Latest from Horse & Hound in Pau-horse-trials

‘Good jumping horses that have been trained correctly’: Kylie Roddy on what you need to be successful at Pau five-star

Catherine Austen — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 10:32:22 +0000

Kylie Roddy is a Fellow of the British Horse Society and a renowned trainer. She has finished in the top 12 at five-star three times.

The key to Pau Horse Trials is good jumping horses that have been trained correctly. Horses that had self-carriage and were ridden in good balance prevailed in all three phases. Each phase plays a significant part in the competition result, but the leader often changes after each phase at Pau and I think this is brilliant for our sport – it keeps the competition alive to the very end.

A hurricane on Thursday meant the first trot-up was delayed until 5pm and all dressage took place on the Friday. The trot-up can be high spirited – a large number of fit, excited horses in a tight space – and can resemble a sketch from the TV series Men Behaving Badly. As a competitor, I was delighted not to be doing this until Hurricane Benjamin had left France.

Dimensionally, the cross-country at Pau doesn’t terrify the living daylights out of you. Course-designer Pierre Michelet’s magic is in putting fences in places where horses can’t immediately see them, then adding in distances where riders have to make stride pattern decisions based on the horse they are riding.

The challenge isn’t just about the jumps; the added changes in the terrain are part of the Pau test. The parkland under trees lacks grass cover and grip. The root structure on the more manicured hippodrome creates better footing. The course requires the rider to prepare different changes of balance for the going, jumps, terrain and the man-made mounds that Pierre so artfully uses.

The third water at 21abcd is the sort of question I suspect we will see designers using more and more. The clever numbering of the direct and long routes gave riders options, but you could jump either route and still end up with 26 penalties, for a triggered frangible device and a missed flag penalty, which ends up being more expensive than a run-out.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

My ride, SRS Kan Do – “George” – picked up 20 penalties here. Essentially he was trying too hard and locked on to the fence decoration, rather than the jump, and sadly incurred 20 penalties. With my trainer’s hat on, I need to be mindful of how to develop the horse’s focus and vision throughout those multiple jumping efforts.

George finished brilliantly and showjumped so well the following day, so I feel I am doing more right than wrong in our training, although there will be some tweaks this winter. It is just such a privilege to ride a horse at this level on multiple occasions, and for him to feel so hungry for the sport at 15 is wonderful.

Final phase influence

The showjumping played a serious part in the final result. It was big, square and technical and showed that today’s horses have to learn how to use their bodies after the effects of Saturday.

Rideability is essential when you are against the quick clock at Pau in the stadium. Riders who can open and close canters, while keeping the uphill balance to enable the horses to use their scope, jumped brilliant rounds.

Tim Price’s winner Jarillo reminded me of his 2021 Pau champion, Falco – the flashy, jumper athlete that Tim is so good at riding and producing. It is testament to his skills as a horseman that he is able to look after them and get them home across country, and they are such good jumpers that they pay him back on the Sunday.

Tom Jackson, second, will definitely win a five-star before long – he has the knack of riding the horse’s balance, not just the stride, and makes it very smooth for the horse.

How cool is it that Corimiro, fifth, aged just nine at his first CCI5*, is even alive because of Sarah Bullimore, who rode him to such a great placing. He, like Lordships Graffalo, is a triumph for British breeding, which is something that should be recognised and rewarded.

● Who impressed you at Pau and why? Write to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘A joy to ride such a talented animal’: Tim Price lands Pau five-star on outstanding Jarillo, after topsy-turvy showjumping phase; and a Brit is runner-up

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘He said, “hold my beer Mum, I’ve got this”’: five-star newcomer scorches round Pau cross-country to lead despite malfunctioning stopwatch

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Which three five-star debutants caught the eye over Pau’s influential cross-country track?

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘He’s not ready to retire yet’: Emily Hamel and veteran superstar complete sixth northern-hemisphere five-star at Pau Horse Trials

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

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6 facts you might not know about the globe-trotting Galileo Nieuwmoed – and his eventing record that went under the radar

Martha Terry — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:47:05 +0000

Galileo Nieuwmoed, the grand campaigner of David Doel, added yet another top-10 five-star completion to their illustrious CV at Pau Horse Trials last weekend (23–26 October). The horse’s outstanding record and number of podium finishes surely makes him one of the best not to have won at the highest level – yet. They have seven top-10 results at five-star.

In autumn 2024, the pair quietly banked an eventing record of completing all six of the northern-hemisphere five-stars – finishing third at Maryland in the US. They were the first horse-and-rider combination to achieve this feat, and have since been joined by Emily Hamel and Corvett and Oliver Townend with Cooley Rosalent.

David and Galileo – owned by himself, Mary Fox and Gillian Jonas – have been tantalisingly close to victory at the highest level, finishing runner-up at Burghley in 2023 by 0.7 of a penalty. They also showjumped in the lead for the title at Pau 2022, only to roll the final pole which dropped them to fourth.

At this year’s Pau, David and his 14-year-old star were on a recovery mission after uncharacteristic blips at corners at both Badminton and Burghley. But in France, they looked back to their brilliant best, clocking one of only six clears inside the time to blast up the leaderboard from 26th after dressage to sixth overnight.

“He was absolutely magic,” said David after their round. “We had him a little bit ruder, a little bit perkier again. He was just a bit too quiet and settled at Burghley, and so we put some anger back in the tank.

“Although it was not such a good dressage mark, he jumped round really neat and tidy.”

“Absolutely magic”: Galileo Nieuwmoed takes a flier at the open ditch at Pau 2025. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Yet again, the final showjump – the 13th – on a long and exacting course fell. While David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed bagged another top-10 prize, they would have been second to Tim Price and Jarillo without the pole.

He has now finished fourth, ninth and 15th at Pau five-star, as well as 10th in the three-star there when he was a seven-year-old.

“He’s a Pau professional,” David said. “He knows his way around and felt lovely. He sort of took me round and it all felt very easy and happy.”

At 14 years old, the Carambole gelding is still at the peak of his powers. Here’s to 2026 being the year he breaks his five-star duck – or maybe he’ll be setting new records at Adelaide.

6 facts about Galileo Nieuwmoed

He loves to roll in mud and will dig a hole and roll in it three or four times every time you take him out an event, according to his groom.
David had to be persuaded to take Galileo on to sell – he used to be stuffy! “It wasn’t until he jumped round his first four-star that I thought, ‘this one is going to be all right!’” says David.
They have won three four-stars: Little Downham CCI4*-S (2025), Kronenberg CCI4*-S (2003) and Maarsbergen CCI4*-S (2002).
They’re fast. At every five-star they have completed (eight), they have finished inside the optimum time inside the time bar one – Badminton 2022, when they were just 3sec over.
The pair have never had a cross-country run-out, refusal or flag in over 50 runs together.
Galileo is a Dutch warmblood and the words “nieuw moed” translate from Dutch as “new courage” – though it’s also a Dutch surname.
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‘He’s not ready to retire yet’: Emily Hamel and veteran superstar complete sixth northern-hemisphere five-star at Pau Horse Trials

Martha Terry — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 18:22:31 +0000

In finishing 14th at Pau Horse Trials, Emily Hamel and Corvett have joined David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed and Oliver Townend with Cooley Rosalent as only the third horse-and-rider combination to complete all six of the northern-hemisphere five-stars. Corvett, a grey Holsteiner by Corrido, was 42nd after dressage, and added 7.2 time-faults in a clear cross-country round to move up to 25th. He jumped one of only 10 clears in the final showjumping phase to gain another 11 places.

Corvett – known fondly as Barry – finished in the prize-money, and although there is no official reward for the feat of his five-star completions, the American rider said: “It’s pretty special. I’ll give myself a pat on the back! I think our partnership has really shone through this week.

“I feel very emotional,” she added. “I got him as a nine-year-old. He had done one preliminary [novice] and I produced him from there. He was a late starter because he was in the jumper world until then, but he was a bit tricky and I ended up with him.”

Although the rare accolade of five-star completions wasn’t particularly a goal, once Emily had ticked off Luhmühlen last year while on a European trip, she thought “I only have one more to do”. To help fund another Atlantic crossing, she sold 10 “Team Barry” memberships, some of whom travelled over as a support group in Team Barry jackets.

Barry gave them had plenty to cheer about in France.

“He was great cross-country, it felt really easy for him,” Emily said. “I tried to make the time but it was hard, twisty and turny, and it takes him a while to settle into his gallop and really stretch but he tried his heart out. There were a couple of places were I should have taken one less stride but for him, at 18 years old, to come out and jump like that at his 10th five-star is pretty exciting.

“He’s the best horse, I feel like I could jump anything on him. I love him so much.”

After dressage, Emily was emotional, knowing that this might be the last ever run on her horse of a lifetime. However, after springing round the full-up showjumping track, Emily said: “I don’t think he’s ready to retire just yet. He feels better than ever.”

For now, Corvett will head home to the USA for a holiday – but not for too long.

“He doesn’t like too much time off, just a month, then he’ll start hacking with no pressure,” she said. “Maybe we’ll look at Kentucky again.”

How US rider completed five-star set

Corvett nailed the best five-star result of his career at Maryland 2024, finishing seventh. He made his debut at this level at Kentucky in 2021 and has completed a spring and autumn five-star every year since. He has never had more than 20 penalties across country, nor more than one showjumping rail down.

Remarkably, Corvett is the only horse Emily has competed above three-star level, though she now has some promising youngsters coming through at three-star level.

David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed completed their set at Maryland last year, where they finished third. These five-star stalwarts have an astonishing record at the highest level, with seven top-10 completions.

2022: Badminton, sixth
2022: Pau, fourth
2023: Kentucky, eighth
2023: Burghley, second
2024: Luhmühlen, ninth
2024: Maryland, third
2025: Pau, ninth

Their result at Pau this week was thanks to one of only six cross-country clears inside the time. They just rolled the final showjumping pole, which cost them second place overall.

Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent sealed their set at Burghley this year. They have been less consistent than David and Galileo, but have a win under their belts and have held all the podium places at five-star. Their results are:

2023: Luhmühlen, 27th
2023: Maryland, third
2024: Kentucky, first
2024: Pau, 16th
2025: Badminton, second
2025: Burghley, 12th

A decade ago, Alice Dunsdon had a quest to complete the world’s six five-stars on the same horse, Fernhill Present. They completed Burghley, Pau, Luhmühlen, Adelaide and Kentucky between 2001–2015, but the pair were eliminated at Badminton 2016 and did not compete internationally again.

The five-star complexion has changed a little since then, with Maryland added to the mix to make a total of seven premier events. There are two riders who have completed all seven, Tim Price and Boyd Martin, but not all on the same horse. Fittingly, both Tim and Boyd were on the podium at Pau 2025.

Pre-Maryland’s inception, American rider Colleen Rutledge completed the five northern hemisphere five-stars on Shiraz, but did not do Adelaide. Before her, Mary King started at the same five on Apache Sauce, but did not finish at Pau.

Five-star tally for Emily Hamel and Corvett

2021: Kentucky, 21st
2021: Maryland, 14th
2022: Badminton, 52nd
2022: Burghley, 2oth
2023: Kentucky, 10th
2023: Maryland, 11th
2024: Luhmühlen, 15th
2024: Maryland, seventh
2025: Kentucky, 12th
2025: Pau, 14th
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‘A joy to ride such a talented animal’: Tim Price lands Pau five-star on outstanding Jarillo, after topsy-turvy showjumping phase; and a Brit is runner-up

Martha Terry — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 17:09:29 +0000

Tim Price emerged the winner of Pau Horse Trials 2025, with outstanding performances in all three phases on Jarillo. Fourth after dressage, the New Zealander moved up to second ahead of showjumping with a fast cross-country clear. His showjumping clear inside the time put pressure on the leaders Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro, who rolled a pole four fences from the finish.

One rail dropped Sarah to fifth, while clears from Tom Jackson (Plot Twist B) and Boyd Martin (Cooley Nutcracker) moved them up to the podium, in second and third respectively.

“Jarillo’s always been classy, but he’s sensitive and bringing out the best in him is what I’ve always wanted to do,” said Tim, logging his sixth victory at this level. “He’s just shown his class and more. It’s all about confidence with him. Horses like him look easy, and good, but if you give them a wrong distance, they don’t like it. He is a great horse and I’m just lucky to ride him, to have the joy of sitting there, just keeping my leg on and my heels down!”

This flashy 11-year-old, owned by Lucy Allison, Frances Stead and James and Rachel Good, really came of age at this his third five-star, and is one to watch ahead of the World Championships next year.

Plot Twist B – owned by Mary Harris and Ruth McMullen – moved stealthily through the field after lying 31st after dressage. One of the six clears inside the time on cross-country day, he finished on his dressage of 33.2 – the only horse to post a clean sheet.

“He isn’t the easiest on the flat, but he is a very good jumper and has produced what we knew he was capable of,” said Tom. “He is a big worrier, but sometimes it suits him jumping on the last day because he’s a bit more level-headed.

“I’ve really had to get inside his head to be able to ride him, but he’s still improving.”

Runners-up Tom Jackson and Plot Twist B. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Boyd Martin was impressed with Cooley Nutcracker’s all-round performance, moving up from 10th to third on the final day. This is the pair’s first five-star together after Boyd took over the ride from Liz Halliday while she is injured.

“He is magnificent,” said the American, paying tribute to Liz’s production of Nutcracker, her 2024 Olympic ride. “I came to this weekend not knowing what to expect and was blown away by him in all three phases. He just catapulted himself into the air and flew around the course today.

“He’s unbelievable and I’m just thrilled for all of Liz’s connections. Liz was on the phone just now cheering him on – it was very emotional.”

Pau Horse Trials winner: Jarillo’s route to the trophy

The showjumping was always going to be a nail-biter – whether Yann Royant’s track was influential or not, as just one rail covered the top nine. Sarah Bullimore’s scintillating cross-country round with Corimiro had propelled her up from 11th to the top spot overnight.

“It was a tough, challenging course with a tight time, and the stage was set for good jumpers, but also good riders in the heat of the moment,” Tim said. “It’s always big here, but it was particularly big and long. The oxer at 13 was probably as big as we event riders see. But my horse is just such a talented animal.”

Although Bubby Upton’s ride Cannavaro, the second-placed horse after cross-country, was withdrawn from the hold box at the final horse inspection, Sarah still had little breathing space. The brilliant jumper Jarillo was within 0.9 of a penalty, and the two Frenchmen Benjamin Massie (Filao De Perle) and Astier Nicolas (Dirty Old Town) were lurking just 1.2 marks away.

But clear rounds were hard to come by. There were only six inside the time from 39 competitors.

Tim’s day started ominously when his first ride Global Quest, in 20th place but jumping first due to Tim having to fit in three rounds, broke a pole at fence two and later stopped – although he went on to complete. But Jarillo has only had two rails down cumulatively in his entire international career, and he never looked liked faulting.

“Global Quest’s round did rattle me,” admitted Tim, who also finished fourth with Happy Boy, another double clear. “I was actually damaged goods out there and didn’t get going well in the warm-up with Happy, but I’ve known him since he was four, and when I galloped down to number one, everything just felt right again.”

The French riders both entered the arena to slow hand-clapping from an adoring home crowd, but couldn’t give their fans the result they wanted. They lowered a pole apiece, which relegated Benjamin to seventh and Astier to eighth.

Chief beneficiary of was Alex Hua Tian, who produced a delightful clear round in the time on the ultimate trier Chicko for sixth.

“He’s so unassuming, like a posh hunter – always chirpy and happy,” said Alex. “I thought last year’s showjumping was big, this felt like it was a hole bigger.”

Last to go, Corimiro was foot-perfect until just tapping the upright at fence nine.

“He’s still awesome and he’s only nine and he’ll put himself in that position again,” said Sarah. “I probably needed to sit up a stride or two earlier and say whoa, but he said, ‘no Mum, I can do it’.”

Pau Horse Trials winner and top 10

Tim Price and Jarillo: 30
Tom Jackson and Plot Twist B: 33.2
Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker: 33.9
Tim Price and Happy Boy: 34.3
Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro: 34.4
Alex Hua Tian and Chicko: 34.5
Benjamin Massie and Filao De Perle: 35.2
Astier Nicolas and Dirty Old Town: 35.2
David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed: 37.2
Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo: 39.2
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Two horses not accepted at Pau’s final trot-up, including trophy contender

Martha Terry — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 11:47:14 +0000

The dressage leader Cannavaro is out of Pau Horse Trials, after Bubby Upton elected to withdraw him from the hold box at the final trot-up at Pau Horse Trials. The 18-year-old was lying second after cross-country after clocking 4.8 time-faults, just 0.4 of a penalty adrift of top spot.

Grace Cooper’s ride, Cedarmount Cavalier, 42nd after cross-country after one run-out, was also held and withdrawn. Selina Milnes’ Cooley Snapchat (31st overnight, also incurring 20 penalties) was the third of three horses sent to the holding box, but passed on reinspection.

Forty-one horses came before the ground jury for the final trot-up at Pau Horse Trials, after two New Zealand horses – Hiarado, ridden by Jonelle Price, and Abigail Long’s mare Henton Audacious – did not present. Hiarado had been the best placed of Jonelle’s three rides after all logged cross-country clears, in 17th.

Abigail and Henton Audacious’s (Daphnee) impressive five-star debut might have come to an end, but they have certainly caught the eye. They were the surprise stars of the dressage phase, finishing fifth, and completed a clear but steady round cross-country to lie 21st.

Abigail posted on her Instagram: “Unfortunately Daphnee’s time at Pau has come to an end… she wasn’t quite right this morning and so we have pulled her before trot up. Her health and well being comes first and we will be back to fight another day.

“She has exceeded all expectations this week and to come out at your first 5* and get a PB on the flat and to boss it around the XC!!! I couldn’t have asked for more from her. She has proven she is capable of competing against the world’s best and we will be back to do it again.”

There were 43 horses left in the competition after the cross-country phase on Saturday evening from the 53 starters. There were eight eliminations – two for accumulated refusals, five rider falls and one horse fall – and two retirements.

This leaves a field of 39 to tackle the Pau showjumping track, designed this year by Yann Royant, which has historically been influential.

The new top three are currently Sarah Bullimore, aboard Corimiro, 0.9 of a penalty ahead of Tim Price on Jarillo. France’s Benjamin Massie lies in third on Filao De Perle, on the same score of 31.2 as his compatriot Astier Nicolas on Dirty Old Town. David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed have now moved up to fifth, only 2.4 behind the leader.

Just one rail covers the top 10, so expect a shake-up with even time-faults proving costly.

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Which three five-star debutants caught the eye over Pau’s influential cross-country track?

Martha Terry — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 19:55:44 +0000

Pau is traditionally a five-star that entices debutants at the level. It falls right at the end of the European season, when horses have had plenty of events under their belt and the younger ones have more months of maturity and experience. At this year’s Pau Horse Trials, 16 first-timers tackled the cross-country track, nearly a third of the field.

Several of these debutants particularly impressed, with three of them among the total six clears inside the time. These first-timers may well become major players at future five-stars and championships.

The standout superstar was Sarah Bullimore’s home-bred Corimiro, who blitzed around at nine years old like a far more experienced campaigner to take the lead.

Horses to follow from Pau Horse Trials

Further down the order due to less dazzling dressage marks, two debutant eye-catchers both came from the Monart Sale in Ireland. This pair of Irish-bred 10-year-olds Boleybawn Lecrae, ridden by Sam Ecroyd, and Astier Nicolas’ ride Dirty Old Town cruised round inside the time to fly up the leaderboard at the conclusion of the Pau Horse Trials cross-country phase.

The 10th horse to leave the startbox, Boleybawn Lecrae was the first horse to make the 11min 6sec optimum time, by some 16sec. The Boleybawn Ectasy-sired gelding – owned by Stewart and Vicki Irlam — made the biggest climb up the rankings, from 37th to 12th, and clocked the fastest round of the day to stay on 34.5.

“He’s always been a really quick horse, though he was wild when he was young,” said Sam. “But I remember when I did my first BE100 on him he was so hyper-coordinated and focused, I thought, ‘this is a proper horse’. I’ve been lucky to have been supported by amazing owners, but I’ve not had the opportunity to ride a lot of proven top horses, so that feeling I had – I didn’t know if it was true or not.

“He has the ability to gallop, be organised, make any distance; he’s easy to ride. What makes him quick isn’t a fast gallop, it’s unbelievable trust in him that he’s going to sort his jump out. I can leave him alone and let him travel. The less you interfere, the better.

“I’ve had him since he was three from the Monart Sale,” Sam added. “The guy who was selling him said, ‘he’ll either go round Burghley or you’ll call me in two months and say you can’t get on it’ – those were the two options.”

“I knew he’d go five-star at six years old”

Dirty Old Town was foot-perfect round Pierre Michelet’s track to move up from 21st to fifth overnight (on the same score, 31.2, as compatriot Benjamin Massie on Filao De Perle), but the Irish Sport Horse hasn’t given Astier the easiest time this week.

“He’s a weird person but he’s very honest cross-country,” said the French rider. “He’s a cool horse, but always a little bit difficult, he can rear and buck, but I’ve learnt it’s not against me!

“That’s how he got loose when I was about to get on yesterday, and warmed up for 10 minutes on his own yesterday before I could catch him, ruining everybody’s warm-up. And another thing is if he has to pass a cross-country fence and he’s not supposed to jump it, he’s very unhappy. It’s like he has a disease that tells him, ‘I have to jump between white and red’. It’s a good problem to have.”

Astier knew the grey had five-star potential from a young age.

“I bought him at Monart when he was three, and by the time he was six, I thought he could be a five-star horse,” Astier said. “At seven, I would have bet on it, but I just had to wait and see.

“He was fast today without trying, just staying in a constant rhythm. He’s not a big horse, so he’s good with these twisty courses even if I don’t love it. He’d be a good horse on a rangy track too.”

Astier was aiming Dirty Old Town for Burghley as his first five-star, until the French selectors asked him to be reserve for the Europeans, where Astier won team bronze with Alertamalib’Or.

Another round that caught the eye over the Pau Horse Trials cross-country course was amateur rider Libby Seed on Heartbreaker Star Quality. Not only had she logged her personal best dressage score (30.4) by some margin at this level, but she clocked her fastest time at five-star.

“It’s the fastest I’ve ever gone,” said Libby, after adding 4.4 time-faults to lie in 14th place overnight. “I’ve been working on my speed for a long time – with the late Caroline Moore and Kylie Roddy. I’m a control freak and it takes a long time to get comfortable with going at these big fences at speed, and trusting that the bigger stride pattern is actually safer.

“We cruised round, she just went at her own speed. The fences kept coming nicely and I met them nearly all on a good stride.”

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Update on fallers and disappointments from Pau Horse Trials, including Bubby Upton and Oliver Townend

Martha Terry — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 18:13:45 +0000

Although 60% of the Pau Horse Trials cross-country field went clear, there were a few falls and plenty of hard-luck stories, without any major injuries reported on Saturday evening (25 October). While six horses did go inside the time, there were a number of well-placed individuals who could have slotted into a podium position ahead of showjumping, but dropped out of contention.

The first significant upset was Bubby Upton’s first ride Cola, a five-star stalwart who was lying close-up in 12th after dressage on 30.3. He was storming round when he misjudged the final element of a three-part combination, four fences from home. This complex featured a house on top of a mound, curving round to the right over two more houses on forward distances, with the camber pulling horses away to the left.

Cola, owned by Rachel Upton, was a bit long at the final element and dived over it, tipping Bubby on to the turf.

“He was giving me a classic Cola ride, making it feel pretty easy on a not-easy course,” said Bubby. “He was well up on the time, so for him to fall, when he was just trying to help me, felt really tough to take as he did not deserve that. When I jumped clear on Cannavaro, I felt it was all thanks to Cola because he gave me so much belief and information.

“Cola was flying round, so it was really unfair, but he’s absolutely fine, which is a relief. It’s frustrating that he had to do a whole round on 15-year-old legs not to have a score on the board, but hopefully we can come back next year and put it right.”

Bubby’s spirits were briefly lifted by Cannavaro’s superlative clear, which would secure second place, but fell off again at the same fence on her third ride Its Cooley Time, owned by the Five Time Syndicate, who had been lying sixth on 28.5. She was unbalanced over the middle element and thrown out of the saddle, and although the grey tried to scrabble over the final part, Bubby had no chance of staying on.

“I’m not sure how I could have ridden Cola any differently at the fence he fell at, whereas my last horse I let him down,” Bubby said. “I made a mistake and rode him too much like he was Cannavaro and didn’t trust the engine that I still had underneath me. He made up too much ground and got underneath the b/c element and still tried to jump the d element even though I was around his neck. I’m gutted for him because he should be jumping for the win tomorrow but I have no doubt he will have his day.”

Emily King was the only other rider to fault at this combination, when her first horse – five-star debutant Jackpot – stopped at the second house in an otherwise decent round.

However, Emily later had a freak fall at fence two from Valmy Biats – who had been in a very competitive position in eighth after dressage on 29 – when the horse seemed to catch a leg on the table. Both horse and rider were back on their feet, with Valmy galloping off as though he was expecting to have to do the course on his own.

Emily’s was one of five rider falls, but all walked away. Alex Bragg’s Ardeo Premier was the only horse fall, at fence 24. This was an angled brush a stride after coming up a step out of the final water. Happily, both horse and rider are fine.

“He had a moment of hesitation and the timing of the jump was wrong,” said Alex. “Such a shame but we live to fight another day.”

Disappointment for Townend and McEwen

The two pairs tying for second after dressage, on 26.1, Oliver Townend (Ballaghmor Class) and Tom McEwen (Brookfield Quality), both faltered at exactly the same fence, having been clear up to that point. Brookfield Quality broke the frangible pin at the corner in the third water at 21, then ran out at the final triple brush. After jumping the alternative, Tom put his hand up to retire the 16-year-old (owned by John and Chloe Perry, and Alison Swinburn).

Tom put on his Facebook page: “Knowing how competitive and genuine he is and with him being that bit older, I decided to just pop through quietly and then save him for another day. Of course, it’s a real shame when things don’t go quite to plan, but he is happy and well which is the most important thing. He’s had a great season and will now enjoy a very well-deserved holiday.”

Towards the end of the afternoon, it was Oliver’s turn to shake up the leaderboard. By that stage, Brookfield Quality was out of the running and the dressage leader Cannavaro had added 4.8 time-faults, so a decent time would be sufficient to take over top spot.

However, Ballaghmor Class also clattered the frangible corner, and although he continued to complete with just 1.2 time-faults, the 11 penalties of damage was done.

Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class jump into the water at fence 21. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Oliver was philosophical afterwards, despite his grand old campaigner losing his 100% clear record at five-star stretching back to 2017.

“He doesn’t know he’s had a pin,” said Oliver of the 18-year-old, owned by Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan. “He’s gone through all the flags at every five-star I’ve ever asked him. It’s just sad for him to have this pin on his record, but he is a legend, one of the best cross-country horses there will ever be. I am so proud of him.

“He was so honest and made it all feel so easy,” Oliver continued. “He was keen and making all the distances so easily and so when I said ‘whoa’ for the three strides in that water [before the corner], he was actually polite, finally, and came back to me, so I ended up miles off the corner.”

This combination was particularly influential, although errors came all over the track. French rider Sebastian Cavaillon produced one of the five rider falls over the Pau Horse Trials cross-country when Black Pearl Z scrambled over the corner, while Lithuanian Aistis Vitkauskas broke the frangible in what was otherwise an impressive round for just 2.4 time-faults.

Kylie Roddy (SRS Kan Do), Grace Cooper (Cedarmount Cavalier), Mary Edmondson (Lionel II), Tiana Coudray (D’Artagnan) and Kevin McNab (Faro Imp) also incurred penalties here, at the final triple brush element.

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‘He said, “hold my beer Mum, I’ve got this”’: five-star newcomer scorches round Pau cross-country to lead despite malfunctioning stopwatch

Martha Terry — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 16:18:39 +0000

Corimiro, a nine-year-old on his first attempt at five-star, coasted into the lead in the Pau Horse Trials cross-country phase. Ridden by Sarah Bullimore, the chestnut breezed round an influential track 11sec inside the time to move up from 11th after dressage to top spot to set up a tantalising showdown in the final phase. The top 10 are covered by just one rail.

At 10min 55sec, Corimiro – owned by Brett Bullimore, Bruce Saint, Christopher and Susan Gillespie – clocked the second-fastest round of the day over Pierre Michelet’s influential track.

Remarkably, Sarah’s stopwatch malfunctioned before halfway, meaning she rode on feel alone.

“I just let him travel and he’s got such a phenomenal stride,” said Sarah, who rode Corimiro’s mother Lilly Corinne to finish 13th at Pau in 2017, the year after her son was born.

“He’s only nine, so I wasn’t riding him specifically to make the time, just travelling comfortably. When he finished, he was saying ‘where next, where next?’ I had to say, ‘you’ve finished, whoa!’ He felt like he could go round again.

“He was unreal. The only place I changed my plan was to hold for four strides in a couple of the distances after watching everyone this morning, so I had to make sure I got him back, and he was quite strong. It’s like he said, ‘Alright Mum, I can see it, hold my beer!’.”

The overnight dressage leaders, Bubby Upton and Cannavaro, held on to a podium spot in second after adding 4.8 time-faults to sit just 0.4 of a penalty adrift of Corimiro.

Pau is the 18-year-old Cannavaro’s first five-star since finishing sixth here three years ago, and boosted Bubby’s spirits after falls on both her other two rides, Cola and Its Cooley Time.

“To be out of the sport for two and a half years, and to come back and do that at 18 years old, with about 20% thoroughbred – it’s all down to his heart and the trust he has in me,” said Bubby of Cannavaro, owned by her mum Rachel. “There is no other reason why he should do that; he dug so deep, he was just extraordinary.

“He owes me nothing, and I was only going to do this if he felt up for it. But he just loves his job so much – it means the world to me. It’s why we put in the hours and why I spend the time with them, and give them all the love and trust, because of the rewards of days like today.”

Dressage leaders Bubby Upton and Cannavaro at the “Oops” drop fence. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

How the cross-country phase played out

With Sarah leapfrogging up the leaderboard 10 places to depose Bubby from the top, the end of the Pau Horse Trials cross-country phase was full of suspense. Half of the final 10 riders could have taken the lead with clears inside the time. Even into the final four, three – Boyd Martin (Cooley Nutcracker), Bubby (Its Cooley Time) and Tim Price (Jarillo) – could have relegated Sarah.

But none could do it. Tim and Jarillo – owned by Lucy Allison, Frances Stead, James and Rachel Good – did best of this trio, stopping the clock for 4.4 time-faults to take third place overnight, despite taking a long route at the third water – which claimed several notable victims. These included Oliver Townend’s Ballaghmor Class, nursing second spot, who broke a frangible pin at the middle corner element; and joint-second Tom McEwen (Brookfield Quality). Tom’s horse also incurred 11 penalties for the pin, then ran out at the third element and Tom elected to retire after jumping the final triple brush in that combination.

“I should have gone straight at that water!” said Tim. “But it’s an unpredictable fence and you could ride it well and it still doesn’t come up right every time. It’s one of the only frangible fences on the course and you don’t want to knock one of those down. So I decided that I was good on the clock at that stage though I lost a bit coming home. I decided to play the percentages this time.”

Tim Price and Jarillo negotiatie the “Coffin” fence at Pau 2025. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

France as a nation is scantily represented at their home five-star, but two of their riders gave exhibition rounds of how to ride a Pierre Michelet track. Both Astier Nicolas (Dirty Old Town) and Benjamin Massie (Filao De Perle) started cross-country in 21st place, and stormed round well inside the time. Benjamin sits in fourth by virtue of being 6sec closer to the optimum time, with Astier the faster round.

Last year, Benjamin fell over one of the final fences in the arena, so made amends this time.

“I think the French riders have an advantage with Pierre Michelet’s courses because we jump them every month, so we are used to them,” Benjamin said. “Astier and I were both up on our clocks even before we went on to the racecourse [where historically riders expect to make up time].”

David Doel riding his own, Mary Fox and Gillian Jonas’ Galileo Nieuwmoed earned redemption after falls at both Badminton and Burghley this year with a smashing round, inside the time, to climb from 26th to sixth.

“He was absolutely magic,” said David. “We had him a little ruder again, a bit perkier as he was just a bit too quiet and settled at Burghley. We put a bit of the anger back in the tank and although the dressage was not as good, he jumped round really neat and tidy. He’s been round the five-star here three times and the old three-star as well so he’s a Pau professional.”

There were six horses inside the time from the 53 starters, the first being Sam Ecroyd and Boleybawn Macrae, a five-star newcomer. They were 16sec under the 11min 6sec optimum, by far the quickest all day. This propelled them up from 37th after dressage to 12th, only 4.5 penalties behind the leader.

Sixty percent of the field jumped clear. There were eight eliminations and two retirements. Besides five rider falls, there was one horse fall, Ardeo Premier and Alex Bragg, but the organisation reported no major injuries to horses or riders.

Top 10 overnight at Pau Horse Trials

Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro: 30
Bubby Upton and Cannavaro: 30.4
Tim Price and Jarillo: 30.9
Benjamin Massie and Filao De Perle: 31.2
Astier Nicolas and Dirty Old Town: 31.2
David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed: 32.4
Jesse Campbell and Cooley Lafitte: 33
Tom Jackson and Plot Twist B: 33.2
Grace Taylor and Game Changer: 33.5
Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker: 33.5
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Ready for the off? Check out what time the leading contenders head out of the cross-country startbox at Pau five-star

Martha Terry — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 19:35:42 +0000

While the dressage phase kicked off soon after daybreak on Friday, the Pau Horse Trials cross-country times offer a more leisurely start on Saturday, 25 October.

The first competitor into the startbox will be three-horse rider Jonelle Price, aboard the Grape Syndicate’s Grappa Nera. They head out over Pierre Michelet’s 30-fence track at 12pm local time (11am British time). The 2022 Pau winner Grappa Nera is currently on a score of 34.3 in 36th, but only 8.7 penalties adrift of overnight leaders Bubby Upton and Cannavaro.

Riders will set off every 4min 30sec within the Pau Horse Trials cross-country times, with three slightly longer 9min breaks spread throughout the day. However, as the optimum time is 11min 6sec, there is scheduled to be a horse on course throughout the action, which is rounded off by Tim Price and Jarillo, who start at 4.07pm (3.07pm British time).

Pau Horse Trials: cross-country times for the top 12

=12th: Bubby Upton (GBR) and Cola, 30.3: 12.04pm (11.04am British time)
5th: Abigail Long (NZL) and Henton Audacious, 27.9: 1.25pm (12.25pm)
7th: Alex Hua Tian (CHN) and Chicko, 28.9: 1.39pm (12.39pm)
1st: Bubby Upton (GBR) and Cannavaro, 25.6: 1.57pm (12.57pm)
9th: Tim Price (NZL) and Happy Boy, 29.1: 2.01pm (1.01pm)
=2nd: Tom McEwen (GBR) and Brookfield Quality, 26.1: 2.42pm (1.42pm)
=12th: Selina Milnes (GBR) and Cooley Snapchat, 30.3: 3.04pm (2.04pm)
=2nd: Oliver Townend (GBR) and Ballaghmor Class, 26.1: 3.22pm (2.22pm)
8th: Emily King (GBR) and Valmy Biats, 29: 3.36pm (2.36pm)
10th: Boyd Martin (USA) and Cooley Nutcracker, 29.9: 3.54pm (2.54pm)
=12th: Jonelle Price NZL) and Hiarado, 30.3: 3.58pm (2.58pm)
6th: Bubby Upton (GBR) and Its Cooley Time, 28.5: 4.03pm (3.03pm)
4th: Tim Price (NZL) and Jarillo, 26.5: 4.07pm (3.07pm)

Riders’ views on Pau cross-country track

The general consensus is that this is a typical Michelet track, with several tricky distances inviting riders to attack over three strides or hold for four. While the dimensions are not overwhelming for this level, there are plenty of opportunities for glance-offs, with some technical lines through the combinations.

There are four water combinations, which seem to intensify in difficulty each time horses get their feet wet.

Plus, there’s a new fence with an enormous drop at 22ab, resembling Burghley’s leaf-pit, where riders have to keep enough control after slipping their reins completely to negotiate the narrow arrowhead on a curve afterwards.

“The drop looks massive!” said Tom McEwen, lying in equal second place on Brookfield Quality. “I think it looks bigger than the Leaf Pit, because you have more time there when you land.

The big “Oops” drop at fence 22a (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Pau is Pau, and there are similarities from other years, but if anyone became complacent because it’s similar in places that would be an error,” added Tom. “It’s a really nice first two minutes, then it gets twisty. And we know Pierre likes his positive distances, but it’s about being wise when to use them and not to.”

Emily King, lying eighth on Valmy Biats on 29, called it a “riders’ course”. She has the benefit of going out early on five-star debutant Jackpot (in 30th overnight), to give her some reconnaissance when it comes to riding her higher-placed horse. This is the first time she’s had two horses at this level.

“There are lots of different options at the combinations – you can go for an extra stride or take one out. It’s up to us to have a game plan, know what we’re doing with each horse, and give them the best chance of understanding. There are quite a few questions – and a lot of water.”

Yasmin Ingham, who is lying 21st with Rehy DJ on 31.2 after a couple of mistakes in the flying changes during their dressage test, said: “There’s plenty to jump on Saturday so it won’t be a dressage competition and I’m looking forward to the jumping phases. It’s a typical Pierre Michelet course – everything’s on very forward distances and there are some really strong five-star questions. You come here expecting technical tracks and that’s exactly what is out there on Saturday.”

Libby Seed, who produced an exciting personal best dressage test at this level with Heartbreaker Star Quality to sit in 15th, said: “There’s some really decent water and some sneaky fences where you can have a run-out. It’s a good track and hopefully it will suit her, but we’ll find out tomorrow.”

And five-star debutante Abigail Long, who produced a smashing test to lie in fifth on 27.9 with Henton Audacious, said: “We came here because we thought it would suit us both before tackling something more intimidating. There are definitely a couple of questions, but she’s capable of it all. It’s more about the distances and lines, she’ll jump anything as long as I get her in the right place.”

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‘He feels as good as he’s ever felt’: Oliver Townend’s veteran legend puts himself in contention after dressage at Pau five-star

Martha Terry — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:42:28 +0000

Ballaghmor Class has already written himself into annals of eventing history, but at 18 years old, there could yet be one last hurrah. Oliver Townend declared the four-time five-star winner – owned by Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan – to be “as good as ever” after taking joint second at the conclusion of the Pau Horse Trials dressage phase.

It was a remarkably consistent and high-quality test, with only two of the 78 marks available dipping below a seven – and the mid-test halt scoring two nines. The French judge, Eric Lieby, at B, put them in first spot, above Bubby Upton and Cannavaro.

“He went in like an old pro, he was pretty push-button,” said Oliver. “Never mind what score he got, he felt as good as he’s ever felt. I think that’s probably as good as any test he’d done at five-star level.”

They sit 0.5 of a penalty – just over a second of cross-country time – behind the leaders.

Ballaghmor Class – known at home as Thomas – has only had a handful of runs this year, winning two and finishing third twice more. He was withdrawn from the final horse inspection at Badminton in the spring after defending his 100% cross-country clear rate over 13 five-star runs. He has only had one run since, a four-star at Little Downham less than a month ago, and many assumed – perhaps including Oliver – that this grand old campaigner’s career had come to an end.

But Thomas wasn’t having it.

“We didn’t really plan to be here [at five-star again], to tell you the truth,” said Oliver. “But he convinced us that he’d not done enough yet, which is amazing – and hard to believe.

“I’ve never come to a five-star thinking ‘no, no, no’ – but he’s gone ‘yes’ all the way. So we took him to Little Downham to give him a preparation run, and he was fairly wild and didn’t give me an easy time. He ran off round the cross-country! He was pretty wild in the dressage too, and I said to Karyn, ‘We’ll give him half a proper run to see how he comes out.’ And the next day he towed everyone round the yard.

“That’s what he’s like when he’s on form. Pretty horrible to deal with for the girls, but a pleasure for me to ride when we get the management right. Today I couldn’t be happier with his performance.”

As the Courage-sired gelding has contested either Burghley, Maryland or championships in the autumns since he’s been competing at this level, this is his first visit to the flat racecourse track of Pau. But Oliver hopes this may play in his favour, even if there aren’t any hills to help slow this brilliant cross-country horse down.

“I’m just hoping that as he doesn’t know his way he might actually ask me a couple of questions for once,” said Oliver.

“He’s done an Olympics and that looked like it wasn’t his type of course but there isn’t really a course that doesn’t suit him. But he knows his way around Badminton, Burghley, Kentucky and now Maryland, so I’m hoping he looks at the crowd and the trees and doesn’t run off with me like he did last time out!”

Enjoy watching him while you can. It’s a treat for eventing fans to have another sighting of this all-time great doing what he loves best.

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Two 18-year-old horses in podium positions after outstanding dressage performances at Pau five-star

Martha Terry — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 17:24:54 +0000

After a long day of dressage at Pau Horse Trials, with all 53 competitors going before the judges, Bubby Upton sits at the top of the leaderboard. Bubby is triple-handed at this year’s French five-star, and has taken top spot with her second ride Cannavaro on 25.6, who is competing at five-star for the first time since 2022.

“He’s such a special boy and it’s amazing to have him back here at 18,” said Bubby. “He came back at the start of the year [after time off] and the plan was Aachen and I thought that might be his last event, but he came out of that so well, we thought ‘let’s get him as fit as possible and if he holds up to it let’s go to Pau’. I just hope I do him justice.”

They produced a beautifully soft and consistent test, with fabulous halts – scoring eights and 8.5s – framing a mistake-free performance.

“Although he’s 18, he’s only had six years eventing as he was a showjumper until he was 10 and has had two years out,” Bubby said. “His paces have really developed over the past three or four years.”

Bubby also lies in sixth place on 28.5 with five-star debutant Its Cooley Time, who was entered at Pau after his tilt at the Blenheim Europeans came to an early end with a rider fall. Her first ride Cola – second into the ring – is 12th on 30.3.

“Cola – there was an element of being second into the arena; he was amazing,” said Bubby. “He does the same test every time, he’s so consistent and lovely to ride in the area. He’s a joy and he loves it. He’s a horse of lifetime, he’s taught me so much.”

Its Cooley Time secured Bubby’s third top-12 placing, as the penultimate horse in the Pau Horse Trials dressage phase.

“Its Cooley Time is at the other end of the spectrum compared to these two, with it being his first five-star, so for him to do what he did today – I was thrilled. He is very, very spooky and sharp, but because here it’s on a surface we have the luxury of being able to familiarise them in the arena.

“As I was going in he spotted the cameraman, so he spooked, and I was a little bit soft in the second flying change and I thought he would pop it but he didn’t. Naturally, of the three, he’s the most gifted in the dressage and I’ve had him since he was five and within my current system, with my trainer Amy Woodhead, which makes all the difference.”

With Tom McEwen posting 26.1 earlier in the day, Oliver Townend joined him on that score to take joint-second with another 18-year-old, Ballaghmor Class.

“I couldn’t be happier with his performance,” said Oliver. “He went in like an old pro, and was pretty push-button.”

Tim Price was another three-horse rider to steer two into the top 10. Last to go on Jarillo, a flashy white-socked chestnut owned by Lucy Allison, Frances Stead, and James and Rachel Good, he posted 26.5 to take fourth. Less than one penalty – 3sec of cross-country time-faults – cover these top four.

“He’s such a lovely horse, so talented,” Tim said. “Life comes physically so easily to him, but mentally it’s quite tough. He’s a sharp little guy.

“He’s very spooky, horse-shy, but in the arena he’s a joy – easy peasy!”

Tim Price and Jarillo at Pau 2025 dressage. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Jarillo seemed to grow in confidence as the test went on, absolutely nailing all four flying changes, which come towards the end of the test and have caused so many to falter this Pau.

“He’s coming of age,” said Tim. “He’s realising that it’s a safe space in the arena and he can stay with me like he does at home.”

Tim also holds ninth place with Happy Boy on 29.1, 0.1 of a penalty behind Emily King and Valmy Biats. Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker round out the top 10.

Emily’s ride produced some outstanding moments, including a nine for the final halt, but too many 6.5s pegged the mark back. Emily admitted that some “strange flying, cobwebby things” were a little distracting for both horse and rider.

“I kept wanting to swat them away, so he was probably thinking the same,” said Emily. “We had a few little wobbles and a little lack of rhythm but generally he was really good.”

Top six after Pau Horse Trials dressage

1, Bubby Upton and Cannavaro: 25.6

=2, Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality: 26.1

=2, Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class: 26.1

4, Tim Price and Jarillo: 26.5

5, Abigail Long and Henton Audacious: 27.9

6, Bubby Upton and Its Cooley Time: 28.5

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A 15-minute warm-up pays dividends as Bubby Upton is pressed at the top of Pau five-star’s dressage leaderboard

Martha Terry — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 13:36:33 +0000

Bubby Upton has taken the lead at the lunchbreak of the Pau Horse Trials dressage phase, with only two of the six groups of competitors left to go. Riding her second of three horses Cannavaro, who is contesting his first five-star since finishing sixth here three years ago, the pair scored 25.6 on a day when sub-30 scores are a rarity.

Bubby produced an outstandingly consistent test on this 18-year-old, with only a handful of marks dipping below seven, and drawing nines for their immaculate rein-back. They bookended this super display with lovely halts drawing eights and 8.5s.

The 26-year-old rider is also lying close-up in sixth on her first ride Cola, who was second into the arena on Friday morning (24 October).

Bubby’s fellow Blenheim Europeans squad-mate Tom McEwen pushed her closest at this stage, scoring 26.1 on Brookfield Quality, a 16-year-old owned by John and Chloe Perry, and Alison Swinburn.

“I was really pleased with everything, it was pretty much a clear round,” said Tom. “His changes were really nice, especially the last one, so I when I looked up and saw sevens, I was a bit disappointed with some of the judges.”

Brookfield Quality has historically been a spooky horse and Tom described how he manages him to perform at his best when it matters.

“He loves being on his own out there, and he likes being the centre of attention,” said Tom. “He doesn’t like being around other horses, and he doesn’t like the arena at home, so we work most of the year on grass, and we don’t jump him at home either.

“Here, I just did 15 minutes warm-up and then went in. By nature he holds himself with natural lift, so I just leave that to him rather than working him too hard. Less is more. I had a nice ride in the morning, then 15 minutes before the test seems to be perfect for him.”

Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality in the dressage phase at Pau 2025. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Breaking the 30 barrier in Pau Horse Trials dressage phase

There have only been five sub-30 tests from the 36 contenders so far. Five-star debutante Abigail Long rode the test of her life to slot into third at this stage on Henton Audacious on a score of 27.9, ahead of Alex Hua Tian and his own, Kate and Peter Willis’ Chicko on 28.9.

“He’s a real cutie, because he’s not necessarily physically the most talented horse, but he just incrementally improves and improves,” said Alex. “I keep thinking I’ve got as much as I ever could out of him and every six months it’s like we’ve hit another dimension.

“He’s a really long horse, who finds longitudinal suppleness really hard. In the past I’ve had to play a fine line between pushing him to give me a little bit more spring and just taking what I get. Today I really felt I could ask for more.”

Chicko was fourth last year, and Alex said the 15-year-old clearly comes into his own at this point in the season – “but also the five-star test suits him as he’s very obedient and there’s more to do.”

Tim Price was the final rider to score under 30, currently lying fifth on his second ride, Happy Boy – the 2019 Le Lion seven-year-old world champion and last year’s Blenheim winner.

“He’s been on good form and in good health,” said Tim, who is juggling three rides at Pau alongside wife Jonelle who is also triple-handed. “Happy Boy is such an all-rounder. That’s where he’s been successful in the past, doing a pretty good dressage and then running home with that mark for a good result. I’m hoping for something similar here.”

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‘I bought her cheap on Facebook as a failed dressage horse’: five-star debutante conjures one of the leading tests at Pau

Martha Terry — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 13:18:41 +0000

There are times to pull out all the stops, and there’s your first attempt at five-star. New Zealand rider Abigail Long had never scored better than 33.7 at any international competition with Henton Audacious – even logging 51.4 this year – but produced a stunning 27.9 in the Pau Horse Trials dressage phase. This put her at the top of the leaderboard after a third of the field had performed.

“I’ve always known she’s got a nice test in her, it’s been about figuring her brain out,” said Abigail, 29. “This week has been a bit of an experiment, with the help of Jonelle Price. I’ve only dressage schooled her once, and that really helped. She was with me the whole time.

“We took her for a gallop, jumped her, did polework – it’s all about her brain, making sure she’s in a good headspace. Staying away from schooling kept her sweet, so she was happy to go in there and do everything, rather than thinking ‘This is the sixth time we’ve done dressage and I’m over it’.”

Henton Audacious (Daphnee) is a New Zealand Hanoverian, bred for dressage. She floated across Pau’s sand arena with her flashy paces, but the test was also notable for its consistency; the flying changes on point and the halt to rein-back a particular highlight.

“We bought her cheap on Facebook as a failed dressage horse,” said Abigail. “She was only four but they didn’t think she had a good enough hind leg, so were selling her to be anything.”

Abigail moved to the UK two years ago, where she is based in Swindon, and brought Daphnee with her.

“We’ve had her since she was four and she’s now 12,” she said. “She’s my little heart horse, I love her so much.”

Pau Horse Trials dressage phase: the early starters

Sub-30 tests were hard to come by on Friday morning – all 53 competitors are riding in one day as a result of Storm Benjamin affecting Thursday’s schedule.

The 2022 winners Grappa Nera and Jonelle Price opened proceedings with 34.1. They started well, trending sub-30 but the test unravelled midway with the flying changes and the marks slid.

Another three-horse rider, Bubby Upton, was next in with Cola, a good benchmark for a smart test. The 15-year-old, owned by Bubby’s mother Rachel, has a personal best of 26.7 at five-star. Here he produced a polished and consistent test, the only real mistake one poor flying change, which scored a four, before regrouping quickly for an impressive extended canter.

Their halts were the highlight; all three were excellent and scored 7.5s and eights. Their overall score of 30.3 may have looked a touch disappointing but set the target for the field at this early stage and they remained in the lead until Abigail’s test.

Although most horses were scoring below their best, Heartbreaker Star Quality (Angel) threw in a massive five-star personal best for Libby Seed to lie just 0.1 of a penalty behind Cola. The 14-year-old grey mare’s last three scores at this level have been over 36, but she raised her game today.

The mare has a lovely way of going; super-expressive and active. All four flying changes came off – unlike most of her rivals’ – and her highlight was her extended trot work, which was both light and ground-covering. Her only blips were slight resistance going into the walk, but as Libby said: “She usually jogs!”

“David Trott has been great with us over the past few months, just working very gently on the changes, the submission and improving the trot work,” Libby said. “She’s better with a bit of atmosphere – the engine takes over!”

Pau Horse Trials dressage: Yasmin Ingham “frustrated” after uncharacteristic blip

Yasmin Ingham made a quick return with Rehy DJ after their fall at the Blenheim Europeans last month in a bid “for redemption” to round off his season on a better note. They scored 31.2 despite a couple of uncharacteristic mistakes. The 15-year-old gelding, owned by Janette Chin and the Sue Davies Fund, produced a typically accurate test in the main, with on-point transitions, a superb halt to rein-back for eights, and an excellent walk tour. He was trending sub-30 when he fluffed the first two flying changes and although he nailed the last, their fate was sealed.

“I was frustrated with those two flying changes as they’re normally his highlights so that has brought his mark higher than what I’d have liked, but the majority was really good,” said Yasmin. “Those would be the only two mistakes he’s made in flying changes all week.

“But sometimes they do them perfectly outside and it just doesn’t pull off in the arena. They’re not machines, they’re animals, and we have to work with them to make them understand. Perhaps my aids weren’t correct, I’m not sure.”

With a third of the field left to go, Bubby Upton has taken the lead on her second ride Cannavaro (25.6). Tom McEwen lies second on Brookfield Quality (26.1) and Abigail holds third spot.

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(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

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Two horses held in delayed first trot-up at Pau five-star in tail end of Storm Benjamin

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Watch Pau Horse Trials 2025 live from wherever you are

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Find out what time 10 hotly tipped contenders will perform their dressage at Pau Horse Trials in a storm-disrupted schedule

Martha Terry — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 19:21:20 +0000

Unusually for a large field at a five-star, the Pau Horse Trials dressage times will all happen on one day. This is because the start of the event had to be postponed due to high winds on Thursday, 23 October. This means that all 53 competitors accepted at the first trot-up will face the dressage judges on Friday, 24 October.

The first competitor into the arena will be three-horse rider Jonelle Price, aboard the Grape Syndicate’s 2022 Pau winner Grappa Nera, at 9am local time (8am British time). Grappa Nera is one of two previous five-star winners in the field, the other being 18-year-old Ballaghmor Class, owned by Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan, and ridden by Oliver Townend. They are drawn towards the end of the afternoon, at 4.09pm (3.09pm British time).

The guinea pig test rider, François Pons aboard Dali Du Montesy, will “warm up the judges” at 9.10am (8.10am British time). The field is split into six groups of roughly nine, with short breaks in between each. There is one longer break after four sessions which will last around an hour from 2.14pm–3.20pm (1.14pm–2.20pm).

Pau Horse Trials: dressage times for 10 of the top contenders

Bubby Upton (GBR) and Cola: 9.37am (8.37am British time)
Yasmin Ingham (GBR) and Rehy DJ: 11.04am (10.04am)
Tom McEwen (GBR) and Brookfield Quality: 2.07pm (1.07pm)
Sarah Bullimore (GBR) and Corimiro: 3.20pm (2.20pm)
David Doel (GBR) and Galileo Nieuwmoed: 4.02pm (3.02pm)
Oliver Townend (GBR) and Ballaghmor Class: 4.09pm (3.09pm)
Emily King (GBR) and Valmy Biats: 4.33pm (3.33pm)
Boyd Martin (USA) and Cooley Nutcracker: 5.01pm (4.01pm)
Bubby Upton (GBR) and Its Cooley Time: 5.15pm (4.15pm)
Tim Price (NZL) and Jarillo: 5.22pm (4.22pm)

Three riders are piloting three horses, namely Jonelle (Grappa Nero, Senor Crocodillo, Hiarado), Tim (Global Quest, Happy Boy and Jarillo) and Bubby (Its Cooley Time, Cola and Cannavaro), with their rides spaced out in sessions one, three and six.

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Two horses held in delayed first trot-up at Pau five-star in tail end of Storm Benjamin

Martha Terry — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:43:48 +0000

Two horses were sent to the holding box at the Etoiles de Pau Horse Trials first trot-up this afternoon (23 October), but both were accepted on their second presentation.

The trot-up had been delayed from its original morning slot after Storm Benjamin caused its postponement, along with the first dressage day, which has now been amalgamated into Friday’s schedule.

The 13-year-old grey mare Hagonda, ridden by Brit Stephen Heal and owned by himself and Heather Chapman, looked chiefly like she didn’t enjoy the squally conditions and was quickly accepted second time. This is the mare’s five-star debut.

Another 13-year-old mare, one of New Zealander Jonelle Price’s three rides, Hiarado, was also sent to the holding box. She was much more lively on reinspection and was passed to go forward to the dressage phase. This Diarado mare, owned by David and Karie Thomson, has finished seventh at Pau previously and was Jonelle’s Paris Olympics ride.

Fifty-three horses were presented to the ground jury – Sweden’s Christina Klingspor (president), Britain’s Angela Tucker and France’s Eric Lieby. All except Hagonda and Hiarado passed on first inspection.

Most of the horses were calm on today’s runway, possibly due to the inclement weather and also because they have had plenty of opportunity to experience the main arena thanks to the delayed start. Only David Doel’s ride Galileo Nieuwmoed – owned by David, Mary Fox and Gillian Jonas – was notably exuberant, putting in a neat little rear as he made the turn and flashing back past the judges.

Pau Horse Trials first trot-up: the fashion

The winds of Storm Benjamin may have abated, but the Pau Horse Trials first trot-up played out amid bursts of heavy rain, meaning that many riders kept their coats covering up their trot-up outfits.

One brave rider, Grace Cooper – riding her own Cedarmount Cavalier – looked dressed for yesterdays’s 24ºC in a sleeveless, striped sundress with ankle boots. The pair made their five-star debut at Luhmühlen this year but withdrew after dressage.

Dressed for southern sunshine: Grace Cooper and Cedarmount Cavalier. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Meanwhile there were several very elegant outfits on show despite the downpours. Sarah Bullimore looked the epitome of style in a three-quarter length double-breasted black coat with brass buttons, and burgundy boots. She rides her home-bred nine-year-old Coromiro on his five-star debut after finishing third at Blenheim’s young horse four-star.

Sarah Bullimore and five-star debutant Corimiro. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Cosby Green and Emily King both looked immaculate splashing through the sand in cream ensembles. Meanwhile Bubby Upton was also stylish in a navy velvet trouser suit with white Peter Pan collar and impressively high heeled boots to trot up her three horses, Its Cooley Time, Cola and Cannavaro.

Bubby Upton and one of her three rides at Pau, Cannavaro. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

A long day of dressage lies ahead on Friday, 24 October with all combinations competing. It is due to start at 9.30am local time (8.30am British time). Jonelle Price is first between the white boards, on her former winner Grappa Nera.

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An ‘oops’ drop and a lot of water: 9 cross-country questions to challenge the world’s top horses and riders at Pau five-star

Martha Terry — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 09:17:37 +0000

The Etoiles de Pau Horse Trials five-star cross-country course for 2025 is designed, as usual, by Pierre Michelet, 76, who comes down to the south of France fresh from Le Lion D’Angers the previous weekend.

The competitors are expecting to face 30 numbered fences, with a maximum of 48 jumping efforts over a distance of 6,320m. The course has an optimum time of 11min 6sec, a touch shorter than last year’s 6,500m (11min 25sec) track – though that ended up being significantly reduced due to downpours affecting the going.

The course is set around a racecourse and is largely flat, but Pierre has made the most of the manmade mounds that add terrain, and there are four water combinations which will also slow horses down.

Key fences on Pau Horse Trials cross-country

Fence 4ab – The “Kiosques”

The first combination, featuring a small log with a decent drop, running downhill to a choice of angled brushes featuring the Pau town shields. Most riders will take the quicker right-hand route, while the drop is a harbinger of a later fence. It shouldn’t cause problems, but will just ensure horses are listening and straight.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The chunky log on the top of the drop will ensure horses jump off and out rather than slither down, gathering momentum down the hill to the brush (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fence 8ab – Log and corner

Pierre has been fairly lenient with this first water combination. Horses have the chance to get their feet wet, cantering into and for a few strides through the water, before jumping the log to the narrow brush corner in this lake. Although you need to hug the right-hand bank on entry, there is a clear, almost straight, line from one fence to the next and this should build confidence before the harder watery tests to come.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

A loop on dry land follows, where competitors jump a straightforward roll-top style fence through a Flex-On style ring, before heading back to the same water for a beefier challenge.

Fence 10abc – second water combination

Horses approach the water again over a wide box fence with brush, which will require plenty of oomph while the horses might be backing off knowing there is water lurking at some point below. In fact, they have a few strides on dry land, curving left-handed over the carved swan hedge in the water which is set on an angle to a step up only a stride away.

Those without sufficient control for the required accuracy and neatness can take the middle hedge a little straighter, canter a few strides and angle round to another swan hedge.

Strategically placed bushes and flowerpots mean neither route is straightforward.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fence 16ab – “Coffin”

The fence name “coffin” is confusing to British spectators as it doesn’t resemble the rail, ditch, rail style combination we might expect to see. Instead, echoes of Blenheim’s “rollercoaster” fences, with two mounds topped with narrow logpiles, requiring excellent balance and control to pop the first element without landing far below, negotiating down and uphill smoothly and staying straight and with enough energy for the second. The hills are a lot steeper than they look here!

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fence 20 – Open ditch and brush

This brush looks innocuous on the approach – featuring on the racecourse section and blending in well with the many steeplechase fences scattered around. However, this is Pau’s version of Burghley’s Cottesmore Leap, with a gaping ditch toward. The kind brush ground line and inviting profile should give riders a great feel – and a super photo – as they fly over.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This standalone fence marks the start of an intense patch, with three demanding combinations in a row.

Fence 21abcd – Triple brushes and corners

There are two routes through this third water complex. The most direct way is over 21ab, a triple brush directly into water, curving left-handed to a corner (c), and then left-handed again to a triple brush (d). They are all slightly offset, so accuracy at these narrow fences will be paramount.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The longer route avoids jumping in the water itself, tackling a triple brush (a), splashing through and a long way round to a corner (bc), and another long loop to a triple brush (d).

Fence 22ab – “Oops”

The aptly named “Oops” is reminiscent of Burghley’s leaf pit, with a huge drop on falling ground, targeting a brush skinny to the left. For those who can’t gather up their knitting, they can turn right for an easier triple brush set on rising ground, but it’s against the direction of travel and will be costly on time.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The b element skinny requires great control after the drop. The alternative triple brush is out of shot to the right (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fence 23abc and 24 – fourth water complex

Pierre has set a teaser at this final water combination, as it is numbered so that riders cannot switch to a different route halfway through. The shorter route is over a log drop (a) into the water, keep the horse’s eyes off the house directly in front and instead bend sharp left to a step up (bc) and straight over the upright angled brush at fence 24. Or you jump a narrow house fence (ab) and canter into the water, over another house (c), and then have to thread your way back to the brush, which is separately numbered.

The direct log in at 23a, but rather than jumping the inviting c element ahead, horses have to turn sharp left to go up the step (bc), shown below (Image credit: creditUnknown)

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The longer route involves jumping two houses, but makes it time-consuming to get to fence 24 – which is directly after the step up (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fence 27abcd – Houses

Four from home, and the finishing line is so nearly in sight, but there’s still one combination which might invite a fly-by.

Pierre has again used the mounds tactically, as horses won’t know until they have taken off at the first house (a) how steeply the ground falls away on landing. They then need to turn right as they go down the hill to an angled house (bc), and stay firmly on their line to another angled house (d).

There are smaller, straightforward, time-consuming alternatives here to help horses complete.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Thanks to Storm Benjamin, the trot-up has been pushed back to 5pm (4pm British time) on Thursday with all the dressage taking place on Friday, starting at 9am (8am British time).

The Pau Horse Trials cross-country phase takes place on Saturday, 25 October, scheduled to start at 11.30am (10.30am British time).

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Storm Benjamin causes Pau five-star horse trials to be postponed

Martha Terry — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 08:12:55 +0000

The start of the Etoiles de Pau five-star horse trials has been postponed because of high winds. Storm Benjamin hit the south-west of France overnight on Thursday, 23 October, causing winds of up to 119km/h in some parts of the country, as well as significant rainfall.

The first horse inspection, which was due to take place on Thursday morning at 10am, will now move to 5pm (4pm British time).

All of the dressage competition will take place on Friday, starting at 9am (8am British time). As well as safety considerations, this is to ensure a level playing field of conditions for all competitors.

There are 54 competitors due to face the judges in the dressage phase, which will mean a fully packed day running with almost no breaks. There are three riders with three horses entered, Jonelle Price (Grappa Nero, Senor Crocodillo, Hiarado), Tim Price (Global Quest, Happy Boy and Jarillo) and Bubby Upton (Its Cooley Time, Cola and Cannavaro), who will have a particular logistical challenge.

The Pau Horse Trials organising team said in a statement: “Due to the weather forecast for 23 October 2025 and in accordance with recommendations from the local authorities, the event organiser and producer, Centaure Production, has taken several preventive measures to ensure the safety of participants, horses, and members of the public.

“The following adjustments should be noted: the site, which was closed this morning as a safety measure, will reopen to the public at 2pm this afternoon (free admission), subject to weather conditions. Specific instructions will be provided on site.

“The horse inspection will now take place today, Thursday, 23 October 2025, at 5 pm.

“The dressage competition has been postponed and will now take place in its entirety on Friday, 24 October from 9 am, to ensure identical competition conditions for all competitors.”

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

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Watch Pau Horse Trials 2025 live from wherever you are

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:28:14 +0000

Watch Pau Horse Trials on TV and catch the top-level eventing from the last five-star event of the season.

It’s the only French five-star, and Pau Horse Trials always boasts a class field of horses and riders who gather to vie for top honours.

At a glance

Pau Horse Trials 2025 dates: 23–26 October 2025
Pau Horse Trials live stream: Pau web TV
Watch Pau from anywhere: Get NordVPN’s Black Friday deal

How to watch Pau Horse Trials on TV

The event will once again be streamed on Pau’s own platform, with commentary in English or French, at a cost of €19.90 (approximately £17.27). Visit tv.event-pau.fr to find out more and sign up.

During the cross-country, you will be able to choose which rider you want to watch over every fence, or watch the curated general view that cuts between them.

Pau Horse Trials streaming schedule

Time is provided in local time, with British time in brackets. These times have been updated to reflect the postponement caused by Storm Benjamin.

Thursday 23 October

5pm (4pm) | First horse inspection

Friday 24 October

9am (8am) | Dressage

Saturday 25 October

11.30am (10.30am) | Cross-country

Sunday 26 October

11.45am (10.45am ) | Second horse inspection

3pm (2pm) | Showjumping

How to watch Pau Horse Trials live from anywhere

A VPN is your ultimate companion to watching equestrian events safely online, wherever you are in the world.

A Virtual Private Network will unblock the geo-restrictions you find on most streaming platforms, so you can get your usual coverage even while abroad. And while Pau web TV’s live stream is not geo-restricted, a VPN will still keep you secure while online, using encrypted connections to ensure your data remains private.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service, such as NordVPN, which our colleagues at TechRadar rate as the best VPN service in the business. You can try 100% risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee, 24/7 support and, right now, a big discount.

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How to follow with Horse & Hound

H&H’s Martha Terry will be on the ground at Pau to provide full coverage from the event.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news from Pau right here on the Horse & Hound website and by following Horse & Hound on our social media channels.

Our website coverage will include:

Cross-country course preview on Wednesday 22 October
Breaking news and numerous reports on all the action
Interviews with first-timers, British riders and more

You can also read a special report in our 30 October issue of Horse & Hound magazine, which will contain the best photos, analysis and insight from riders (including a guest column from Kylie Roddy) and our expert team.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Pau, London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Who will land the final five-star of 2025? Horse & Hound’s eventing expert predicts the Pau winner…

Pippa Roome — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 15:04:52 +0000

The five-star eventing circus moves to Pau Horse Trials this week, as riders and horses gather for the final top-level event of 2025.

It’s a good field, with 59 pairs set to go to post, and plenty of quality. So who are my favourites for the title? Read on…

Former five-star winners

The line-up boasts two former five-star winners.

The first is the 18-year-old all-time great Ballaghmor Class, ridden by Oliver Townend – a four-time winner at the level at three different venues, holder of six other top-five finishes at five-star and an Olympic team gold medallist.

Bar being withdrawn at the final horse inspection at Badminton Horse Trials this year, he has a 100% top-five record at five-star and is the most experienced horse currently competing at this level in the world, by a distance. He recently proved his fitness with third on his prep run at Little Downham CCI4*-S and it’s hard to look past him. Perhaps the only thing counting against “Thomas” on paper is the fact he has no Pau form, but Oliver has plenty, including a second place in 2023 with Tregilder.

The other five-star winner is a contrast – she has won here but never really shown the same form anywhere else. It is of course Jonelle Price’s ride Grappa Nera, one of four horses she will pilot this week. The mare took top spot here in 2022 and was sixth at Badminton in 2024, but would need to upgrade her recent performances to have a chance of a second title.

Pau Horse Trials riders: the data favourite

Perhaps the most likely challenger to Oliver is his Tokyo Olympic team-mate, Tom McEwen, with Brookfield Quality. This pair were third here last year, fifth at Kentucky Three-Day Event in April and second at Aachen in July.

Nervous Norris, as the horse is known at home, is a character and moving him back down to lower-level events is part of keeping him confident between the big ones. He recently won the CCI3*-S at Cornbury – the same warm-up he had for Pau last year, which could bode well.

Data analytics company EquiRatings reckon they are the favourite, with a 19% win chance to Ballaghmor Class’s 12%.

Three seeking a first title

Emily King and Valmy Biats sit between Ballaghmor Class and Brookfield Quality according to EquiRatings, with a 15% win chance.

For me, they are part of a trio of long-standing five-star campaigners, who have quite different profiles but could all still lay claim to a title at this level – or retire over the next few years without one.

Emily and Valmy, with their outstanding dressage, are always at the forefront after the first phase when they turn up at a five-star, but they don’t have a great conversion rate for turning that into a top placing. In 10 starts at the level, they’ve managed three top-10 finishes, two of them at Badminton and one at Pau (eighth in 2022).

David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed ticked the consistency box until falling at both Badminton and Burghley this year – before that, they had seven top-15 finishes from nine starts at the level, including a second and a third.

That recent form will have damaged their statistical chance – EquiRatings give them a less than 1% win chance – but they won their CCI4*-S prep run at Little Downham and, I believe, have a bigger opportunity than that 1%. They have gone well at Pau in the past – fourth in 2022 when they were denied the title by a fence down, as well as 15th back in 2021.

Bubby Upton and Cola perhaps have the best chance of the three. They have six top-12 finishes from seven starts at five-star and course form in the shape of 12th here in 2021.

EquiRatings put them at 12% win chance, with Bubby also having a 9% chance on her Blenheim Europeans horse Its Cooley Time, who makes his five-star debut here after parting ways with his rider at the Europeans, and 3% on Cannavaro, who was sixth here in 2022 but has had some time out injured since.

Youth and experience

Two other pairs have a live win chance according to EquiRatings. They are Sarah Bullimore with the home-bred five-star debutant Corimiro and Yasmin Ingham, seeking to make amends for a fall at the Europeans with the experienced Rehy DJ.

At nine, Corimiro is probably too inexperienced to win this time, but he will hopefully build useful experience for the future this week.

Rehy DJ was 10th here last year as well as having twice finished third at Luhmühlen Horse Trials. My gut says he doesn’t quite have the star quality to take top spot here, but no one would begrudge the loveable “Piglet” another good finish after his sad elimination at Blenheim.

Predictions

A tough call, but if I have to commit to a podium from the Pau Horse Trials riders, it would be:

1st – Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class2nd – Bubby Upton and Cola3rd – Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality

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

Fancy a trip to Pau five-star? Grab your tickets and plan your visit

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:44:31 +0000

Pau Horse Trials tickets are available to buy for this five-star event, which takes place in the south-west of France on 23–26 October 2025. The cheapest way to buy all types of tickets is in advance online, but remaining tickets will also be available on the gate.

Pau Horse Trials, which is also known as Les Étoiles de Pau, is France’s only five-star eventing competition. Last year’s event was won by Britain’s Caroline Harris, who was riding 10-year-old D.Day in their first season at the level. This year, there are a 69 combinations on the 2025 Pau entries list, of which there are 34 British contenders. The British contingent includes European Champion Laura Collett, Zara Tindall and Tom McEwen among many other top names.

Pau tickets: General admission

Single day general admission tickets are available for each day of competition and can be purchased in advance (with a 10% discount) or on the gate during the event. General admission tickets include the following for the given day(s) of purchase:

Admittance into the event venue
Car parking
Access to trade stands and food stalls

Pricing below show the reduced advance price.

Thursday 27 October

Free for all

Friday 28 October (Dressage)

Adults: €16.20
Children (aged five-12): €2.70
Children under five: free

Saturday 29 October (Cross-country)

Adults: €32.40
Children (aged five-12): €5.10
Children under five: free

Sunday 30 October (Showjumping)

Adults: €32.40
Children (aged five-12): €5.40
Children under five: free

Multi-day passes

Weekend pass (Sat/Sun): €51.30
Three-day pass (Fri–Sun): €62.10 (no seat), €70.20 (with uncovered seating)

Grandstand reserved seating tickets

Grandstand seating is available for the final day of competition, so that you can watch the five-star showjumping action from the comfort of a seat. These tickets also include admission and parking and access to food and trade stands.

More information about Pau Horse Trials tickets is available on the official website.

How to get to Pau

If you’re planning a visit to Pau in person, the nearest airport is Pau Pyrénées, which is just five minutes from the city, but there are no direct flights to this airport from the UK. Instead, you can get linking flights from Paris Orly, Paris CDG, Lyon, Marseille or Nantes. Other airports near to Pau include Lourdes/Tarbes (30 minutes from Pau), Biarritz (one hour from Pau) or Toulouse (two hours from Pau).

Pau is set along the Pyrenees mountains’ northern edge approximately 85km from the Spanish border, so spectacular views and walks are on offer in the immediate vicinity. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, there are a number of hotels near Pau.

Things to do in Pau

The city of Pau is just a 10-15 minute drive from the five-star event, which means there is plenty to see and do outside of the competition. There are a number of lovely restaurants in Pau, and the city itself is steeped in history. Pau’s central Boulevard des Pyrénées leads up to the castle of Château de Pau, birthplace of King Henry IV of France and Navarre. It now displays tapestries, period furnishings and artworks. This is just one of many local attractions that are waiting for you, should you decide to visit.