Top British rider Laura Renwick’s Midas touch landed on the CSI4* Al Shira’aa grand prix at Bolesworth as she grasped a seismic victory in front of a home crowd aboard Marseille.

Laura is on a superb run of form and this win is further testament to the gold-standard of her production of young horses and a gilded step on the pathway to rebuild to the very top.

Marseille is only an eight-year-old and still relatively green, but while he is light on experience, he has ability and generosity of character in abundance.

“He’s got huge amounts of scope – I don’t think there’s a fence he couldn’t jump,” said Laura.

“It’s just a case of containing it all; he’s just learning now how to prop, to shorten, and how to do all these different things. I’m really excited about where he could end up.

“We’re going to manage him well this year and just see where we go; we’re not going to overdo him. I think these two weeks here have been an incredible experience for him.

“Thank you to Al Shira’aa and Nina Barbour for putting on such a great show. It’s really special to be here, they learn a lot in this arena – he’s probably gained a few months of experience in just two weeks.”

She added: “Most of the [jump-off] round didn’t quite go as I planned. I shouldn’t really be complaining about that now, but if I went and did it again, I’d probably do a bit differently – as it turned out it worked. He tried so hard for me. I’ve got to give this victory to him, it’s nothing to do with me, I’m sure!”

Laura has enjoyed excellent success across Hickstead and Bolesworth in recent weeks, with her stellar squad of home-breds and future stars collecting sash after sash. The grand prix is her third victory of the week at Bolesworth International, presented by Al Shira’aa, all three wins coming aboard different horses.

Marseille, who she owns with Neil Fiddes, joined her team a year ago and won Hickstead’s seven- and eight-year-old championship at Hickstead shortly after.

“That was our first test with him, then we’ve just taken our time to build him up. We’ve never doubted his ability, and it all came together today amazingly well,” she said.

Rafael Suarez’s first-round course thinned the field from 44 starters to a jump-off of 10 competitors from six different nations. With seven double clears, this became a test of speed.

Ireland’s David Simpson, a former Bolesworth grand prix winner, came closest – crossing the finish line eight hundredths of a second behind Laura to take the runner-up spot with his 2023 Hickstead Derby hero Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve.

“Laura is amazing; any time you’re riding into the ring and she’s in the lead, you know that you really have to give everything to try and beat her,” said David.

“I just didn’t do enough today, but I’m super happy with my horse and the way he performed today.

“The next goal for him is Hickstead for the Nations Cup and the King George V. For the last two years, since he won the Derby, it’s really been a focus to win the King George. I don’t think there’s too many horses that have done both, and I think he shows that he’s so clever and intelligent that he can put his hand to most things.”

Fellow Irish rider Jessica Burke finished third, stepping on to the podium with a sense of redemption after kicking herself for her performance in last week’s CSI3* grand prix.

“This was a massive target for me,” said Jessica, who rides the striking grey nine-year-old Good Star Du Bary for owner Erica Nicholas.

“I was annoyed at myself in the grand prix last week – I made a mistake and felt I let the horse down.

“I’m delighted with the horse. I watched the [results on the] phone, and when I saw Laura was clear [in the first round and then drawn after me in the jump-off], I thought, ‘Okay, however fast I can go, I don’t think I can beat her today’, so I’m happy to be sitting here.”

Bolesworth grand prix: how the class played out

The first-round course was a relentless, up-to-height challenge, as you would expect for a CSI4* grand prix. Faults were well spread and while there was no singular bogey fence, the final line – the Abbey Road double to a final oxer – was a late heartbreaker for a number of competitors who had answered every other question.

The time, too, was also a big factor in that first round. Sweden’s Alexander Zetterman and Anakin C were the first combination to net their spot in the jump-off. They were swiftly followed by US rider Skylar Wireman and Tornado – a real power-pack of a horse, with the acceleration of a F1 car and the lift of a rocket.

Sally Golding and Vivalgot were the first British combination to leave the fences standing, but costly time-penalties brought their challenge to an end. Tim Gredley (Medoc De Toxandria), Joe Whitaker (Hulahupe JR), Billy Twomey (Jumping Jack Van De Kalevallei), Anastasia Bondarieva (Calder) also within a whisper of progressing, with a smattering of time-faults cutting short their chances to chase for grand prix glory.

This year marks Bolesworth’s return to CSI4* status for the first time since 2019.

“It’s been so amazing for me to see – for the first time since Brexit, for the first time in six years – a truly international field here, with a host of riders from all across mainland Europe here,” said Bolesworth managing director Nina Barbour, congratulating Laura and thanking Al Shira’aa for its support.

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

You may also be interested in:

‘We’re delighted to bring loyal readers this benefit’: H&H magazine subscribers get free website access

‘On top of the world is an understatement’: taking it slow pays dividends with grand prix win

Teenager clears the biggest fence of her life at 7ft 3in to share Bolesworth puissance spoils: ‘I’m lost for words’

Leading British rider’s home-breds on song – as she eyes return to the very top

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

Laura Renwick’s star band of home-breds and young recruits is turning heads for all the right reasons – as the leading British rider builds towards the future and eyes a return to the very top.

The equine pupils in John and Laura Renwick’s breeding and production programme were prolific at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby meeting last month, and that form has continued with impressive performances at Bolesworth.

“I’m very lucky with my young ones at the moment. They’re all incredibly talented and they’re just a pleasure to ride. They just seem to be on my wavelength, which is lovely, so I’m really enjoying it,” Laura told H&H, following a win with NFS Top Gun in a seven-year-old class on the opening day (Thursday, 3 July) of the second week of Bolesworth, presented by Al Shira’aa.

The son of her Olympia puissance winner Top Dollar VI, who is out of Laura’s former superstar ride Beluga II, also picked up a winner’s rug at Bolesworth last week. Before that, he landed the Breen Equestrian Beethoven seven- and eight-year-old championship title at Hickstead’s Derby meeting.

His winning round in Bolesworth’s international arena yesterday morning was deceptively fast – this scopey gelding covers the ground with such easy grace, without hurry. His attitude, explained Laura, is a wonderful quality.

“I’ve been in it a long time now, and I think the right attitude is one of the most important things a horse can have,” she said.

“When you get one who just works with you, really seems to want to do it and wants to help you out, which he does, it’s great. I love him.”

She added: “Last week he had a win, then he had an uncharacteristic pole in the final. I know it sounds a bit big-headed, but he doesn’t knock many jumps – touch wood.

“I’d seen Sven [Joseph Hadley] go, and that looked a very fast round. So I thought, ‘Well, I’m not going to do anything stupid, I’m just going to do what I know my horse can do’. And that just shows you how quick he is, as it felt like a nice, controlled round, but he was just faster.

“He lands and seems to know where I want him to go, which helps, and he’s always with me – that just makes such a difference when you’re going against the clock. He made it feel very easy today.

“He’s been like that from day one, a real pleasure to do everything with. He’s an exciting one, as is the other seven-year-old I have. We’re looking forward to the future – we’re not wishing the time away, but it’s nice to have these ones coming through and building back up again.”

That other seven-year-old is Top Star C (by Big Star), a half-brother to Top Dollar, and who joined NFS Top Gun on the podium at Hickstead. His talented stablemates also include the trio who took the top three places in Hickstead’s six-year-old final – winner D-Ons Yvonvhs Z, who was sourced from the Netherlands as a three-year-old, home-bred runner-up NFS Taluga (also out of Beluga) and another young Dutch recruit, Opium VD Kruisselbrink.

“I’ve been privileged in my career,” said Laura, explaining that she has been able to bring a lot of young horses through the grades.

“When I started we bought them as young ones. But as time’s gone on, I’ve ridden good mares and we’ve bred from them. Breeding them brings a different, special delight – they’re part of the family and you get a proud feeling, I suppose like watching your kid at sports day!

“It makes it fun still, and you feel like you’ve got something to look forward to. Even though I haven’t got the horses at the very top level at the moment, I’m hoping to build back up again. Hopefully, perhaps, in a year or two, we can be back where we used to be. To be there on a home-bred one would be amazing.”

NFS Top Gun’s win yesterday morning was the second of a quick-fire double for Laura, who also topped the opening CSI4* 1.30m speed class with her 11-year-old home-bred stallion Cottee.

“It’s a great feeling,” said Laura. “He jumped clear every day, and he got a win last week as well, he just missed out on the last day, so I thought today I would really have a crack at it and managed to win by five seconds, he felt super.”

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

You may also be interested in:

‘We’re delighted to bring loyal readers this benefit’: H&H magazine subscribers get free website access

‘On top of the world is an understatement’: taking it slow pays dividends with grand prix win

Teenager clears the biggest fence of her life at 7ft 3in to share Bolesworth puissance spoils: ‘I’m lost for words’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Jumping Bordeaux results

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

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

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

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

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

• WEF results

Irish one-two in Florida

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

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

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

• WEF results

Showjumping news: Renwick makes winning grand prix return after injury

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

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

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

• Moura Tours in Valencia results

Daniel Coyle makes it a big-class hat-trick

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• WEF results

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

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

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

• WEF results

You may also like to read…

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

‘Like no other horse I’ve ever ridden’: meet the remarkable mare on a five-star winning streak

‘I wasn’t sure I was the right rider for him’: perseverance pays off for the Olympic champion and a world championship medallist returns

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

‘As good sport as you’ll see anywhere’: British one-two in spectacular London World Cup

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

Every once in a while a jump-off leaves you speechless and Sunday’s Rolex grand prix at The Dutch Masters was truly exceptional. The prospect of having another rider continuing their journey for the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping is brilliant news for the sport.

Elsewhere, we watched Irish riders clear 1.85m in a Spanish six-bar and win a Dubai grand prix, while Great Britain’s James Smith continued his simply astounding run with grand prix victory on the Sunshine Tour. Here is your weekly round-up of international showjumping news and results.

Fifty shades of scopey

Irish showjumper Ciaran Nallon rode the nine-year-old Fifty Shades Of Grey (pictured, main image) over a 1.85m final fence to win the six-bar on the Andalucia Sunshine Tour. Thirteen combinations lined up but the Irish duo were the only faultless performers after the fourth round. At the show, British rider Matt Sampson also won a ranking class riding the 14-year-old mare Ebolensky.

• Andalucia Sunshine Tour six bar results

Breen’s grand prix success

Trevor Breen and the super mare Germaine W sealed a brilliant run in the UAE with victory in the final CSI2* grand prix at the Emirates Equestrian Centre in Dubai. Drawn fourth in the nine-way jump-off, the pair swooped home fastest of the four double clears.

“Germaine has been in super form the whole trip so I’m delighted,” Trevor told H&H. “She did two Nations Cups really well, we finished second in one, third in the other, we capped off the five-star competitions with a third in the grand prix, then she won the two-star grand prix here. I can’t ask for more than that.

“The time allowed was quite tight in round one and there were a few riders clear with time faults, my brother Shane Breen [Can Ya Makan] was one of them, so it was a tough first round. I watched a couple go in the jump-off, but I had my plan and there were a couple of fast guys after me which made me go for it. So I did a couple of leave-out strides from fence one to two and to the last fence, so I think I really nicked it there.”

Trevor describes Mandy Hall’s mare, a five-star winner in Dublin last year, as “a great horse for me”.

“She loved Dubai,” said Trevor, who plans to target Royal Windsor next with Germaine W. “She likes the sun and she just seemed to get better and better out there.”

• CSI2* Dubai results

British grand prix riders are separated by just one hundredth of a second

The CSI4* grand prix on week five of the Andalucia Sunshine Tour resulted in a British one-two, with James Smith (Arkuga) and Karl Robins (Equine America G Camille HBF) separated by just 0.01sec. James admitted he had to look twice at the score board after his round, not least because he thought he’d knocked the first fence down in the nine-way jump-off.

“It was close! Arkuga jumped a bit to the side over the first fence and I half had it in my head that he’d knocked it down, but when I came back round everyone was shouting for me,” James told H&H. “Luckily it worked out – I had to look twice at the clock though because I still wasn’t sure!

“I’m delighted to get a big win, he’s been so consistent,” James added of the Renwicks’ 12-year-old home-bred – by Arko III out of Laura’s multi-winning mare Beluga – who was named “Messi” by their football-loving son, Jack.

“Big thanks to the Renwicks for letting me ride him, he’s naturally fast which makes everything so much easier. That’s probably the biggest grand prix track we’ve jumped so far and he just takes it in his stride. He has a great attitude – he wants to do it.”

Arkuga is looked after by Nikki Park and delighted owner Laura said: “We are so incredibly proud to have bred this superstar who has formed such a brilliant partnership with James over the last few months. Over the moon is an understatement!”

• Andalucia Sunshine Tour CSI4* grand prix results

Ward keeps his Grand Slam dream alive

All roads now lead to Aachen this summer for US showjumper McLain Ward and the outstanding mare HH Azur. They won a second consecutive leg of the Rolex Grand Slam at The Dutch Masters in the Netherlands after one of the sport’s most spectacular jump-offs.

“I am so proud of my team and my horse – and a little proud of myself,” said McLain, who is the first rider since Scott Brash in 2015 to claim two consecutive Majors in the now four-event series. “The Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping has truly raised the bar of the sport and winning a Major is one of the greatest moments in a rider’s career.”

From a stellar line-up that included eight of the top 10 riders in the world, a mammoth field of 16 jumped clear in round one of Sunday’s Rolex grand prix. The track set by Louis Konickx had championship dimensions but even in round two, these world-class combinations made light work of the challenge.

The jump-off ignited straight away with the opening riders coming out all guns blazing. Drawn fourth, McLain eclipsed the leading time set by Julien Epaillard of France riding Donatello D’Auge, rocketing home in 37.86sec. He had a few anxious moments as Simon Delestre (Cayman Jolly Jumper) scorched round in typical style and the Frenchman was up on the clock, only to hit the final Rolex oxer, dropping them to 10th behind the nine double clears. Less than a second split the top five riders, with Julien taking second and world number one Henrik von Eckermann finishing third on the incomparable King Edward.

McLain had travelled from the US, where he has been competing at Florida’s Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), for the event and was stunned by the turn of events, which keeps his Rolex Grand Slam dream alive in this, its 10th year.

“I don’t think it has quite sunk in yet – it was a lot of stress having to watch the remaining 12 riders in the jump-off,” said McLain, who picked up a hefty €330,000 (just shy of £292,000) first prize. “The level here is so high and I think later tonight I will realise what we have achieved.”

McLain’s previous success came in the Rolex grand prix of Geneva in December, again with “Annie”.

“She is smarter than everybody else and is truly a queen,” he said. “I think she understands what is happening and really rises to the moment. She loves her job and the partnership that we have created is truly so special.

“She is 17 now, so she does not compete as often any more – instead we just aim her at the most important competitions. She has an incredible physical ability, but what makes her truly stand out is her character. She is a warrior at heart. I use the term ‘Queen’ when referring to her, as she encapsulates every aspect of that term. Two years ago, I thought that it was the end of her career as she had several injuries, but she overcame them. At the beginning of the 2022 season, she was feeling better than ever, and we made the decision to keep competing her and then assess her later on in the season. She ended up having the best year of her career so far.

“As long as she is still in love with the sport and happy, we will continue competing. I love spending time with her, whether that is hacking, training or competing – she is such a brilliant horse.”

Young British superstars Harry Charles (Balou Du Reventon) and Joe Stockdale (Equine America Cacharel) both reached the jump-off for the Rolex grand prix, finishing with eight and 12 faults respectively, and both enjoyed a string of excellent placings throughout this five-star show.

• Dutch Masters results

‘We live to have moments like this’

Daniel Bluman of Israel rode Ladriano Z to victory in the $425,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty CSI5* grand prix during week nine of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Florida, four years after winning the same event in 2019. Shane Sweetnam took second on James Kann Cruz, with Karl Cook third on the 13-year-old mare Kalinka Van’t Zorgvliet.

“I watched Shane’s round and his horse and mine are both big and scopey, so I tried to do the same as him and edge him in a couple places,” said Daniel.

“At this time of the year, you have some of the greatest riders in the world here for the season so it’s very intense. We live to have moments like this where you’re competing against people you really admire and horses you really like. It was just the right group in the jump-off and I was really motivated to win it and when I crossed the timers I had a feeling I had.”

• WEF grand prix results

‘I truly thought I had no chance’: milestone 5* win for Lebanese rider

Lebanese rider Jad Dana and 13-year-old After Eight enjoyed a milestone first five-star win in WEF’s 1.50m classic, beating speedy Irish showjumper Darragh Kenny, who finished second and third with Vancouver Dreams and Chic Chic respectively.

“Even though my mare is very fast, the riders today had so much experience and they are incredibly talented,” said Jad, who trains with US Olympic team gold medallist Leslie Howard. “I truly thought I had no chance. I was happy just to be in the jump-off. This mare tried her heart out for me today.

“She does everything because of her huge heart. I love her so much. I have no words. To win a five-star is absolutely a dream come true.”

Irish success continued at WEF when Bertram Allen and Aiden McGrory’s Pacino Amiro triumphed in Thursday’s CSI5* Challenge Cup. He was up against countryman Darragh Kenny on Vlock Show Stables’ Chic Chic and US rider Schuyler Riley (Robin De Ponthual) in a three-way jump-off and, from second draw, posted the winning time of 36.94sec.

“I’ve never seen a WEF Challenge here where only three were clear in the first round, so it was a much more tactical jump-off than normal,” said Bertram. “It was a huge advantage going after Darragh because I saw one or two places in his jump-off where I could get the better of him if I left the rails up.”

• WEF results

You may also like to read…

‘I was past the point of no return!’ Watch rogue gust topple 1.35m oxer as horse jumps

What an angle! An influential fence, a British five-star win and 10-time Olympian leads Nations Cup victory

Mare bought untried proves unbeatable, Olympic veteran wins first five-star grand prix and a teenage rider beats top eventer

‘Super sassy’ mare puts a ‘massive smile’ on her rider’s face and a home-bred stallion is on a winning streak

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

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

The Olympic champion only needs one stirrup

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

• LGCT grand prix of Stockholm results

First five-star grand prix glory for Matt Sampson

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

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

• Spruce Meadows “national” results

Nations Cup success for Team GB

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

Longines EEF Nations Cup of Gorla Minore result

Christian Ahlmann proves dominant once again with his “superstar”

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

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

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

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

• LGCT of Stockholm grand prix results

You snooze, you lose, in champagne fights

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

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

• Split Rock grand prix results

Turkish delight in Stockholm

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

• LGCT Stockholm 1.50m results

Bertram Allen reveals his rising star

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

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

• Future Challenge results

Jordan Coyle wins Spruce Meadows’ ATCO CSI2* grand prix

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

• Spruce Meadows results

Stockholm Hearts take the lead in GCL

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

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

• GCL of Stockholm results

Grand prix glory for Laura Renwick

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

• Bonheiden grand prix results

You may also like to read…

The stallion everyone’s talking about, a ‘thankful and proud’ new mum, and Explosion W: who won showjumping ribbons this week?

A horse clearing the wings, Team GB and a quartet of Irish ponies: who won showjumping ribbons this weekend?

A first female winner since 1975 and a legend with only one rein: who won showjumping ribbons this weekend?

A ‘wild’ mare, two Olympic eventers and a prolific British-bred: who won showjumping ribbons this week?

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

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

During her professional career, British showjumper Laura Renwick, a former winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, has made regular appearances on British Nations Cup teams. She is renowned for producing young horses and for training riders from the Maldon, Essex, base she runs with her husband — former showjumper John Renwick. Here she shares her top exercise for maximising balance and strength to help you improve jump-off turns.

Training the stars

I use this exercise regularly with six-year-olds after flatwork and it is excellent for improving their balance and strength and assisting with seamless leg changes. Also, when I’m training riders, it helps them to see a stride off a corner.

I frequently see riders at the lower levels thinking that they are going fast in a jump-off, but at the end of their round they are disappointed to see what a slow time they have notched up.

The problem is that they think speed is a winning formula when their momentum has made economical turns almost impossible. Either that or they slow down to go around a corner and consequently waste time.

The key to winning a jump-off is good rhythm and controlled, tight turns, so you can take the shortest route. Watch the leading riders — they never look like they are going particularly fast, but they record great times. They shave off those extra milliseconds.

However, this can only be achieved with plenty of practice at home. I have used this cross-pole/figure-of-eight exercise for many years to address this issue. It is excellent for improving a horse’s balance and strength, assisting with seamless leg changes and helping the rider see a stride off a corner.

How to improve jump-off turns

1. Place a small cross-pole in the school, initially near the edge so the arena side prevents a young horse from falling out on the corners, and then, in time, move it to the centre.

2. Warm up by jumping the fence a couple of times in a straight line, then approach again in a controlled canter and jump across the fence on an angle.

3. You can start angling the cross-pole on either lead. If you have angled it from the left, you should land on the right lead and circle right, keep up the canter momentum and then angle the fence right on the next approach, followed by a circle left to complete the figure-of-eight, and so on.

4. Start with fairly large circles and carry on with the pattern until they gradually become tighter.

5, Repeat the exercise only five or six times — it is important not to overwork the horse.

Consider this…

• Often the horse will land on the wrong lead leg. If so, get him to change back onto the correct one as quickly as possible.
• Inexperienced riders frequently get in front of the horse’s movement. Sit up, look at the fence as you come around the corner and stay behind the movement.
• Bitting is personal preference, but for young horses doing this exercise full cheek snaffles can offer a little support on the turns.

You might also be interested in:

#SundaySchool: the showjumping ‘gym’ with Holly Smith

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

#SundaySchool: controlling the canter with Jessica Mendoza

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

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

ORGANISERS of Olympia, the London International Horse Show, have promised to recreate and enhance all the traditional aspects of the show at its new home for 2021.

The event will run, from 16 to 20 December, at the ExCeL centre, London. The Olympia London venue, which has hosted the show for 49 years, is being redeveloped and as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the building work has “accelerated”, which will restrict its use in December.

Event director Simon Brooks-Ward told H&H the show will be “the same – and better”.

“I can understand people might say they love the Grand Hall; my brother and I have worked on Olympia since we were eight and six respectively so if anyone was to be upset, we’d be at the front of the queue,” he said. “But what I’d say to our loyal fan base, having walked round the ExCeL, is not only physically what we can do there but the can-do attitude from the people in it to help us produce an excellent horse show was extremely gratifying, and appreciated by all of us.”

Mr Brooks-Ward said the “core” components of Olympia – top-class jumping, dressage and driving, Christmas entertainment and a family event, “with Father Christmas at the end” – will be there, along with the shopping and social side of the event.

“We’re absolutely committed to making this work,” he said. “The team is really excited about what we can do there.”

He added that nothing is being ruled out as to the show’s future home from 2022, and that while Olympia “certainly retains itself in our hearts and minds, it’s going to the ExCeL, and we’re very excited about it”.

Benefits of the new venue include its access, especially for horseboxes, which can park on site at the ExCeL, and even be unloaded under cover if the weather is wet, and the space; the plan is to make the warm-up area open for public viewing, for example, and the view from some 99% of seats will be unrestricted.

Mr Brooks-Ward added: “Our partners, sponsors and exhibitors including the FEI, British Equestrian and Longines are all supportive of the move and are looking forward to seeing a new version of the Show at ExCeL.”

Showjumper Laura Renwick told H&H she had not been to the ExCeL before she took part in a photoshoot to mark the move.

“I thought it not being in the Grand Hall would be strange but I think it’s going to work,” she said.

Continues below…

Olympia nostalgia: 17 wonderful memories (and why Christmas won’t be half as fun this year…)

We’ve had a nostalgic dip into the H&H vaults to bring you just a few of our favourite Olympia memories

Throwback to when this diminutive duo beat Harvey Smith at Olympia

Anyone of a certain vintage will have dreamed of beating the legendary Harvey Smith in a jump-off. But for one

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

“It will be totally different but the same experience; they’re going to make it as close as they can but in this modern venue.”

Laura said the improved access will be a huge bonus; horseboxes have to park a fair distance away from the Olympia venue, and the ExCeL is a simpler drive from Dover, for Europe-based riders.

“I really think it’ll work, and from a competitor’s view, I think they’ll prefer it,” she said. “And I actually don’t mind where it is, as long as it happens!”

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

Holly Smith topped a huge field of class competitors to claim pole position by 2.49sec with the exciting Denver — a victory she put down to stride patterns

Holly Smith and Denver (pictured) were at the top of their game to take a searingly competitive 18-strong jump-off for the end-of-tour grand prix, a 1.50m Tokyo qualifier at Vejer De La Frontera CSI2*, Spain.

“It was a two-star, but the level of the field was more like a five-star,” Holly said. “There are so many good riders here, it’s a job just to qualify for the grand prix.”

Jumping from penultimate draw, the 12-year-old ex-eventer was at his athletic best to switch fluidly from a ground-eating stride to neat and well-executed turnbacks.

Their masterful performance axed 2.49sec from the lead of on-form Germans David Will and C Vier 2, with Ireland’s Denis Lynch and Cristello collecting third place.

“He’s a very adjustable horse,” Holly said. “Like most jump-offs nowadays, it’s all about stride patterns, even on the longer runs. We won it on the run to the double where most people did 11, 12 or more strides; we made it on 10.

“It was a difficult line to the double with a tall vertical going in, but his eventing experience means he doesn’t worry about the angle he’s coming in on, he just stays focused.”

Ian Dowie’s Albfuehren’s Memphis x Chico’s Boy gelding was due a win as he had been unlucky to tip a rail in the jump-off of the preceding week’s grand prix in Vilamoura, where his time had been “there or thereabouts”. He had also just added an unfortunate four faults in Saturday’s (28 November) Nations Cup, producing the strongest performance of the British squad.

The team contest had been postponed from Friday due to torrential rain, and it was not a lucky day for the British, who finished 16th out of 17 teams. The Germans took their second consecutive victory, with just four faults, followed by Denmark on six and Ireland on eight.

Joining Holly on the British team were Alexandra Thornton (Chades Of Blue), who had two rails on a related distance, and Joe Stockdale, who tipped just the one vertical and added one time-penalty on Joy Cocklin’s exciting nine-year-old Cacharel. Matt Sampson and his own nine-year-old Cristo Beech were the discard score after being eliminated when the horse took a dislike to the water and later span around.

Brit flies in the sun

Laura Renwick enjoyed a strong conclusion to eight weeks in Spain and Portugal. She was on unbeatable form on the Friday, taking back-to-back two-star and three-star 1.45m victories with Dublin V and Top Dollar VI.

“It was a good day at the office as they were both big classes,” said Laura, who topped the line-up on 12-year-old Dublin V by 2.67sec.

“He’s a deceptively fast horse, he never looks quick but he really covers the ground.

“Dollar has also been incredibly consistent both here and in Vilamoura. All in all it was a good trip and that’s us done for the year now.”

Ref: Horse & Hound; 3 December 2020

You may also be interested in:

Top British rider’s Tokyo contender heads world rankings as breeders celebrated

The WBFSH breeders awards celebrate the breeders of the top ranked showjumping, dressage, and event horses of the year

‘I had a string of great horses… and two weeks later it was gone’: how to bounce back after a string of bad luck

#SundaySchool: the showjumping ‘gym’ with Holly Smith

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

Pony Club years: Top riders talk about their young riding days *H&H Plus*

Many of the world’s best riders in all disciplines cut their teeth at the Pony Club Championships. Catherine Austen discovers

A stellar showjumping squad will try to secure Olympic qualification for Britain at the European Championships next month.

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) has announced the combinations that will travel to Rotterdam for the competition, which runs from 19 to 25 August:

• Scott Brash with Lady Pauline Kirkham and Lady Pauline Harris’s Hello M’Lady
• Amanda Derbyshire with Gochman Sport Horse LLC’s Luibanta BH
• Ben Maher with Poden Farms’ Explosion W
• Laura Renwick with Arabella Prior’s Dublin V
• Holly Smith with her own and TJ Hall Ltd’s Hearts Destiny

There are three places for Tokyo 2020 on offer at the championships; these will pass down the line if a nation has already qualified. After the championships, the only chance left for Britain to qualify would be the Nations Cup final in October.

Performance manager Di Lampard said: “The European Championships this year are absolutely crucial if we are to qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo next year. I have full faith that the selection panel have put together a very strong team who could not only secure a qualifying ticket for Tokyo, but also medal in both the team and individual finals. 

“I would like to personally thank all the owners that have made their horses available and, of course, the riders who are as committed as I am to delivering for Great Britain. In addition I extend my thanks to the dedicated support team at the BEF and British Showjumping who also play a vital role.”

Continues below…

Ben Maher wins Scouts equestrian badge

The British Olympic show jumper is one of 10 celebrities to win a Scouts badge in celebration of the associations

Georgia Tame’s jet-set showjumper blog: a moment that will stay with me forever — GOLD!

Georgia reports back from the Young Rider European Showjumping Championships, where she had the time of her life

British Showjumping chief executive Iain Graham said he has “full confidence” in the team.

“In Ben and Scott we have two London 2012 team gold medallists who have also held the top spot individually on the world ranking lists,” he said.

“Both Holly and Amanda have proven themselves as championship team riders and Laura has been having consistent success at top level. I would like to congratulate the entire team on their selection and also thank the owners who have generously made their horses available for the British campaign as we set our sights on Tokyo.”

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

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

British riders Laura Renwick and Robert Whitaker managed a seriously impressive one-tw0 in the CSI5* grand prix at Glock Horse Performance Centre in Treffen, Austria (14 — 16 June).

Thirty four world-class showjumping competitors came forward to tackle the meaty 13-fence course which had a €344,000 prize pot. The first round produced only seven clears, who then returned for a nail-biting jump off.

The stunning Austrian backdrop made for a tense final show down, which included three-time Glock’s grand prix winner and current world number three Martin Fuchs and his capable ride The Sinner.

Laura and her trusty gelding Dublin V were last to go in the jump off and the only duo they had to beat was fellow countryman Robert riding Catwalk IV.

Robert and his experienced 16-year-old set the pace to finish with a time of 46.14sec, but Laura and the big-striding Dublin — an 11-year-old Vigaro son — kept their cool to win just under two seconds ahead.

Laura was clearly overwhelmed with the result and was seen hugging her steed in the collecting ring after his winning performance.

“To win against this field is just amazing,” she said. “It has always been one of my dreams to do it; it’s just wow.”

Her Glock’s trip was made even more special as she also clinched the CSIYH1* youngster tour final earlier in this morning on the home-bred Maverick, a seven-year-old gelding by Diamant de Semilly out of Beluga.

“He’s such a sweet horse and he really does try for me,” added Laura.

17-year-old Lily Freeman-Attwood — who is based with Guy Williams in Normandy — was in the money on the second day of the competition when she jumped to victory in the CSI2* 140cm ranks with nine-year-old Belgian gelding Karibou Horta.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday. Don’t miss the full report from Glock’s international show jumping action in next week’s issue (20 June).

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

Great Britain’s top three female showjumpers Holly Smith, Amanda Derbyshire and Laura Renwick each won a big-money grand prix at the weekend, sending out positive signs in a crucial year for the sport where Olympic qualification is the big target.

In Wellington, Florida, Amanda Derbyshire won the $134,000 Horseware Ireland grand prix with relatively new ride Roulette BH, for whom “the big aim is 2020”.

She finished fastest in an all-female jump-off with Gochman Sport Horses’ 10-year-old gelding by Moschino, previously ridden by Ben Walker and Phillip Miller, whom she describes as “very, very strong”.

“I was really lucky in the double at the end — I didn’t have much control by then — but luck was on my side,” she said. “For the past nine months, we’ve been working on rideability so in the jump-off I can actually let him go.

“We took it pretty slow last summer, and we didn’t face him at all the big stuff. I think by doing that we’ve trusted each other. He’s jumped three grands prix here [at the Winter Equestrian Festival], and he’s been clear every time. We have big plans.”

British success in Europe

Holly Smith’s victory came with her WEG partner Hearts Destiny at the CSI4* Suzuki grand prix on the Sunshine Tour in Spain. She was pitted against seven of the world’s leading riders in the jump-off but rocketed home clear, a full second quicker than her rivals.

“My horse is exceptional, this is the first grand prix that we have won together and I am delighted with him,” she said. “There was a long gallop to an enormous upright, followed by a very tight turn back afterwards and I was unsure if I should do one or two strides. But I went for one stride knowing I had to go for it if I wanted to win!”

Continues below…

First lady rider claims Hickstead’s King George V Gold Cup

The King's Cup at the Longines Royal International Horse Show has been won by a lady rider for the first

Runaway Shetland Mildred joins in with 10km race

The unusually hairy competitor kept up with runners from the 7km to the 9km marker, where she was eventually caught

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

Sealing a sensational weekend, Laura Renwick triumphed in the 1.50m CSI3* grand prix at Vilamoura, Portugal on the 11-year-old Dublin V, a son of Vigaro who was previously ridden by Anthony Condon, William Whitaker and Simon Crippen. She beat her countryman Will Fletcher on Persimmon V into second place.

Don’t miss the full reports on all this week’s showjumping action in Horse & Hound, out Thursday 21 March.

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

Showjumping fans can look forward to seeing some of their favourite British riders out in force at this year’s Liverpool International Horse Show later this month (28-31 December).

Competing at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, fans can catch a glimpse of John and Michael Whitaker who will ride alongside Robert Smith, William Funnell, Harry Charles and Laura Renwick as they battle it out for a place in the hotly-anticipated grand prix taking place on New Year’s Eve. The fences stand at 1.60m with Longines world ranking points and a share of the €75,000 prize pot up for grabs.

Irish riders Billy Twomey, Shane Breen, Anthony Condon, Michael Duffy and Conor Swail are also in the lineup alongside international riders Felicie Bertrand from France, Tobias Meyer from Germany and Andrew Kocher of the United States.

The crowd-favourite puissance on Sunday (30 December) will see experienced riders David Simpson, Mikey Pender, James Smith, Nano Healy and Michael Whyte among the startlist to take on the famous big red wall. The 2017 top prize was shared by British riders Holly Smith and Louse Saywell and Irish rider Christopher Megahey, who all went the full five rounds leaving the wall intact at 2.2m.

Fancy a New Year treat? Get your Liverpool International Horse Show tickets NOW

Don’t miss your chance to get tickets to the Liverpool International Horse Show

How high?! 10 puissance facts you really need to know

While spectators and riders alike love the thrill of the puissance, did you know these 10 interesting facts about the

Show president Nina Barbour said: “The puissance is always such a crowd pleaser and we are delighted that so many of the stars are heading to Liverpool. The Sunday evening is really building up to be a must-see performance.”

Other classes across the four days include the CSI4* with an 87-strong start list (Thursday 27), the mini major that will see future stars on ponies team up with top riders in a pairs relay (Sunday 30); and the speedy knockout class (Monday 31) which begins with eight pairs of riders racing against each other up and down a mirror image of showjumps to secure their place in the next round.

Tickets for the show are still available.

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

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

Top British riders are honouring war horses thanks to Brooke’s latest scheme.

Eventer Harry Meade and dressage rider Alice Oppenheimer are supporting the charity’s “Every Horse Remembered” initiative and have been named as Brooke’s ambassadors for the scheme.

British showjumper Laura Renwick is also backing the cause.

To mark the anniversary of the Battle of Verdun, Brooke has released a pin badge to honour the lives of millions of horses who died in the First World War.

A commemorative badge depicts the Every Horse Remembered logo and is available to buy from thebrookeshop.org. Each badge costs £3 plus postage and package.

“The badge provides the perfect way for supporters to show they’re honouring the lives of war horses, and help working horses, donkeys and mules of today,” said a Brooke spokesman.

Harry was keen to get behind the campaign.

“It is so important to honour the bravery of the millions of horses who served alongside our soldiers in the First World War,” he said.

“I’m supporting Brooke’s campaign to help them reach their £1m target in tribute to our war horses and to raise awareness of today’s working animals around the world.

“Learning about Brooke’s work has made me realise how lucky our own horses are to have all their basic needs looked after. But there are still millions of animals in desperate need of our help, so why not start fundraising today to help Brooke continue their amazing work?”

Alice has seen Brooke’s work first-hand, when she travelled to India with the charity.

“Every Horse Remembered is such an important campaign to remember the heroic horses of the First World War,” she said. “But working animals are not just a thing of the past. Every day horses, donkeys and mules still work tirelessly in terrible conditions.

“Having seen Brooke’s work in India I know how important it is to support them and help them continue their vital work protecting and improving the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable working horses and donkeys, both now and in the future.”

Laura added: “I’m delighted to start my official support for Brooke as an Every Horse Remembered ambassador.

“I’m looking forward to representing the campaign for Brooke in the British showjumping scene.”

Laura, Harry and Alice join author Hannah Russell and Little Alf the miniature Shetland, as well as the United States’ Instagram star “Muledragger” as ambassadors.

The group will be promoting the campaign through social media, attending events and supporting fundraising initiatives through 2018.

“Little Alf and I are so proud to be supporting Brooke’s Every Horse Remembered campaign,” said Hannah.

“The millions of animals who fought in the First World War endured the most horrendous conditions and it’s devastating that there are still equines working in [awful] environments around the world.

“If you’ve ever loved a horse, donkey, mule or even a cheeky miniature Shetland please help Brooke’s Every Horse Remembered campaign to help prevent the suffering of working animals today.”

The battle of Verdun was longest battle fought on the Western Front and was so bloody it was known as the ‘Meat Grinder’ in the trenches.

Continued below…

The Lost War Horses of Cairo: a moving tribute to Dorothy Brooke’s passion

Grant Hayter-Menzies chronicles the life of Dorothy Brooke, founder of international equine welfare charity Brooke, and her efforts to relieve

Life-sized cake version of War Horse Joey goes on display

It took two weeks to make from scratch and incorporates 50kg rice crispies, 50kg marshmallow, 70kg modelling paste and 20kg

‘Thrilling’: take a virtual ride around the British Open with Harry Meade

The unique footage was recorded by Harry Meade and provides a 360-degree view

Thousands of horses died in the battle, and on just one day 7,000 were killed by a shelling.

Eight million horses died in the First World War, 75 percent of them from the extreme conditions they worked in.

Brooke’s founder Dorothy Brooke sought out many of the leftover horses years later in Cairo, Egypt. She set up the Old War Horse Memorial, a legacy that evolved into Brooke.

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

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

Laura Renwick and the eight-year-old Top Dollar VI were the sole combination to clear the 7ft (2m20) wall to head an unusually strong field in Olympia, the London International Horse Show’s Cayenne Puissance.

While there are usually combinations in the fifth and final round who have survived more by luck than judgment, on this occasion not one of the four horses through to the decider had so much as tapped a brick.

In fact, by the close of round four — where the wall stood at 6ft11 (2m) — the preliminary triple bar was causing more problems than the feature fence itself.

Last year’s joint-winner Christopher Megahey (IRE) — one of three combinations to have made a special trip from overseas to contest this class — fell foul of the poles in this round, opting to retire the bold but unruly Seapatrick Cruise Cavalier before braving the wall. Antony Condon with the big and classy stallion Cavalier Rusticana also faulted at the first fence.

The first two riders to tackle the final round had also travelled to London just to target this class. Belgium’s Karline De Brabander and the striking Fantomas De Muze just tipped a tile in front to make their first mistake of the competition.

They were followed by Irishman Padraic Judge and his Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) puissance victor Citi Business. The 15-year-old Irish gelding gave it his best shot but was a little long on the approach, dragging off two bricks behind.

Holly Smith had been flawless and smooth throughout on her multiple puissance winner Quality Old Joker, who was also a joint victor here last year. But in the final round, the 18hh gelding changed lead on approach, giving just enough loss of momentum to lower a brick.

Laura’s comparatively green ride had dipped his toe in the water last year when they had been asked to jump this class to boost the entries.

The then-seven-year-old had wowed with his scope, but Laura had withdrawn in the third round as she didn’t feel it was fair to ask the young horse to go any further.

This time, her appearance on the start list with the “cocky” 17.2hh was an indicator that she was in it to win it and as last to jump an outright win was within her sights.

Having ballooned the wall throughout, the Dollar Du Marier x Darco gelding was another to not quite get the perfect approach when it mattered. But despite having to twist slightly to clear it, he left the wall standing with a slight nudge of the top tile.

“It was the one round where you want to get the perfect distance and it was the one round where I didn’t,” said Laura. “He had to use himself but somehow the brick stayed.”

Laura believes the “best is yet to come” from this “cocky” chestnut — who has “not a lot of experience but a huge amount of scope.”

“He’s got all the attributes of a top horse. He’s better than just a puissance horse, it’s just a case of getting the rideability there, which he doesn’t have at the moment,” she said.

Laura and her husband John bought the horse as a three-year-old from his breeder Sue Clark, who they still keep in close contact with.

“He’s her baby,” she added. “She’ll probably be crying down the phone somewhere at the moment!”

Don’t miss the full report in Horse & Hound magazine, out on 21 December 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 may already be stars of their respective competitive fields, but showjumper Laura Renwick’s Bintang II and dressage rider Spencer Wilton’s Olympic mount Super Nova II also proved to be expert models for photographer Matthew Seed’s recent shoot for Olympia Horse Show’s advertising campaign.

As this behind-the-scenes video shows, these stunning images for this year’s show were produced with a lot of patience and two very co-operative horses — and riders. The idea came about from a collaboration between Matthew — AKA The Horse Photographer — and the show’s design agency Red Giant Project’s creative director Martin Sharrocks.

The photo shoot took place over two days in April.

“I was delighted to be approached by Olympia,” said Matthew, whose background is in fashion and advertising, but who has ventured into fine art equestrian photography in recent years and is now renowned for his unique, dramatic approach with flash lighting.

“It was great working with Spencer Wilton and Laura Renwick, who were both very generous with their time. Both riders were initially overwhelmed by the huge white backdrops used for these shoots, which were necessary to produce the crisp, clean images, but both horses behaved impeccably as they had a very experienced team around them.

“Horses are beautiful animals to photograph,” he added, “but it often takes some time to earn their trust and my aim is to form a bond and understand each horse I photograph in order to capture their essence.”

Having trained using film cameras, Matthew’s fine art photographer is always achieved in the camera rather than post-production, using a balance of daylight and flash lighting for extra authenticity.

Matthew is no stranger to equestrian super stars, having been commissioned by the likes of The National Stud, Zara Tindall, Sam Twiston-Davies, Trevor Breen, Laura Collett and footballer-turned-racehorse-owner Michael Owen.

You can see more of his work at www.horse-photographer.co.uk. And look out for these striking images on the run-up to Olympia, which runs from 12-18 December this year.

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

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

The Glock’s tagline is “stars and horses” — and the reality more than lived up to the hype. With more than a third of the top 100 ranked riders competing, some of the best horses in the world and an astounding result in the grand prix, the quality of competition was super hot.

Evening performances came from none other than Robbie Williams, Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey and rumoured A-listers there included Ed Westwick, Joan Collins and Dame Shirley Bassey.

Here’s a few things H&H learnt at the five-star showjumping show this week…

It is breathtaking…

Each show has a different theme, this summer it was Scotland and Ireland

The CSI5* grand prix was fierce…

Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat and Martin Fuchs shared the top spot in the feature class in a feat made all the more astonishing by the story behind it.

Cian O’Connor has been on a health kick since tearing his abductor longus off the bone in his groin six weeks ago…

“Since my injury I have taken on a fitness coach because I am very disciplined with my horses, but I am a little bit weaker with my eating and habits,” he said, adding he has lost over 6kg.

“Over the past two months I have changed my lifestyle in terms of my diet and my exercise and I have probably never won as much in a month so I’ll probably have to stick at it.

“It was very easy to fix my diet because everything I did, I just do the opposite. Coca-cola, bread, butter, all the bad stuff I love, I just cut that out.”

The Irishman has also had an eventful week…

… involving two five-star wins, a third in the grand prix and a tack malfunction.

Cian was riding Callisto in the championat on the second day of the competition. As the bay gelding landed over the second part of the double at fence six it quickly became clear that something was wrong.

“When I was going down the line he just got strong and the leather connector [attaching the rein] to the pelham broke,” he said.

“I felt it straight away and I though ‘oh god, my leg if I fall off’ so I quickly turned him and got him reasonably slow and then just popped off.

“It happened quickly but I knew I had to get off him fast because if he realised I didn’t have control he would have bolted.”

Lucky both horse and rider were uninjured and went on to win the CSI5* 1.55m on the penultimate day.

The horses have a red carpet — well they are VIPs — and here is how they keep it clean…

Rio medallists were back on song…

Peder Fredricson’s Rio 2016 individual silver medal-winning ride H&M All In (“Allan”) is back on form after months on the sidelines over the winter.

“I’m very happy with my horse,” said Peder, who also won a five-star class at in Hamburg last month with the 11-year-old gelding.

“He had a long break after the Olympic Games, he didn’t compete for six months because he had stomach surgery and now he is back and feels good.”

Laura Kraut and her lovely new ride Whitney are already forming a formidable team…

In the two months that Laura has been competing the 14-year-old chestnut mare, the combination have had two wins and two top-10 finishes at five-star shows, including the Glock’s accumultor.

“Anything I ask of her she does,” said the US rider.

“She is really cute — she is funny and definitely a diva. If she thinks you have treats she is all over you, but she is super opinionated also.”

Glock’s is a great place to catch-up on Horse & Hound…

It’s also an ideal place to grab a celebrity selfie…

Brit Lara Whiteway had a dramatic time…

The 23-year-old was last to go with Bellagio II in the CSI2* 1.40m speed class on Saturday and very nearly didn’t make it.

The taxi she was travelling in was involved in a minor crash on the way to the showground. Luckily nobody was injured, but Lara and her team had to wait for the police and give statements.

“I thought ‘there is no chance I’m going to make it for the class’,” said Lara.

“I still had to pay for the taxi after all that!”

After footing the €18 bill, Lara dashed to get the horse ready and had five minutes to warm up ahead of her winning round.

“This show is just amazing —I’ve never been anywhere like it,” she added.

While fellow GBR rider Laura Renwick had a great week…

Her seven-year-old Alothain De Blondel picked up a win and a third place in the young horse tour, while Laura also took home third in the CSI5* two-phase aboard Bintang II on the final day.

Riders were unanimous in their praise for the show…

“It is unbelievable, you can’t really describe it — it is just out of this world,” said Laura Renwick, who was enjoying her third trip to Glock’s.

“To me it is something you look forward to and when you get that call you think ‘yes!’

Laura Kraut was equally enthralled by the venue.

“It is magnificent — people tried to tell me last week what to expect and you just can’t unless you see it for yourself,” she said.

Sergio Alvarez Moya was full of praise for the organisers.

“It is an amazing place for the horses, riders, grooms and owners,” he said. “Everything is fantastic they take super care — I am so happy I was able to come here, so I say thanks and I hope they continue this show for a long time!”

Don’t miss the full report from Glock’s CSI5* in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound — out Thursday (21 June)

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

Want to find the secret behind top showjumpers' successes? We ask seven riders for their training tips

1. Laura Renwick (pictured, above)

“When schooling the younger horses, I always ride a figure of eight over cross-poles to encourage them to change legs and land on the correct lead. It’s great for teaching them about balance, and I also use this exercise on the older horses to keep them supple.”

2. Yazmin Pinchen

“Stay calm. If you get stressed and agitated your horse will sense it. If in doubt, take a deep breath and try to fix it quickly and calmly. There’s been many times when I’ve panicked and got in a muddle, but the best thing to do is react quickly and stay focused.”

3. Jay Halim

“Ensure your horse is even into both reins. It’s the first thing you want from them whether you are jumping or working on the flat. I start all my sessions making sure they are off two legs and into two hands with the same weight in each rein. I try to get the young horses working forward and long and low to the contact so when I put my leg on, they go into the hand rather than using my hand and then my leg. I want to put my leg on and for the horse to go into the hand softly.”

4. Graham Fletcher

“When you are walking a course, always be thinking about the horse you are riding. Bear in mind the horse’s stride pattern and quirks and plan your course based on that information. There’s not a lot of point in asking advice from other riders because their horses might have a totally different stride length to yours and where their horse might put in four short strides, yours might put in three long ones. A course walk should be specific to your horse.”

5. Harriet Nuttall

“Accuracy is really important to me when I’m training my horses. Taking the right line is vital when showjumping, and to practice this, I’ll find a marker in the arena and ride the horse over it as accurately as possible. I also spend a lot of time practising shortening and lengthening the stride which is essential for meeting fences right.”

6. Nicole Pavitt

“I use a lot of sport psychology and one thing I do is focus on the jumps in front of me and not the other competitors. Sometimes, it’s easy to get distracted by other riders warming up around you, so by focusing purely on the moment and the fences, you block out any negative thoughts.”

Continued below…

Like this? You may also enjoy reading these articles…

7 reasons showjumping isn’t as straightforward as some riders think

When H&H mused on the reasons showjumping is better than dressage, one was that you either win or you don't;

You saw them here first — top showjumpers’ baby-faced appearances in Horse & Hound

From John Whitaker to Ben Maher, today’s leading riders didn’t get where they are without appearing on the pages of

7. Tim Stockdale

“I focus on three main things when I’m training, whether it’s flatwork or jumping and they are the horse being forwards, in balance and soft. The horse must be going forward into the bridle, in balance so not leaning on your hands, and softly so he’s not stiff or heavy. Those three mantras are relevant to everything you do with your horse.”

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

Yesterday’s (25 October) launch of the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show (31 December-2 January 2017) wasn’t short of the celebrity factor. Grand National-winning jockey Bob Champion led a parade of arond 50 riders, including showjumpers Billy Twomey, Laura Renwick and Geoff Billington, through the city centre ending up at the Echo Arena, where the show will be held at the end of the year. Check out some of the day’s highlights…

The show’s president Nina Barbour sets off with showjumper Billy Twomey, winner of the first Liverpool International Grand Prix on Diaghilev

Parade participants came in all shapes and sizes…

Grand National-winning hero Neptunes Collonge takes centre stage

A bird’s eye view of the action

Excitement builds outside the show’s Liverpool venue

1981 Grand National winner Bob Champion returns to Liverpool, where 35 years ago he won the National on Aldaniti

Representing the British Horse Society…

Nina Barbour’s mount is smartly groomed for the occasion

Geoff Billington gets into the spirit of it…

Geoff Billington

Hacking round Liverpool with Bob Champion, as you do , on a Tuesday morning ?

Pony Club members pose for a photo with Bob Champion

Last year’s show was a huge success, with riders and spectators in agreement about how enjoyable the New Year show was. Find out more about this year’s show >>

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

Laura Renwick (pictured), the sole British contender across both the dressage and jumping of the 2016 World Cup finals, has withdrawn her top horse Bintang II from the competition. The opening leg of the Longines World Cup final jumping took place tonight in Gothenburg, Sweden (Friday, 25 March) and Laura did not contest the class.

“Some really bad news. This morning Bing couldn’t put his head down to eat or move his neck,” she wrote on social media. “His bed was really messed up and we believe he had been cast [meaning that the horse had rolled all the way over in his stable and got his legs stuck against the wall. Horses can injure themselves in their efforts to stand up again].

“The vet and physio were called straight away and confirmed this and the physio has been working on him all day. Although he has improved a lot it was impossible for him to jump — a really hard decision as we believe he had a great chance in this final and he jumped a super clear in the warm up on Wednesday.

“But his welfare is paramount. Gutted doesn’t begin to sum up our feelings,” she added.

The opening class was dominated by French riders who filled the top two spots.

Second-last to go, Penelope Leprovost was untouchable on the speedy Vagabond De La Pomme (Vigo D’Arsouilles x For Pleasure), shaving the best part of three seconds off the previous best time of 66.04 seconds set by Simon Delestre.

“My horse is fast and he’s simple to ride,” said Penelope. “He has a super character with a lot of scope. In the beginning the problem was control, but now he’s done enough dressage and we have the control.”

Simon — the current World number one — put in a blistering round for second on the 12-year-old L’Arc De Triomphe stallion Qlassic Bois Margot.

Germany’s Daniel Deusser had to settle for third with Cornet D’Amour, a sporty 13-year-old grey gelding by Cornet Obolensky.

This is the first of three days of strenuous competition before the World Cup showjumping wraps up with the individual medals on Monday evening.

Click here for the full results from the first leg of the final.

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

Britain will have one rider at the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Gothenburg in March after Laura Renwick secured her spot with a strong performance in the final qualifier tonight (6 February) in Bordeaux, France.

Laura and Bintang II (pictured top) were among 17 pairs who jumped clear in the first round over Uliano Vezzani’s track. They were second in for the jump-off and put in a tight clear to stop the clock in 42.35 seconds, which eventually left them sixth.

“To do a double clear in this class is fantastic, although it’s a shame there were so many clears — my horse is really careful and scopey, but he’s not the fastest,” said Laura.

Nonetheless, the points she gained for sixth were valuable and 13th place in the Western European League rankings guarantees Laura a spot at the Gothenburg showdown.

Michael Whitaker and Scott Brash were also within reach of qualification going into this class, but neither of them were able to add significantly to their points tally and they finished up out of the qualification zone.

Michael went clear in the first round on his Olympia grand prix winner Viking, but had down both parts of the double at fence nine in the jump-off. Scott and Hello Forever hit the yellow planks at fence seven in the first round.

For Ireland, Denis Lynch started the night in a strong position and he took fifth place in the qualifier with All Star 5 to secure his place at the World Cup final. Bertram Allen — third in last year’s final — started the night well down the rankings, so he would have needed a top placing tonight to shoot up the list and qualify. But when Molly Malone V knocked the first part of the treble at six in the first round, it was certain he would not be able to contest the final.

The class was won by the home side’s Kevin Staut (Haras Des Coudrettes’ Reveur De Hurtebise HDC), who was the only person to record a sub 40-second clear in the jump-off.

“Last season wasn’t really good, so I’m very happy to start 2016 with this win, especially in France with all my team here and the owners who have always been behind me,” he said.

Simon Delestre made it a one-two for France by taking the runner-up spot on Qlassic Bois Margot, while Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander squeaked into the final by lifting third place on Caretina De Joter.

“My plan was to keep everything fast and smooth,” said Edwina. “My horse spends a lot of time in the air so that’s where we lost time, but I’m very happy with her.”

Full report from Bordeaux in Horse & Hound next week (11 February).

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

If you missed this year's Global Champions Tour of London, we've rounded up a taste of the action — from grand prix tension to elaborate topiary and lobster lunches

1. Showjumping can be an excessively tense — and cruel — sport…

Sweden’s Rolf-Göran Bengtsson took the Longines Global Champions Tour (GCT) grand prix of London riding Casall ASK — with John Whitaker and Argento missing out by an agonisingly narrow 0.08seconds.

2. … particularly for the family looking on

From left to right: Jack, Michael and William Whitaker watch the grand prix anxiously.

3. Some people had a better weekend than others

Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al Sharbatly took a heavy fall from Old Chap Tame in the grand prix.

Continued below…

Are these the most glamorous equestrian venues in the world? PICTURES

We may be more accustomed to muddy gateways and burger vans, but there’s a whole other world out there of

4. Home crowds make all the difference…

Laura Renwick took the final class of the London Longines Global Champions Tour, the CSI5* Massimo Dutti Trophy, with the nine-year-old gelding Bintang II. “It’s lovely to be jumping at home, it’s lovely to be at a GCT event and then to win is just the icing on the cake,” said Laura after the class.

4. …and you can always rely on British fans to turn up whatever the weather

Come rain or shine, true fans will have their Union Flags at the ready.

5. Grown-ups are not adverse to a fairground ride

The Longine Carousel seemed to attract plenty of (adult) attention.

6. This year’s venue had the wow factor…

Having moved from last year’s Horse Guards location in central London, the new Syon Park venue situated next to the River Thames and Kew Gardens provided a stunning backdrop. It was just a shame there weren’t more spectators to enjoy it…

7. …and there were extensive facilities to keep the riders happy too

Competitors enjoyed ample space to warm-up their horses.

8. VIPs are treated very, very well on the Global Champions Tour

Lobster was on the menu for the VIPs’ lunch — topped off with front row seats to catch the top-class action.

10. And finally… showjumping-shaped hedges really do exist…

Topiary at its best at Syon Park.

11. …as do balloons

One Longines ballon escapes during the grand prix.

Read the full report from the GCT of London in the 30 July 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

British rider Laura Renwick took the final class of the London Longines Global Champions Tour (GCT) in Syon Park on Sunday (26 July).

Laura and nine-year-old gelding Bintang II won the CSI5* Massimo Dutti Trophy in front of the home crowd, ahead of young Italian rider Emanuele Bianchi.

Third place went to Ireland’s Denis Lynch on 12-year-old bay gelding All Star 5.

Fourteen combinations went clear and through to the jump-off, with Denis holding the lead throughout most of it.

However, Laura, as one of the final riders to enter the arena put in a careful round to come home in a time of 37.32, half a second ahead of Emanuele.

“It means everything to me. We’ve had this horse since he was very young; he’s a real talent and today he showed just how much talent he has. He’s not a speed horse but he has a really big stride, which suited the run to the last,” said Laura.

“It’s lovely to be jumping at home, it’s lovely to be at a GCT event and then to win is just the icing on the cake.“

Meanwhile after Saturday’s (25 July) grand prix Scott Brash now heads the GCT rankings.

Rolf-Göran Bengtsson’s first win of the season — narrowly pipping John Whitaker to the spoils — left the Scottish rider ahead in terms of points. Scott’s sixth place finish netted 31 valuable points in the race, putting him in front of former leader Luciana Diniz by 28 points.

“It’s good, I’m pleased to be top at this stage,” said Scott. “I’ll do all the other venues apart from Rome so I’ve got a couple of extra chances. We’ve got to keep going, Rolf is going really well so we’ll keep trying.”

The Tour now heads to Valkenswaard (13-16 August), where the spectacular new Tops International Arena will be unveiled.

The venue promises to be “one of the world’s most spectacular destinations for sport, entertainment and lifestyle” and will be officially opened on 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

Michael Whitaker and his 10-year-old chestnut gelding Viking V were second in the 1.60m €285,000 Grand Prix at Estoril, Portugal, on Saturday (14 July).

This placing puts him in third place in the Global Champions Tour rankings, with 120 points, behind Edwina Tops-Alexander (189) and Denis Lynch (121).

Ben Maher is in fourth with 115 points.

Michael was just one of four riders to jump clear across the first two rounds plus a further clear in the timed third and final round.

He came through the finish in a time of 45.65 seconds, less than a second behind the winner – Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt and Leoville 2.

The show also saw solid placings for British riders in other classes.

Laura Renwick took fourth place in the 1.45m Speed class on the Friday (13 July), with Roller Coaster III, an 11-year-old bay gelding owned by her mother Marian.

Laura also took second place, just above Michael and Viking V, in the 1.50m Jump Off class on the same day, with 10-year-old chestnut gelding Oz de Breve, owned by Lady Pauline Kirkham and Lady Pauline Harris.

Laura and Oz de Breve also went on to jump clear in the first round of the Grand Prix but four faults in the second round knocked them back to tenth.

Ben Maher was placed fourth, with his own eight-year-old chestnut gelding Aristo Z, in the 1.45m two-phase class.

Michael Whitaker in sixth, in that class, with Alison Rodgerson’s 11-year-old bay stallion Ingliston Twister.

Tim Stockdale spearheaded a British showjumping ‘takeover’ at the three-star CSI in Bethune, France last weekend (26-28 May).

Laura’s results included two six-year-old wins on Bintang II and numerous placings with the former Horse & Hound Foxhunter champion Parvati De Breve.

Laura’s number one ride, Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham’s Oz De Breve, was in sensational form, winning one major world rankings points class and finishing second in another to Tim and his Olympic hope Fresh Direct Kalico Bay.

This made Laura the overall leading rider of the show, while Oz De Breve took the leading horse award. Laura will next join Guy Williams and William Funnell at another French show, the four-star CSI in Bourg en Bresse.

Tim Stockdale has also been in terrific form lately. His second victory came in the six-bar here on his Royal Windsor victor, the giant grey Fresh Direct K2. However, Tim pulled out of the grand prix due to the conditions.

“The hot weather had made the ground hard and then the organisers over-watered it, making it really uneven,” said Tim, who will next have the chance to prove his fitness in front of team manager Rob Hoekstra at next weekend’s Nations Cup show in St Gallen, Switzerland.

Another Briton, Steven Whitaker, was on winning form at this show. Steven rode Royal Rose II to victory on the final day and was also placed in major classes on Locarno 62, the stallion previously competed at top level by his daughter, Ellen.

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

Team manager Rob Hoekstra has chosen his squad for the four-star Nations Cup in Lummen, Belgium, later this week.

The riders to represent Great Britain are:

• Bruce Menzies with the Old Lodge’s nine-year-old grey gelding, Sultan V. This will be the pair’s first Nations Cup appearance
• Laura Renwick and the nine-year-old Oz De Breve
• Robert Whitaker with the 10-year-old bay stallion USA Today
• Guy Williams riding the eight-year-old Depardieu Van’t Kiezelhof

The Belgian Nations Cup takes place on Friday 29 April.

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

Laura Renwick finished off her week at Horse of the Year Show having taken the two showjumping titles everybody wants to win.

On Thursday night, she headed the Horse & Hound Foxhunter final with Parvati De Breve and in the final performance of this year’s show, she took the leading showjumper of the year accolade with Oz De Breve (pictured).

She was first to go in the 22-starter class with David Perry’s eight-year-old gelding, a draw which suited her.

“I always seem to be lucky when I go early,” she said. “Perhaps because if I go later I change my mind. Then I change it again and again, when I should stick to my original plan.”

Jo Pay (Goodman’s For Fun) and Tim Stockdale (Fresh Direct Kalico Bay) were also without error and the three clear riders were joined in the jump-off by Guy Williams (Depardieu Van’T Kizelhof), Belgium’s Rik Hemeryck (Challenge Van De Begijnakker) and Dutchman Wout-Jan Van Der Schans (P-Pilot), who all carried one time-fault.

With the jump-off run in reverse order of merit from round one, the three time-faulting riders went first and again all collected a single time fault.

Tim Stockdale then produced the first double clear and despite his decision not to take a stride to the last, Jo Pay following fell just short of his target.

As the fastest clear rider in the first round, Laura went last and rode a more forward round taking 2sec from Tim’s time.

“It was tough when everybody else had gone clear,” said Laura. “One mistake and I’d have ended up sixth.”

But she was without fault and took this title for the first time in her career.

Dan Neilson, riding internationally at HOYS for the first time thanks to his high British Showjumping rankings position, took the Vinopolis speed horse of the year title with Chauvinist.

Sitting at 10-1 with the bookies before the class, he surprised a few people with his speedy late round to claim the championship.

“They must have thought I was middle of the road,” said Dan. “But the twists and turns on the course suit my horse.”

The Old Lodge’s impressive Super Trooper De Ness, who had finished third in the seven- and eight-year-old final earlier in the week, claimed the grade C title for Nicky Boulter. And in the final junior class of the show, Tixylix took the leading pony showjumper of the year title for Jessica Mendoza.

Don’t miss H&H’s special report covering all the action from HOYS, on sale Thursday 14 October

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

Conman George Schouten is on the run after failing to turn up at court to be sentenced for three charges of fraud.

Schouten, 36, of Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, was sentenced to 27 months in jail in his absence at Reading Crown Court on 30 July.

He conned riders, including John and Laura Renwick, into believing he was a multi-millionaire with money to invest in showjumping.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (5 August, ’10)

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 fantasist conned showjumpers John and Laura Renwick and a number of their sponsors into believing he was multi-millionaire who wanted to invest in British horsesport.

George Schouten, 36, of Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, Berkshire, pleaded guilty to three charges of fraud on 29 June at Reading Crown Court.

During 2008 George Schouten’s Team IBM was a regular on the show circuit, with Laura as its rider and John as team trainer, and saddlecloths and team kit supplied by Essex-based Ride Out Saddlery.

The conman also ordered £62,000 of horse therapy equipment from Zamar UK.

Patrick Riley of Zamar told H&H: “I was introduced to him at Wales and West two years ago. He said he was the son of the owner of IBM and was setting up a showjumping team.

“John was flying to Spain to look at £1m horses for him and Schuoten asked me to take some equipment down to his yard to try out on his horses. It all looked very legitimate.”

But Dutch-born Schouten’s luxury cars and large home in Berkshire were all hired to make the con look more believable, the court was told.

In reality he was working as a groom and had a previous conviction for fraud.

Two further charges relating to a theft and fraud involving John Renwick were left on file after Schouten paid the couple an undisclosed sum.

Schouten will be sentenced later this month.

• Read more on this story in H&H issue 8 July

.

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

Read the latest Laura Renwick news

Winner of the Renault Jump Series in 2008 and with many senior wins to her name, showjumper Laura Renwick is no stranger to success.

Born on 31 December 1974, she now lives in Maldon, Essex.

In 2006, partnering Limelight de Breve, she was crowned Horse & Hound Foxhunter Champion at the Horse of the Year Show as well as producing a fast, polished clear round to win the seven-year-old championship. Laura then made history in 2007 when she became the only person to win the newcomers and six-year-old championships at the same show.

In 2008 Laura took her ride of just two months, Sean Killoran’s Roller Coaster III, over three rounds to win the Sports Horse Classic Blue Riband at BSJA/Scope Festival.

Alongside her contribution on the competition circuit, Laura helped to jazz up show jumping in 2008 by posing in a glamorous photo shoot with Georgie Strutton, raising the profile of the Barclays Wealth British Masters International at Chester Racecourse.

In 2010, Laura claimed the Horse & Hound Foxhunter title at HOYS riding Parvati de Breve and won the Hoys.co.uk Cup on Beluga II.

Last year, Laura accumulated a number of international wins. She was leading rider at Lons le Saunier CSI 3*, Bourg en Bresse CSI 4* and also Lisbon CSIO 4*. She also collected numerous placings on tours in France, Portugal and Italy.

Always a fierce competitor, Laura lives in Essex with husband and trainer John, a former international show jumper, and their young son.

Laura Renwick videos

Show jumper Laura Renwick is in hospital with a broken collar bone after a fall last night.

Laura was taking part in the jump-off of a 1.30m class in the Premier Show at Addington Manor in Buckinghamshire when she fell from Beluga II.

After complaining of back pains Laura was taken to Stoke Mandeville hospital where she was found to have broken her collarbone.

As Britain’s number one female rider Laura had been due to head to Olympia next month.

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

Bates Saddles is supporting last year’s Renault show jumping league winner 2008 and Nations Cup team member, Laura Renwick.

Laura has made a great start to 2009 with impressive performances on the Sunshine Tour, followed by solid form on the country show circuit.

Laura said: “I’m over the moon that such a great company as Bates have decided to sponsor me. The products are first class and it’s wonderful to be part of their team.”

According to Darren Mann, general manager of the UK distributor of Bates Saddles, it was Laura’s determination in the ring that attracted the company to her.

Darren said: “It was Laura’s sheer determination as a rider, along with her passion for the Bates Saddles, that appealed to us. Our new saddles — in particular the Bates Elevation — explore new frontiers in saddle technology and we wanted someone on board who was as passionate about them as we are.”

Visit: www.batessaddles.com

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

Laura Renwick took her second major title of the easibed BSJA/Scope Festival 2008 when Sean Killoran’s Roller Coaster III won the Sports Horse Classic Blue Riband competition,which was jumped over three rounds.

After qualifying at Chester, Laura and her ride of just two months are Birmingham bound for the Horse & Hound Foxhunter final. “I’m amazed, no course proves too big,” she said.

Katie House also clinched a championship double, as her national 128cm primary winner My Little Pumpkin again stormed round to withstand the challenge of Yasmin Tanfield (Silver Wonder) in the Regan Willett 128cm championship.

The opening four junior classes attracted great spectator support, and the Jane Pownell 138cm championship also turned into a real thriller, Jessica Crosby and Fountain Ranger beating the pathfinders Lara Whiteway riding My Bugsy Malone.

It proved a day for new partnerships to triumph — Rachael Connor and Nicky Bell’s Connemara Kelly’s Mirah took the honours in the Independent Asset Management junior progressive championship. Taking full advantage of their last draw, they overhauled Stephanie Gunn (BH Iroko).

Amelia Green also had the best round with Up To Trix II in the Hand Equestrian Centre junior Adventurer championship. The Nottinghamshire rider has been riding Up To Trix II since May, and she used the agility of Peter Allen and David Miller’s grey mare to best advantage to relegate Jordan Nason (Another Dooley).

Just two months into their partnership, Guy Williams and Torinto De Middelstede ran out the winners in the High Offley Stud National 1.30m open championship. Always a hotly contested championship, Guy had it all to do to beat the fast finishing Andrew Davies and Taz Mania II.

Eighth drawn of 12 in the jump off, James Smith and Cumina clinched the Smith Equestrian national under 16 championship. A member of Great Britain’s 2008 European gold medal winning team, the Scottish rider produced a brilliant final effort from the 11-year-old mare to pip Tim Wilks and Mirage.

After thrills and spills galore, the loudest cheers went to Dave Quigley (Sabatini II) and Claire McNaughton (Urania De Walput) who won a fast and furious Cats & Pipes pairs competition.

Stay in touch with all the news from Scope on Horseandhound.co.uk and don’t miss H&H’s full report of all the action in next week’s 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

Laura Renwick is used to breaking records and she made another piece of history on Friday afternoon when she became the only person to win the newcomers and six-year-old championships at the same show.

Laura and Sandra Keaveney’s Beluga II had to share the newcomers honours, but they became the clear six-year-old champions, winning by more than 3sec from first draw of a six-horse jump-off.

“If anyone had asked me at the start of the show which class I would be happiest to win it would be this one,” said a delighted Laura, whose husband, John, was the first winner of this class in 1999.

The temperature got even hotter in the HOYS Classic, a speed class with 4sec added for every fence down. It looked for a long time as though Cian O’Connor would score his second win of the show after a flying round on the scopey grey Killard Horizon, but the Irishman had to settle for third place.

The crowd raised the roof when penultimate-drawn Geoff Billington took the lead on George Babes’s Lanzelot, but no sooner had they settled down than they were cheering the winning round from Dutch master craftsman Eric van der Vleuten on Audi’s Owendal.

This mare is beautifully schooled and she allowed Eric to take the shortest route.

“She is very fast,” he said, with masterly understatement.

Stay in touch with the latest news from HOYS on HorseandHound.co.uk and read H&H’s full report in next Thursday’s 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

Robert Maguire (Two Mills Showtime) and David McPherson (Pilgrim) were second and fourth respectively in the grand prix during the fourth leg of the Spanish Sunshine Tour.

Laura Renwick’ rode Limelight De Breve into runner-up spot in the small grand prix. Robert Whitaker was the sole British big tour winner, with a table C victory on Nureev Du Houssoit.

Young rider Laurie Bartram enjoyed a two-phase victory on Man About Town, and Tony Pearson won a speed class on Tender Moment. Finally, Sharon Quigley ran out the easy winner of the small tour grand prix on Lugana Beach.

The other British small tour winner was Kerry Grimster with Laughton’s Dream in a jump-off class.

Laura Renwick won the young horse grand prix on Kirsch. John Renwick won the other young horse class, taking the top two places in the two-phase on Baloubet Nice & Easy and Twister X.

Read this report in full, with photos and further analysis, plus reports from other top show jumping shows around Britain and Europe, in this Thursday’s Horse & Hound (22 March, ’07)

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

John and Robert Whitaker joined the Spanish Sunshine Tour for week three and they made an immediate impact. John won the first day’s major jump-off on Cruising’s Mickey Finn, then his son, Robert, scored a terrific grand prix victory with Finbarr V. Richard Davenport finished in 10th place in the grand prix with Olibero.

There were five Britons in the money in the small grand prix, including James Davenport (Lulu), Robert Bevis (Kanon De Lambarde) and William Funnell (Cortaflex Billy Birr), behind the Egyptian winner Karim El Zoghby on Raisa. Tony Pearson gained two comfortable small tour wins on Tender Moment.

Laura Renwick’s young horse supremacy continued. She won a five-year-old two-phase on Oxford De Breve, before maintaining her unbeaten six-year-old record. Not to be outdone, Laura’s husband, John, headed the seven-year-old grand prix on Baloubet Nice & Easy. Jemma Kirk was close behind with Tosca.

Read this report in full, with photos and further analysis, plus reports from elite jumping shows around Britain, in this Thursday’s Horse & Hound (15 March, ’07)

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

Britain’s riders finished the second show of the Spanish Sunshine Tour with eight individual victories.

Robert Bevis finished third in the grand prix on Connery behind the Spanish winners, Rutherford Latham and Jaina De Barnevil. Laura Renwick and Limelight De Breve were second in the small grand prix, behind Egyptian rider Karim El Zoghby on Raisa.

The Britons had to be content with second places in many other big tour classes. Laura and Limelight were runners-up in a jump-off class, while Henry Turrell (Racy), Robert Maguire (Two Mills Showtime), Jemma Kirk (Perth) and Andrew Davies (Sir Graditz) also collected good second spots.

Emily Smallman won a small tour speed on First Edition, while Tony Pearson picked up three class wins to Ireland’s Ivan Dalton’s one.

The Brits won four out of six young horse classes, including two grands prix. Laura Renwick (Beluga/Kirsch) took the top two places in the six-year-old two-phase and the grand prix, while husband John finished third in the seven-year-old grand prix on Baloubet Nice & Easy.

Tony Pearson was second with Fan Fair behind Ivan Dalton (Variant) in the five-year-old two-phase. The tables were turned in the grand prix, with Laura Renwick third on Oxford De Breve.

Read this report in full with photos and comment, plus reports of other top show jumping competitions around Britain, in this week’s Horse & Hound (8 March, ’07)

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

Britain’s riders were quickly into the winning groove in Vejer de la Frontera. Laura Renwick won two big tour classes with Perfect and was fifth in the small grand prix on Limelight De Breve. She also headed a British one-two-three in day two’s two-phase six-year-old class on Beluga and finished second on Kirsch. Young rider Kerry Grimster took third place with Roller Coaster.

In Thursday’s young horse finals, Laura was third on her five-year-old Oxford De Breve before winning the six-year-old class with Beluga . British-based Irishman Ivan Dalton won the five-year-old class on Variant.

Honours in the small grand prix went to Ireland, courtesy of Billy Twomey on Wertherroschen, while Spanish rider Jesus Garmendia scored a popular grand prix victory with Maddock. William Funnell enjoyed a win on the final day when Billy Birr beat his team-mates Sian Price (Rambo III) and Jo Pay (Randi’s Gold) in a speed class.

There were four British small tour wins. Tony Pearson scored two of them in speed and two-phase classes on Tender Moment, while Sharon Quigley and Lugana Beach picked up a speed class and young rider Laurie Bartram and Man About Town galloped to victory in a two-phase.

Read this report in full with photos and further comment, plus reports from the cream of jumping shows around Britain, in this Thursday’s Horse & Hound (1 March, ’07)

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

• BSJA Area 40
• Maastricht CSI

BSJA Area 40

In-form local rider Laura Renwick was the one to beat at the Area 40 senior show at Unex Towerlands, reports Lynne Reed. Laura produced two faultless rounds on Perfect in the 1.30m open championship to take the £400 first prize. Lily Gredley was second with a steady clear on Orthencya.

Graham Lovegrove took the 1.25m championship, riding his sister Sarah’s seven-year-old chestnut Selle Francais gelding, Louison De Jade. Second spot went to Tim Page and Alison Claxton’s MacGarveys Choice, who finished 1sec in arrears.

Kim Barzilay’s Peter IV, of Only Fools On Horses fame, headed the 37-strong 1.15m championship with Emma-Jo Slater. The novice equivalent went to Nick Downs and A Touch Of Clover.

Consistent placings earned 16-year-old Yorkshireman Joe Clayton the leading under-21 and gentleman rider awards.

Maastricht CSI

Ben Maher’s burgeoning partnership with Bob Moore’s Bob’s Diamond continued at full speed in Maastricht, Holland, where they finished third in the grand prix.

The pair jumped a good double clear to finish behind the French winner, Roger Yves Bost, on Ideal De La Loge, and home rider Vincent Voorn (Audi’s Alpapillon Armanie). Ben was also third with Barry Fitch’s Roxsy in a speed class.

A double clear on St Honore’s Liquido saw John Whitaker take fifth place in a jump-off class, while Henry Turrell produced a foot-perfect performance on Play Boy S to finish third in the B group final.

Young rider Henry Lacey (Frühlingsfest and Cardoso) and Claire Heynemann (Quo Vadis) were also in the money in the amateur section.

Read these reports in full with pictures, plus reports from Bois le Roi CSI, Cavan CSI, Marmande CSI, Medstead Grange, Northallerton, Neeroeteren CSIP and Paris Porte De Versailles CSI in tomorrow’s Horse & Hound (14 December, ’06)

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