a fall,” Andrew said. “After that happened, my mum insisted I started wearing one and Freejump [which makes his air vest] gave me full sponsorship. It gives you an enormous amount of protection.”

Andrew said he “very strongly” promotes the wearing of the vests. He uses his whenever he is jumping, including at home.

“All my clients wear them and anyone I’m close to,” he said. “My mum broke her neck in a horse accident and was in a wheelchair for eight years before she died, so it’s a very close-to- home subject for me. I’m very thankful for Freejump’s support and it’s important to draw attention to it. If it saves one life, or someone being badly injured, it’s totally worth it.”

Jodie Hall McAteer, who is also supported by Freejump and was wearing one of the company’s vets at Hickstead, told H&H: “It’s a dangerous sport and it’s easy to forget the risk involved every time you canter into the ring, so to have that extra level of protection and security is definitely worthwhile. I wasn’t sure at first, I was a bit sceptical, but you can’t really feel it when you’re wearing it. It’s so comfortable and light.

“You don’t see it so often, especially competing at the higher levels, but in January, I had a bad fall and wasn’t wearing one. I really hurt my neck and I thought, if I’d had something, had this [perhaps I wouldn’t have been injured]; I’d be silly not to.”

Zara Dickson, equine safety specialist for manufacturer Helite, told H&H there has been an increase in sales of vets to showjumpers this year.

She agrees there has been a stigma, also in the dressage and showjumping phases of eventing.

“It seems to be, ‘You need protection across country and nothing else,’ but there have been studies showing you’re more likely to have an accident schooling or hacking, and a lot of showjumpers have been buying them for schooling young horses at home,” she said. “We’ve seen a sharp increase.”

Ms Dickson added that as a company, Helite does not want people to feel they have been “sold a product”, but instead explains why they need the protection and how they will benefit.

“We’ve got testimonials from people saying the [jackets] have saved their lives,” she said. “I had one mother who’d bought one for her child and the first time out, she fell off showjumping. She messaged to say, ‘Thank you so much.’ It’s difficult trying to get the safety message across without sounding like you’re trying to sell to them, but people are choosing them now in showjumping, from Pony Club to top riders, which is nice to see.”

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

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

One of the riders flying the flag for wearing body protection in top-level showjumping says that if one person can be saved from death or serious injury, that will be worth it in itself.

A number of the competitors in the international classes at last week’s Royal International Horse Show were seen in body protection. They are not compulsory for showjumping under national or international rules, but those riders H&H spoke to believe they are the future.

Andrew Bourns, who represented Ireland in the Nations Cup on Friday (29 July) and jumped a superb round for just one time-fault in Sunday’s King George V Gold Cup, told H&H that there is less stigma around wearing them in the US, where he is based, than there is here.

“A good friend of mine, [fellow Irish showjumper] Kevin Babington, broke his neck and was paralysed in a fall,” Andrew told H&H. “After that happened, my mum insisted I started wearing one and Freejump [which makes his air vest] gave me full sponsorship. It gives you an enormous amount of protection.”

Andrew said he “very strongly” promotes the wearing of the vests. He uses his whenever he is jumping, including at home.

“All my clients wear them, and anyone I’m close to,” he said. “My mum broke her neck in a horse accident and was in a wheelchair for eight years before she died so it’s a very close to home subject for me.

“I’m very thankful for Freejump’s support and it’s important to draw attention to it. If it saves one life, or someone being badly injured, it’s totally worth it.”

Jodie Hall McAteer, who is one of the British reserves for next week’s World Showjumping Championships, believes wearing body protection for jumping is “the way forward”.

“It’s a dangerous sport and it’s easy to forget the risk involved every time you canter into the ring, so to have that extra level of protection and security is definitely worthwhile,” she said.

Jodie is also sponsored and supported by Freejump, which makes the air vest she wears.

“I wasn’t sure at first, I was a bit sceptical,” she said. “I’d never worn one before but you can’t really feel it when you’re wearing it. It’s so comfortable and light, and easy to slip on and off.

“You don’t see it so often, especially competing at the higher levels, but in January, I had a bad fall and wasn’t wearing one. I really hurt my neck and I thought, if I’d had something, had this [perhaps I wouldn’t have been injured]; it’s definitely worth doing, and I’d be silly not to.”

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

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Jodie Hall McAteer repeated her win from two years ago in the Voltaire Design under-25 championship on the final evening of London Horse Show showjumping tonight.

Riding Mademoiselle-A, the 21-year-old was the dominant force from the off, winning this morning’s qualifier and then starting last in the jump-off after the fastest first-round clear.

“I’ve been based in Holland all year training with the Schröder brothers,” said Jodie, who is a member of the Switzerland-based young riders’ academy. “They’ve been an unbelievable help to me, but they couldn’t be here today so Scott Brash stepped in and I’m grateful to him.”

The two-stride double of verticals at fence seven accounted for almost half the first-round faults and only Jodie and Joe Stockdale started the jump-off on a clean sheet.

They were joined in the final showdown by the three fastest four-faulters. Two of them accrued more penalties, but Robert Murphy (Highcross Violet) put some pressure on by adding nothing more to his score in a time of 28.74sec.

Joe bettered that by recording 28.15sec on his ride from the senior European Championships, Equine America Cacharel, so Jodie had to do something special to defend her title.

“We watched Joe go and he was fast,” said Jodie. “I actually did one more stride to the second fence and was maybe a bit tighter on the turn after it. Scott told me to do a sensible round and get the job done.”

And so she did, finishing in 27.15sec to pip Joe to the post.

Jodie’s ride Mademoiselle-A is a nine-year-old by Corland.

“I’ve had her for almost three years and in the past few months she’s stepped up consistently to this level,” she said. “She’s a special mare. She loves the job and she’s given me a lot of confidence.”

Joe, 22, said: “I knew Jodie was going behind me and how quick she can be. I got the stride I wanted from fences one to two and then we had a bit of a slip to the third fence. I think I lost time there and she maybe lost a bit of confidence. It’s fine margins, but I’m very pleased with my mare.”

The London Horse Show showjumping concludes with the grand prix later this evening.

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

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

Victory at the Liverpool International was a fitting end to the brilliant partnership between Jodie Hall-McAteer and the outstanding — if quirky — chestnut mare Tixylix.

Few ponies have been quite so successful with so many young jockeys and, for the past 13 years, the brilliant Tixylix has been thrilling the crowds — and making us all slightly envious that we didn’t have a 148cm pony like that to ride, too.

So to celebrate this brilliant, spring-heeled 19-year-old, here are just eight reasons we think Tixylix is a jumping megastar.

1. She’s a winning machine

Over the years, riders such as Emma Akers, Zoe Adams, Jessica Mendoza and Jodie Hall-McAteer (pictured) have taken the reins, clocking up nearly £50,000 in prize-money. Tixylix simply doesn’t know how to lose.

2. She’s a brilliant pony to have on your team

Jessica Mendoza paired up with Tixylix from 2008 to 2012, capturing two team gold medals at pony European championships, as well as an individual bronze, and the mare was on gold-winning squads with both Zoe Adams and Jodie Hall-McAteer, too.

3. She jumps for joy

The smile on Jodie’s face says it all — she may not be the easiest pony to ride but she certainly gives her jockeys a real buzz in the ring!

4. She could outjump most horses

Despite standing just 148cm, Tixylix has the scope to clear obstacles breathtakingly high and nerve-shatteringly wide. We’re pretty sure she’s got springs installed in those dainty hooves.

5. Blink and you’ll miss her

Warp speed is Tixylix’s default mode and she relishes every opportunity to give her jockey a thrilling ride against the clock.

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6. She’s been a brilliant stepping stone for her riders

That transitional stage between ponies and horses can sometimes be fraught, but Tixylix (seen here with Zoe Adams) has provided each of her riders with a brilliant send off into the big league.

7. She has been at the top of her game for more than 12 years

Even back in 2004 (here with Emma Akers), Tixylix was already stacking up the red rosettes and silverware.

8. She sealed her latest partnership with a tremendous grand slam

HOYS? Tick. Olympia? Tick. Liverpool? Tick. Jodie Hall-McAteer and Tixylix gallop out of the spotlight for the final time with an unprecedented hat-trick of 148cm championships on the trot. Thank you Tixylix, you’re an absolute legend.

Don’t miss the full report from the Liverpool International in tomorrow’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (5 January 2017)

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

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

Eventing

Alex Kennedy

Age: 18

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

Sam Ecroyd

Age: 18

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

Sophie Beaty

Age: 19

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

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Dressage

Holly Kerslake

Age: 11

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

Rose Hugh-Smith

Age: 16

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

Showjumping

Jessica Mendoza

Age: 19

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

Harry Charles

Age: 16

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

Jodie Hall McAteer

Age: 15

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

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

Tixylix — the outstanding pony showjumper who helped Jessica Mendoza to 2011 and 2012 European team gold medals, has been sold.

The pony has gone to to Mandy Hall’s base in Hertfordshire for her daughter Jodie Hall-McAteer to ride.

Now 17, Jessica finished pony competitions in December. The pair racked up scores of grand prix victories in their time together.

“Tixy has been such a good pony for me and I hope her new rider has as much of an amazing time as I did with her,” said Jessica.

“I just hope I get a horse as good as her one day. She will be missed greatly.”

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