Not to be outdone by their victorious senior counterparts in the Hickstead Nations Cup on Friday (24 July), Great Britain’s children’s squad celebrated a glorious team gold in an unforgettable week at the 2026 FEI European Championships for young riders, juniors and children in Hagen, Germany (19-26 July).

Under the new format with a table C speed leg to start – mirroring that of senior championships – the heroic British quartet of Charlie Barker (Special Summer), Alexander Leggott (Blossom's Billy Heinz), Mia Breen (Crack 41) and Tabby Morgan-Evans (Catoki) kept cool under relentless pressure to seal gold with a full-house of clears in the third and final round.

The team finished on a score of 5.61 penalties, ahead of the Netherlands and Germany in silver and bronze respectively.

“It’s been an amazing 10 days all round,” said chef d’equipe Clare Whitaker, who was able to watch son Robert during the first round of the King George V Gold Cup via the livestream, but missed his historic winning jump-off, just days after her husband John won the Cock O’ The North title for a record seventh time.

“We weren’t sure how the new format would work out for these championships, but it was fine and the children all rode fantastically. The courses were built extremely well but they couldn’t afford to have any fences down, so they were thrilled to win gold – they all stuck together and were a really good team.

“They were given bottles of non-alcoholic prosecco to spray on the podium, so of course they went wild with that!”

Tabby then rocketed up the leaderboard with another double clear in Saturday’s individual final with Unex Competition Yard’s 14-year-old Catoki to claim silver behind the Netherlands’ Pedro Mansur riding Hotmail Des Forets.

“This was Tabby’s third and final year in childrens and she’s an amazing little jockey and such a lovely person,” assessed Clare.

Individual crown for Ireland at European Championships for young riders, juniors and children

Ireland’s Jack Kent was crowned junior European champion riding the 12-year-old Ollie Van De Klotputten, climbing from 14th place after his opening clear to top the podium in Sunday’s final with a succession of faultless performances.

“From start to finish it’s been kind of unbelievable really,” said Jack. “The teams didn’t end the way we wanted [finishing eighth], but I kept going on the individual score and I’m lucky that the horse jumped brilliantly all week and kept getting better and better – I’m absolutely over the moon!”

Junior team honours went to Germany, with Great Britain surging up the leaderboard from ninth to claim silver courtesy of Hollie Gerken with Joplin, Nellie Lock riding Diamantine Z, Cate Kerr with Petitfour VD Wareslage and Emily Gulliver riding Glamor De Vie, led by chef d’equipe Tracey Newman.

“After the first day, we said you just have to keep jumping clear rounds because anything can happen, and they did,” said Clare. “They’re such a young team as well.”

“Great team spirit"

Further fierce battles ensued for the young rider medals where Greta Leprattie became the first Italian to win the individual title, riding Mercy Van 't Ruytershof. Ireland’s Tom Wachman riding his London International grand prix winner Do It Easy and Great Britain’s Noora von Bülow – the youngest rider in the competition at just 17 – with the super Primavera joined Greta on the podium, claiming silver and bronze respectively.

This was Tom’s second podium finish of the week as he’d also helped Ireland secure team silver behind the Netherlands alongside team-mates Tabitha Kyle (Desterly), Ben Walsh on Zenith vd Donkhoeve Z and Coen Williams riding Dominante Z, led by chef d’equipe Denis Flannelly. Great Britain finished just off the podium in fourth.

“There’s been great team spirit all week, I’m so proud of them all,” said Clare Whitaker.

To stay up to date with the news from the showjumping world, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

The Brits have secured team gold and individual silver in the inaugural eventing under-25 World Championships results, held at Millstreet, Ireland, last week (22-26 July).

Cerys Macaulay and Kananaskis led the British effort, moving up from 12th after dressage to finish second.

“It was my first team selection so there was quite a bit of pressure – I didn’t want to let down my team-mates,” said Cerys.

“I thought we would be a counting score for the team, because I know my horse is quite reliable, but I never expected an individual medal.

“To stand on the podium was surreal. I’m from an unhorsey family. I started out in a riding school and was gifted my first pony when the riding school shut down. My Mum and grandparents have been so supportive, but we hadn’t got a clue what we were doing.

“This isn’t something you expect to happen to someone from the suburbs of Manchester – I wasn’t supposed to have horses, but it happened that way.”

Cerys’ ride, the 15.1hh Kananaskis, belongs to her partner Richard Coney and his mother Wendy – Richard won junior and young rider medals on him and competed him at five-star. Cerys originally took him on to rehab him after some injuries.

Cerys was backed up in the British team by Jasmine Underwood and her own Indian Girl G (fourth) and Tom Bird with Lenny, owned by her rider, his mother Frances and aunt Helen Kerry (11th).

Fourth team member Alice Casburn started as the favourite on her under-25 national champion Topspin, owned and bred by her mother Caroline, and led after cross-country with a superb round. But she felt her long-term partner was not quite 100% on Sunday so elected to withdraw before the final trot-up.

“Topspin gave me everything he had this week and produced one of his best performances to date on Saturday,” said Alice.

“He came out of cross-country really well and was still his usual happy, cheeky self. When it came to making the final decision for showjumping, I knew he wasn't quite 100%. He still wanted to go and was far from impressed about not getting to showjump, but his welfare has always come first and always will.

“It’s not a decision I took lightly. Knowing we were in individual gold and that the team were also sitting in gold made it incredibly difficult. When your teammates have given everything all week and are relying on you, it's not an easy decision to make. After 18 years together though, Topspin owes me nothing. I owe him everything.

“The atmosphere within this team has been something really special. We’ve supported each other every step of the way, shared plenty of laughs, and made memories and friendships that I know will stay with us long after this championship. Every single member of this team deserved that gold medal, and I’m so proud to have been part of it.”

Eventing under-25 World Championships results: how the week panned out

The home side led the team standings after dressage, their effort spearheaded by Jennifer Kuehnle and the experienced Sammy Davis Junior in second.

Eventing under-25 world number one Calvin Böckmann held top spot individually with his partner of 10 years, Altair De La Cense, on a score of 27.6. They also helped the Germans to second at this stage.

“I am more relieved than anything,” he said. “I now only warm her up for 10 minutes and I am taking it very chilled with her. I am blessed that she is so cool, with her ears always pricked all the time.”

Britain sat third behind Germany, led by Jasmine in individual bronze on 29.3, with Cerys 12th on 32.5.

“I was a little bit disappointed with my test. I had hoped to be more about 30 or squeak under 30. We had an unplanned change in the extended canter and he anticipated one of the changes, which are usually a highlight,” said Cerys.

Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross-country course proved a tough test and no one made the 6min 30sec optimum time. There were 21 jumping clears from 39 starters.

Alice Casburn and Topspin, who have been in the top 10 at Defender Burghley Horse Trials together four times, showed all their experience to come home with the quickest round for just 2.8 time-faults.

“I am beyond delighted,” said Alice. “Topspin is such a professional. He really shines on the cross-country. I did really feel the heat – if it goes wrong, it's on my shoulders. I wasn't given team instructions – I was told to do my thing, and he is a horse that loves getting down to the nitty-gritty.”

The pair moved up from 16th after dressage to take the lead, with Calvin slipping to third after 12.4 time-penalties. Ireland’s Tom Nestor moved up from 13th into second individually with Cooley Diamond Dancer.

Britain moved into the gold position as a team, with Ireland slipping one rank to second and Germany similarly dropping to third.

Jasmine slid one spot to fourth with 11.2 time-faults, while Cerys’ 12 time-penalties allowed her to rise from 12th to seventh.

“‘Ru’ is only about 15.1hh so when I saw the time was tight I knew I had to put my foot down and try to take economical lines to be competitive, while still being sensible enough to make sure I got a clear for the team,” said Cerys.

“There was quite a lot of chat about the corner coming out of the last water and the British team had discussed whether to go long there, but we were trusted to make the decision and I think all four team members went direct.

“I know as long as I can get him vaguely near the fence he’s going to jump it because he’s so honest. I could feel him trying to wiggle between the flags to help me out in places. He was just mega.

“Tina Cook, the team coach, said if you feel like you’re used up nine lives, make sure you’re sensible and don’t use up the 10th but you’re here, you’ve been selected and you can do this. That was a nice confidence boost, to be told you are here because you can do it, so get on and get it done.”

The withdrawal of Topspin did not affect Britain’s team position heading into the showjumping, with Tom Bird’s score coming into play. But Germany moved into silver ahead of Ireland when Ireland’s Jennifer Kuehnle had to withdraw Sammy Davis Junior, who she had felt was uncomfortable on completion of his cross-country round.

Cerys’s ride Kananaskis was held at the final horse inspection, but passed on re-presentation.

“He’s an older horse, so perhaps wasn’t moving as extravagantly as some of the younger ones, but the holding box vet was happy with him and advised us to re-present,” said Cerys, adding there were pictures of the 18-year-old jumping above the wings in the final phase so he obviously felt well.

Tom Nestor held pole position for Ireland after Alice’s withdrawal, but four fences down cost him the title as he dropped to eighth, while Calvin Böckmann’s clear meant he moved up from second to win the individual gold.

“I don’t normally get nervous but I did feel the pressure. The cross-country was tough and quite different to anything we have seen in central Europe, but it will prepare us well for the future. My horse showed that she fights and wants to do her best; she grows 10cm. For her to have this result means the world to me,” said Calvin.

Tom Bird’s single fence down and 1.2 time-faults left him 11th individually and gave Britain some margin, as the first German and Irish riders had more expensive rounds.

Cerys was initially “a bit miffed” to finish two seconds over the time, but was pleased she had taken the pressure off Jasmine for the team gold.

Two down for Jasmine and Indian Girl G – her partner in junior, young rider and now under-25 medals – meant she dropped off the individual podium to finish fourth. But Britain held onto the gold by a comfortable 18.9 penalties, with Germany taking silver, with Ireland 11.4 penalties in arrears for bronze.

Cerys said she was shocked when she looked at the leaderboard after Jasmine had jumped and saw she was in individual medal position.

“The aim was to do as well as I could, but there were never any individual expectations, so it was the icing on the cake,” she said of her silver medal.

The USA’s Olivia Dutton, daughter of senior team stalwart Phillip, rose through the ranks from 26th after dressage to take individual bronze on Jewelent, a full-brother to Oliver Townend’s ride Cooley Rosalent. Jewelent went to the 2021 European Championships with Ireland‘s Clare Abbott before he was sold to the USA.

The USA finished fifth as a team, behind France in fourth. Individual US riders Molly Duda (Disco Traveller) and Jack Curtis (Luska Candy Clover) were fifth and sixth – had they been on the team, the US would have taken gold.

• To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Helen Baker and Boston Black Tie (DJ) claimed the Barberstown Castle supreme ridden horse championship at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), producing a breathtaking individual show to top one of the most prestigious championships in the showing calendar.

The pair qualified for the supreme after completing a hat-trick of victories in the Ellena Thomas BSHA supreme hack championship, before returning to the International Arena to face the champion hunter, Arabian, riding horse, working hunter and cob in the battle for the overall title.

Owned by Nicola Faulconbridge, the nine-year-old black gelding, by Kilvington Scoundrel out of Boston Boudicca, once again captivated both judges and spectators with his elegant movement and commanding presence.

“I wasn’t expecting that to happen,” admitted Helen. “You’re always hopeful, but when he went bouncing into the ring I wasn’t so sure.”

The pair produced a flawless individual show, earning a total of 28, including a perfect 10 from one of the judges.

“I just remember hearing after my show that I’d got a 10,” she said. “That was an incredible feeling.”

Helen revealed she made only one small change to the routine that has become synonymous with DJ.

“I basically copied my show from last year, but instead of doing two gallops I changed legs and did a lovely flying change. Now that the Irish Bank has gone there’s so much more room in the arena. His one-handed trot extension is his party piece.”

Although the combination have previously featured in the Royal International supreme line-up, this was their first overall victory.

“I think it will really sink in when I’m driving home,” said Helen. “I'm not sure we can top that.”

• To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news throughout the Agria Royal International Horse Show, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Fourteen-year-old Scottish rider Isla Smith claimed the ridden pony supreme champion crown at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), producing a polished individual show aboard Sutton Grange Fancy That (FT), owned by mum Laura, to secure one of the most coveted titles in the showing calendar.

Having qualified by winning the New Horizon Plastics Ltd supreme show hunter pony championship, the pair were the final combination to enter the International Arena, where three judges each awarded the partnership a score of nine, giving them a winning total of 27.

“To ride in that ring is just beyond words,” said Isla. “Watching all the other shows before you go in is nerve-racking because the show hunter pony is always last to perform.

“FT is so special and we love to gallop. I actually hadn’t planned to gallop twice, but I wanted a big finish and he just excelled. I don't have the words to describe it.”

The victory added another prestigious title to the partnership’s growing list of achievements. After being crowned supreme at the BSPS Summer Championships last year, Isla admitted she never imagined another success could top that.

“I didn’t think anything would ever beat that, but this is beyond words.”

Producer Craig Eleanor, who prepares FT alongside Sarah Parrott, praised the 15-year-old pony’s attitude both at home and in the ring.

“He’s a delight to have on the yard,” he said. “Everyone loves riding him and, when he gets to a show, he always rises to the occasion. He had a successful show career, including a win at HOYS, then seven years off before he came to us to be produced so to come back as strong as ever is just wonderful”.

The partnership won the 143cm show hunter pony final at Hickstead last year before finishing reserve champion hunter pony. Returning in 2026, they went one better by claiming the supreme hunter pony title before completing a dream day by being crowned overall pony supreme.

Reserve supreme went to Connie Hutton aboard Noble Peppermint, winners of the LG Show Team O'Donnell Family BSPS supreme working hunter pony championship.

“I just can’t believe I got to watch my daughter ride in that main arena,” said mum and owner Sarah Hutton. “She absolutely loves galloping and I’m just so proud.”

• To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news throughout the Agria Royal International Horse Show, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Robert Whitaker and Equine America Vermento have made history at Hickstead as the first combination to win the Al Shira’aa King George V Gold Cup three times for over half a century.

Not since the mighty Harry Llewellyn and Foxhunter lifted the trophy in 1948, 1950 and 1953 had the same horse and rider won this five-star grand prix three times, but the 2023 and 2025 champions were victorious again this year.

Robert and Stephen and Caroline Blatchford’s 13-year-old Argento stallion jumped the faster of only two double clears to finish ahead of Brazil’s Stephanie Maciera and Novak De Kalvarie, and Canadian Nicole Walker and Panter JVH third.

“I got a bit emotional,” Robert said. “To win this with him three times – he’s amazing. Amazing.”

Only five combinations of 49 starters had conquered Kelvin Bywater’s first-round track, of whom Robert and Vermento were the first. They gave what could have been an exhibition round in this arena they know so well, and although Robert said he thought there would be more clears, rider after rider was caught out. Faults came all over the course, although the double of ditches and the white gates caught plenty out, and seven riders retired.

Robert and Vermento were first to go in the jump-off and again showed just why they have been such a success in this class, from their big open shot to the first oxer to a cracking turn to the two remaining elements of the combination to a perfect angled gallop round the open water to the last.

Next in was Nicole and her own 11-year-old stallion. They were fast and forward from before the start line, each turn a shade tighter, and they were up on the clock until that turn by the water. The slightest of slips behind – and heartbreakingly, the last rail landed on the turf.

Stephanie and Bonne Chance Farm’s 13-year-old jumped a beautiful polished clear a shade slower than Robert, then Jack Whitaker and Candice Reilly’s brilliant Jack JL had two down. Last to go, Jessica Mendoza and Summerhouse were looking on super form but the third fence fell late, and they went on to have three more fences down.

“To win it three times is incredible,” Robert said. “He jumped so good in the first round, and in the jump-off I was obviously first to go. I know this ring is very big and open, and it’s easy to knock one down, so I just wanted to do a good, safe round, and it paid off.

“He’s jumped here since he was a young horse and knows this ring inside out, and I think that really helps. There are so many elements on this course; the double of ditches, the water, the double of gates causes problems, and when you can jump those comfortably, it makes the rest of the course easy. I can ride to those fences knowing he can do it, and that makes a huge difference.”

Robert said his jump-off round was not as fast as he might have hoped.

“But it’s a big ring and easy to have one down, and that saved us in the end,” he said. “He’s unbelievable. He’s made history.”

Stephanie was very pleased with her first trip to the All England Jumping Course; she and Novak De Kalvarie had also jumped two four-fault rounds to help Brazil to finish just off the podium in the Nations Cup, and this was their best CSI5* grand prix result to date.

“It was my first time here, and we did a great Nations Cup,” she said. “Me and this horse are stepping up to this level; we started doing five-stars this year, and he’s getting better and better.

“I’m very pleased with him, very happy, and I really like the show and the atmosphere, and so different. I’m very happy with second place.”

Nicole and Panter are also relatively new to this level and this was again their best grand prix result, as well as their first European five-star grand prix.

“It’s incredible to be part of the Whitaker history,” said Nicole, as thanks to Donald’s 2024 win with Millfield Collette, the King George V Gold Cup has not been out of Whitaker hands since 2022. “To be third to them is amazing, I’ll take that!”

Nicole said the slight slip was unlucky, adding: “Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you have slips but the footing here is great. My horse made an amazing effort and I’m so proud of him. I ended up doing one more stride [to the last] but I’m so happy with him and our third place. I’ve had him four years and we’ve grown together, which is really nice.”

An amazing week

Nicole paid tribute to the support she had from chef d’equipe “Captain Canada” Ian Millar, who was last at Hickstead as a rider 44 years ago, and her coach Gerry Mullins, who knows the ring inside out.

“It’s been an amazing week,” she said. “The team is so supportive of each other, it’s great to be back here after 44 years, and it’s such an iconic special venue. It really was an honour to be here, and so much fun and a great experience for all of us.”

Robert, who thanked his “fantastic” owners for all their support, joins his father John as a three-time winner of the King George V Gold Cup – but his uncle Michael is still ahead.

“Michael said he’s won it four times – so I’ll have to win it again, won’t I!” he said.

Hickstead director Edward Bunn joked that the man who engraves all the venue’s major trophies thinks it is only Whitakers who compete here.

“It was a fantastic sport,” he said. “Five clear rounds, 15 four-faulters. That’s also testament to the course-building team led by Kelvin and Ben [Townley] to produce world-class sport, and I don’t think you’ll see anything better. Thank you, and we’ll see you all again next year.”

To stay up to date with the latest news from the Royal International Horse Show subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Horses are highly social animals, often forming many strong bonds and friendships over the course of their lifetime. There are clear evolutionary reasons for this, as Dr Claire Ricci-Bonot, a postdoctoral researcher at INRAE (France's National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment), explains.

“It’s important to remember that horses are generally gregarious animals who live within complex social systems,” she says. “For them, the group means safety and survival, so their brains are adapted to seek out partners.”

Social interaction is so important for horses, it’s recognised within the five freedoms of equine welfare.

“We know that developing and maintaining social relationships and hierarchical positions are second only to getting food in what horses do all day, given the opportunity,” says equine behaviour consultant Dr Debbie Marsden.

“This is not surprising as for herd animals like horses, ‘fitting in’ and ‘getting along’ is vital for survival, and a network of established relationships is essential to minimise aggression and conserve energy.”

Given horses are hardwired to rely on social bonds for survival, it’s no wonder they’re picky about their friends.

“Horses living in a group tend to have one to three preferred partners; they often spend a lot of time together and synchronise their activities,” says Claire.

But, as anyone who’s ever tried to integrate a new horse into an existing group knows, predicting where horse friendships will blossom isn’t easy. It’s an area of equine behaviour in which Debbie would like to see more research.

“We don’t know which horses will get along or become friends until we put them together,” she says. “It would be really useful to be able to ‘profile’ or predict this.”

Becky Moody on matchmaking equine neighbours and forming horse friendships

For international dressage rider Becky Moody, giving the horses on her yard the opportunity to socialise is important but requires careful matchmaking.

“It can be difficult to manage on a yard like this, as you have a lot of strong characters in your competition horses!” she says. “So I 100% choose carefully. Some horses, when turned out, are relatively solitary, not bothered about the one that’s next to them, and then others spend the entire time playing with each other.”

When Becky put in round pens for winter turnout, socialising was an important factor in their design.

“The pens are in pairs and we have a low bit between them, so the horses can interact and they do spend a lot of time playing with each other. That was really important to me, that they had that opportunity.”

Lizzie Wray is the yard owner at Shadowmere Equine Retirement Livery, Lincs. Whenever a new horse arrives, she uses their 14-day biosecurity procedure to get to know the horse and their personality, before choosing which she thinks is the most suitable group for them to join.

“We then bring the group we think will be good to the next paddock, and let them get to know each other safely, over the fence,” she says. “Once we’re happy, we’ll introduce the newbie into the herd.”

Even then, she doesn’t take any chances.

“Say we’re introducing a fourth horse to an existing group of three, we always have four members of staff on hand in case it doesn’t work and we need to remove the newbie and rethink.

“We have come across ones that hate each other,” she continues. “We’ve got one mare who just doesn’t like this one gelding – she can’t even look at him, the poor boy is doing nothing to her!”

Lizzie says it can take two or three weeks for a group to settle, but if it’s not working, they’ll try something else.

“If they don’t get on, or it’s not meeting their needs, then we’ll try another group.”

Some horses seem to struggle more socially than others.

“It does seem to be a particular characteristic of the bullied animal, not the bullies, but we don’t know how to assess for it,” says Debbie.

“They may just not be giving out the ‘expected’ social signals, or giving out the wrong ones. And there may be as yet unknown pheromonal signs or some other communication we’re not aware of.”

It’s thought poor social skills stem from the horse’s upbringing and a lack of opportunity to interact at an early age, and Debbie says it’s unclear if this can be corrected in later life.

“We don’t know how to teach or improve these social skills, other than by offering varied social experiences in later years.”

A healthy, well-established equine bond is characterised as much by what we don’t see as what we do, which presents a challenge when trying to study it.

“Simple ‘acceptance’ and ‘tolerance’ is a huge part of equine social behaviour. It’s hard for scientists to measure or investigate ‘nothing happening’,” explains Debbie.

“There is probably a lot more communication and subtle social behaviour going on than we are aware of. One thing we do know is that, once established, these relationships last for a great many years.”

For Lizzie, running a retirement livery means facing the inevitable – having to manage a horse whose close companion has died.

“Horses absolutely grieve,” she confirms. “We had two geldings who were particularly drawn to each other and very happy, but the younger one was sadly riddled with arthritis and had to be put to sleep.

“For two weeks afterwards, the surviving gelding was completely off his food and lethargic. We thought he was going to die of a broken heart, but eventually he quietly slipped into the other herd and they seemed to support him.”

Lizzie is a big advocate of allowing horses to see what’s happening when a horse is euthanised, “So they can process it, and they don’t think, where’s he gone?”

Apart from the unavoidable end of life, Lizzie and her team try not to separate any of the horses on their yard.

“These horses are not out competing,” she points out. “They come in through the gates and don’t leave until it’s time for them to be put to sleep. We don’t turn out or bring in alone, and if a horse is on box rest for some reason, they always have a buddy.”

On a busy competition yard, where horses are constantly coming and going, managing attachments requires careful consideration, as five-star event rider Millie Dumas explains.

“You have to find the right groups of horses to take to a show, for example, and sometimes you have to separate horses so that an attachment doesn’t become a performance issue,” she says. “If you want to get the best out of them, they also have to be happy and content in their home environment. We don’t want stressed horses.”

Separation anxiety in horses – what we know

Separation anxiety is something many owners are aware of, but surprisingly little is actually known about it. In her previous role at the University of Lincoln, Claire undertook a study into owners’ experiences of separation anxiety. The results, based on 88 responses, were published earlier this year.

“More than 90% of the respondents believed they had a horse that had suffered with separation anxiety or knew someone owning a horse who they believed had suffered from separation anxiety,” she says. “However, in the scientific literature, little is known about separation anxiety despite it being commonly discussed in the popular press and by owners.

“Our research demonstrated that it’s more complicated than we might think.”

The research found that how separation anxiety manifests differs from horse to horse. It was observed in different contexts, as it depended on whether the horse was being left behind or was actively leaving, and occurred at different points during the process.

“This was separated into ‘during preparation’ for departure, when ‘actively leaving or being left’, when there is an ‘initial barrier to contact’ and finally when there is a ‘loss of contact’,” Claire explains.

“Moreover, we identified several signs potentially associated with separation anxiety, ranging from increased arousal – for example hypervigilance – to apathy.”

The research concluded that care needs to be taken not to overgeneralise.

Claire also points out that more research is needed on how to prevent separation anxiety occurring.

“There’s no scientific literature on the benefits of training horses through graduated periods of controlled isolation to cope with separation from a companion or group,” she says. “Until we get more data, our recommendations remain ‘best guess’.

“However, gradually training young horses to cope with separation as a preventative measure is advisable.”

For Millie, this training is an important part of a horse’s education. She’s seen first-hand the problems that can occur without it.

“We’ve had liveries in the past, often older horses that have perhaps lived their life with one other horse and gone everywhere together. Because they’ve never been taught to be independent, they’ve become insecure without their companion by their side,” she says.

“We’ve managed these types of horses by making sure that they have the right sort of company next door to them, ones who give off a calm demeanour.

“It’s important to teach horses from a young age gradually to be independent as well as have company, to be able to leave it and come back,” she explains.

“We have a lot of young horses and I think it’s really important they learn that, as well as having that downtime where they can socialise with other horses.”

Becky agrees, and adds that hacking can play a big part in this early training.

“We hack all our young ones a lot, they do always hack in pairs and getting each one to walk in front and be confident makes a big difference to how they are at a competition.”

• For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

The intuitive response, when your flying changes aren’t going well in your dressage tests, is often to ride more of them. The instinct makes sense – practise the thing that isn’t working – but it’s rarely where the fix actually lies.

“Very rarely is getting a flying change, or fixing a tricky change, about doing more changes,” says Becky Moody. “It is nearly always about improving the canter.”

This is the bit that catches most riders out. The change feels like the problem – it’s late behind, or your horse runs out the front door, or swaps and then immediately falls into trot – so the change is where they put the work. But the change is a symptom. The canter underneath it is the actual job.

“It’s the quality of canter, every time”

The canter you need for a change is not the same canter you might ride elsewhere. It has to be collected but full of energy, straight, balanced, and – most importantly – adjustable.

“It doesn’t necessarily mean the problem is with the rhythm of the canter,” Becky says. “It’s very often the straightness of the canter, the balance of the canter. And for me, the adjustability of the canter. I think you have to be able to have a horse that is collected, but stay full of energy.”

A useful image: watch a top showjumper coming into a big vertical. The horse collects, but the energy doesn’t disappear – it gathers. The hindquarters come under, the frame shortens, and the canter gets bouncier. That’s the feel you want before a flying change Becky says. Not slow. Not steady. Loaded.

The springboard step

Here is Becky’s most useful idea, and it isn’t in any textbook.

“I like to have a springboard step,” she says. “The horse doesn’t change on the first part of your change aid. You have a springboard step – it’s like a spring then change, not just a change.”

Translated: your aid has two parts. A preparation stride, where you ask the horse to gather and bounce, and then the change itself. The whole sequence has the rhythm of “Are you ready? Change.”

This is the difference between a change that arrives flat and late, and one that lifts cleanly through the body. Riders who get into trouble are usually applying the aid in a single motion – leg on, change, hope. The horse hasn’t had a chance to load the spring first.

It’s also where anticipation comes in. For Becky, a horse learning changes should be thinking about what’s coming next – not nervous, but expectant.

“You almost need to create a degree of anticipation,” she says. “The horse is a little bit like, ‘Oh, what’s coming? This is good fun.’ Instead of you cantering across the diagonal in a lovely, nice, balanced, steady canter and then putting a change aid on, and the horse is like, ‘What?’”

Don’t lose the counter-canter

A common trap, once a horse can do changes, is that they start offering them unprompted. The rider asks for counter-canter, and the horse, helpful and over-keen, swaps.

“I’m quite a big believer that when you start teaching the horse changes, you shouldn’t stop being able to ride counter-canter,” Becky says. “You should be able to be like, ‘Now we’re doing counter-canter. And now we’re going to do a change. And now we’re doing counter-canter again.’ They have to be listening to what you say.”

The discipline matters because, in a test, you’ll be asked for both – sometimes within strides of each other. A horse that assumes every straight line means a change is a horse that will throw one in at exactly the wrong moment.

Build the change before you ask for it

Long before the change itself, the foundations need to be there. Canter-to-walk and walk-to-canter transitions are the bedrock – clean, on the leg, with no drift through the shoulders. The horse should be able to come back to walk with the outside hind genuinely stepping under, and step up into canter on a specific lead from a specific aid, without hesitation.

A good marker: can you ride around the outside of the arena and pick up eight to 10 walk-to-canter transitions, on the correct lead each time, on a straight line and in balance? If not, that’s where the work is. The change will come from this groundwork, not from drilling changes.

The walk half-pirouette is also useful here, because it asks the outside hind to stretch and step under, and it sets the horse straight before coming back into canter – the same body shape, in effect, that you need before a change.

An exercise: the figure-of-eight at the short end

When the foundations are in place, Becky’s go-to exercise is a small figure-of-eight at the short end of the arena.

“Imagine there’s a row of poles across the 10m line at the short end,” she says. “Then you’re doing your little figure-of-eight within that 20x10m box.”

You come out of the corner as if to ride a 10m circle at M, then take a small diagonal line across the centre line back towards the short side, change rein, and pick up the new circle on the other side.

The point of working in a small box is that it stops everything getting away from you.

“One of the most common things when both horse and rider are learning about changes is that everything gets a bit too forward and away,” Becky says.

“Doing it within a smaller area helps keep everything organised in a positive way without the rider having to do so much with their hand.”

The hand is the giveaway. A rider whose changes have unravelled is usually a rider whose changes finished with both reins pulling. Working in a smaller space buys you the discipline of riding the change with the leg and the seat, because there isn’t room to ride it with the hand.

A note on poles

Poles get used a lot for teaching flying changes in dressage, and they are a lot of productive exercises – but Becky uses them sparingly.

“I’m not a fan of the pole,” she says. She’s used one once, with a client’s horse that genuinely couldn’t grasp what was being asked. “We did what we could to help make it easier for them. It definitely got them more understanding of what we were trying to do.

“Then the changes were late behind, but at least it was doing changes, and we were then able to work on it. It then came back to the quality of the canter.”

Which is, of course, where everything in this piece comes back to. Poles or exercises won’t fix a change if the canter underneath isn’t right.

Build the canter. Then the change will be there.

Enjoyed reading this? For more expert training advice from top riders and coaches, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026 Agria Nations Cup: Britain flying from the off

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coming back to win

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

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

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

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

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

“This is for Bob”

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

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

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

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

To stay up to date with the latest news from the Royal International Horse Show subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Thwaites’ King’s Hurricane ruled in the Shire ranks at the 2026 Great Yorkshire Show, where he exuded presence and power while handled by Thwaites’ head horseman Richard Green to land the breed tricolour.

Known as “Duke” at home, he joined the Thwaites Shire Horse team as a three-year-old after being crowned junior champion at the National Shire Horse Show.

“From the moment he arrived, his education began as we started the process of breaking him to drive, with the aim of him becoming one of our working promotional horses,” explained Bev Holland, who works alongside Richard and Jonathan Jones to care for the team.

This is not Duke’s first success this term. Earlier in the season he won the four-year-old and over gelding class at the Shire Horse Society’s National Spring Show and was crowned champion gelding, before going on to claim the breed tricolour at Royal Lancashire.

Meanwhile, Duke’s driving training has continued alongside his showing, and he also competed in the driving ranks at Harrogate – his second show pulling the carriage.

Away from the show ring, Duke has spent the season representing Thwaites at hotels, inns and pubs across the country.

“He has quickly become a reliable and impressive ambassador for the company, taking everything in his stride as he continues to develop into a first-class driving horse,” said Bev.

“In the stable, Duke is a much-loved character with a wonderful personality. He’s always the first to greet everyone in the morning with a cheerful whinny, usually accompanied by a gentle bang on his stable door to remind us that breakfast is due.

“And after a busy day’s work, it’s fair to say Duke enjoys his own Thwaites tradition too – a pint of Thwaites Original, which he thoroughly appreciates!”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Water buffets for horses have gained popularity recently thanks to the hot weather – although hydration is also important in winter – but what are they and why do people use them?

Simply put, water buffets involve offering horses multiple water buckets with different extra ingredients in each. Various retailers sell starter kits with herbs and other additions you can put in clean water buckets.

Independent equine nutritionist Clare MacLeod tells us: “Some owners are interested in using them as a way to offer their horses variety and environment enrichment.”

Offering variety, however, does not mean a horse will self-select particular nutrients in accordance with their needs.

“We have to remember that a number of horses and ponies are harmed every year by eating poisonous plants like acorn and ragwort, and some by eating too much grass,” says Clare.

“Self-selection is a nice idea and it is a good thing to offer horses more choice, but we cannot rely on our horses to always know what is good for them, nor be able to select a balanced diet. Researchers have shown that horses will consistently select a sweetened feed over a balanced feed.”

That said, Clare adds that it can be useful for finding out the flavourings your horse likes.

“Knowing what tastes they like means you can replicate their preferences when you are away from home at riding camps, clinics or competitions, when some horses may be reluctant to drink different water.”

What to put in water buffets for horses

Herbs that are commonly added to water buffets include:

• Chamomile
• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Peppermint
• Cleavers
• Fenugreek
• Rosehips
• Dandelions
• Aniseed
• Fennel
• Cinnamon
• Garlic 
• Spirulina
• Cider apple vinegar

Other common additions are clays and a variety of mineral salts, and sometimes fruit and vegetable pieces or fruit juice.

Golden rules of setting up a water buffet

Clare says that, at best, a water buffet adds variety and interest to your horse’s day-to-day. At worst, water buffets for horses can be a breeding ground for bacteria and potentially do more harm than good.

Clare’s rules of thumb to follow when setting up a water buffet are:

1. Keep buckets clean

“When I visit yards, I see a lot of water sources that are unclean,” says Clare. “While horses will happily drink from a puddle, there is a distinction to be made between a pool of natural rainwater and a dirty container of water that is stagnant and stale.

“Keeping buckets of water clean is especially important when you start mixing organic matter. You can create a lot of bacteria, which I’m not sure people always realise.”

According to Clare, horses are particularly susceptible to digestive disturbances, such as colic, due to their delicate digestive tracts.

“Therefore, we want to keep contact with preventable bacteria and potential pathogens to a minimum.”

2. Balance the diet

“Everything a horse ingests should be considered as part of a balanced diet,” says Clare.

“We always need to balance the diet first, considering any extras like what's added to water, then consider adding extras like herbs, which are generally added for their properties, and not essential nutrients.

“Speak to an independent nutritionist about what you plan to use if you aren’t sure.”

3. Plain water is essential

Clean, plain water should be offered at all times and as well as water with added ingredients.

Does a water buffet make horses drink more?

Some owners use water buffets to encourage their horses to drink more water, which could help support good hydration and prevent dehydration.

“We have research that tells us horses prefer things that taste sweet,” she says. “So, if you are in a situation where you really need your horse to drink, adding something sweet like apple juice will likely be the most attractive flavouring.

“Of course, you need to be guided by any underlying conditions your horse or pony might have. You wouldn't want to be tipping an unknown amount of sugar into the water of a horse with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), which now often described as insulin dysregulation (ID) or hyperinsulinaemia-associated laminitis (HAL), for example.

“If your main aim is to rehydrate your horse, for example after heavy sweating, then the quickest and most efficient way to do this is with an oral rehydration solution (ORS), which has a very specific electrolyte salt content, at 0.9%.”

While she is for anything that represents positive enrichment in a horse’s environment, Clare adds that owners would benefit from ensuring their time is spent doing so in the best possible way for their horses.

“In some cases, the time spent keeping multiple water buffet buckets clean and fresh every day might be better used taking your horse out for more exercise.”

• For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

A stellar quartet of British showjumpers is bidding for glory in this afternoon’s Hickstead Nations Cup (Friday 24 July).

A team win on home soil is one of the pinnacles of the sport for any rider, so expect some fierce competition when the flags go up for all eight nations competing in the CSIO5* Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain at 2.15pm today in Hickstead’s International Arena.

Hickstead Nations Cup: who is on the British team?

So who has chef d’equipe Di Lampard selected for her Hickstead Nations Cup team this afternoon?

Two members of the Great Britain squad heading to the showjumping world championships next month will be flying the flag, Ben Maher, who was on the gold medal-winning team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and Adrian Whiteway, who will be making his senior championship debut.

Ben brings forward his relatively new ride Catelly, who was bought by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright for the triple Olympic gold medallist just three months ago, and they were part of Great Britain’s winning Longines League of Nations (LLN) squad in Rotterdam last month.

There will be a great reception for the hugely popular duo of Adrian Whiteway and Chacco Volo, who will be making their final team appearance before heading to Aachen as part of Great Britain’s World Championship squad. It’s been a fairytale couple of years for 35-year-old Adrian, who made his five-star Nations Cup debut here last year with Deborah Cox’s 13-year-old stallion and a win at Hickstead would be the perfect send-off.

US-based Jessica Mendoza is back in Europe for the summer and has made it on to the non-travelling reserve list for the showjumping World Championships in Aachen. She is riding her own 11-year-old bay gelding Summerhouse, with whom she has been competing since early 2024, and was also part of the winning team in Rotterdam this summer. They too were on the team that was just pipped to second by Germany in this Nations Cup in 2025.

Tim Gredley was part of the celebrated team that brought showjumping home in the Hickstead Nations Cup of 2023 with the country’s first Nations Cup victory on home soil for 13 years. His trusty partner, 13-year-old Medoc De Toxandria, is a veteran of two championships – one with Tim and one with Matt Sampson – and countless Nations Cups.

Good luck to the British team and we look forward to another cracking Nations Cup at Hickstead.

British Nations Cup team for Hickstead 2026

• Harry Charles with nine-year-old Fighting Phil, owned by Harry / 16-year-old Casquo Blue, owned by Harry’s father Peter Charles and Stall Zet.
• Ben Maher and 14-year-old Catelly, jointly owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright.
• Jessica Mendoza riding 13-year-old In The Air, owned by Permilla Amman, Georgia Kipp, Jessica Mendoza, Kristi Mitchem and Melissa Skowlund / 11-year-old Summerhouse, owned by Permilla Amman, Georgia Kipp, Jessica Mendoza, Kristi Mitchem and Melissa Skowlund, AKA “The Moms’ Club”
• Tim Gredley with 13-year-old Medoc De Toxandria, owned by Tim’s wife Rachel Gredley, his father William Gredley and Unex Competition Yard.
• Adrian Whiteway with 13-year-old stallion Chacco Volo, who is owned by Deborah Cox.
• Chef d’equipe: Di Lampard

The Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain takes place at 2.15pm this afternoon, Friday 24 July, at Hickstead.

How to watch the Hickstead action

To stay up to date with the latest news from the Royal International Horse Show, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

The fabulous Gemma Stevens and Cooley Park Muze won a second consecutive Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge at the Agria Royal International Horse Show, three seconds plus a fence ahead of their nearest rivals.

The 2025 champions were last to go, and drew a huge roar from the crowd as they finished in 117.8sec, ahead of Tara Dixon and Master Smart on 124.30 and last year’s runners-up Alex Bragg and Ardeo Premier, on 125.13.

The win means Gemma – who first won this class in 2022 with her World Championships ride Flash Cooley – joins Pippa Funnell as a three-time winner of the class; only Gary Parsonage has won it more, with four titles on his CV.

“That’s cool, isn’t it?!” Said Gemma. “Pip’s the coolest in the sport, so I’m happy with that!”

Gemma said last year that The Rex Syndicate’s Irish-bred gelding was probably one of the nicest horses’s she’s had and his form since then – which includes winning the four-star Lycetts Grantham Cup at Thorseby – has done nothing to shake that view.

Asked if she felt any pressure after last year’s win, Gemma said: “Of course there’s always pressure. But we had a wonderful win here yesterday, and I just thought ‘I had a lovely win yesterday, I really enjoyed it. Let’s just enjoy this wonderful horse and do the best we can do.”

Gemma Stevens and Cooley Park Muze: how they did it

The round was flawless; jumping on lovely balanced turns from the off and fast and accurate from the start. They had the slightest of pauses on the top of the bank but then flew home, taking the longer route at the barrels to avoid the knock-down rails of the shorter route, accelerating over the brush and the Devil’s Dyke without a check – and were cheered most of the way home.

“I had a real plan,” Gemma said. “I knew my plan, and I just tried to stick to it, to the point I made [husband] Gary watch the round back from last year, and try to go one or two less strides here and there – I’m not joking when I say I counted everywhere! I think that’s where the [show]jumping comes into play, I’ve got so used to counting, then when you’re trying to be really quick and you can shave off a stride here and there, it makes a difference. Really being that precise is, I think, where I’ve upped my game a bit.”

Tara, daughter of eventing legend Karen, was not only making her debut in this class, it was the first time she had ever been to Hickstead, but she and Master Smart looked like old hands as they went fast and sure from the start, taking the direct routes off the bank and through the barrels, just clipping the rail of the second element there.

“I’d never even been here as a spectator – now I love the place!” she said.

“I was aware of this class and had seen clips, then at the beginning of this year, I made a 2026 bucket list and this was on it, so I decided to make it happen. Mum and Dad have been here so they debriefed me on the whole show.”

Tara has had her parents’ Satisfaction gelding since he was five, eight years ago, and she said they were not a match made in heaven at first, as “he kept putting me on the floor!”

“But we clicked,” she said. “And I honestly think there’s no horse as talented as him. He’s so quick with his feet and just loves the game, he can do it all and he’s gorgeous. I can’t wait to try to finally get my ducks in a row and keep kicking and do well at a big one somewhere.”

“It was great fun”

The 2024 winner Alex and Debbie and Neill Nuttall’s 14-year-old are well practised on this course, although it had had some tweaks since last year, and they gave a masterful performance today, fast, smooth and clear.

“I was surprised because the sun was so bright, he spooked at fence one,” Alex said. “I could hear them doing the commentary saying ‘He’s produced him since he was four years old’, and I think he must have heard and thought ‘Oh, I’ve got to behave like a four-year-old’!

“I thought ‘Fence one, this is not good’, so I had to give him a little bit of encouragement.”

Alex said “Eddie” has not quite got the speed across the ground of the other two but he was neat and balanced.

“And he’s great fun,” he said. “I was definitely having fun. These classes are magnificent; I think they’re great for our sport to showcase it to a different audience, in a different way. It is really fun, and I know it’s a competition, but I think I try to look at it as an exhibition, a showcase, and I love it. Thank you to Hickstead for continuing to put it on, and Ashby Underwriters for continually supporting it.”

To stay up to date with the latest news from the Royal International Horse Show subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Most vets are welcoming the “biggest reforms to the veterinary sector” in 60 years after the Government shared plans to overhaul the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966).

The Defra white paper, published on 9 July, outlines major reforms to the veterinary sector and paves the way for regulating others working in animal care under one overarching system. This includes farriers, barefoot trimmers, chiropractors, equine dental technicians and more.

It includes proposals to regulate veterinary and animal healthcare businesses – not just individual vets – and protect the title “veterinary nurse” so it is only used by qualified professionals. Other titles could be added to the protected list in future.

It also sets out plans for a new licence-to-practise system for vets, vet nurses and allied veterinary professionals, a veterinary ombudsman for a clearer complaints process and a fitness-to-practise system focused on current risk and competence rather than only past misconduct. It proposes to abolish the Farriers Registration Council (FRC), as farriers would be regulated by the new system.

The white paper also considers the Competition and Marketing Authority (CMA) recommendations into pricing and transparency, following the CMA report (news, 2 April). It states that time to discuss it will be secured “as soon as parliamentary time allows”.

Tim Hutchinson, president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the regulatory body for veterinary surgeons in the UK, said these proposed reforms “are even more significant for the public interest and animal health and welfare” than the CMA recommendations.

“These changes are essential for protecting animal health and welfare and for maintaining public confidence in the veterinary professions,” he said.

H&H vet Karen Coumbe said she is “very positive” about the reforms, adding that this is a “crucially important topic for the wider veterinary world, not just equine vets”.

“Defra’s proposals are significant for the public interest and animal health and welfare, however as with everything, the devil will be in the detail,” she said.

“In recent years, many veterinary practices have changed from small mixed practice ‘James Herriot’ style surgeries to large, often single-species businesses, not necessarily owned by vets.

“Currently individual vets themselves and registered vet nurses are held accountable for their actions, but the veterinary practices where they work are not fully regulated, when they should be. This applies to every single veterinary business, all of which need to focus on their responsibilities to their staff and most importantly the animals under their care.

“This should apply for all animals, be they farm animals, domestic pets or horses or any other animal undergoing any form of care or treatment.”

She added that currently, the qualification of a veterinary nurse is not properly recognised and, and welcomed the proposal that this title be protected and reserved for those who “are properly trained and appropriately responsible for animals under their care”.

Dr Coumbe also said that anyone involved in looking after and treating any animal ought to be fully regulated.

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has set out an explainer on its website, breaking down what the proposed reforms mean for equine vets, nurses, students and allied professionals.

“For BEVA members, the key message is this: the white paper supports long-overdue reform, but the equine detail now matters enormously. BEVA will be working to make sure the final legislation and the rules that follow it are safe, proportionate and workable for equine practice,” said a BEVA spokesperson.

The FRC responded to the Defra consultation this year, saying that it disagrees with the reform as proposed in the consultation, but is “open to reform where it delivers better regulation for the benefit of animals and the public”. It stated that “what is proposed appears to fly in the face of Government’s own desire for better targeted, agile and proportionate regulation”.

On 17 July, a FRC spokesperson told H&H: “The observations made by the council in response to the Government consultation were valid and relevant to the issue of new veterinary legislation. That they have not been adopted in the white paper – for which no explanation has yet been offered – makes them no less valid and relevant now.”

● What do you think? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

• To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

A young rider achieved a historic Hickstead hat-trick, just missed out on a second as she beat herself and then set another record with a third pony – within a couple of hours.

Anya Dewey Clark won the Pro Ponies UK winter 128cm championship at the Royal International Horse Show with Kilcreene Snapdragon, and came second with Jim. She then won the winter 138cm title with Fredaine De Blonde.

Anya, who made history last year by winning every major 128cm title with Jim, went first in the 128cm jump-off with her superstar knowing that if they were to triumph, they would be the first combination ever to win this title three times. The 2024 and 2025 champions held their lead – the legendary 18-year-old Jim flying in his inimitable style – to finish clear on 45.99sec, a lead that held until the last combination.

This was Anya and 13-year-old “Snappy”, whose amazing ground-covering stride helped set them up to finish on 45.30. This meant Anya is the first rider to have won the winter 128cm title three times.

“It felt absolutely incredible,” Anya said. “They’re both such amazing ponies and it’s such a great arena; I love it every year.”

The 128cm course was a challenge; 11 combinations were eliminated, the double causing a fair few problems, so only five went forward to the jump-off. The closest of these to Anya was Anthony Condon’s son Hector, who finished in 44.86sec with Darth Moll but just clipped the second-last vertical.

Anya said she “probably wanted to win on Jim”, but went in with the plan of replicating her first round.

“I let [Snappy] go to the last; he’s got such a big stride and knows how to cover the ground,” she said. “I’m always confident with my ponies as I know if I go in and give my best – if I give my all, they give their all. I love them both so much.”

Winter 138cm final

The next class was the 138cm final, in which Anya and “Blondie” were seventh of 11 combinations in the jump-off. They finished clear three and a half seconds ahead of second-placed Amy Capper and Playboy Van De Zoetewei, a pony who has won this title five times, and Anya became the first rider to win the 128cm and 138cm titles in the same year.

Anya and the 11-year-old mare had a pole down as a new partnership in this class in 2025 and Anya said they had been practising on grass since.

“I knew the time would be fast so I’d have to start strong and finish strong, and make all the turns,” she said. “She was absolutely amazing. She’s known as the queen of the yard at home and I just love riding her. I can’t wait for the rest of the year.”

To stay up to date with the latest news from the Royal International Horse Show subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

The British team for the showjumping World Championships in Aachen, Germany (18-23 August) has been revealed, led by Olympic gold medallists Scott Brash, Harry Charles and Ben Maher.

This terrific trio have formed the backbone of countless teams in recent years but the Paris 2024 heroes all bring different horses to this year’s championships.

Scott Brash has an enviable string to choose from and he's picked the stunningly beautiful and uber-talented Hello Mango over his gold medal-winning partner Hello Jefferson and dual European silver medallist Hello Folie, who will act as Scott’s direct reserves. Since Scott's championship debut in 2010 on Intertoy Z, the ice-cool Scotsman has developed into a phenomenal team stalwart but he will also be bidding for a first individual gold medal.

The former Olympic champion Ben Maher travels to Aachen with Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright’s 12-year-old stallion Point Break, but with Catelly and Enjeu Du Grisien as top quality back-up.

Harry Charles’ world championship selection with brand new ride, LT Holst Freda is one of the sport’s greatest stories. Just three months ago, the world championships seemed a distant pipe dream for 26-year-old Harry after he stepped away from top-level sport to rebuild his string of horses.

Twelve-year-old mare Freda was bought just three months ago after she contested this year’s World Cup Final with New Zealand rider Julie Davey, initially for Harry’s wife Eve to ride. But Harry fell in love with the mare and at just their third show together in June, the pair helped Great Britain win the Longines League of Nations (LLN) in Rotterdam with a double clear followed by a spectacular jump-off performance. It’s not often you’ll see such a new partnership competing for a world title but Harry and Freda are clearly the perfect match.

Aachen will be a championship debut for 35-year-old Adrian Whiteway and his clear round machine Chacco Volo, with the pair having delivered a string of faultless performances on Nations Cup teams in recent years, just succumbing to the odd time fault along the way although those are becoming increasingly rare nowadays. The pair’s exceptional double clear in the Rome Nations Cup in May marked them as serious contenders.

It’s not often riders end up with a horse of the same name, but commentators will be able to have a lot of fun with our final combination on Great Britain’s five-man squad, Jack and Jack. Jack Whitaker first teamed up with Jack JL – the third grey on the squad – last season, but they’ve quickly come to prominence, firstly as part of the winning LLN team in St Tropez last year, with plenty more eye-catching five-star rounds now under their belts.

It’s now up to chef d’equipe Di Lampard and assistant Stanny van Paesschen to reveal which of this quintet will form the final four at the showjumping World Championships in Aachen next month.

Waiting in the wings on Great Britain’s reserve list are Joe Stockdale (Ebanking), who was part of the bronze medal-winning team at the last world championships in 2022, plus Tim Gredley (Medoc De Toxandria) and Jessica Mendoza with Summerhouse.

British team for showjumping World Championships 2026

Scott Brash, 40, with 11-year-old mare Hello Mango (Untouchable 27 x Numero Uno)
Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham
Breeder: HPH Vaessen
Groom: David Honnet

Harry Charles, 26, with 12-year-old mare LT Holst Freda (Colman x Casall Ask)
Owners: rider and Eve Jobs
Breeder: E Mackintosh
Groom: Georgia Ellwood

Ben Maher, 43, with 12-year-old stallion Point Break (Action-Breaker x Baloubet Du Rouet)
Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright
Breeder: Nya Äppelvikens Ridskola
Groom: Gwen Bellamy

Jack Whitaker, 24, with Jack JL (Bessemeind’s Quasimodo Z x Astrello)
Owner: Candice Reilly
Breeder: JE Lammerts-Weide
Groom: Paul Collier

Adrian Whiteway, 25, with 13-year-old stallion Chacco Volo (Chacco-Blue x Cathago)
Owner: Deborah Cox
Breeder: Gestut Lewitz
Groom: Rhi Watson

Reserves in alphabetical order

Tim Gredley, 40, with 14-year-old gelding Medoc De Toxandria (Der Senaat III x Kelvin De Sainte Hermelle)
Owners: Rachel Gredley, William Gredley and Unex Competition Yard
Breeder: Werner Dierckx)

Jessica Mendoza, 30, with 11-year-old gelding Summerhouse (Induparts Guidam Sohn x VDL Indoctro)
Owners: Pernilla Amman, Georgia Kipp, Kristi Mitchem, Melissa Skowlund and rider
Breeder: C Den Boer

Joe Stockdale, 26, with 12-year-old stallion Ebanking (Etoulon x Aranebel)
Owners: Barbara Hester and Laura Stockdale
Breeder: E Vriend

These definite entries for the British Equestrian jumping team are announced in collaboration with British Showjumping and World Class Programme principal partner Agria.

• To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news in the run up to the 2026 World Championships in Aachen, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

The British dressage team heading to the 2026 World Championships in Aachen, Germany (11–23 August) has been announced.

The core of the team remains unchanged from last summer’s Europeans and the Paris Olympics before that. Carl Hester returns on Fame – 36 years after appearing at his first World Championships – and is joined by defending double-individual world champions Lottie Fry and Glamourdale, and World Cup winners Becky Moody and Jagerbomb.

Those three combinations were never in doubt – the fourth spot has been the season's real subplot. Over winter, the final place looked to belong to Charlotte Dujardin and Alive And Kicking – until the mare was sold in April, throwing the door wide open.

What followed was a crowded field: national champions Sadie Smith and Swanmore Dantina were early favourites, with Gareth Hughes and Susan Pape also in the mix. But two names pulled clear.

Fiona Bigwood’s homebred mare Donna Bella announced herself with a Hartpury grand prix win in March, then held her own on a Fontainebleau Nations Cup debut alongside Carl and Lottie.

Charlotte, meanwhile, switched her attentions to Ellie McCarthy’s Brave Heart, and the pair went head-to-head with Fiona and Donna Bella twice: Fiona edged it at Hickstead in May (73.13% to 72.8%), then again at Wellington in June (74.6% to 71.87%), by which point she'd emerged as the clear favourite.

Going into nominated entries, Fiona’s more extensively tested form – four international grands prix to Charlotte’s two – had her average ahead on 72.90% to 72.34%. But Charlotte had one shot left, at Hartpury, the last domestic international before the team was due to be confirmed. She took it: a stunning grand prix and special double, personal bests of 74.8% and 74.7%, that lifted her average to 73.16% – above Fiona’s, with just 0.26 points separating them.

That swing reopened a contest that had looked settled, leaving selectors Judy Harvey, Jenny Ward and Anne Keen with a genuinely tight call between two relatively inexperienced horses.

In the end, it's Fiona Bigwood and Donna Bella who complete the team. Although Charlotte edged it on the raw grand prix average – the mark selectors weight most heavily – it came from three starts against Fiona’s four, all three on the subdued domestic CDI3* circuit rather than the championship-like atmosphere of Fontainebleau CDIO5*, where Fiona scored 71.36% in the grand prix and 72.28% in the special.

Charlotte’s Hartpury score also carried a notable spread across the judging panel – more than five points between the highest and lowest marks – a factor selectors will have weighed alongside the numbers. But it was likely their head-to-head record – the only occasion the same judges saw both combinations, and one Fiona won twice – that was the deciding factor.

Where Britain stands against the rivals

Set against the field, Britain’s core trio total 232.80 on this season’s international grand prix averages, just 0.67 points off Germany's dressage team projected 233.47 (their best three of Isabell Werth, Katharina Hemmer and Frederic Wandres, with Raphael Netz's score dropped) and 1.80 points clear of reigning champions Denmark’s dressage team 231 (their best three of Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, Carina Cassøe Krüth and Daniel Bachmann Andersen).

That figure hasn't moved with the fourth-spot news – best three of four counts for the team total, and Lottie, Carl and Becky were never in doubt. What Fiona’s selection changes is the insurance policy: a fourth combination capable of stepping into a top-three score if any of the trio falter.

A neat footnote: Donna Bella is out of Atterupgaards Orthilia, Fiona’s former ride on the British team that took silver at both the 2015 Europeans – held in this same Aachen arena – and the Rio Olympics the following year.

The individual medals look just as open. Lottie and Glamourdale are among the favourites, alongside Cathrine and Freestyle, Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus, and home favourites Isabell and Wendy De Fontaine – with Justin and Cathrine perhaps the stronger picks on this year’s form. If any of the favourites falter, Becky and Jagerbomb – fresh off a personal-best 88.33% freestyle in Texas – have the form to make their own tilt at an individual medal.

Most nations have now confirmed their teams ahead of the FEI’s 27 July deadline for definite entries – follow our Aachen dressage teams page as the rest come in.

British dressage team for the 2026 Aachen World Championships

Fiona Bigwood with 10-year-old mare Donna Bella

Owner: rider

Breeder: rider

Breeding: by Don Juan de Hus, out of a mare by Gribaldi

Lottie Fry with 15-year-old stallion Glamourdale

Owners: Van Olst Horses and rider

Breeder: J Rodenburg

Breeding: by Lord Leatherdale, out of a mare by Negro

Carl Hester with 16-year-old stallion Fame

Owners: Fiona Bigwood, Mette Dahl and rider

Breeder: VOF G and M Gerritsen

Breeding: by Bordeaux, out of a mare by Rhodium

Becky Moody with 12-year-old gelding Jagerbomb

Owners: Jo Cooper and rider

Breeder: rider

Breeding: by Dante Weltino, out of a mare by Jazz

Reserves in alphabetical order

Charlotte Dujardin with 12-year-old gelding Brave Heart

Owners: Elllie McCarthy, Spencer McCarthy and Bridget McCarthy

Breeders: Shirley and Titian Wilaras

Breeding: by Bordeaux, out of a mare by Blue Hors Zack

Susan Pape with 15-year-old mare Harmony’s Giulilanta

Owners: Harmony Sporthorses and rider

Breeders: A Vogelaar and J Knol

Breeding: by Jazz, out of a mare by Flemmingh

Sadie Smith with 11-year-old mare Swanmore Dantina

Owner: rider

Breeder: Ben St John James

Breeding: by Dante Weltino, out of a mare by Charatan W

The entries are announced in collaboration with the British Dressage selectors and World Class Programme principal partner Agria.

• To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news in the run up to the 2026 Aachen World Championships, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

The British squad for the eventing World Championships in Aachen (12-16 August) has been revealed, following much speculation. Unsurprisingly, the effort is spearheaded by the trio who won team gold at the Olympics two years ago.

Laura Collett (London 52) and Tom McEwen (JL Dublin), the individual gold and bronze medallists at last year’s Agria European Championships, are joined by their Paris team-mate Ros Canter (Lordships Graffalo), who missed the Europeans owing to her pregnancy but made a spectacular comeback at Mars Badminton Horse Trials with her third win there.

Their selection will shock nobody and will not be in any way controversial.

Gemma Stevens had emerged as a favourite for a place on the squad this spring with Flash Cooley and they have duly landed a spot.

The West Sussex-based rider and this smart grey have banked lots of super four-star form in the past few years, including experience at Aachen. This will be Gemma’s first senior championship since she was on the gold medal-winning team at the 2018 worlds in Tryon with Arctic Soul. Flash Cooley is the only horse or rider on the squad making a championship debut.

One has to assume the fifth and final spot was a tough decision – and whoever received that magic phone call, several others could feel aggrieved.

Caroline Harris is the one heading to Aachen, her recent win at Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials with D. Day evidently sealing the deal. Their two five-star wins bracket five top-10 four-star short results over the past two seasons – and a single, high-profile error at the European Championships at Blenheim Horse Trials.

It will be announced once the British squad are in Aachen for the eventing World Championships which four riders are on the team and who rides as an individual but at this stage, it’s probably fair to assume Caroline, the least experienced rider of the squad, will be the individual.

The reserve list gives us an idea of who narrowly missed out on a spot – alphabetically, David Doel (Galileo Nieuwmoed), Yasmin Ingham (Gypsie Du Loir), Tom Jackson (United 36) and Harry Meade (Cavalier Crystal).

The obvious omission from the combined squad and reserve lists? Bubby Upton with Its Cooley Time. Selectors obviously decided their run of falls couldn’t be overlooked, despite their win at Defender Bramham Horse Trials. It will be a harsh blow to Bubby, but she will no doubt come back fighting and has plenty of team appearances in her future.

British squad for the eventing World Championships 2026

Ros Canter with 14-year-old gelding Lordships Graffalo
Owners: Michele and Archie Saul
Breeder: Lordships Stud and Pennie Wallace
Breeding: by Birkhof’s Grafenstolz TSF, out of a mare by Rock King
Groom: Sarah Charnley

Laura Collett with 17-year-old gelding London 52
Owners: Keith Scott, Karen Bartlett and rider
Breeder: Ocke Riewerts
Breeding: by Landos, out of a mare by Quinar Z
Groom: Tilly Hughes

Caroline Harris with 12-year-old gelding D. Day
Owners: Lucy Matthews, Fiona Olivier, Marie Anne Richardson and Heather Royle
Breeder: Fiona Olivier
Breeding: by Billy Mexico, out of a mare by Dilum
Groom: Nellie Smith

Tom McEwen with 15-year-old gelding JL Dublin
Owners: Deirdre Johnston and Jo and James Lambert
Breeder: Volker Goettsche-Goetze
Breeding: by Diarado, out of a mare by Canto 16
Groom: Adam Short

Gemma Stevens with 14-year-old gelding Flash Cooley, 14
Owner: Pru Dawes
Breeder: Jim O’Neill
Breeding: by CSF Mr Croon, out of a mare by OBOS Quality
Groom: Georgie Driver

Reserves in alphabetical order

David Doel with 15-year-old gelding Galileo Nieuwmoed
Owners: Mary Fox, Gillian Jonas and rider
Breeders: J. W. and A. P. Jurrius
Breeding: by Carambole, out of a mare by Harcos

Yasmin Ingham with 10-year-old mare Gypsie Du Loir
Owners: Janette Chinn and The Sue Davies Fund
Breeder: Pierre Gouye
Breeding: by Herald 3 out of a mare by Canaletto

Tom Jackson with 10-year-old gelding United 36
Owner: Michael Stenning
Breeder: Heinrich Bohmke
Breeding: by Ucello out of a mare by Espiri

Harry Meade with 16-year-old mare Cavalier Crystal
Owners: Charlotte and Peter Opperman
Breeder: Thomas Horgan
Breeding: by Jack Of Diamonds out of a mare by Cavalier Royale

The entries are announced in collaboration with the British Eventing selectors and World Class Programme principal partner Agria.

• To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Welcome to Horse & Hound’s live reporting service covering all the showing action from the Agria Royal International Horse Show 2026. I am here at Hickstead every day, from Wednesday through to Sunday, dashing from ring to ring to bring you all the showing news as it happens. So stand by to hear who is at the top of the line in their classes, and which pairs will be heading through to the all-important section championships.

Go straight to:

- Sunday's live updates
- Saturday’s live updates
- Friday’s live updates
- Thursday's live updates
- Wednesday's live updates
- RIHS showing section championship reports

Meet our Royal International live reporter

Wednesday 22 July

Good morning from a beautiful sunny morning at Hickstead.

I'll be ringside all day bringing you the latest results from the Royal International. Currently underway, we have the 153cm show hunter ponies – six of 22 ponies have done their shows already – and the M&M young rider small breeds are kicking off proceedings in the Roger Stack arena

It will be interesting to see how the initial pulls translate to final placings currently we have Brynrodyn Danielle (Mia Bella Long) holding the top spot. We still have 10 individual shows to go though and some lovely performances…

The first sets of results are due imminently in the 153cm show hunter pony ring, as the judges are having their final discussions.

The New Horizon Plastics Ltd 153cms Show Hunter Pony Championship results

Scarlett Davis holds her top pull to take the win on Brynteg Llwynau Red Rose!

1. Brynteg Llwynau Red Rose
2. Carnsdale Toy Boy
3. Goretermone Corneto
4. Ballarin Baroness
5. Oscar Cookson
6. Just Murphy II
7. Carnsdale Wise Guy
8. Rosscon Copycat

UK Ponies & Horses/Anthony Evans Insurance Young Riders M&M Small Breeds Championship results

The M&M young rider small breeds results are in…

1. Marsh Walk On By
2. Cadlanvalley Royal Bronze
3. Thistledown Princess Letitia
4. Brynrodyn Danielle
5. Dykes Blue Moon
6. Blackertor Boston
7. Tromps Sugar Rush
8. Nevanscott Call The Shots

The M&M amateur riders are in the ring and it’s lovely to see the class split in half for the go-round. Gives everyone plenty of space, and the judges a good opportunity for their initial assessment of the 23 exhibits forward ahead of pulling in.

So who's made the best first impression in the amateur riders ridden M&M championship?

New Forest Purewell Poppy Lou – winner of this class in 2022 – holds the top spot, followed by Highland Kincardine Uist (need I tell any showing buffs that they were dual winners at HOYS last year), then Welsh C Dorneyrow Jackpot Boy. How will this translate in the final placings?

Two of the 143cm show hunter ponies have left the ring after the go-round – we wish both combinations all the best. Sutton Grange Fancy That and Isla Smith have the top pull at the moment.

UKPH/Anthony Evans Insurance amateur riders ridden M&M championship results

She does it! Jessica Norris wins back her crown from four years previously – and proves judges were spot on with their first impressions!

1. Purewell Poppy Lou
2. Playmaker
3. Glencarrig Dubai
4. Melliver Willy Wonka
5. Saulire Thunder Struck
6. Dorneyrow Jackpot Boy
7. Llangorra Ginger Port
8. Kincardine Uist

New Horizon Plastics 143cm show hunter pony results

21 beautiful 143cm show hunter ponies whittled down to a top eight, and Isla Smith and Sutton Grange Fancy That top the line up!

1. Sutton Grange Fancy That
2. Tandridge First Edition
3. Derw Easy Tiger
4. Cloneyogan Guy
5. Morning Sunflower
6. Annandale Super Trouper
7. Annandale Aragon
8. Bonhitas Subject Of Circumstance

Isla Smith and "FT" actually won this class last year too, having only very recently joined forces at that point, and they were reserve section champions. It’ll be interesting to see how the championship unfolds for them this time.

Not all wins come from topping the class. Victoria Walker – who dabbled in show reporting herself some years ago before "going to uni and having to get a real job" – says she was "ready to quit showing" before coming up from a fifth-place pull to be second in the M&M amateur ridden championship on seven-year-old Connemara stallion Playmaker.

"He's a really traditional stamp, with a lot of bone and in a world with so much variety in terms of type, judges either love him or don't," she says.

"Recently we just had a string of bad luck and I just thought 'we've got no chance, maybe we need to switch disciplines'," she adds. "He likes jumping. Maybe we go eventing – I'd actually really like to do Badminton grassroots!

"But I just can't believe that happened today. He came out, gave it his all and I'm so pleased the judges liked it too.”

The 133cm division of the show hunter ponies are in ring five now, with the judges' initial pull putting a very polished looking Isabella Walker and Westfirle Cinnamon Star in their top spot for now. They've done their show, and stripped, and so begins the long waiting game!

Behind them at the moment are Lily Cowley-Bickenson and Sancarlo – a seven-year-old pony who won this class in 2024.

Meanwhile in the Roger Stack arena we turn our attention to the young riders intermediate M&M championship. If there's one thing I learned from the previous class – the amateurs – it's that there's certainly still wiggle room following the judges' initial pull, so it's all still to play for in the individual shows (and conformation).

That said, I can't help but be intrigued by the pull nonetheless – as it stands, it's Owen Parker (Llynhelyg Mistar Jones), Isabella O'Donnell (Posters Olympic Star), Maisie Kerry-Oates (Salcombe Frowder Cove) then Megan White (Teach Mor Pierce) who attracted initial favour.

So, what can I learn about the judges' preference from the top of this 26-strong mixed M&M line-up?

Currently in the top 10 I count two Welsh (one C, one D), a Dartmoor, five Connemaras, a Highland and a Fell. As far as I can tell, large breeds have historically dominated this line-up. Welsh B Cadlanvalley Buzby was the last small breed to claim the title, in 2018. Dartmoor Pumphill Bennet was the last before that, in 2014.

The New Horizon Plastics Ltd 133cms Show Hunter Pony Championship results

The 133cm show hunter pony champion is exciting five-year-old Westfirle Cinnamon Star, ridden by Isabella Walker! They will return later for the supreme. Congratulations to producer Debbie Barr and all connections!

1. Westfirle Cinnamon Star
2. Sancarlo
3. Dowhills Nuage Noir
4. Thistledown Sea Mariner
5. Parkhills Mata
6. Out Of The West
7. Littlebyrom Limited Edition
8. Bronhuelog Cats Whiskers

The UKPH/Anthony Evans Insurance young riders intermediate M&M championship results

It feels like it's been a long wait over in the Roger Stack arena – agonising maybe for competitors, but ideal for those trying to record the results – but we have our winners:

Maisie Kerry Oates and Dartmoor Salcombe Frowder Cove! A great morning for Maisie, who had already secured her spot in the championship with second earlier in the day in the small breeds.

1. Salcombe Frowder Cove
2. Popsters Olympic Star
3. Drybarrows Guardian
4. Thistledown Runaway
5. Eastlands Dunknowe
6. Teach Mor Pierce
7. Teach Mor Sparrow
8. Sunside Irvine

Proud as punch!

Owner/breeder Felicity Thompson, Maisie Kerry Oates on M&M young rider intermediate winner Salcombe Frowder Cove, producer Katy Marriott Payne (who also produced Cadlanvalley Buzby, the last small breed to win this title in 2018) and Felicity's daughter Freya, who says that results like this make the seven-hour drive over from Devon with her mother was well worth it!

New Horizon Plastics Ltd 123cm show hunter pony championship results

The tiniest riders get the biggest cheer! The 123cm hunter pony results are in... And I think if their performance in here is anything to go by, they can more than hold their own in the International Arena championship this afternoon. Watch this space.

Congratulations to winners four-year-old Newoak St Dominic and nine-year-old Charlotte Knight.

1. Newoak St Dominic
2. Caridines Quest
3. Annandale Line Of Duty
4. Small-land Jackpot
5. Gryngallt Picture Frame
6. Colway Belle Of The Ball
7. Newoak Pumpkin Spice
8. Pineview Remeo

"A true kids' pony"

David Jinks and Adam Forster's Team Jinks – with their winning 123cm show hunter pony, Newoak St Dominic ably ridden by Charlotte Knight.

"Lottie is an exceptional jockey," says Adam, "pint-sized and absolutely formidable!"

Dominic's qualified as a first ridden pony of hunter type, too, so I'll be keeping a keen eye out for him later this week...

Working hunter ponies in ring five

After a morning of show hunter ponies, ring five is now playing host to the LG Show Team O'Donnell Family BSPS 153cm working hunter ponies. I've already seen last year's winner Noble Banksy, second into the ring, make light work of the track – and so far the course is riding well and rewarding those riding in a forward pace!

Our showing editor Bethan Simons caught up with RIHS WHP judge Polly Eddis ahead of the show to find out what she will be looking for...

I'm parked up with a better view of the working hunter course as a whole, so let's see how the next few ponies fare before I need to get to the International Arena for the show hunter pony, Arab and M&M young rider showdowns!

I think they call this the commentator's curse! The course proves too much for Ruby Woodman and Irish Encounter II – a gorgeous six-year-old bay – and UK Today and Rebecca Raine, whose rounds unfortunately end with elimination for multiple refusals.

Lookout Bundaberg and Alisha Vard are next in, and complete the course in a neat manner, bar an unfortunate slip going round the corner between fences that resulted in knocking the first part of a double.

They were followed by a confident clear from Killeefa Gem and Daisy Loates.

UKPH/Anthony Evans Insurance young riders M&M large breeds championship results

Here's one I missed earlier! Results are in for the M&M young riders large breeds championship and it's a huge well done to Leyla Scott-Christian on Joe Watson's nine-year-old Griseburn Major. This Wolsey Viking son was a HOYS winner back in 2022.

1. Griseburn Major
2. River Valley Rolex
3. Caherlistrane Eoin
4. Nutschyllimg River Dance
5. Rosscon Emperor
6. King Bunowen Castle Ali
7. Melliver Willy Wonka
8. Mathfred Tangelina

The fences are being lowered in preparation for the 143cm plaited working hunters, next to go in ring five, and the conformation phase is coming to an end. With any luck we can get the 153cm results before I hot-foot it over to the International Arena for the show hunter pony championship!

Show hunter pony championship results to come shortly, they've just entered the ring…

The New Horizon Plastics Ltd Supreme Show Hunter Pony Championship

The judges have made their decision and the 143cm winners go one better than their 2025 reserve spot – Isla Smith and Sutton Grange Fancy That take the supreme show hunter title!

In reserve it's Scarlett Davis and Brynteg Llwynau Red Rose, winners of the 153cm division.

UKPH/Anthony Evans Insurance young riders M&M supreme championship

Next in the ring are the representatives of this morning's young rider small breeds, large breeds and intermediate M&M finals… and it's large breeds winner Leyla Scott-Christian and Griseburn Major who secure the tricolour!

Reserve champion comes from the small breeds division – Lilly Richardson and Marsh Walk On By. Congratulations!

The last showing championship in the International Arena for today is the pure-bred Arabian championship. It's a little different to many of the other showing championships, in that all of the final eight will enjoy a spin on the hallowed green turf. Stay tuned for the results shortly…

Pure-bred ridden Arabian championship

No stranger to success here, it's Will Morton taking the top spot astride Susan Rose’s LVA Winters Rascal

1. LVA Winters Rascal
2. Arimathea
3. Cotswolds Cadenza
4. Bugatti
5. Valletta Hunters Song
6. Ghaali
7. Guadeloupe
8. Swarovski

Will Morton and LVA Winters Rascal are a relatively new combination, having only contested a handful of shows – and of course we're more accustomed to seeing him seated on hunters and cobs.

Susan Rose's 13-year-old LVA Maximus son is the first of the breed Will has competed.

Judge’s insight!

I bumped into show hunter pony ride judge Jayne Brace – who officiated alongside conformation judge Jeffery Grace – and she gave me the lowdown on how she found the classes:

"Both myself and my co-judge were totally on the same page and we were looking for a proper hunter pony, with a leg in each corner and we found quality among all the classes."

She praises "excellent gallops" and "lovely shows" and says the standards through all the classes "surpassed expectations".

"The second-placed ponies could all have been winners," Jayne adds.

And what of her supreme and reserve, Sutton Grange Fancy That and Brynteg Llwynau Red Rose?

"We were looking for something that moved forward and showed themselves well in the arena. Ultimately, the 14-handler [Sutton Grange Fancy That] stood out for us as, blown up, it could be a beautiful lightweight hunter – and equally the 15-hander [Brynteg Llwynau Red Rose] had enough bone to be blown up perfectly for a middleweight.”

LG Show Team O'Donnell Family BSPS 143cm Working Hunter Pony Championship results

I may have missed the class, but I'm back ringside for the plaited working hunter pony results... Winners here in 143cm ranks are Libby James and Callowfeenish Lily

1. Callowfeenish Lily
2. Lady Dublin Of Corderry
3. Carrowkeel Knight
4. Allandy Gold Spark
5. Beech Hall Ryan
6. Oh For Olive
7. Treascon Aoife
8. Golden Pat

While ringside, I bumped into Isabella Stanley – winner of the 153cm working hunters with the gorgeous Moorland Snowy River 13-year-old Moorland Whiteriver.

I asked her what she made of today's challenge.

"It was pretty technical in places and I found the ground in there good. I made sure I rode my corners properly and kept him forward," says Isabella.

So what makes Royal International her "favourite track of the year", and the course that every working hunter competitor wants to jump?

"It's always fun to ride. Everyone loves it – and I love jumping the bullfinch and so does 'Niall', that's his favourite thing about RIHS. The atmosphere is always great and we're lucky having somewhere as nice as this to ride at."

The LG Show Team O'Donnell Family BSPS 133cms Working Hunter Pony Championship results

Results are in and it's a popular win for Connie Hutton and the evergreen 16-year-old Noble Peppermint, who was last a winner in this class in 2019!

1. Noble Peppermint
2. Captain Foley
3. Barney IX
4. Rathcoole Rupert
5. Precious Gem
6. Horen Strike A Pose
7. Llanarth Windsor
8. Nellfield Blueboy

Just the championship to go until we call it a day on Wednesday at the Royal International Horse Show!

The LG Show Team O'Donnell Family BSPS supreme working hunter pony championship

Have we saved the best championship of the day for last? I certainly think so. The workers know a good gallop and this is the perfect ring for it!

But there is only one champion and taking home the most coveted sash are Noble Peppermint and Connie Hutton!

In reserve are Isabella Stanley and Moorland Whiteriver.

That's it from me for today, but I'll be back from 7.30am tomorrow morning ready to bring you all the action as it happens. See you then!

Thursday 23 July

Just over 12 hours later and I'm back at Hickstead ready to bring you all the action from the Agria Royal International Horse Show.

First in, we have the Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) lightweight hunters in ring five, and the KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M open ridden Dartmoors, Exmoors and Shetlands in the Roger Stack arena.

So the Dartmoors, Exmoors and Shetlands lead the way in the KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M open ridden finals in the Roger Stack arena this morning as the mammoth seven-hour-plus judging shift begins for Emma Hector (ride) and Jayne Brace (conformation).

Sam Roberts got the top pull on Dartmoor Newoak St Richard, and has just executed a beautiful individual show incorporating a serpentine. Owen Parker follows on Dartmoor Weston Wild Fire.

As we currently stand in the Dartmoors, Exmoors and Shetlands section of the KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M open ridden finals, it's a Dartmoor top three, with Dykes Blue Moon in third and Exmoor Anchor Nighthawk pulled fourth.

I'm watching the lightweight hunters now and all I can think is how lucky are they to have the oustanding horseman Mark Todd as their ride judge?

I believe, with the exception of one year, wins for the past 10 renewals of this class have been shared between rides for either Jayne Ross or Robert Walker.

The initial line-up suggests we might not stray too far from tradition, with Jayne pulled top on Harbour Master, then Robert on Flash Point. Vicky Smith and Tremarl Timber are third, then Jasean Spraggett and KBF Paved With Stars, who in my opinion pulled off the most superb extension on the go-round!

A bit more of the hunter line-up as it stands: Cookstown Cavello, Annaghmore Lady Master, Seaborne Surrey Hills, Diptford Above Suspicion, Glenkeeran Dance In The Deep, Caravagio and Tigbourne have all completed their shows.

I'm at a loss as to how they'll sort the placings with so much quality on display – I'd love to hear ride judge Mark Todd's thoughts on what he's feeling.

We're about half way through, so there's still a lot that could happen!

Meanwhile in the Roger Stack arena, the grooms are out of the ring and the judges are having their final discussions. The Dartmoor, Exmoor and Shetlands results are coming soon!

KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M open ridden Dartmoors, Exmoors and Shetlands results

The results are in for the first M&M open ridden final of the day – and our winner is Westown Wild Fire! Congratulations to rider Owen Parker!

1. Westown Wild Fire
2. Dykes Blue Moon
3. Newoak St Richard
4. Moortown Foxtor
5. Salcombe Frowder Cove
6. Briar Puzzle (best Shetland)
7. Anchor Lullaby (best Exmoor)
8. Stowbrook Red Kite

Back over in ring five, we're watching the final ride in the lightweight hunters before The Great Deliberation begins! Watch this space – I'll keep an eye on the M&Ms too as the Welsh As and Bs are on their go-round and soon to get their initial pull-in from the judges.

Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) lightweight hunter championship results

Well done to Jasean Spraggett and KBF Paved With Stars – winners here at the Derby Meeting last month and winners again today!

• KBF Paved With Stars
• Harbour Master
• Cookstown Cavello
• Flash Point
• Tremarl Timber
• Tigbourne
• Caravagio
• Glenkeeran Dance In The Deep

And we have a pull in the KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M open ridden Welsh section As and Bs: Musbury Prince Consort top with Samantha Bell, then Sam Roberts with Tromps Sugar Rush, Sarah Parker on Wensley Magic Touch, Penny Richardson on Glebedale Sancerre ahead of older sister Lilly Richardson on Marsh Walk On By – winners in young rider ranks yesterday – followed by Katy Marriott-Payne on Cadlanvalley Eldorado.

Lightweight hunter winners KBF Paved With Stars and Jasean Spraggett are in tremendous form, having won the same honours here last month at the Hickstead Derby Meeting, as well as the working hunters at Royal Norfolk. I'm looking forward to seeing this pair in the workers later on this week too!

Next up in ring five: the middleweight hunters. Sir Mark Todd takes his leave and Rosemary Connors steps up alongside Judy Bradwell.

We've had our initial pull and so far Full Cry (Robert Walker), Starring Louis (Katie Jerram-Hunnable), JD Supreme Rock (Oliver Hood), Bloomfield Greystone (Jayne Ross) and My Dimond Solitair (Simon Reynolds) – in that order – have completed their ride.

KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M open ridden Welsh section A and B results

I'm back at the Roger Stack arena as we have another set of results in, this time the Welsh As and Bs. Congratulations Sam Roberts and Tromps Sugar Rush!

1. Tromps Sugar Rush
2. Marsh Walk On By
3. Rookery Bold As Brass
4. Wensley Magic Touch
5. Musbury Prince Consort
6. Glebedale Sancerre
7. Thistledown Grand Prix
8. Cadlanvalley Royal Bronze

That's the small breeds portion of the morning concluded – next in, the Connemaras and New Forest ponies…

The New Forest and Connemara final marks the half-way point of the Heritage open riddens. Whose favour will the scales tip in here? It’s been a while since a New Forest proved favourable over a Connemara in this final, but the best New Forest placed higher than the best Connie at London, and a New Forest pony came up trumps in the mixed class at Royal Windsor (and, indeed, was crowned M&M supreme). I wonder if maybe this year could be one for the history books?

Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) middleweight hunter championship results

Robert Walker lands the middleweights, with Jill Day's Full Cry. Congratulations! The top four remain unchanged after the initial pull. Full results as follows:

1. Full Cry
2. Starring Louis
3. JD Supreme Rock
4. Bloomfield Greystone
5. Mulberry Lane
6. My Dimond Solitair
7. Drumlane Golden Boy
8. Rowel's Cole

Next up: the heavyweight hunters!

Connemara Hazelrock Twist is top of the Connemara/New Forest line-up after the judges’ initial pull, followed by New Forest Berrywood Wind Dancer, Eastlands Dunedin, Hollybrooke Jupiter, Trenley Trinket and Ravenstone Fudge II.

I make that four New Forests and two Connemaras currently in the top placings!

The final of the hunter weights – the heavyweights – stride into ring five. Sophie Buckley takes up the post of ride judge alongside Judy Bradwell (conformation), with whom she will also help sort the ladies’ hunters in the final class of the day.

I feel like I'm being treated to a hunter masterclass – as it should be at the Royal International Horse Show I suppose! Robert Walker (IJ Countryman) in the top spot after the initial pull, followed by Jayne Ross (Greenhall Will I Ever), Katie Jerram-Hunnable (Goosey Gander), Claire Oliver (Greenhall All Business).

KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M open ridden New Forest and Connemara results

The latest winner to be crowned in the Roger Stack arena is Hazelrock Twist, ridden by Sue Deakin, who managed to hold on to that initial pull to claim the winner's sash. Congratulations!

1. Hazelrock Twist
2. Furzley To Be Faire (and best New Forest)
3. Eastlands Dunedin
4. Trenley Trinket
5. Berrywood Wind Dancer
6. Burley Burberry
7. Corrig Prince
8. Ravenstone Fudge II

Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) heavyweight hunter championship results

The final hunter weight results are in and it's a second win of the day for hunter extraordinaire Robert Walker, winner of this final last year with Greenhall Treasure Island, riding IJ Countryman! Well done!

1. IJ Countryman
2. Goosey Gander
3. Greenhall Will I Ever
4. Greenhall All Business
5. Jacob's Finn
6. Greenhall Will I Am
7. Mongorry Cormac
8. Waterfall

So now we have our line-up for the Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) supreme hunter championship! From the lightweights, we'll have KBF Paved With Stars and Harbour Master. Middleweight representatives are Full Cry and Starring Louis. Joining them from the heavyweights are IJ Countryman and Goosey Gander.

I'll head down to the International Arena at 3pm to find out who comes out on top in the hunter showdown!

But for now, I'm going back to the Roger Stack arena, where the Fells, Dales and Highlands are bidding for a sash and a spot in their own championship.

So, the line-up for the M&M open ridden Fells, Dales and Highlands is shaping up like this after the initial pull: Greenrivers Luke, Birkettbank Master John, Ashleyvale Glen Duror and Westwick Baron.

Sue Deakin was a deserved winner of the Connemara and New Forest open ridden final, aboard Claire Flynn's eight-year-old Hazelrock Twist. And while their performance here looked flawless, it turns out it's come at the end of a tricky period for the partnership:

"I think I've had a bit of a mental block recently and I just didn't seem to be able to do anything right with her," said Sue. "She's so reliable normally but I was overriding her.

"Then we had a really good show at the breed show. She went beautifully and was supreme champion."

Humble, Sue credits the mare's breeders, her owners "who are just amazing" and "all my friends and family who help and support me". But the biggest praise is heaped onto the "best little mare" herself.

"She's just the sweetest, most lovely girl. We've definitely got a connection, which I think with mares you really need. I'm so one-to-one with the horses and I think that's helped her shine.”

KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M open ridden Fells, Dales and Highlands results

Our penultimate open ridden M&M class concludes and it's Ellena Thomas taking home the top prize, riding the eight-year-old Highland Ashleyvale Glen Duror!

1. Ashleyvale Glen Duror
2. Birkettbank Master John
3. Westwick Baron
4. Drybarrows Guardian
5. Sunside Irvine
6. Manorlodge Mateus
7. Glenbanchor Vallay
8. Fleetwoods Loch Lomond

The Welsh Cs and Ds are now in the ring and it's Cheshmere Flash Bang Wallop who is top after the go-round. He's followed by Llynhelyg Mistar Jones, Cnwch Carwyn, Tireinon Llew and Courtyard Al Joleson.

Signature Coachworks BSPS Heritage M&M open lead-rein results

The M&M marathon continues – in a different arena – with the open lead-rein ponies and, after what felt like a lot of discussion after the conclusion of the judging, we have a result! Congratulations to Glyncoch Honey Pot, ridden by Zara Constable and led by father Simon Constable

1. Glyncoch Honey Pot
2. Springwater Tactician
3. Thistledown Wood Owl
4. Meering Audrey May
5. Nynwoods Simply Grand
6. Rowfantina Principal Dancer
7. Treworgan Alicia
8. Badleybridge Oozlum

KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M open ridden Welsh section C and D results

I'll be heading down to the International Arena in an hour for the M&M championship, but before that gets under way we need our representatives from the Welsh Cs and Ds. Taking the crown are Robyn-Jayne Hadland and Garlance Flash Jac!

• Garlance Flash Jac
• Cnwch Carwyn
• Thistledown Superstar
• Llynhelyg Mistar Jones
• Courtyard Al Joleson
• Cheshmere Flash Bang Wallop
• Tireinon Llew
• Garthfach Classic Addition

Good luck in the championship!

KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M junior championship results

Finally we have the results for the junior championship and it's Owen Parker with Westown Wild Fire – winners of the Dartmoor, Exmoor, Shetland final this morning – who takes the title!

Champion: Westown Wild Fire

Reserve: Marsh Walk On By

I'd forgotten how much I love the hunter supreme! The judges are currently riding the horses they hadn't done previously, then we'll wait while the judges compare notes and ultimately award one combination with the Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) supreme hunter title.

Results to follow shortly...

Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) Supreme Hunter Championship

It's Robert Walker who takes the hunter crown, with the middleweight winner Full Cry.

He also takes the reserve spot, with the heavyweight winner IJ Countryman ridden in the class by Robert but with wife Sarah taking up the reins in the championship.

A Robert Walker/Jill Day double!

The KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage Mountain & Moorland Supreme Ridden Championship

Signature Coachworks BSPS Heritage M&M open first ridden results

I may not have the full line-up, but I do have the top two spots from this afternoon's M&M first ridden championship, and our winner is Kate Turner aboard Dykes Blue Moon – who was also runner-up in his open ridden final earlier on in the day. Well done!

1. Dykes Blue Moon
2. Thistledown Princess Letizia

The pair then went on to headline a Dartmoor one-two in the M&M supreme mini championship, with the champion spot going to Kate Turner and Dykes Blue Moon, ahead of lead-rein runners-up Springwater Tactician and Sienna Clay.

The final class of the day, the ladies’ hunter championship, is under way in ring five. Go-round complete, the top three after the pull-in is led by MHS Morning Master, then Tigbourne and Harbour Master. Only time will tell how this translates to the final placings.

Ladies’ hunter championship results

Tigbourne takes the win!

It's the final championship of the day and it goes to Hannah Horton and Tigbourne. Well done to all connections!

1. Tigbourne
2. MHS Morning Master
3. Caravagio
4. Seabourne Singing Hill
5. Bloomfield Greystone
6. Gracemhors Savannah
7. Aredis Little Ben
8. Gunpowder Plot

That's all from me for today. I'll be back again in morning from 7.30am, ready to catch the riding horses, the working hunters and the Pretty Polly mini competitors. See you then...

Friday 24 July

Good morning from Hickstead! I'm gearing up for a busy day of riding horses, working hunters big and small, amateur hunters and more.

In good news for the step count, we're adding another ring – ring two – into the mix, where the small riding horses will be getting under way shortly.

The lightweight working hunters are kicking off proceedings in ring five and in about half an hour The Pretty Polly mini finals will be starting in the Roger Stack arena... It's all go here today!

I'm taking a seat by ring five for now. First to go in the Baileys Horse Feeds lightweight working hunter championship, Elliee Stunt and Madras Rua, have three down; one down for Rachel Turner and Noble Venture; Craig Kiddier and Bold Adventure jump clear; a brick comes off the wall for Alasdair Prickett and It's Tick Tock, who also ground to a halt at the last fence before hopping over on second attempt (but knocking the pole).

Katy Green and Gorsehill Layla are unlucky to roll two poles in an otherwise fluent round, while Olivia Minihane and Veuve Clicquot are another to have a pole. Oliver Woodland and Kingsman III have two down. Jasean Spraggett and Noble Queen Bee provide our second clear of the class, and Matthew Cooper on Bellevue Tomboy record the third.

If there's anything to take away from this, it's that the course is riding a little trickier than it looks. Faults are fairly well spread, but the horses are proving there are enough questions and there's plenty to look at.

I've taken a little stroll over to ring two to see how the small riding horses are getting on... Adam Forster's currently top of the line after the judges' pull on Absolutely Alluring, then Ladies Man (Jayne Ross), Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous (Justine Armstrong-Small), Nutmeg VI (Oliver Hood), Baker Street (Vicky Smith) and Lislan Rool (Emma Holder).

I can see 19 forward, and we're about 3/4 of the way through the ride judging.

I say no fences in particular are causing problems in the workers, but fence 4 – a fairly innocuous-looking but square oxer on a diagonal line going uphill – has caused a few miscommunications, disagreements and poles. And, rather unfortunately, ended Emma Benson and Choir Magic's round. Both horse and rider walked away fine.

As I head back over for the riding horse results, a quick peek in at the Pretty Polly lead-rein final currently under way in the Roger Stack arena reveals that yesterday's open lead-rein winner, Glyncoch Honey Pot, has been pulled top again. Will they do the double?

The De La Hey Family BSHA small riding horse championship results

Our first results of the day: Jayne Ross and Ladies Man win the small riding horses!

1. Ladies Man
2. Absolutely Alluring
3. Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous
4. Dolphins Lawyer
5. Nutmeg VI
6. D'Aaenerys
7. New Illusion
8. Lislan Rool

In the lightweight working hunters, we now have seven in the ring for judging. They are: Pimms O'Clock, Wyworrie, It's Lush, Noble Queen Bee, Bold Adventure, Purple Rain and Dermish Coney

Over in large riding horse ranks, the top of the line-up post-pull is shaping up like this: Tremarl Timpani, Calcourt Soli, Mylens Limited Edition, Smokey Joe X and Stanley Grange Alchemist.

We know from the small division that these judges aren't afraid to move their line around a bit in the final sort – in such a high-calibre field, you'd be silly not to – but this gives us an early indication of what they're liking.

The Baileys Horse Feeds lightweight working hunter championship results

And over in ring five we have another set of results! Congratulations to lightweight working hunter winners Matthew Cooper and Purple Rain.

1. Purple Rain
2. Wyworrie
3. Bold Adventure
4. Dermish Coney
5. Noble Queen Bee
6. Pimms O’Clock
7. It's Lush

The De La Hey Family BSHA large riding horse championship results

It's a hat-trick for Tremarl Timpani and Vicky Smith, who score a large riding horse win here for a third year on the trot. A huge congratulations to this super-consistent Timolin eight-year-old mare – what a feat!

1. Tremarl Timpani
2. Calcourt Soli
3. Stanley Grange Alchemist
4. Smokey Joe Z
5. Mylens Limited Edition
6. Redmays Romeo
7. Minella Rebellion
8. Tiger's Legacy

Looks like I've got a few minutes to watch the heavyweight working hunters in ring five before nipping down to the Roger Stack for the Pretty Polly first ridden results – and then their mini championship.

A couple of sticky moments and the final poll falls for Omni Quality (Grace Evans). MJM Laszlo and Kelly Ward give us a masterclass in forward positive riding to jump clear. Huntelaar and Sam Allman might have got close to the first but recover and show impressive scope to record a clear round. Cafre Quartermaster takes a disliking to fence two and after two refusals rider Alice Pimbley ends their round there.

Mia-Bella Long and Golden Glove have an unlucky pole down. It's a shame to see Olivia Minihane and Calcourt Victor take down fence four as apart from that the gelding looked to be jumping tremendously. Ginny Rose, second in the lightweights, brings the jumping portion of the class to a close with a smashing clear atop ABC Little Rock.

BSPS Heritage M&M Pretty Polly first ridden pony championship results

We have a winner in the Pretty Polly first ridden final and it's eight-year-old Isabella Dobson and Tryfel Royal Princess. Well done!!

1. Tryfel Royal Princess
2. Thistledown Lord Of Glencoe
3. Briar Puzzle
4. Crumpwell Harry Potter
5. Ceulan Steph
6. Glebedale Sirius
7. Rival V Stallion Polderzicht
8. Fieldcote Fly Away

In ring five, called back in for the heavyweight working hunter ride phase, we have:

• ABC Little Rock
• Calcourt Victor
• Mulberry Lane
• Loughview Verdis Dream
• Golden Glove
• MJM Laszlo
• Omni Quality
• Magnus Amor
• Huntelaar

Stand by for Pretty Polly mini championship results…

Apologies for the short delay – technical gremlins in the system... but we are back

BSPS Heritage M&M supreme Pretty Polly mini championship results

Champion: Zara Constable and Glyncoch Honey Pot

Reserve: Isabella Dobson and Tryfel Royal Princess

The small division is the first of the amateur hunter championships to descend on ring two, and we have just a handful of rides to go. The first half of line-up after the pull is:

Randalstown Lord Sugar, Mr Cummins, Spirit King, Easter Bunny, Chase Me Charlie, Tiger Eye, Oaktree Daydream and Stockhill Dark Secret.

The Baileys Horse Feeds heavyweight working hunter championship results

Congratulations to Adam Taylor and Loughview Verdis Dream, winner of the heavyweight workers!

1. Loughview Verdis Dream
2. Mulberry Lane
3. MJM Laszlo
4. ABC Little Rock
5. Huntelaar
6. Calcourt Victor
7. Magnus Amor
8. Golden Glove

After three years at the top, Mulberry Lane and Craig Kiddier settle into the bridesmaid spot.

Small amateur hunter championship results

Amateur and home-produced, congratulations to our winners in the small hunters, Tara Robinson and Mr Cummins. They will go forward to the home-produced amateur hunter championship later on this afternoon, as well as the supreme amateur hunter championship.

1. Mr Cummins
2. Randalstown Lord Sugar
3. Easter Bunny
4. Spirit King
5. Chase Charlie
6. Tiger Eye
7. Oaktree Daydream
8. Stockhill Dark Secret

It was a super-special win in the amateur small hunter championship for 24-year-old Tara Robinson, who said her victory on Mr Cummins was "unbelievable".

"This is my first time doing horse classes. Before 'Basil' I'd only ever ridden my little Fell pony so it was a massive jump to do these classes – I'd never done horse classes or even ridden a horse this big before," said Tara. "But he's such a good boy, he looks after me and he's a true gent.

"I do all the work myself, I get him ready and work him in myself – but I couldn't do it without my mum, Paula. We're a mum and daughter team, totally home-produced, so it's just unbelievable. I'm so emotional! It's a dream come true! This is what we do it for!"

Not only will Tara return to the ring for the home-produced and supreme amateur hunter championships later this afternoon, but she's contesting the SSADL veteran in-hand final this weekend too, with her 25-year-old "little Fell pony" Hedgethorpe April Morning. Good luck!

In ring five, riders are walking the course for the exceeding 143cm M&M working hunter pony championship (a little behind schedule – I think this was scheduled to start at midday) and the lightweight amateur hunters are in ring two.

A quick look at the amateur line-up post-pull (before I head to the International Arena for the supreme riding horse and working hunter championships) has the order as follows:

Scarlet Ribbons leads, then Strinesdale Marksman, Redshaw Valentino, Second Time Around, Bloomfield Silverado and Talisman I making up the top six for now.

Riding horse championship is in the International Arena now – as a reminder, we had Tremarl Timpani and Calcourt Soli from the large section, and Ladies Man and Absolutely Alluring from the small section. Results to follow shortly…

The De La Hey Family BSHA supreme riding horse championship results

Champion: Ladies Man (Jayne Ross)
Reserve: Tremarl Timpani (Vicky Smith)

The Baileys Horse Feeds supreme working hunter championship results

Champion: Loughview Verdis Dream
Reserve: Mulberry Lane

Lightweight amateur hunter championship results

I've made it back to ring two in time to catch the lightweight amateur hunter championship, and the winner is Francoise Babington riding Scarlet Ribbons – holding on to their title from last year. A massive well done to horse and rider!

1. Scarlet Ribbons
2. Strinesdale Marksman
3. Diptford Above Suspicion
4. Redshaw Valentino
5. Mountview Silver Fox
6. Glenkeeran Dance In The Deep
7. Bloomfield Silverado
8. Cookstown Cavello

The NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds exc 143cm M&M working hunter pony championship results

We finally have a winner in ring five, and it's a popular one! Winners of the over 143cm working hunter pony final are Gemma Pallett and Rockingham Jack. Well done Gemma!

1. Rockingham Jack
2. Lishnadrisha Tictac
3. Blakehill Paramour
4. Burnockmill Entertainer
5. Deerpark Millie
6. Rathvaldron Dun Pauric
7. Vermount Dan
8. Kildromin Van Persi

Back to ring two we go, this time to have a little look at the pull in the middleweight amateur hunters. Ride and conformation judging is under way, and here's how the line is shaping up after the judges' initial pull:

Ballykeely Cassanova

Say No More

Gunpowder Plot

Calcourt Victor

Rowel's Cole

Kinsales Irish Emerald

Appleton Aristocratic Lady

West Coast

I have a few minutes to watch the next class of M&M working hunter ponies – the 143cm section. We look to be most of the way through jumping: Cloherview Ozil and Georgia Darlington have an unlucky pole at the double at fence five and are eventually eliminated due to refusals at the water; stops at fence five result in elimination for Vikki Smith and Ebbw Golden Dragon; Lissarulla Duncan Peanut and Ffion Evans have a pole at fence five, but clear the water and manage to clear the rest of the course.

Vicky Casey and Frederiksminde Volcano are another combination to have refusals at fence five, but they splash through the water cautiously and are eliminated further on course for another refusal. Next in Isabelle Allen and Brock Lodge Ben clock up a refusal at fence five, then knock the pole at the first part of this double on their second attempt – they make it home in gutsy fashion, adding just one further pole down to their tally. Ella Eynon and Joyton Sunshine have a slip early on but they clear fence five, leap through the water and they're the first combination since I started watching to go clear!

Middleweight amateur hunter championship results

The penultimate class in the amateur hunter finals before we move on to championships, and it's Rose Bailey on Calcourt Victor who triumph this time! Congratulations!

1. Calcourt Victor
2. Rowel's Cole
3. Say No More
4. Too Close To The Flame
5. Gunpowder Plot
6. Ballykeely Cassanova
7. West Coast
8. Appleton Aristocratic Lady

The NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds 143cm M&M working hunter pony championship results

Quick dash back to ring five for the 143cm results and it's Izzie Williams on Mayfield Boy in the top spot. Well done!

1. Mayfield Boy
2. Ballinaguilkey Minstreal
3. Abbeyside Silver
4. Joyton Sunshine
5. Add Venture
6. Cairns Fergus
7. Pilleybailey Centurion
8. Clonad Rose

The 133cm M&M working hunters are under way now and first in Llanai Renaissance is eliminated for refusals at the water.
Second in, Nutschullyng Little Monty is unfortunately eliminated for a rider fall – pony and rider walk away fine, if deflated.
Third in, Peasedown Mambo, is super-cautious to the water and makes it further than those who have gone before – but is still eliminated for refusals in the latter part of the course.
Corstan Royal Addition has two refusals at fence five, which brings their round to an end.
Dunmar Bronze Penny makes it through fence five, has a pole at six, then refusals at seven – the water – and unfortunately rider Mia Dunne has a tumble.
Completions, let alone clears, are proving hard to come by!

Pentrafelin Worththewait has a refusal at fence five but makes it over the second time, clears the water despite a little hesitation on the approach, but then unfortunately misses fence eight!

Next in Seiont Watcyn and Poppy Gresty look flawless to the water, where they have a refusal but get through on their next try – only to have a pole at eight. They have a refusal at the final fence and have a pole on second attempt... BUT we have our first completion!

Georgia Darlington's ride Glencierch Endeavour has two rails down but three refusals at the water result in elimination.

Rhydeilian Regan has one refusal at the water but with some positive forward riding they fly over it on second attempt. He and Jorgi Craigie give us a second completion!

Peasedown Maximilian is another to have a hesitation at the water but makes it over on second attempt, but two refusal at the penultimate fence – a double – ends their round.

Monksmead Jack Frost has a pole then three subsequent refusals lead to elimination.

Penters Story Teller hesitates on the approach to the water – I'm not sure if it'll count as a refusal – but gets home with no further issues and we have another completion!

As far as I can see, Lilly Richardson and Horeb Strike A Pose jump a lovely, flowing clear: no bother at the water, no upsets at either double and they make it home in style!

This is as much as my nerves can take – let's see how things are shaping up in the heavyweight amateur hunter final…

Heavyweight amateur hunter championship results

The final section of the amateur hunter weights and we have a winner! Huge congratulations to Jono Fryer and Dowdstown Purple, winners of this class in 2023 and 2024.

1. Dowdstown Purple
2. Face The Music
3. Cloughdean Eye Of The Tiger
4. Dearglach Lets Boogie2nite
5. Roll The Dice
6. Castlemorris Diamond
7. Jacob's Finn
8. Red Rhythm
9. Braithwaite Countryman

I'm back ringside at the working hunters and the final pony to go, Llanarth Windsor, refuses the water at first but a quick spin and he's over it at the second attempt. A determined round and a solid completion. Phew!

The home-produced amateur hunter championship results

Champion: Scarlet Ribbons (Francoise Babington)
Reserve: Strinesdale Marksman (Sally Igguldon)

The NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds 133cm M&M working hunter pony championship results

Congratulations Lilly Richardson and Horeb Strike A Pose! A well-deserved win over a track that caused a lot of problems!

1. Horeb Strike A Pose
2. Joint Venture
3. Rhoswen Jimmy
4. Cadlanvalley Royal Bronze
5. Penters Story Teller
6. Cwmmawr Liberty
7. Llanarth Windsor
8. Rushhill Diplomat

The supreme amateur hunter championship results

The home-producers repeat their accolades in the supreme amateur hunter championship. A fantastic result for them both.

Champion: Scarlet Ribbons
Reserve: Strinesdale Marksman

Back at ring five for the workers and the 122cm M&M ponies look to be faring a little better! I catch the end of Anchor Lullaby's round, who got home safe and sound. Crumpwell Haddu certainly looked to jump clear, despite jockey Alexandra Babington losing a stirrup on the approach to the water. And I think that's another clear – at the very least a completion – for Delami Bravado!

A masterclass in forward riding from Lois Dickie on Meniecroft Red Rose: a pole and a hesitation at the water but a nice round regardless. Rose Cassapi Paskins steers Nantfforchog Blue Moonstar to an accomplished clear, followed by a similar feat for Isobel Radford Jones and Beros Silver Spirit.

The course is riding very differently for our smallest competitors, it's fair to say.

With plenty of grit and determination, Molly Hendy guides Liddesdale Echo round successfully but accumulate a few rails. Dartmoor Westown Wild Fire, winner of his open ridden final earlier on in the week, is eliminated at the penultimate fence due to refusals.

Some great riding on show from Olivia Bretherton on Rhesfair The Done – a lovely little jumper and a real attacking round! Pennal Sportsman is eliminated for refusals at the water; there's some confusion as to whether he's eliminated but Andrea Pearman rides him to complete the course regardless.

A few rails for Delami Aries and Dollie Incledon and a refusal at the water that they cleared on second attempt – to much celebration and pats for Aries. Well ridden.

Super-Exmoor Moonpenny Delphinus and Debbie Barker-Runiewicz deliver my round of the class so far – and fly the water! Hayesbrook Double Trouble also delivered a polished clear with nothing but a little glance at the water.

The final three: Thistledown Lucifer is eliminated, Crimond Nathaniel takes a bit of persuasion at the water but completes the course despite a refusal then a pole at the last, and Minydon Mascherano is unfortunately eliminated after three refusals.

Results to follow shortly...

The NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds 122cm M&M working hunter pony championship results

Another class of thrills (and a few spills) concludes, and our deserving winners are Hayesbrook Double Trouble and Libby James. A big well done!

1. Hayesbrook Double Trouble
2. Delami Bravado
3. Nantfforchog Blue Moonstar
4. Elberry Suilen
5. Moonpenny Delphinus
6. Dunkery Black Grouse
7. Rhesfair The Done
8. Crumpwell Haddi

The NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds supreme M&M working hunter pony championship results

And to finish off today's action...

Champion: Mayfield Boy
Reserve: Hayesbrook Double Trouble

Congratulations to all connections.

That's me over and out for another day! The weekend begins with Irish Draughts, hacks, miniature horses, veterans and plenty more. I'll be back at 7.30am! See you then...

Saturday 25 July

The Irish Draughts are gathering by ring two and the small hacks are ready to step into ring five. That can mean only one thing… It's Saturday morning and I'm back at Hickstead ready to bring you all the results from the Agria Royal International Horse Show!

Margaret Hopkins is the ride judge for today’s hack classes. Our showing editor Bethan Simons caught up with her a few weeks ago to find out what she will be looking for...

For me, the hack class is one you need to watch to fully appreciate. Of course all of these horses make a stunning picture – and these are the best hacks in the country – but I'm not sure you can take in their elegance from a still image alone.

The following is shared with no judging experience, just a love of watching beautiful show animals, but these are a few I particularly liked on the go-round (I must stress, I think these are all stunning horses!):

Relaxed, smiling, swinging, I think Littletons Tiger Lily gets my vote for one I'd like to see in the final line-up.

Will Morton's ride, Time After Time, is another that catches my eye on the go-round. I've not seen a lot of this one before, but the Time 2 Reflect six-year-old has made a good first impression on me.

I think the beautiful coloured supreme from earlier on in the week Lostock Up Till Dark _ the epitome of "a good horse is never a bad colour" _ ought to be in with a shout. She has a real "ease" about her way of going and Harrison Taylor presents her beautifully.

So, we have an initial pull in the small hacks and it's Helen Baker and Boston Black Tie at the top of the line – and why wouldn't it be? This horse has won the class, and the hack tricolour, for the past two years and will be vying for a hat-trick. His reputation is deserved and he pulls off a perfectly polished show.

Second is Small-land Skylight (Kara Roylance), third is Honourable Bardot (Katie Jerram-Hunnable), fourth is Time After Time (Will Morton), fifth is Absolutely Lovely (Laura Nicholson), sixth is Dare To Dream II (Amanda Picillo), seventh is Louie Chantry (Adam Forster) and eighth is Lostock Up Till Dark (Harrison Taylor).

The pull in the pure-bred Irish Draughts final has yesterday's amateur heavyweight hunter champion, and the inaugural winner of this class in 2024, Dowdstown Purple at the top of the line, followed by Barnswood Skye Dancer, Mongorry Cormac, Love Joy, Moylough Saffron, Cloughdean Eye Of The Tiger and last year's winner Blarney Quercus.

Meanwhile in ring two, the small hack ride judging is under way – but I'm nipping down to the Roger Stack arena for the first Miniature Horse results of the day.

BMHS Miniature Horse three years old and over championship (colts/stallions) results

We have our first result of the day and it's a win for Daniel Tarpey at the bridle of Carole Lindsey's Royal Supreme H Red Hunter. Congratulations!

1. Royal Supreme H Red Hunter
2. Rosemont Dreamers Monsieur Rouge
3. Karosel Alamos Spot The Star
4. EPS Spirits First Ariodante
5. Scotts Olympic Dream
6. Ribbons Graffitis Smoking Legacy

British Horse Feeds & IDHS (GB) ridden full Irish Draught championship results

The judges have their results in ring two, too, and it's a huge congratulations to Jono Fryer and Dowdstown Purple, winners of a 19-strong Irish Draught final less than 24 hours after being crowned amateur heavyweight hunter champion.

1. Dowdstown Purple
2. Barnswood Skye Dancer
3. Blarney Quercus
4. Mongorry Cormac
5. Moylough Saffron
6. Greenhall Will I Am
7. Lion King
8. Cloughdean Eye Of The Tiger

In next: the part-bred Irish Draughts.

And now I am heading back to ring five for the conclusion of the small hack judging. The final horse has just done its conformation and riders are back in the saddles. Some final discussions between the judges are about to take place – watch this space...

The Ellena Thomas BSHA small hack championship results

Helen Baker and Nicola Faulconbridge's Boston Black Tie shine brightest as champions of a glittering small hack line-up. It's their third year winning this class – will they manage a hat-trick in the championship too?

1. Boston Black Tie
2. Absolutely Lovely
3. Honourable Bardot
4. Small-land Skylight
5. Littletons Tiger Lily
6. Time After Time
7. Louie Chantry
8. Babylove

Next up in ring five: the large hacks.

BMHS Miniature Horse three years old and over championship (mares) results

An emotional Sue Mettler leads the beautiful piebald eight-year-old Donabi UK Eagles Chantilly Lace to be crowned top mare (three years old and over). A massive congratulations to you both!

1. Donabi UK Eagles Chantilly Lace
2. Blackspirits Silver Dream
3. Model Farm UK Squirrel Nutkin
4. Model Farm UK It's Snow Time
5. Model Farm UK Royal Spirit
6. Aesthete Lavender Blue

Up in ring five and the large hacks have just finished their go-round.

Cleopatra and St Giles Devole had me with their walks – effortless and striding out. Can you win a class on a walk alone? Of course not and there's a lot of "class" to take place from here. But they have favour (with me) from first impressions.

I'd add Migration and Shildon's Plan B to my fantasy line-up after some trot and canter work – then finally Raemoir Let's Dance, Show Them George and Carrhouse Hidden Asset. It sounds like I'm hedging my bets but I'd say all the horses have settled into their jobs now and it's at this point I find it harder to separate them!

We have our large hack pull and it's Copybush So Fashion at the top. Diptford Arctic Star follows, then Show Them George, Cleopatra (though she had a rather unfortunate slip to end her individual show), Carrhouse Hidden Asset (will a couple of little disagreements going into canter count against them?), Roseberry Top Hat and Migration.

A few of my picks are up there – but when your shortlist comprises more than half of a 12-horse line-up, that may be to be expected.

British Horse Feeds & IDHS (GB) ridden part-bred Irish Draught championship results

It's all go here but we have the part-bred Irish Draught results in and it's a massive congratulations for Simon Reynolds and Polly Coles' My Dimond Solitair!

1. My Dimond Solitair
2. Waterfall
3. Greenhall All Business
4. Goosey Gander
5. Ballykeely Cassanova
6. Face The Music
7. Killea Silver Diamond
8. Bloomfield Bespoke

BMHS Miniature Horse three years old and over championship (geldings) results

We have another winner in the Miniature Horses and it's Louise Edgar-Kingman and Apollos Golden Prince! Many congratulations Louise!

1. Apollos Golden Prince
2. Wind Rush Secret Is Out
3. Maybe A Little Star
4. Model Farm UK Masquerade In Black
5. Rosemont Caballeros Soltero Amir
6. Ribbons Graffitis Captain Tom

BMHS Miniature Horse two-year-old championship results

Charlotte Wheatley and TLF Fandango are the winners of the two-year-old Miniature Horse championship! An amazing result, well done Charlotte!

1. TLF Fandango
2. 77 Rosaphia Drop It Like It's Hot
3. Maybe A Shining Star
4. TLF Mozn
5. Rosemont Maximilianos Valentino
6. Folly Farm Star

The British Horse Feeds & IDHS (GB) supreme ridden Irish Draught championship results

Champion: Dowdstown Purple
Reserve: My Dimond Solitair

The Ellena Thomas BSHA large hack championship results

Bethany Beard rides Diptford Arctic Star into the top of the large hack line-up. A huge congratulations to you Bethany!

1. Diptford Arctic Star
2. Copybush So Fashion
3. Show Them George
4. Cleopatra
5. Migration
6. Shildon's Plan B
7. Roseberry Top Hat
8. Carrhouse Hidden Asset

BMHS Miniature Horse yearling championship results

Daniel Tarpey has the magic touch in Miniature Horse ranks, leading a second superstar to the top of the line - this time it's Carole Lindsey's Maybe A Reign Star.

1. Maybe A Reign Star
2. Rosaphia Furys Faacination
3. Pandoras Conquistadors Conquest
4. Rosaphia Destiny Calls
5. Donabi UK Eagles Leading Last
6. Maybe Reigns Boy Next Door

Now in ring five are the small hunters – the go-round is complete and top of the line are Alice Homer and Tidy Town. They are followed by Annaghmore Huntress, Red Valentine, Freediezier, Atmospheric, SCT Master Of The Hounds, Tremarl Dark Arc and Ashlea's The Banker.

Sue Mettler said her win in the BMHS Three Years Old & Over Miniature Horse Championship (Mares) with Donabi UK Eagles Chantilly Lace was "simply phenomenal".

The pair were third at Horse of the Year Show last year and champion at the British Miniature Horse Society Spring Show, and this mini, mighty mare – all 79cm of her – means business in the show ring!

"To come here and do this is just amazing," said Sue, who now goes forward to the International Arena championship a little later on. "It's a lifetime of work to get to these shows.

"When you've grown up watching people riding at Hickstead as a child, to now be competing here let alone winning is simply phenomenal.

"We've had the opportunity to walk around the International Arena before but this year being able to compete in the championship is amazing."

BMHS Mini Miniature Horse three years old and over mares championship results

The final Miniature Horse championship of the morning goes to the winner of our three years old and over mares, Donabi UK Eagles Chantilly Lace and Sue Mettler!

1. Donabi UK Eagles Chantilly Lace
2. 268 Rosemont Dreamers Monsieur Rouge
3. Rosaphia Furys Fascination
4. Springtree Prince Alfred
5. Maybe Reigns Boy Next Door
6. Pandoras Conquistadors Vaquera

The intermediate show riding horses are now filling into ring two, but I'm heading down to the International Arena for the Miniature Horse championship. Results to come shortly!

The BMHS Miniature Horse supreme championship results

Champion: Maybe A Reign Star
Reserve: Royal Supreme H Red Hunter

And now over in ring two, the judges have made their initial pull in the intermediate show riding horses. Top of the line is Ladies Man – riding horse champion here yesterday – followed by Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous, Tremarl Dark Lark, Absolutely Alluring, Ballarin Babette, Romanno Regal Appointment, Carrhouse Billie Jean and Sandboro Sir Henry.

The Culford Lodge Commodities small hunter championship top nine

We have our top nine in the small hunters but we'll have to wait a little longer to find out the final results, which will be revealed in the International Arena this afternoon (3.30pm). In catalogue order, heading down will be:

• Atmospheric
• Tidy Town
• Irish Invention
• Red Valentine
• Freediezier
• Marwyn Born To Wyn
• Tremarl Dark Arc
• Dunard Mirahs Boy
• Ashlea's The Banker

Monarch In The Mist is pulled top in the maxi cobs – the latest class to descend on ring five. Lord Alexander is second, Indigo Jones third, Mr Popeye fourth (I liked this one on the go-round!), Cobsession fifth and Mr Milsean sixth.

I just missed the intermediate show riding horses – but I know that Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous moved up from second to take the win. Congratulations to Sophie O’Keeffe!

We're about halfway through the ride judging for the maxi cobs in ring five, and down in the Roger Stack arena we have just a handful of horses still to complete their shows before discussions begin to crown our winner in the SSADL ridden veteran championship. Meanwhile the intermediate show hacks are about to get under way in ring two...

7ONE7 Engineering Ltd SSADL ridden championship results

A beautiful line-up of 21 horses and ponies in the veteran ridden final, but there can only be one winner - and it's Isabella Stagg and the 18-year-old mare Quite A Compliment!

1. Quite A Compliment
2. Inverin Paddy
3. Waitwith Santana
4. Briar Snowman
5. Kingswalk Moonraker
6. Moonstone Dance Refer
7. All That Jazz
8. Brickell Mr Pickwick

The Roger's Truck Services BSHA maxi cob championship results

Monarch In The Mist and Will Morton successfully defend their maxi cob title! Well done to you!

1. Monarch In The Mist
2. Indigo Jones
3. Cobsession
4. Lord Alexander
5. Mr Popeye
6. Harvey Star
7. Mr Milsean
8. Clononey Mighty Mick

Looking now to the intermediate show hack pull and it's Comberton Unique leading the way. Pulled second is Littletons Tiger Lily, then Louie Chantry, Le Nouvel Espirit, Dare To Dream II, Stockhill Strike Me A Pose and So Stylish. Just six rides to go until we'll have our results.

The Jackson Fine Homes Ltd BSPS intermediate show hack championship results

The next set of results is in and it's Littletons Tiger Lily who takes the top prize!

1. Littletons Tiger Lily
2. Comberton Unique
3. Stockhill Strike Me A Pose
4. Le Nouvel Espirit
5. Howetown Holly's Legacy
6. Louie Chantry
7. Dare To Dream II
8. Sir Lucky Star

7ONE7 Engineering Ltd SSADL in-hand championship results

From one set of results to the next and this time it's the SSADL in-hand veteran championship. A huge congratulations to winners Danni Radford and her riding school star, last year's victors and this year's too!

1. Cushag Ffinlo
2. Shemika Snip
3. Pairc An Faoi Diamond
4. Millcroft Lustre
5. Blackthorn Poteen
6. Classic Night
7. Pinina Reef
8. Eyarth Braveheart

The Culford Lodge Commodities small hunter championship results

Finally, we have our winners! A huge congratulations to Alice Homer and Tidy Town, small hunter champions!

1. Tidy Town
2. Red Valentine
3. Freediezier
4. Atmospheric
5. Tremarl Dark Arc
6. Irish Invention
7. Dunard Mirahs Boy
8. Marwyn Born To Wyn
9. Ashlea's The Banker

7ONE7 Engineering Ltd SSADL supreme championship results

Champion: Cushag Ffinlo
Reserve: Shemika Snip

The Ellena Thomas BSHA supreme hack championship results

Champion: Boston Black Tie
Reserve: Copybush So Fashion

The Harrison Civil Engineering BSPS lead-rein pony of hunter type championship results

Arabella Corrigan and Newoak Midnight Blue are the judges' pick for the lead-rein pony of hunter type, with Adam Forster leading. Congratulations!

1. Newoak Midnight Blue
2. Annandale Let's Dance
3. Rowfantina Kingfisher
4. Rowfantina Man Of The Match
5. Heniarth Gloucester
6. Ruso Something Perfect
7. Hafdre O'Malley
8. Penllech Sid

We're on the home stretch now, with just a couple of classes and championships to go! In ring two, it's the turn of the intermediate show hunters – and it seems "busy" suits Alice Homer, who rushed from intermediate riding horses, to the small hunters (which she duly won), and now back to ring two to be pulled top with her small winner Tidy Town. At the moment, they are followed by Diptford Mexico, Dunard Mirahs Boy, Russmond Lalla Rookh, Tarr Dauntless, Royal Illusion, Marwyn Born To Wyn and Griffinstown. It shouldn't be too long before we have a final result – just five ridden shows to go.

Horse of a lifetime is a term we hear often, but in the case of Isabella Stagg and her 18-year-old ridden veteran winner, it's definitely true.

Isabella has owned eventer "Holly" from a five-year-old, so their partnership spans 13 years. They're due to go to the British Riding Clubs horse trials championships at 80cm next week, but they've also been to Badminton grassroots four times and they were champion working show horse at the London International Horse Show in 2024.

"That was just a dream come true," said Isabella reflecting on her London win. "I really didn't think she'd then have another championship win in her!"

Isabella says she's had health problems this year that have made riding difficult.

"I haven't been able to ride her as much as I'd like. But even when I've felt that I couldn't get out of bed, the thought of getting up to see Holly helps me get up in the morning. She's more than just a horse, she's my best friend."

Having only started showing when the For Compliment daughter turned 15, Isabella intends to keep going with Holly, adding that the born performer "loves a crowd, loves applause and lights up when she hears a microphone".

The Jackson Fine Homes Ltd BSPS intermediate show hunter championship results

Alice Homer and Tidy Town do the double! They were small hunter champions in the International Arena before this class, and they take home the sash in the intermediate show hunters too! Even more impressively, they're repeating the same feat from last year! Huge congratulations Alice!

1. Tidy Town
2. Diptford Mexico
3. Russmond Lalla Rookh
4. Royal Illusion
5. Griffinstown
6. Ashlea's The Banker
7. Chase Charlie
8. Cuddington Mayfair

The Jackson Fine Homes Ltd BSPS supreme intermediate championship results

Champion: Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous
Reserve: Littletons Tiger Lily

My final stop of the day: ring five! The last pony is completing its ridden show in the first ridden pony of hunter type final, so we shouldn't be too far off the final class results of the day – then onto the mini pony of hunter type championship!

The Harrison Civil Engineering BSPS first ridden pony of hunter type championship results

It's the inaugural running of this popular class and out of 22 immaculate first ridden ponies of hunter type, it's Amelia Logan and Garnagree Golden Bravado who take the win. Very well done, and well ridden, Amelia!

1. Garnagree Golden Bravado
2. Newoak St Dominic
3. Newoak Pumpkin Spice
4. Gryngallt Prima Donna
5. Gryngallt Page Too
6. Brynrodyn Hidalgo
7. Annandale Fireball
8. Woodend Coco

The Harrison Civil Engineering BSPS supreme mini pony of hunter type championship results

Champion: Newoak Midnight Blue
Reserve: Annandale Let's Dance

The sun sets on the penultimate day of the Agria Royal International Horse Show 2026! I'll be back at 7.30am tomorrow, ready for the final day: show ponies, cobs, the ridden supremes and plenty more!

Sunday 26 July

It's the final day of the Royal International Horse Show, let's go!

First into ring two are the plaited lead-rein ponies, in ring three we'll have the 148cm show ponies and in ring five it's the turn of the lightweight cobs.

I'm parked up at ring five for the time being – let's see if I can spot a winner in the cobs!

I'd written down a whole host of back numbers of the horses who'd impressed me the most in the lightweight cobs but once again it's most of the class... But the ones who came up a few times were Foxtrot, Mr Vincent, Red Dove and Redy Steady Eddie _ purely for the fact they look content, relaxed and like something I'd like a sit on.

Although if it were on gallop alone, it'd be Stretcholt He's Cob Rhythm or Tinakelly Scooby!

We have our initial pull from the lightweight cob judges, and it's Mr Vincent at the top. Then Red Dove, Redy Steady Eddie, Red Butler and Mr Bear.

Looking at the 148cm show pony line-up now and it's Roseberry Picture Perfect leading the way. Shildons Royal Scoundrel, Cleapatra, Shildon's Regal Heir, Tandridge True Gold, KBF Bulgari, Wedgeknock Song Of Morning and Shildons Royal Affair follow.

A peek over the fence to ring two for the plaited lead-reins and it's four-year-old Elmswood Penny Royal ridden by Naomi Lear who's been pulled top, followed by Royalview Gossip Girl, Royalview Secret Agent, Megland Spring Fox, Hightopps Black Magic, Derwent Dream Boy, Sandboro Sugar Tot then Colandra Meant To Be.

But now it's time for the 148cm show pony results! The judges are having their final discussions, stay tuned…

The BSPS 148cm show pony championship

The first results of the day and it's a win for Roseberry Picture Perfect and Lilly Ahern, in a very strong class!

1. Roseberry Picture Perfect
2. Shildon's Regal Heir
3. Shildon's Royal Scoundrel
4. Shildon's Royal Affair
5. Laybalands Fly By Night
6. Dibynn Miss Congeniality
7. Tandridge State Affair
8. Diptford Graceful

The cobs are still completing ride/conformation so I should have time to squeeze in the plaited lead-rein results before dashing back for the lightweight cob results. The first riddens and heavyweight cobs will follow, then the 138cm show ponies are in the ring from 9am.

Dallamires Stables BSPS lead-rein pony championship

Well done Sienna Chadwick! Winner of the lead-rein show ponies with Megland Spring Fox!

1. Megland Spring Fox
2. Royalview Gossip Girl
3. Elmswood Penny Royal
4. Hightopps Black Magic
5. Sandboro Sugar Tot
6. Somersham Playboy
7. Newall Prince Charming
8. Cosford Glamorize

The Surrey Envelopes BSHA lightweight cob championship

Danielle Heath and Isabella Mears Wood's Mr Vincent – winners of this class last year too – are the judges' choice for the lightweight cob spoils. Congratulations!

1. Mr Vincent
2. Redy Steady Eddie
3. Tinakelly Scooby
4. Red Dove
5. Red Butler
6. Percival
7. Mr Bear
8. Foxtrot

A big dose of cute to start off your Sunday morning!

Laura Holly with five-year-old Sienna Chadwick on the Rachael Helliwell-produced four-year-old Megland Spring Fox – or "Freddie Fox" to his friends – winners of this morning's show pony lead-rein.

They did just the one qualifier, which they won, and then today they won the final.

"He really looks after Sienna in the ring. He's a really sweet pony, he literally needs no working in, he just comes into ring and performs beautifully!"

About half way through the shows for the 138cm show ponies and at the top of the line this time it's Lilly Ahern – winner of the 148cm class – and Stanley Grange Crescendo. Second currently is Brookvale Lord Hexham, then Hightopps Someone Smart, Centurion Prince Regent, Dowhills Grandeur and Rhos Equinox.

Meanwhile top of the line in the first ridden show ponies is Barkway Alfie Moon, ridden by Margot Hartland. Then it's Hepplewood Rain Dancer, Archwood Finley and Fielden Real Mccoy.

We're due to get our results here in ring two shortly, then it'll be the 138cm results and hopefully the heavyweight cobs.

Dallamires Stables BSPS first ridden pony championship

A huge congratulations to Archwood Finley and Scarlett Smith, winners of the first ridden show pony championship over here in ring two, taking home that coveted blue RIHS sash!

1. Archwood Finley
2. Hepplewood Rain Dancer
3. Chaseford Tip-Top
4. Diptford Peter Pan
5. Littmere Isadora
6. Cosford Valour
7. Chaseford Charismatic
8. Broadhurst Jeremy Fisher

The BSPS 138cm show pony championship

And in ring three we have a new set of results too! A hard-fought battle in a wonderful class of 23 pristinely presented 138cm show ponies, but the winner's rosette is awarded to Aimee Baldwin and the beautiful dun Hightopps Someone Smart.

1. Hightopps Someone Smart
2. Stanley Grange Crescendo
3. Rhos Equinox
4. Brookvale Lord Grantham
5. Wycroft Forget Me Not
6. Whiteleaze Debutante
7. Rotherwood Maestro
8. Mount Pleasant Silver Charm

The Surrey Envelopes BSHA heavyweight cob championship

Will Morton claimed the maxi cobs yesterday and he takes the heavyweights today with Bannview So Smart. Will he be crowned "King of the Cobs" in the International Arena later – against last year's champion Mr Vincent? It'll be an exciting watch!

1. Bannview So Smart
2. Carter's Top Gun
3. Hortons Rainman
4. Firespell
5. Bobbi Dazzler
6. Morrows Highwayman
7. Hortons Valentine
8. Libertys Moon Dancer

Dallamires Stables BSPS supreme mini pony championship

Champion: Archwood Finley
Reserve: Royalview Gossip Girl

Over to the 128cm show ponies: Frank Newbould and Serene Royal Prince Charming are pulled top currently as we approach half way through the individual shows over in ring three. As it stands, they're ahead of Kellythorpes Tiny Dancer, Archwood Dance All Night, Stoneleigh Show Time, Royalview Chanel and Barkway Blue Moon.

I'm carving out a few minutes to watch the Young Dragonara riders championship.

Show pony Ecclesbourne Byron Bay is first out and rider Alice Townsend executes a serpentine as part of her show, making a canter change through trot in one loop and moving down to walk through the next before doing an extension down the long side.

Cadlanvalley Topman shows similar finesse, using a figure of eight to showcase their changes of rein and leads.

Updown Dante and William Hall make their bid with a bolder, standout extension down the long side but are cursed with a change of lead part way through.

Hunter pony Annandale Toy Soldier picks up the correct canter lead on the straight down the long side with Georgia Canton-Davies, then shows off smooth changes through a three-loop serpentine before pulling off an accomplished extension.

Charlotte Turner is a neat little rider, sitting atop Newoak Pumpkin Spice, looking polished as they complete a three-loop serpentine, with a walk transition included before picking up canter again and completing their show with an extension.

Coloured pony Penrock Perfect Puzzle produces a beautiful flowing show. Faith Sturrock, too, opts to pick up canter on the long side and rides a canter serpentine with neat simple changes over the centre line. They produce a polite extension to finish.

That's our top six as it stands – but it's an exciting class to watch with riders on a mix of types of ponies. The leaderboard may well all change!

The BSPS 128cm show pony championship

One of the most successful show ponies in recent years, nine-year-old Stoneleigh Show Time takes the 128cm title for a second year with Isabella Walker. Congratulations!

They were show pony supreme (and overall pony supreme) last year – will we see a repeat of this in the International Arena?

1. Stoneleigh Show Time
2. Archwood Dance All Night
3. Kellythorpes Tiny Dancer
4. Rowden Hollywood
5. Hightopps Sophistication
6. Royalview Chanel
7. Barkway Blue Moon
8. Rhos Ebony

In ring five, it's the turn of the amateur maxi cobs – and pulled first after the go-round is A Red Knight for Carly Day-Greenslade. Next is The Pink Panda, then Lady Woods Cracker, Cloughdean Captain's Order, The Watchman and Mister Quinn.

The Badleybridge BSPS Young Dragonara riders championships

Coming all the way from west Wales, congratulations to Georgia Canton-Davies and Annandale Toy Soldier, winners of the second ever Young Dragonara final!

• Annandale Toy Soldier
• Newoak Pumpkin Spice
• Penrock Perfect Puzzle
• Ecclesbourne Byron Bay
• Battlestown Jenny
• Gryngallt Page Too
• Cloneyogan Guy
• Valentine Siw

Surrey Envelopes BSHA supreme cob championship

The four forward in the cob championship looked glorious in the International Arena with the sun on their backs.

To remind you, we had lightweights Mr Vincent and Redy Steady Eddie versus heavyweights Bannview So Smart and Carters Top Gun — all four multigarlanded — and all four went beautifully.

BUT, there can only be one champion and Mr Vincent successfully defended his crown, ridden by Danielle Heath

Reserve goes to Ready Steady Eddie and Caroline Mackness.

The BSHA amateur maxi cob championship

Congratulations Carly Day-Greenslade, all the way from Swansea, winners of the amateur maxi cob championship with A Red Knight!

1. A Red Knight
2. Lady Woods Cracker
3. The Pink Panda
4. Shannonvalley Dougal
5. Mister Quinn
6. Darrowby Crusador
7. Top Gun
8. The Nights Watch

In the Barberstown Castle Supreme Ridden Horse Championship, judges John Churgey, Richard Ramsay and Annette Harries have their work cut out.

First up for shows, Robert Walker made the most of hunter champion Full Cry’s manners and two super gallops to score a 10, 8, and a 9 so a total of 27.

Second was Jayne Ross with riding horse champion Ladies Man. They pulled the moves out of the bag with walk to canter, rein back and a lovely relaxed walk in the middle before a cracking gallop along the front and a wave to the crowd to score 10, 7 and 8 for a total of 25.

Arab champion LVA Winters Rascal and Will Morton go third. They floated around the ring and gave a cracking gallop before Will removed his top hat and dropped his rein to stand. They scored 9, 8 and 8 earning them 25.

Fourth to go in the horse supreme was Loughview Verdis Dream and showjumper Adam Taylor, who again gave stonking gallops. Adam also cantered one handed and removed his hat as he came down through the gears to stand. They earned 9, 9 and 7, so another on 25.

Fifth to go was Danielle Heath and Mr Vincent, the newly crowned cob champion. She showed off his manners with a series of lovely canter transitions followed by a walk to canter and two good gallops, with Danielle egging on the crowd to cheer. They scored 8, 8 and 7 leaving them on 23.

Last was Helen Baker with hack champion Boston Black Tie. Helen set off one-handed. He reinbacked, walked to canter one-handed then gave some super-relaxed canter loops. Finally his TB roots came to the fore as he extended along the front. They finished with a free walk on a long rein to halt for a score of 10, 9 and a 9 so we have a winner!

Barberstown Castle Supreme Ridden Horse Championship

Supreme horse champion: Boston Black Tie, ridden by Helen Baker

Reserve supreme horse: Full Cry, ridden by Robert Walker

In ring three, the Pretty Polly mixed breeds have had their initial pull in, and the top of the pack includes:

Tam O'Shanter King O' The Glens, Abbeyvale Higher Love, Purewell Poppy Lou – a winner in amateur ranks earlier on in the week too – Erwfforch Carwyn, Foxheys Fire Spell and Copperbeech Emperor.

Stoneleigh Showtime and Izzy Walker made a bid to defend their 2025 title in the BSPS supreme show pony championship, and got as far as winning the 128cm division.

But the championship headed up north to Yorkshire with 148cm division winner Roseberry Picture Perfect reclaiming his 2023 crown, this time with Lilly Ahern in the saddle.

Reserve went to Team Jinks’ second placed 148cm Shildons Regal Heir ridden by Livie Smith.

The BSPS Pretty Polly Heritage mixed breeds championship

Congratulations to Scarlett Rose Whitehurst, winner of the Pretty Polly Heritage mixed breed championship on Welsh section D Abbeyvale Higher Love!

1. Abbeyvale Higher Love
2. Erwfforch Carwyn
3. Mattsfield I See Fire
4. Purewell Poppy Lou
5. Nipna Outrageous
6. Kincardine Uist
7. Tam O'Shanter O'The Glens
8. Copperbeech Emperor

Eight ponies came forwards for judging in the Supreme Products Supreme Pony Championship for The Dick Saunders Trophy.

First to give a show was Harrison Taylor with the tobiano mare Lostock Up Till Dark, who were coloured supremes. They gave an extremely mannerly show with lots of super-smooth transitions up and down through the gears and a lovely gallop before Harrison removed his hat to come back through the gears to a stand.

They got a 9, 9 and a 7 for a total of 25.

Second was former reserve supreme, Newoak Midnight Blue, ridden by Arabella Corrigan and led by Adam Forster, who were mini show hunter pony champions. Arabella touched the fence while he stood stock still, then waved at the crowd as they trotted around. Throughout the changes, this pony didn’t turn a hair out of place.

They scored a 10, an 8 and an 8 for 26.

Third to go was M&M champion Garlance Flash Jack with Robyn Jane Hadland. He showed power and flair and plenty of native character while giving a mannerly display including simple changes through a serpentine and a great gallop on both reins. The judges awarded them a 9, an 8 and another 8 for 25 marks in total.

Fourth up was the newly crowned show pony champion Roseberry Picture Perfect and Lilly Ahern. They started with some classy canter loops along the front. They looked a stunning combination – classy and mannerly – finishing with a free walk and a stand on a completely loose rein.

Scores of an 8, 9 and 8 for them for 25 in total.

Fifth to go in the Supreme Products Supreme Pony Championship for The Dick Saunders Trophy was super-cute working hunter pony champion Noble Peppermint and nine-year-old Connie Hutton. They gave a lovely gallop with ears pricked and a huge smile on Connie’s face.

Scores of 10, 7 and a 9 for them, gave them 26.

Archwood Finley and Scarlett Smith, the mini show pony champions, also looked so very cute going sixth in this championship. Again, lots of very smooth changes up and down through the gears and from left to right reins. They concluded again with a lovely balanced walk to score 8, 8 and 10. A third on 26!

The penultimate combination was Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous and Sophie O’Keefe, the intermediate champions. Sophie showed off his manners, adjusting her jacket before going into a canter figure of eight – half with just one hand – and a balanced extension along the front. They then came back to walk, executed a lovely walk to canter and a lovely gallop along the front. A lovely lengthened trot before a walk and a halt scored them a 6, a 7 and an 8 for 21.

Finally, the turn of show hunter pony champion Sutton Grange Fancy That and Isla Smith. A lovely ground-covering display of paces with ears pricked from this 143cm and a great gallop, but with an unfortunate slip and change of legs to balance. A second gallop on the other rein saw no such problems. A flicky-toed display in trot – with some of it one-handed – to conclude their show for a 9, a 9 and a 9 for the title!

We have a supreme pony – it’s show hunter pony Sutton Grange Fancy That and Isla Smith, who’ll travel home to Scotland a very happy girl indeed!

RIHS judge Margaret Hopkins has already been busy this morning assessing how the amateur maxi cobs ride. This afternoon she will be judging the ride for the working show horses, and the conformation phase in the intermediate working hunter pony. Find out what nuggets she shared with our showing editor Bethan Simons when they caught up before the show.

The BSPS working hunter pony cradle stakes

The cradle stakes workers come to an end and it's a win for Poppy Rowlands and Delami Bravado – massive congratulations Poppy!

1. Delami Bravado
2. Ysselhofs Hallmark
3. Rowfantina Millionaire
4. Hayesbrook Double Trouble
5. Elberry Suilen
6. Brackenrigg Izaak
7. Beros Silver Spirit
8. Godebog Olly Murs

The Topham-Barnes BSHA amateur riding horse championship

And over in ring two now we have another result. Congratulations to the amateur riding horse champions, Absolutely Fashion and Helen Whiteley-John. Best of 21 fabulous horses forward!

1. Absolutely Fashion
2. Brook Patats
3. Ballarin Babette
4. Jupiter C
5. Believe The Dream
6. Tiger's Legacy
7. Peerless
8. Donner Tan

The amateur hacks are in ring two and I made it for the go-round! St Giles Devole, Babylove, Royal Regatta and Bassingfield Dark Secret would be my picks, for sheer effortlessness, expression and being the horses I'd most like to sit on.

And after the judges' pull, the line-up looks like this: Royal Regatta, St Giles Devole, Bassingfield Dark Secret, Stanley Grange Smokey Bay, Carrhouse Jersey Girl, Oaktree Dance After Dark, Bobby Brown, Jack Of Hearts and Forgeland Out Of The Blue.

The BSPS Pretty Polly mixed height show pony championship

In ring three the judges have decided on their winners in the Pretty Polly mixed height show ponies, and it's Ecclesbourne Byron Bay and Alice Townsend who take home the winner's sash. Congratulations!

1. Ecclesbourne Byron Bay
2. Popplebee Temptation
3. KBF Bulgari
4. Shanrye Finley
5. Hightopps Hello Sunshine
6. Valentine Siw
7. Parkhills The Special One
8. Valentine Peregrin

The Topham-Barnes BSHA amateur hack championship

Helen Whiteley-John does it again. With Royal Regatta, she claims the amateur hack spoils. A great day!

1. Royal Regatta
2. Stanley Grange Smokey Bay
3. Oaktree Dance After Dark
4. Bassingfield Dark Secret
5. St Giles Devole
6. Babylove
7. Carrhouse Jersey Girl
8. Forgeland Out Of The Blue

The BSPS Pretty Polly mixed height show hunter pony championship

It’s the final Pretty Polly class of the show and Thistledown Ginger Nut takes the top spot, ably piloted by Esther Tilbury. Congratulations!

1. Thistledown Ginger Nut
2. Newoak Jersey Girl
3. Moonstone Dance Fever
4. Stanley Grange Distraction
5. Annandale Toy Soldier
6. Annandale High Hopes
7. Cloneyogan Guy
8. Littebyrom Limited Edition

The BSPS working hunter pony nursery stakes

It's been a wonderful week for Team Parker, and they finish their week with a nursery stakes victory. Well done Owen Parker and Rushhill Diplomat!

1. Rushhill Diplomat
2. Skellorn Aventus
3. Killiskey Magic
4. Dumbles Granderas Last
5. Cuffnells Goldenrod
6. Nellfield Blueboy
7. Peasedown Mambo
8. Penters Story teller

The BSPS supreme mini working hunter pony championship

Champion: Delami Bravado (cradle stakes winner)
Reserve: Rushhill Diplomat (nursery stakes winner)

There's plenty of action still to come here this afternoon – in ring five the intermediate working hunters are getting under way, with the working show horse final still to come. In ring three, it's time for the Pretty Polly championship. And in ring two, the amateur hunters are half way through their class, before the amateur home-produced supreme and the overall amateur supreme take place!

The BSPS Pretty Polly supreme championship

It was a clean sweep for the Pretty Polly mixed height show ponies.

Champion: Ecclesbourne Byron Bay
Reserve: Popplebee Temptation

The ridden Anglo Arabs and part-bred Arabs will be taking centre stage in about 15 minutes – the final class to take place in ring three.

We've reached the latter half of the ride judging in ring two for the amateur cobs, with a total of 20 horses forward. At the top of the line after the pull is Randalstown Aristocrat, followed by Hortons Valentine, Red Butler, Kincullia Major, Victor I and Stretcholt He's Cob Rhythm.

The part-bred and Anglo Arabs have now completed their go-round and the judges have given their pull:

Tandridge State Affair leads the way, but behind we have Monivea Mozart, Shildon's Regal Heir, Honourable Bardot, Serene Royal Prince Charming, Howetown Holly's Legacy, Rotherwood Fancy That, Stanley Grange Crescendo, Tandridge True Gold and Cleapatra.

The Topham-Barnes BSHA amateur cob championship

Very well done Lisette-Marie Roberts and Randalstown Aristocrat, winners of the amateur cobs in our final class of the day in ring two – just two championships to follow.

1. Randalstown Aristocrat
2. Red Butler
3. Victor1
4. Hortons Valentine
5. Stretcholt He's Cob Rhythm
6. Marble Arch II
7. The Grenadier
8. Silverwoods

The Topham-Barnes BSHA home-produced amateur championship

Champion: Oaktree Dance After Dark
Reserve: Bassingfield Dark Secret

The BSPS intermediate working hunter championship

The penultimate class of the day in ring five and it goes to Imogen Philp riding Lenney Mcmanus. Well done Imogen!

1. Lenney Mcmanus
2. Liberties Lad
3. Carnsdale Mr Sox
4. Heatseeker
5. Orneta
6. Ferrero S'Allumer
7. Moorland Whiteriver
8. Tempest Alexander Kim

The Topham-Barnes BSHA supreme amateur championship

And it's the cobs that come out on top among the amateurs. Congratulations!

Champion: Randalstown Aristocrat
Reserve: Red Butler

The Equine Show Pro BSPS Anglo and part-bred Arab ridden championship

And so we have the results for the Anglo and part-bred ridden championship – the last class in ring three – and the winner is Mia Whittaker riding Tandridge State Affair. Congratulations!

1. Tandridge State Affair
2. Monivea Mozart
3. Shildon's Regal Heir
4. Honourable Bardot
5. Howetown Holly's Legacy
6. Stanley Grange Crescendo
7. Rotherwood Fancy That
8. Tandridge True Gold

Just one showing class to go at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show and it's the working show horses. The class is under way…

The Gallifrey BSHA working show horse championship

In our final championship of the show, Oliver Hood and Firespell take the working show horse title for a third year on the bounce Congratulations!

1. Firespell
2. Sixties Icon
3. Sky
4. Milo (Billy Boy)
5. NPS Hope
6. Rosscon Sherlock
7. Bettina's Dream
8. The Granite Way

That's it from a wonderful Agria Royal International Horse Show. Thank you for following along! Make sure you pick up your copy of Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 30 July, for our full report on the show.

If you enjoyed our live reports, do let us know by emailing hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine. We’d also love to hear your highlights of the show.

Over and out! Rebecca Philpot

Reigning Olympic champions Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH spearhead the German team hunting for individual and team glory at the 2026 eventing World Championships (11 to 23 August).

Michael will start as one of the big individual gold medal hopes with the 18-year-old gelding, who has been a stalwart of German teams since the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon. To win the individual world title on home soil with this remarkable horse would be a special moment for a man who has, really, won it all.

The pair, who won Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2022 and 2025, scored individual glory at Paris 2024 and finished runner-up to Laura Collett and London 52 at last year’s Europeans. Although the British team is yet to be announced, it’s likely those eventing heavyweights will meet again in Aachen. Add in three-time Mars Badminton Horse Trials winners Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo to the likely mix and the race for gold is shaping up to be a clash of eventing giants.

The German team is very strong, and competing on home ground should be an advantage. Although the word “should” must be taken with a pinch of salt in horse sport, as we saw with the unlucky Brits at their home Europeans last year.

Three combinations from last year’s victorious team at the Blenheim Europeans feature in the line-up for the 2026 World Championships: Michael and FischerChipmunk FRH, Malin Hansen-Hotopp with Carlitos Quidditch K and Libussa Lübbeke with Caramia FRH.

Julia Krajewski and Uelzener's Nickel are back on the squad, after withdrawing their bid for selection for the 2025 Europeans. Julia, who was crowned Olympic champion in Tokyo with Amande De B’Neville, will be one to watch among the individual medal hopes, too, with this exciting 12-year-old.

Christoph Wahler, who helped the German team to gold at the last World Championships in Pratoni, also rejoins the squad after missing last year’s Europeans. He rides his five-star campaigner and championship debutant D’Accord FRH, with whom he has finished ninth at Kentucky and seventh at Badminton.

A notable absentee is Jérôme Robiné and Black Ice, part of the gold medal-winning team at the 2025 Europeans and who have finished in the top 10 on both their senior championship starts. The 16-year-old gelding hasn’t competed internationally this year and did not feature on the nominated entries, so is presumably on the sidelines this season.

German eventing team for the 2026 World Championships

The full squad, in alphabetical order by athlete surname, is:

Malin Hansen-Hotopp with 14-year-old gelding Carlitos Quidditch K

Owner: Dr Bodil Ipsen

Breeder: Miriam Kühl

Breeding: Quiwi Dream, out of a mare by San Patrignano Cassini

Michael Jung with 18-year-old gelding FischerChipmunk FRH

Owner: Klaus and Sabine Fischer, Joachim Jung and the DOKR

Breeder: Sabine and Dr Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff

Breeding: by Contendro I, out of a mare by Heraldik

Julia Krajewski with 12-year-old gelding Uelzener's Nickel

Owner: Prof Dr Bernd Heicke

Breeder: Hindrick Stüvel

Breeding: by Numero Uno, out of a mare by Lorentin

Libussa Lübbeke with 16-year-old mare Caramia FRH

Owner: Annelie and Dr Martin Lübbeke

Breeder: Annelie Lübbeke

Breeding: by Comte, out of a mare by Fabriano

Christoph Wahler with 14-year-old gelding D'Accord FRH

Owner: Hendrik von Paepcke and Stefan Haupt

Breeder: Christa von Paepcke

Breeding: by Diarado, out of a mare by Aarking

Reserves:

Arne Bergendahl with 10-year-old gelding Bronco NRW

Owner: Dr Susanne Dörner

Breeder: Helmut Bergendahl

Breeding: by Blockbuster, out of a mare by La Calido

Julia Krajewski with 12-year-old gelding Tullabeg Platinum

Owner: Michael Sperl

Breeder: Nicholas Cousins

Breeding: by Dignified Van't Zorgvliet, out of a mare by Cult Hero

• To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Ben Maher and his team were unsure whether Maddox VH Haringvliet Z would ever come back to his sport after extensive treatment for a stomach issue – but he rode the nine-year-old to a fabulous grand prix win at Chard.

The Zangersheide gelding had six months off after last summer but was on top form on Sunday, looking full of jumping and zest as they cruised to win the CSI3* Chedington Equestrian grand prix over six and a half seconds ahead of Carron Nicol and RRH Out Of The Blue.

“He’s a big horse with a great brain and one of the nicest in the stable. This is his first big win and we’re going to enjoy it,” said Ben.

“I didn’t expect to win with such a big margin, but I went early, don’t like not being fast enough and expected the others to come much closer. I can’t remember the last time I won by such a big margin.

“Maddox is amazing, very promising, but last year he had a horrible time, and he missed the best of the whole year. He’d jumped well in Aachen, but he wasn’t quite right; we eventually found out there was something wrong with his stomach and under a specialist, he had a lot of treatment which took a long time. We weren’t sure he was ever going to make a comeback.”

Maddox VH Haringvliet Z on good form

But Maddox VH Haringvliet Z has been in fine form since he has returned to the ring, securing CSI5* placings at Aachen and St Gallen before this Ben’s first trip to Chard.

“It’s a great place, good food and with great people who try really hard – Jane [Gregory] and her team of organisers deserve the thanks,” Ben said. “I had my kids here and it was lovely to have a place where they could get out of the sun. I was very happy to support this show – good courses and good sport and my horses learned a lot here; it was a high standard and there were no easy wins.”

Only eight of 27 starters went through to the jump-off; Ben said the course was big and technical.

“This show at Chard was ideal for [Maddox] to be at a level where he needs to be to show what he can do,” Ben said. “He’s nine but lost so much [time] last year. On Friday he was second, there were a couple of turns that were for a more experienced horse and he just hung a lot, but the grand prix was more free-flowing and we were quicker.

“I’ll pick and choose the shows for him, he doesn’t need to be pushed. I think he’s got what it takes and I’ll try to produce him to be ready for next year.”

Tim Gredley and his championship ride Medoc De Toxandria took third place.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

The individual European showjumping bronze medallists Gilles Thomas and Ermitage Kalone have withdrawn from the World Championships as the stallion has sustained an injury.

Gilles and Joris van Dijck’s stallion clinched the team gold for Belgium in Spain last summer, then went on to stand on the individual podium behind Richard Vogel on United Touch S and Scott Brash with Hello Folie. But Gilles confirmed yesterday (20 July) that they will not be competing in Aachen.

“After the grand prix of Riesenbeck, Ermitage sustained an injury,” he said.

“Following further examinations, it has become clear that it would not be responsible to bring him to the start of the championship. His health and wellbeing will always come first, no matter how difficult this decision is.”

The final Belgian team for Aachen had not yet been confirmed – the deadline for definite entries is 27 July – but Gilles and 12-year-old Ermitage Kalone were on the short list. They had been on good form at five-star level, jumping clear in the La Baule Nations Cup and coming sixth in the five-star Rolex grand prix that weekend.

“The disappointment is immense,” Gilles said. “We had made this championship one of our biggest goals, and the form we showed over the past few weeks in La Baule and Riesenbeck gave us great confidence and motivation heading into Aachen.

“Wishing team Belgium the very best of luck.”

To stay up to date with the latest news and reports leading up to and throughout the 2026 World Championships, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

HAPPY tears flowed freely at the Great Yorkshire Show as Class One Irish Draught mare Appleton Aristocratic Lady (Libby) was led to victory in the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) Price Family supreme in-hand championship qualifier by her speechless breeder Jane Strickland.

It’s believed that the seven-year-old is the first of her breed to qualify here, a bonus for Yorkshire lass Jane.

Libby is out of Hazevern Royal Concerto – initially bought for Jane’s partner Ian to hunt – and by Corrindon Dancer.

When “Draughtie” needed assistance to foal, Jane called on her brother Andrew, who was ringside with Ian during the championship, and between them, they delivered Libby.

Determined that the foal would be a colt, Jane had intended to name him Walter after her father, but switched to Libby in honour of her mother Alice Elizabeth instead.

“And we were fortunate enough to take the prefix Mum had when we were showing riding ponies many years ago,” she explained.

Jane started showing the mare last year, both in hand and ridden.

“We started to realise we had something a bit better than we thought so we thought we’d do a bit more with her this year. I’ve always looked at her in the field and thought I like her, but I’m biased,” said Jane.

“I was wondering ‘what am I doing, entering back into this competitive world’, so for my 60th, my friend got me a ringcraft lesson.”

Having worked hard to improve their ridden performances, Jane and Libby are bound for Hickstead in the amateur hunter ranks this term, and her initial aim was the ridden Irish Draught class here – they finished fifth in extremely strong company – but thought that she “may as well enter the in-hand too”.

Standing supreme champion was more than she had dared dream.

“We showed here as children with riding ponies, but we never got into the main ring. I had no idea what we were going to do. Someone said I’d need to run the length of the grandstand and I thought I’d need oxygen! To run all the way round was impossible but it was nice to hear the cheers for the Irish Draught.

“This will take a few days to sink in. I just wish my mum and dad could have seen her, though I’m sure they’re watching from above.”

In reserve was Inverness-based Hunter Macdonald with his grandfather David Shand’s home-bred sports horse champion Achilty Miss Isabella. The two-year-old Trakehner filly is lightly but successfully shown, with two wins and a reserve title at the Royal Highland, and standing reserve overall light horse champion at Hambleton en route to Harrogate.

“It was incredible and such a privilege to show in that ring with that electric atmosphere. She’ll do a few more shows now and hopefully luck will be on our side somewhere along the road,” said Hunter, who had also watched Achilty Top Gun qualify for HOYS in the middleweight hunters earlier in the week with Richard Telford on board.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news in the run up to Horse of the Year Show, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Five-star winners Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue head a strong Irish eventing squad for the 2026 World Championships (11 to 23 August).

Colorado Blue, who won Maryland 5 Star with Austin in 2023 and was runner-up at Defender Burghley last year, missed a five-star tilt this spring owing to a “bit of a set back in training”. Austin said at the time that he hoped it was a “fairly short-term” setback and that he hoped they would have the Aachen World Championships to look forward to.

The 17-year-old gelding, who has also been on the Mars Badminton podium twice, had his first run since April last week, jumping a steady clear across country in an open intermediate section at Upton House (14 July).

Austin said “Salty” was “very happy indeed to be back out, doing his favourite thing”.

The duo were part of the Irish team at the last worlds in Pratoni, as well as the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games.

They are joined by two combinations who helped Ireland to the historic European team silver medal at Blenheim last year: Aoife Clark with Full Monty De Lacense and Ian Cassells on Millridge Atlantis.

Double world silver medallist Padraig McCarthy, who was also part of the medal-winning side at Blenheim, is named on the squad with his home-bred MGH Zabaione. This will be a first senior championships for the 10-year-old gelding, who won Blenheim’s kingmaker eight- and nine-year-old CCI4*-S in 2024, Ballindenisk CCI4*-L in 2025, and has had other exciting four-star results to his name.

Georgie Goss, a former youth medallist for Britain who switched to represent Ireland in 2023, will have make her senior championship debut wearing the Irish flag with Kojak.

Horse Sport Ireland high performance eventing manager Sam Griffiths said the selection panel “had some incredibly tough decisions to make, which really reflects positively on the growing strength of Irish eventing”.

“There were lots of combinations that could have made the team but just missed it,” he said. “But having said that, the combinations we have are very strong. I firmly believe that if they can maintain their current form and compete to the level of their current form, we’ll be very competitive.

“We’ve got a really strong team. We know we’re going to be against some fierce competition but we’re going with a lot of confidence and we’re all very proud to be able to represent the nation.”

Irish eventing squad for the 2026 Aachen World Championships

The full squad, in alphabetical order by athlete surname, is:

Ian Cassells, Millridge Atlantis, 12

Owners: Ber, Fiona and Gerry Leahy

Breeder: Sean O’Loughlin

Breeding: Dinan Cascaletto x Warrenstown You 2

Aoife Clark, Full Monty De Lacense, 11

Owners: Ace of Spades Syndicate

Breeder: SCEA Du Noron

Breeding: Quickly De Kreisker x Vesontio Du Mesnil

Padraig McCarthy, MGH Zabaione, 10

Owners: Peter Cattell, Diane Brunsden and rider

Breeder: rider

Breeding: Zavall VDL x Acobat I

Georgie Goss, Kojak, 11

Owners: Molly Fisher, Lucy Fleming and Samantha Wilson

Breeder: H Vos

Breeding: Namelus R x Contender

Austin O’Connor, Colorado Blue, 17

Owners: The Salty Syndicate

Breeder: Mellon Stud

Breeding: Jaguar Mail x Rock King

Irish eventing squad reserves

Susie Berry with 15-year-old gelding John The Bull

Owners: Nick & Helen Caton

Breeder: James Byrne

Breeding: by Luidam, out of a mare by Houmayoun

Sarah Ennis with 11-year-old gelding Dourough Ferro Class Act

Owners: James and Niki Potterton

Breeder: Gordon Dury

Breeding: by Creevagh Ferro out of a mare by OBOS Quality 004

Padraig McCarthy with 12-year-old gelding Pomp N Circumstance

Owners: Rachel and Sarah Gough

Breeder: Sarah Gough

Breeding: by Pompadour xx out of a mare by Furisto

Joseph Murphy with 15-year-old gelding Calmaro

Owners: Richard and Tanja Ames, Annette O’Callaghan and Alan Bell

Breeder: Hartmut Schack

Breeding: by Carpalano out of a mare by Elsurimo xx

• To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

With top-notch showing on offer in one of the nation’s most beloved arenas, there have been some cracking moments and great memories at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.

Epic moments at Royal International

In no particular order, here are a few of my favourites to whet your appetite ahead of this year’s fixture.

“A super show combination”

With two contenders – the mountain and moorland (M&M) and show pony champions – on the same marks, it was all to play for in the 2018 pony supreme.

In a nail-biting ride-off, Melanie Stanford and her daughter Gemma’s Highland stallion Benbreac Of Croila and Matt Cooper rose to the occasion, and remain the only M&M champions to lift the title.

Matt and the then 11-year-old gave a stunning performance to demonstrate Benbreac’s impeccable manners despite torrential rain and soggy ground conditions.

“He’s a dream ride and I think the weather and the occasion helped us as he just ploughed on regardless and he loves a big atmosphere,” said Matt at the time.

Looking back, Gemma agrees. “That ring and that atmosphere was made for Benbreac, and the ride-off really played to our strengths. Matt is so competitive and the more people cheered the more Benbreac loved it. Together the pair of them were a super show combination.

“I remember that week so clearly. There was a heatwave at the beginning and we were working so hard to keep him comfortable with ice packs and so on. Then it poured for the supreme – two extremes.”

“A magical day”

The poignant moment that the late legendary showman Allister Hood retired from the arena hand-in-hand with his wife Anne marked the end of an era for showing.

Earlier, he had been presented with his ninth supreme trophy aboard the twice-supreme Our Cashel Blue after the pair scored a perfect 30/30 for their sparkling individual performance.

Once crowned, Blue was led from the ring and show director Lizzie Bunn presented Allister with an engraved crystal, he removed his jacket and left the arena through a guard of honour.

“Allister loved Hickstead – that main ring is so special to ride in – so early in the year he formed a plan to retire there,” said Anne.

“We took Blue to one local show to qualify and it worked out so well. He was champion coloured on the Tuesday – Allister’s dialysis days were Monday, Wednesday and Friday – and returned for the supreme.

“Hickstead and Lizzie went above and beyond. It was a magical day. A day we never thought would happen so it was extremely special and very emotional.”

Cob’s prime ministerial moment

Winston Churchill took time out from his second term to visit the show then known as the International Horse Show. He’s photographed with multigarlanded Alexander, who was champion cob thrice on the trot.

Churchill was a famously keen horseman, and his name remains synonymous with the crème de la crème at the show as his eponymous trophy is still presented to the supreme champion horse, making it one of the most coveted of the fixture.

It’s believed it was first presented by Mr Holland Martin in Churchill’s honour in 1949 to the famous hack combination, Liberty Light and Count Orssich, who “entranced the public” according to a H&H report of the event. In those days, the supreme was judged “entirely by the acclamation of the onlookers”, at the time and he “received the greatest number of claps.”

“A flag-flying moment”

Now, pony champions vie for the Dick Saunders trophy, presented in honour of the late legendary figure in their own supreme. But once upon a time, they were pitted against the horses.

Dick was judging alongside Nick Skelton and Sarah Sutton in 1993 when show pony champion Royal Bronze became the first pony to outshine the horses. The Team Hollings-produced 148cm was ridden to glory by owner Anna Evans.

“The atmosphere was electric,” recalls Stuart Hollings. “Royal and legendary cob Super Ted were on equal points after their individual shows and had to go again. Royal ended his show with a great gallop to capture the title after gaining two 10s and a nine compared to Super Ted’s one 10 and two nines.”

Six-time Royal International and four-time Horse of the Year Show champion Super Ted had already cemented his place in history at this point, so “that day was a flag-flying moment for pony showing”, adds Stuart.

What’s on this year at Royal International?

• There are showing championships galore across the six days, with the best of these competing in the Barberstown Castle supreme ridden horse and the Supreme Products supreme pony championships on the final Sunday.
• The Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain, the JCL Insurance Brokers Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Al Shira’aa King George V Gold Cup are just three highlights from the showjumping ring.
• Plus there’s arena eventing, scurry driving, cross-pole jumping and a shopping village, bars, restaurants, children’s entertainment and hospitality options to enjoy, with “Style Saturday” a hugely popular competition for anyone who likes to dress up.

How to follow the action

The Agria Royal International takes place at The All England Jumping Course at Hickstead in West Sussex from 21–26 July. For more information on Royal International tickets, visit hickstead.co.uk

Horse & Hound will be creating extensive online coverage including breaking news, exclusive interviews and expert insight, in addition to what will be included in the magazine report (on sale 30 July).

• To stay up to date with the latest news and reports throughout Royal International Horse Show, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

British Eventing (BE) has confirmed “with immense sadness” that two riders have died as a result of cross-country accidents at different events this weekend.

Sophie Fouracre, 34, was fatally injured while riding Rhubarbsfox Britannia at Swalcliffe Park in Oxfordshire yesterday (18 July). Hours later, Kerry Donoghue died after an accident while riding Carneyhaugh Rua at Penrith in Cumbria.

“At both venues, the event medical teams responded immediately and provided emergency treatment. Despite their best efforts sadly neither rider could be saved,” a BE spokesperson said.

“Both horses were examined by the attending veterinary team and were found to be uninjured.”

All competition was abandoned at both fixtures.

BE chief executive Rosie Williams said: “The British Eventing community is heartbroken.

“On behalf of everyone at British Eventing, I want to extend our deepest condolences to Kerry and Sophie’s families, friends and loved ones at this devastating time. Our thoughts are also with their fellow competitors, organisers, officials, volunteers and everyone who has been affected by these tragic events.

“We are immensely grateful to the organisers, doctors, paramedics, veterinary teams, officials and emergency services at both events for the professionalism, compassion and care they showed in the most difficult of circumstances.

“The loss of two members of our eventing family on the same day is almost beyond words, and we know the sadness of these events will be felt profoundly across the sport for some time to come.”

Kerry was entered in the open novice with Carneyhaugh Rua, a 16-year-old former five-star horse with whom David Doel finished 10th at Luhmühlen Horse Trials in 2021 and completed Pau Horse Trials five-star. They had jumped clear at novice to finish ninth together in April this year.

Sophie, who has completed Defender Burghley Horse Trials three times, was riding a five-year-old mare.

In accordance with BE procedures, “comprehensive reviews of both accidents will now be undertaken”.

“We recognise the impact these tragic events will have across the eventing community,” the BE spokesperson said. “Anyone affected is encouraged to seek support through the British Eventing Support Trust helpline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 07780 008877.

“We respectfully ask that the privacy of both families is respected during this incredibly difficult time.”

Riders can also access support from mental health charity Riders Minds by calling 0800 088 2073 or texting 07480 488 103.

With just a month to go before the World Championships, Frank Rothenberger tells H&H how his career in course-designing took off, and why Aachen is like his own Olympics.

In Frank’s words

I originally wanted to be an architect, but started building courses when I was 16. I was showjumping at the time and didn’t have jumps at home, so I built them for myself. My grandfather was a carpenter, who taught me how to work timber, and my father ran a manufacturing company, so I bought machines to make the jumps.

I had water, ditches, hedges, walls, banks, gates – everything. Then people started asking me to use my field, so I would keep building new courses for them.

I competed in three German young rider championships – but in 1980 I stopped riding for three years to set up my own business manufacturing jumps as I had so much work. I was 22. I had a couple of good horses, and was competing alongside Otto Becker. I intended to go back to riding, but I found out I was more successful at designing.

The company is called isiTrade, after my daughter Isabel – Isi. She runs it with my son, who does the 3D design. Isabel is also an FEI level three course-designer and is assisting me in Aachen. I support them but they are running the business now.

I’ve been involved in six Olympic Games so far, as a technical delegate and assistant course-designer. I was shortlisted as designer for London 2012 with Bob Ellis and wrote out a 100-page concept. Bob just told the team what he planned to do and he got the job! I did the same for Rio 2016 but they took on my former assistant Guilherme Jorge, a Brazilian.

But I have my Olympics every year in Aachen – and in some years, like 2026, two big shows with the CSI5* and a championship.

The 2006 grand prix at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen was probably the best course I’ve ever built. We had 25 horses in the final round and there were faults at every fence: planks, walls, bush oxer, skinny gate – these are the courses I like. One of the most spectacular rounds I’ve ever seen over one of my courses was Scott Brash winning the Rolex grand prix on Hello Sanctos in 2015.

A course-designer should have his own “handwriting”. It’s like with artists – they have their signature style. Take Picasso and Rubens – Picasso paints in straight lines and Rubens paints voluptuous women. If you give Picasso a blank canvas, he’d paint straight lines, never anything like Rubens. But within that they can both do so many different things and they are both successful.

Twenty years ago, I would know who the course-designer was just by looking at the course – that’s not so easy now because everything is so unified.

Variety is so important. Nowadays the fences might be beautiful but it’s all poles and planks. We should not bore horses; we need new stimuli for them. I like to see bush oxers, a double of Liverpools, water jumps, skinny gates. Horses come from the landscape, from hunting and they should be brave – but poles and planks don’t require bravery.

Likewise, riders need to be able to react in the moment. I may be old-fashioned but I believe if you create variety, interrupt the rhythm, speed and breathing, asking horses to collect, you challenge the partnership more.

I fought against the proposal to cancel the open water. I said, “It’s natural, it’s only 5cm deep, not dangerous and it’s attractive for the spectator.” It tests how the rider can collect their horse, get him on the hindleg and accelerate. For me it’s not about forcing faults, but breaking the rhythm.

But I would change the faults system because how can you train a horse that landing on the plasticine is a mistake? He thinks he did everything right. So I would say if the hoof makes a mark on the plasticine, that should be counted as landing on dry land.

At recent international championships we’ve had brand new showgrounds and so all the fences were new designs. However, Aachen is the oldest show in Germany, so I will be keeping all the traditional Aachen jumps that everyone knows, like the Barbarossa Wall and the Globe, as well as producing some new fences. Otherwise it would be like designing a course at Hickstead without all the beautiful, world-famous jumps people want to see.

I love a big grass arena – like Dublin, Calgary, Falsterbo and Aachen – as the more space you have, the more opportunity there is to be creative. Aachen is challenging to design because the arena is so big – with a dressage arena in the middle for this year’s World Championships – and there are 40,000 spectators. The course has to go into each corner or fans will complain they didn’t see the riders.

The challenge is to cover the whole arena in the jump-off without turning it into a flat race.

At the World Championships we might have over 100 horses and the standard will vary. However, the aim is not to punish the weaker riders by just building for the 20 top ones. I’d finalised my courses three months before the championships and I won’t feel nervous.

You’re under pressure, but I’ve done so many courses in my life – over 100 Nations Cups, seven European Championships, six World Cup Finals. I have good assistants around me and we discuss everything.

Course-designing is my hobby, the other one being sailing. After Aachen I’m booked on a catamaran in Sicily – and when that’s over I’m designing a two-star in Sicily.

• To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news in the run up to the World Championships, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

John Whitaker joked that he “didn’t want to make it too easy” for the younger members of his family as he pipped nephew James to win the Cock O’ the North at the Great Yorkshire Show for the seventh time – 51 years after he first won the prestigious title.

John and his veteran superstar Equine America Unick Du Francport were second-last to go in the seven-strong final round, and as they went in in was James and Just Call Me Henry’s time of 40.7sec that was the one to beat.

John said it was “one of those rounds that everything came off”; they accelerated from the start, 18-year-old “Frank” looking like a horse 10 years younger as they cruised fast and sure, getting a cracking turn to the multicoloured oxer and taking a stride out to the second-last.

The noise from the crowd was building from the double of walls – and it became a roar as they cleared the final GYS planks to stop the clock on 38.77sec. Last to go Richard Howley and Hornet Des Grange finished a shade in front – but agonisingly tipped the very last fence for four faults.

“It felt really good,” John said. “My plan was just to try to beat James as Call Me Henry and James are very quick and mine isn’t really that quick. I made a plan and just knew I had to do everything from the word go.

“We were quick everywhere and everything came up; every time I turned, I had a stride, and he’s on really good form, which helps. He’s great.”

John added that it was “fantastic” to win the title again.

“It’s just a great show,” he said. “The Cock O’ the North is always an unbelievable atmosphere, and not a spare seat. It’s proper lovely, nice jumping.”

And asked what James said afterwards, John said “he didn’t say a lot, really!”

“I don’t want to make it too easy for the younger guys!” he said.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Former European champions André Thieme and DSP Chakaria have withdrawn from the German team for next month’s World Championships.

The 2021 individual gold medallists, who also represented Germany at the 2022 worlds, made the decision after the Nations Cup in Falsterbo, Sweden, last week, as “the trusting relationship with my horse” is his top priority.

“The deciding factor was some slight uncertainty at the water jump that had become apparent during the show,” a spokesperson for the German federation said. Marcus Ehning and Coolio move into the team and Olympic champions Christian Kukuk and Checker are the reserve.

André said: “In Falsterbo, I noticed that Chakaria wasn’t jumping the water jump with her usual confidence. Therefore, in the interest of my horse and the team, I’ve decided to withdraw from the World Championships.

“We don’t want to take any risks and will now work calmly to regain her full confidence over the water. Of course, I would have loved to be part of this fantastic team in Aachen. But for me, the trusting partnership with my horse is paramount. That’s why it’s the right decision, even though it’s a difficult one. Now I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed from home and wishing our team the best of luck.”

The Germans had confirmed their team before the cut-off for definite entries (27 July) but “short-term adjustments were reserved in case sporting or veterinary reasons necessitated them”.

National coach Otto Becker said he supported André’s decision on the World Championships.

“Such decisions are never easy in top-level sports, but unfortunately they are part of the game,” he said. “André Thieme assessed the situation with Chakaria very responsibly. His decision has my utmost respect. Marcus Ehning and Coolio, a pair with championship experience, will be taking their place.”

The German showjumping team for the Aachen World Championships is now Daniel Deusser (Otello De Guldenboom), Sophie Hinners (Iron Dames Singclair), Richard Vogel (United Touch S) and Marcus Ehning (Coolio). Christian Kukuk and Checker are the travelling reserves.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Reigning world champion Denmark has announced its dressage team for the 2026 World Championships in Aachen, Germany (11–23 August).

It feels a lifetime ago that the Danish team secured that historic win – their first world title – in front of a rapturous home crowd in Herning with a squad hailed at the time as the strongest Denmark had ever fielded.

Carina Cassøe Krüth and Heiline's Danciera, Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Mount St John Freestyle, Daniel Bachmann Andersen and Flash Gordon 37 and Nadja Aaboe Sloth and Favour Gersdorf will carry Danish hopes into Aachen.

Three of the Herning four return to defend the title – Carina, Cathrine and Daniel all make the trip to Aachen, with Nadja stepping in for Nanna Merrald Rasmussen. But look past the riders' names, and it's a much changed team: only Carina's Heiline's Danciera survives from that gold-medal line-up, with Cathrine and Daniel both on different partners four years on.

Set against Herning, there’s a gap on paper – though it's worth remembering that was arguably the high-water mark of Danish dressage, and not a fair yardstick to judge any team against. The counting three that day – Nanna's 76.72% on Blue Hors Zack, Carina's 76.86% on Heiline's Danciera and Cathrine's 81.86% on Vamos Amigos – added up to 235.451, enough for a historic 1.2-point margin over a fast-finishing British team.

This team looks a little over four points shy of that total on current form – but it’s a stronger projection than that of the Danish team that took bronze at the Europeans last summer.

Cathrine and Mount St John Freestyle are the obvious standouts, averaging 83.43% across three CDI grands prix this year – well clear of what Vamos Amigos delivered in Herning.

Everywhere else, the numbers point the other way. Daniel's promising but inexperienced new partner, Flash Gordon 37 – who only joined his string in January 2025 and made his international debut under him this March – has averaged 73.53%. That’s some three points shy of his score with Marshall-Bell in Herning.

Carina, still on Heiline's Danciera, sits at 74.04% from her one qualifying CDI this year, marginally down on her own Herning contribution on the same horse. Nadja, in for Nanna, averages 72.17% – over four and a half points below the score she’s directly replacing.

Add up the best three of this season’s four – Cathrine, Carina and Daniel, with Nadja’s score dropped as it would be in a team final – and you get 231, 4.45 points down on the total that won gold four years ago.

Set alongside this year's international grand prix form for their two closest challengers, Denmark’s projected total puts them third of the three – but not by much.

The German team was announced last week, and their best three (Isabell Werth, Katharina Hemmer and Frederic Wandres, with Raphael Netz’s score dropped) average out to 233.47.

Britain has announced its shortlist but not the definite team yet – we’re expecting that next week. However, their core trio (Lottie Fry, Carl Hester and Becky Moody) are almost guaranteed to be riding down the centre line in Aachen, and total 232.8. Denmark’s 231 leaves them 2.47 points off Germany and 1.80 off Britain – a gap, but not an unbridgeable one, and tighter than the 6.25 points that separated gold from bronze at last summer’s Europeans.

None of that decides anything on its own – form guides aren’t championship pressure. Anyone who was at Herning will remember how a rapturous home crowd can lift a combination past what the season’s numbers suggest and unnerve others. This time, it’s Germany who'll have that roar behind them, not Denmark.

Add in the eliminations, the one bad step nobody saw coming – championship week has a way of making a mockery of spreadsheets – but what’s certain is this: the Danes are experienced riders who know how to find their best when it matters.

Most nations have already confirmed their teams ahead of the FEI’s 27 July deadline for definite entries – follow our Aachen dressage teams page as the rest come in.

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour peaking at the right time

Last summer’s Europeans showed just how fine the margins are between Cathrine on Freestyle and Belgium’s Justin Verboomen on Zonik Plus, the reigning European champions. Justin and Zonik Plus edged her in both individual tests – 82.37% to 81.69% in the special, then 89.96% to 89.82% in the freestyle, with barely half a point in it.

It was a thrilling and refreshing battle – in a sport that has so often been dominated by one outstanding horse – between two of the finest combinations in the world.

And we look set for a repeat of that titanic clash at the top. The two haven't met since – studiously avoiding a potential match-up. Cathrine and Mount St John Freestyle have been in career-best form all year, regardless. The pair opened the season with a personal-best 84.17% to win the Herning CDI5* grand prix in March, then added another lifetime-high 83.1% in the special at Hagen in April.

That form held through last week's Nations Cup finale at Falsterbo – Denmark's only outing in the series this year – where Cathrine's 83.72% headlined a dominant team display, before she added the freestyle title on 88.42% with a brand-new musical programme.

“I really had that dancing feeling and especially my last line, felt so uplifting having the crowd beside me as well," Cathrine said. “It’s been a lot of work putting this new freestyle together, and I think today was a perfect rehearsal, because now I know that there needs to be some small changes before the World Championships.”

Against Justin specifically, the freestyle picture is close to Crozet's, his 90.36% average this year nudging Cathrine’s 89.44% by under a point. But he hasn't yet ridden a special this year to set against her 83.1% at Hagen.

At 17 now, Mount St John Freestyle is entering the latter part of her career, and there’s no doubt she and Cathrine will be remembered among the finest partnerships of the modern era. But the individual gold or individual honour that would truly crown it remains agonisingly out of reach – time is running out to turn a career of silver into gold.

Danish dressage team for the 2026 Aachen World Championships

Daniel Bachmann Andersen with 12-year-old gelding Flash Gordon 37

Owner: Sofia Ek

Breeder: Jan Lueder Cornelius

Breeding: by Fiderbach, out of a mare by Don Romantic

Carina Cassøe Krüth with 15-year-old mare Heline’s Danciera

Owner: Poul Thøgersen

Breeder: Stald Heiline

Breeding: by Fürstenball, out of a mare by De Niro

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour with 17-year-old mare Mount St John Freestyle

Owner: Laudrup-Dufour & Zinglersen ApS and Mount St John Equestrian LLP

Breeder: Stephan Kurz

Breeding: by Fidermark, out of a mare by Donnerhall

Nadja Aaboe Sloth with 13-year-old gelding Favour Gersdorf

Owner: rider

Breeder: Inger Marie Andreasen

Breeding: by Foundation, out of a mare by Leandro

• To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news in the run up to the 2026 Aachen World Championships, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Fancy joining the ranks of LA28 Olympic equestrian volunteers? Applications to be part of the crew at the Olympic (14 to 30 July 2028) and Paralympic Games (15 to 27 August 2028) are now open.

Applicants are asked to select up to two zones in which they would prefer to volunteer – the equestrian events are taking place in the Arcadia zone. The online form states that “preferences will be taken into consideration, but cannot be guaranteed”.

People are asked to give a first, second and third choice of role. These include sport, driver, medical, operations, technology, ceremony, communications and more.

Nine-time Olympic champion Carl Lewis, who won four gold medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, is an official ambassador for the LA28 volunteer programme; he said that “the role of a lifetime is waiting”.

“I know what it means to compete on the world's biggest stage, and I know first-hand that the magic of the Olympic Games is not just made by the athletes – it is made by the people who show up to support them,” he said.

“Los Angeles has always shown up for me, and now it's our turn to show up for the world. If you want to be part of something historic, apply today.”

Up to 60,000 people will make up the volunteer crew for the 2028 Games. Some roles require specialist skills, for areas such as medicine and translation, and there are spaces in the application form for people to highlight these.

“In 2028, the world’s attention will be on LA as the world’s best athletes make history, but it's the crew behind the scenes that help make those moments possible,” said LA28 chief executive officer Reynold Hoover.

“Their impact cannot be overstated – behind every event, every venue and every moment will be the LA28 volunteer crew, ready and eager to play a vital role in the delivery of the LA28 Games.”

For information, visit: https://volunteer.la28.org/en

● Do you enjoy volunteering? What have been some of your favourite memories and why should people get involved? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

• To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Martin Jones has been tasked with officiating two sections at this year’s Royal International Horse Show: the jump phase of the mountain and moorland (M&M) working hunter pony finals, and the conformation phase of the mini M&Ms.

Martin’s co-judges are Sara Hird and Emma Hector respectively. With just days to go, Martin shares an insight into what he will be looking for in the ring.

Martin Jones’ background in horses

Martin has been involved with ponies all of his life.

“As children, my sister and I had our own ponies, which we enjoyed taking to Pony Club, riding club, gymkhanas and hunting. We were very much grassroots competitors, attending local agricultural shows, and so I didn’t really get into showing properly until I was in my twenties and began keeping my own broodmares and so on,” says Martin.

After leaving school, Martin went to Millfields in Newmarket, and under the tutorship of Anne Rolinson, he gained both his British Horse Society intermediate instructor’s certificate (BHSII) and National Pony Society diploma in stud management (NPS Dip).

“While working in Newmarket, I had the fortune to visit and work at some of the major thoroughbred studs and benefited from the teaching of both the renowned vet, Peter Rossdale, as well as the late Colonel Gray, director of the National Stud,” says Martin

His first love has always been the British Riding Pony though, and he “was fortunate enough” to work for Liz Mansfield-Parnell at her Rotherwood Stud.

“I learnt so much about the successful production, breeding and showing of world class ponies, where standards were always the highest and only perfection would do,” he recalls.

Latterly, Martin worked in the banking industry, breeding British Riding Ponies under the Landemann prefix, with a small, select number of mares, chosen for their bloodlines as well as their pony characteristics, movement and good temperaments.

Several of his mares enjoyed successful ridden careers previous to motherhood, and their progeny have continued to shine under saddle.

Landemann Peony, for example, is a former supreme champion at the BSPS championships, and Landemann Bird Of Paradise claimed the show pony championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2024.

“I’m delighted to have bred show ponies to win at HOYS and the RIHS,” says Martin. “But being presented with the Bwlch Valentino trophy – a beautiful bronze first presented by the Eckley family in 1968 – for breeding the champion show pony at HOYS was a bit of a dream come true. If you breed show ponies, it’s the trophy you want to win, so to have it on my dining room table for a year was a real thrill.”

Since his semi-retirement, Martin has been more heavily involved with the NPS, having served many terms as a council member over the past 30 years or so. He is currently the vice-chair of the society, having held the chairman’s role for three years previously. He’s also an active member of his own area – NPS Area 29.

Martin Jones’ judging experience

Martin sits on a whole host of panels covering a vast array of types, including the British Show Pony Society (BSPS), National Pony Society (NPS), British Show Horse Association (BSHA), British Connemara Pony Society, Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS UK), Sport Horse Breeding GB (SHB GB), The Showing Register and the British Miniature Horse Society.

As well as judging at many of the UK’s leading county shows, he’s had the pleasure of judging in Europe, New Zealand and Australia, and considers officiating at the latter two some of his judging highlights.

“The judging systems are different over there and it was a real learning experience to see their ways. Ponies and horses are produced and ridden to the highest standards, and I particularly enjoyed judging the young rider classes, which are really popular in Australia and New Zealand.

“Over here, we don’t really have similar classes at the same level, where the children are judged primarily on their riding abilities. The standard of riding in these classes is so high and they’re fantastic to judge because of it.”

Of course, he also considers previous appointments at HOYS and RIHS to be some other highlights.

What will Martin be looking for in the M&M workers?

“I’m looking for what I would describe as a balanced and fluid round with ponies moving through the track in a good forward rhythm, in a way that is appropriate for their breed,” he says.

“In the plaited workers, I would look for a more bold and enthusiastic round, but some mountain and moorland breeds are not necessarily built to gallop around a worker track, so I’ll want to see these ponies working in balance and covering the ground in a forward rhythm.”

Martin has words to the wise for competitors.

“I’ve watched these working hunter pony classes for many years and so know it to be a long track in a big ring, with up-to-height fences and on an incline. I’ve noticed that a lot of ponies demonstrate a lack of fitness and start to tire and sound ‘breathy’ in the latter half, losing their rhythm and forwardness as a result.

“So I would say, make sure that you and your pony are of the appropriate condition and fitness to jump around a long, testing track. The course at the Royal International finals is very different to the courses that many will have qualified on, which in many cases is likely to have been on a flat surface in a small arena.

“I’ve also noticed that the bogey fence is often the open ditch or water tray, so practice that in advance if you can. It catches some of the most seasoned campaigners out.

“In short, be prepared. Be prepared for a long, varied and testing track, and for undulating ground.

“I would also advise competitors that it’s always a good idea to take some coaching, on a regular basis if you can. Even Olympic riders have coaches on the ground. It’s a good thing to have someone helping you and your pony improve your technique and the investment will help you be fully prepared.”

Martin Jones’ pet hates

“Having been so involved in the NPS and its welfare remit over the past few years, I’m very aware of welfare as I’m judging, too. No matter how frustrated you may feel if things aren’t going to plan during your round, inappropriate use of the whip is not acceptable.

“I also get a little bit frustrated by the number of people walking the course. It’s not a family day out, so I prefer to see competitors accompanied by one other person. Walking round chatting to your friends is not an effective way to walk the course!

“And I may sound a bit of a ‘fuddy-duddy’, but those walking the course should also be dressed appropriately for the occasion, and in a way that is respectful to the show, its officials, sponsors and fellow competitors. The weather may be hot, but that’s not an excuse to walk the course in beach wear.”

What will Martin be looking for in the M&M mini classes?

As well as the M&M working hunter ponies, Martin will also be assessing the mini classes, which naturally have very different requirements.

“These classes are always a joy to officiate,” he says, “though it’s easy for the grandness of the occasion to unsettle some young riders, whose mental and physical ability can be so different, even though of similar ages.

“I do love to see a pony with a good walk, and an animal that marches into the ring, tracking up, ears pricked and looking through its bridle – rather than down at the ground – will catch my attention. A pony that carries its jockey forward, in a safe and steady manner, without having to be encouraged forward every stride, is always more enjoyable to watch, and more comfortable to ride.

“During conversations I hear, my experiences of judging and comments on social media, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the ridden classes are judged solely on way of going. Please remember that 50 marks are for conformation and freedom of action, so it’s important as much time and effort is put into this phase, too. It makes the judge’s job much easier, and shows the pony off to its best advantage if it is correctly presented to the conformation judge – which means an adjustment by the rider/ handler as the judge walks round the pony.

“You can’t change the pony’s conformation, but presenting your pony correctly will give you the best chance. Again, practice at home so that this phase comes naturally and is easy on the day. A pony reluctant to trot up, with its ears back and tail swishing, is not going to show itself off in the best way, and can easily lose marks as a result. Don’t let the conformation phase be an afterthought.”

Martin’s tips for major final first-timers

“Planning is everything. If you’ve not competed at the Royal International Horse Show before, you are in for a treat, as it’s a wonderful venue. But it can be a long walk to the ring, and a long way back to the stable area if you realise you’ve forgotten something just minutes before you’re due to enter the ring.

“It takes a lot of time, effort, energy and money to qualify, so you want to give you and your pony the best chance. Ask someone experienced before the show for their advice.

“Most judges would be happy to help if asked in the right way and at a suitable time. Often, it’s the attention to detail that makes the difference, and shortening a pony’s tail an inch or two, or suggesting a rider try their stirrups a hole longer, can make all the difference to the overall look and impression.

“Practise at home, but not so much that your pony becomes disinterested. And remember, though everyone wants to do well and get a rosette, there’s only one winner on the day. Win or lose, there’s always another show, but your pony’s trust and happiness are the real prize worth taking home.”

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

Now is the time to make your voice heard on the impact fireworks can have on horses – as the Government has finally asked for the public’s opinion.

Today (16 July) the Government has launched a public fireworks consultation on “common-sense proposals” that would mean the loudest fireworks could be used only in professional displays.

– Take part in the public fireworks consultation.

The aim is to “crack down on anti-social behaviour and protect vulnerable people, pets and wildlife” and “target a small number of fireworks which have caused distress for residents across the country for too long”, but allow professional displays to continue as before.

This follows multiple debates in parliament sparked by hundreds of thousands of signatures on petitions calling for tougher firework laws, as well as sustained campaigning.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary, one of 19 charities in the Fireworks Impact Coalition highlighting the effect of fireworks can have on people, pets, horses, farm animals and wildlife, has been working for change for years.

Fireworks consultation welcomed

“Having campaigned for improved fireworks regulations after tragically losing three of our own rescued horses due to loud fireworks, Redwings knows the scale of distress, suffering and risk to life that fireworks cause every year, not only to horses, but to the people around them,” said Redwings campaigns manager Helen Whitelegg. “In our survey of more than 5,000 UK horse owners, over 95% told us they wanted to see tighter fireworks regulations; loud bangs cited as the most significant risk factor.

“We therefore warmly welcome the news today that the Government will be consulting with the public on this issue and would encourage animal lovers everywhere to participate and have their say on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. These proposals aim to tackle the biggest concerns raised by the public – particularly noise and antisocial behaviour – while protecting cherished traditions and organised displays that bring communities together.”

The consultation also includes proposals to review whether other high-risk products should be banned from public sale.

Ms Whitelegg said: “When our petition was discussed by 58 MPs in parliamentary debate in January, we heard several MPs echo the thoughts of Robbie Moore, MP for Keighley and Ilkley, when he said, ‘the time for talk is over and we need action now’. Petition debates have become an almost annual event, and we welcome the public consultation as a key step on the road to meaningful regulatory change that will help protect both animals and people.”

MP’s campaign

Luton MP Sarah Owen introduced a private member’s bill to restrict the noise and sale of fireworks, nearly two years ago. Ms Owen has told H&H she often hears of the “absolute distress” caused by fireworks.

She said today: “It has been over 20 years since our fireworks laws have been looked into, so this review is a major win for the campaign to finally deal with the problem of antisocial fireworks that affects so many across the country.

“Ever since I became an MP in 2019, I have been saying our out-of-date fireworks laws needed to change – it’s so good to see this become reality.

“Between the licensing loophole, high noise limits and lack of proper enforcement, our current laws mean misery for residents, often for months on end. It undermines trust that the council and police can act on things that make life worse for people and turns neighbour against neighbour.

“I look forward to engaging with the Government in its review and continuing to make the argument for change.”

The RSPCA’s head of public affairs David Bowles said the charity is “thrilled by this major step forward”.

“We now urge pet owners and animal lovers across England and Wales to act now and give their voice to this consultation and help ensure safer and more responsible use of fireworks,” he said.

“For too long now, pets, horses, wildlife and farm animals have been deeply affected by the impact of fireworks and the lack of regulation – including from DIY and impromptu displays.

“Animals such as dogs and horses can suffer from tinnitus, hearing loss and long-term hearing damage caused by fireworks, while all animals can experience stress and fear – which has in some instances lead to injury and even death. Similarly, livestock and other animals living outdoors often try to escape the bangs out of fear, sometimes injuring themselves in the process, and the consequences can be devastating.”

The RSPCA is also a member of the coalition, and has long called for tighter restrictions on fireworks.

“We’ve known for some time that the public support restrictions; 66% of pet owners found backyard fireworks displayed to be a major concern, but regulation has lagged behind for too long, so this is a really positive step forward,” Mr Bowles said.

“This campaign has never been about spoiling people’s fun, but only ever about protecting animals, together – and this new UK Government consultation has the potential to be a game-changer for animals..

“We now have an amazing opportunity to give animals a voice by rallying all those who care about animals to respond to the consultation and show their support for these long-awaited restrictions, and a better world for every kind.”

Fireworks consultation is your chance to make change

British Horse Society safety team manager Des Payne told H&H the charity welcomes and supports the consultation; the BHS has also campaigned with other coalition members for years for changes to the law.

“Today’s announcement marks a significant moment and a huge step forward in making vital changes to support the needs of vulnerable people and animals,” he said.

“We know that fireworks can have a devastating impact on horses and other animals, causing fear, distress and, in some cases, serious injury or death. That’s why it is so important that members of the public, horse owners and everyone affected take the time to respond to the consultation. The more evidence and lived experiences that are shared, the stronger the case for meaningful change.

“While we are encouraged to see this issue being considered, we also recognise that there is still a long way to go. This consultation is just the beginning, and we will continue working with Government and partners to ensure the needs of horses and the wider equestrian community are properly recognised in future fireworks legislation.

“We encourage everyone to make their voice heard and help ensure this opportunity leads to lasting improvements for horse safety and welfare.”

Take part in the consultation

• To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Olympic medallists Andrew Hoy and Vassily De Lassos return to the Australian eventing team for the 2026 World Championships in Aachen, after missing selection for Paris 2024.

Andrew and the then 12-year-old gelding won individual bronze and helped the Aussie side to team silver in Tokyo five years ago. They also have a superb record at Aachen, jumping double clear to be placed on all three visits, including finishing second in 2022.

When they were on the bench for the last Olympics – which would have been Andrew’s ninth – Andrew said the “chapter of ‘Paris 2024’ may be closing but the book isn’t finished”. This year is their 10th season together and Aachen will be their third World Championships. Vassily is an incredibly consistent competitor; he has kept a clean jumping sheet at 36 of his 44 international eventing starts, and he and Andrew have been in the top 10 at 28 out of their 35 runs together.

Their dressage marks tend to be slightly adrift of the likely favourites for these World Championships, but their experience, consistency in the jumping phases and course form are three strong aces coming into Aachen – they will be ones to watch.

A fresh look for the Australian eventing team

The Aussie squad has a fresh feel for these championships. Former squad stalwart Virgil, ridden by Shane Rose, retired in 2024; Shadow Man, Chris Burton’s individual silver medal-winning ride at Paris, is back with regular rider Ben Hobday and Kevin McNab’s Olympic and worlds ride Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam last competed at Paris.

With the exception of Andrew and Vassily, Aachen will be the first senior championships for the other four combinations.

Sophia Hill and former racehorse Humble Glory bring global five-star experience, most recently finishing 10th at Kentucky. The pair have also completed Burghley and been placed at Adelaide and Maryland. This is a pair who are likely to climb after the first phase.

This will be the first time we see 2026 Adelaide winner Oliver Barrett (Sandhills Briar) and runner-up Sam Woods (SS Eight Count) compete in the northern hemisphere. Both have strong jumping records – a real theme of this Aussie squad – down under, so it will be exciting to see them now go up against the cream of the rest of the world.

Belgium-based Olivia Barton completes the five-strong squad with rising home-bred star APH Sodoku, with whom she has a wealth of four-star form.

Olympic qualification and gaining valuable championship experience will surely be the target for the Australians, but a medal would be the icing on the cake.

Australian eventing team for the 2026 Aachen World Championships

The full squad, in alphabetical order by athlete surname, is:

Oliver Barrett with 10-year-old gelding Sandhills Briar

Owner: Craig and Prue Barrett

Breeder: Craig, Prue and Jesper Barrett

Breeding: by Christian 25

Olivia Barton with 10-year-old gelding APH Sodoku

Owner: Carlene Barton

Breeder: APH Sporthorses

Breeding: by APH Rocardo, out of a mare by APH Coriandus

Sophia Hill with 15-year-old gelding Humble Glory

Owner: Rider, Caroline Duddy, Olivia Greenwood, Andrew Hill, Michelle and Ted Landy

Breeder: Emerald Thoroughbreds

Breeding: by Bernardini, out of a mare by Shovhog

Andrew Hoy with 17-year-old gelding Vassily De Lassos

Owner: Linda Mars, Pat Harris and rider

Breeder: Jérôme Bergès, Sonia Eyraud and Jean-Louis Beth

Breeding: by Jaguar Mail, out of a mare by Jalienny

Samuel Woods with 13-year-old gelding SS Eight Count

Owner: rider

Breeding: by Hamlet

Australian eventing squad reserves for Aachen 2026 World Championships

Isabel English with nine-year-old gelding Cil Dara Bombay S

Owner: Sarah English, Sofia von Moltke, Jenny and John Curtis

Breeder: Nicholas and Sarah English

Breeding: Balout Du Rouet, out of a mare by Diarado

Sophia Hill with 11-year-old gelding Tulara Baltango

Owner: rider, Caroline Duddy, Olivia Greenwood, Michelle and Ted Landy

Breeder: Tulara Warmbloods

Breeding: by Tulara Balouch

Sam Jeffree with 14-year-old gelding Santoro

Owner: rider

Breeder: Ryan’s Horses

Breeding: by Starnberg, out of a mare by Regardez Moi

Kevin McNab with 10-year-old gelding Faro Imp

Owner: James and Sofia von Moltke

Breeder: Martin Gronert

Breeding: by Wathnan F One USA, out of a mare by Master Imp

• To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news in the run up to the World Championships in Aachen, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Australian rider Jayden Brown has paid tribute to his “amazing” Olympic ride Quincy B, who has left his yard to be sold.

Owner Willinga Park, in New South Wales, has confirmed that the 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding, with whom Jayden helped the Australian team to ninth place at the Paris Olympic Games, is on the market.

“Olympic dressage horse Quincy B will be offered for sale, marking the next chapter for the much-admired horse,” a spokesperson for the venue said.

“They are open to accepting offers from suitable buyers who can support Quincy B’s continued success and wellbeing.”

Jayden has played a major role in the venue’s high-performance programme since he started there in 2020. He competed at the 2022 World Championships with Willingapark Sky Diamond, as well as in Paris.

Jayden congratulated those who had been selected for this year’s World Championships and wished them luck, adding that Willinga Park had withdrawn Quincy B from selection on 10 July.

“I am disappointed not to be joining our team in Aachen, however I am proud of the results Quincy B and I achieved during our qualification campaign,” he said.

“I hope that together we showed Australian riders that it is possible to achieve one of the strongest qualifying positions for our team as a combination based in Australia.”

Quincy B and Jayden Brown: top results

Jayden and Quincy B have had a fabulous year, winning all five of the grands prix and freestyle classes they have contested.

“I am grateful for many years riding and training Quincy from a young horse through to grand prix and the opportunity to represent Australia on our team at the Paris Olympics,” Jayden said. “Quincy left us yesterday [14 July] and will be stabled locally while he awaits export to Europe to be sold.

“Quincy has always held a special place in my heart and his ability to charm ‘his girls’ in the stable will be missed. I wish nothing but the best for an amazing horse who truly deserves the best in life.”

The Willinga Park spokesperson said the decision is part of a “gradual wind-down” of its high-performance programme, as it focuses on hosting equestrian events and offering vet services, accommodation and hospitality.

“Quincy B has been owned by Willinga Park for seven years and has become one of Australia’s most recognised dressage horses, including representing Australia at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with Jayden Brown,” the spokesperson said.

“Quincy B has been an exceptional horse for Willinga Park and Australian dressage, and we are incredibly proud of what he and Jayden achieved together.

“We thank Jayden for his professionalism, dedication and care, and wish him every success in the next stage of his career.”

• To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

What goes into training a World Cup Dressage Finals champion? Becky Moody talks us through how she primes Jagerbomb to perform at his peak while enjoying the balance of turnout, hacking, fitness with perfecting his grand prix moves.

Becky doesn’t drill Jagerbomb (Bomb) in the school. He typically works specifically on dressage training two to three times a week.

These sessions are usually 40–45min, always starting with “an easy warm-up”.

“It’s less than I used to do because it’s not about how much I want to do, it’s about the horse,” she says.

“One of the most important things I do is transitions, hundreds of transitions. It doesn’t matter whether you’re riding a baby or a grand prix horse, transitions are key to good training, for adjustability and rideability.

“That fancy trot Bomb can do comes from a good walk–halt transition.”

It’s rare that Becky would ride all the grand prix moves in training; it’s more about working on the adjustability, suppleness and straightness.

“For instance, rather than riding my test pirouettes, I’d do a lot more working pirouettes, training the adjustability within it, on a bigger shape,” she explains.

“So I would make him more collected, then more forward – and ride only a couple of test ones. I also practise zig-zags a lot as they’re our weak point.”

To hone the flying changes, Becky has another tip.

“I do a lot of changes up the wall to really help me to be aware of my straightness – I wouldn’t so often do them across the school on the diagonal,” she says.

Becky estimates she’d put all the moves together to ride the full test every other week in the six-week run-up to an event.

Becky Moody on Jagerbomb’s non-schooling days

Other days are spent hacking, doing fitness work and stretching.

“Sometimes in the school, he would be in a snaffle, doing basic stretching and transitions,” says Becky, who says Bomb wears a snaffle “half the time”.

“He loves hacking so he does a lot of that. The girls hack him, but I also love hacking him, so sometimes I go off on a wander because he’s such a good boy.”

Although Bomb’s hacks involve hillwork, stomping up and down the Yorkshire hills, their location means they are limited to roadwork so he does additional fitness sessions in the outdoor school.

“He’s so big and he has to watch his weight, so we have to be really conscious of the fitness side to keep him at a good weight, fit and strong enough,” Becky says.

“There’s nowhere we can go fast on a hack, so he does his fast work in the outdoor school. We do interval training round our 20x60m.”

Becky uses her voice as a training aid, and welcomes the change in British Dressage ruling that riders can use their voice within reason.

“With young horses I always use my voice,” she says. “Especially in my downward transitions, saying ‘woah’, anything that makes it easier for them to understand without having to use as much rein. It’s a useful tool.”

“My bad habit is that I click,” she adds. “I train with Carl Hester and he says, ‘you’re not training b****y dolphins’, in his terrible Yorkshire accent!”

Stable management

In summertime, Bomb enjoy time in the field every day.

“In winter, as we live on clay it’s horrific ground so we don’t turn out on the grass,” Becky explains. “We have four sand paddocks and a horse walker, so all the horses are out of their stable three times a day.”

At over 17.3hh, Bomb is entitled to the biggest stable in the yard.

Feeding-wise, Bomb’s diet is quite simple. He’s on Saracen’s Competition Fit Mix, with alfalfa. He also has a basic joint supplement and electrolytes when he’s in work, plus salt.

At shows, Bomb “goes on hunger strike” – “it’s quite tricky when you’re away for two weeks,” says Becky.

“He likes a veteran mash – more than a recovery mash – and so has that to help him eat up,” she adds. “He’s getting better the more he does.”

And not just in terms of appetite, because when it comes to results in the ring, Becky Moody and Jagerbomb are still on an upward trajectory.

• Enjoyed reading this? For more exclusive insight from top riders and coaches, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Did you enjoy this article? You may also like to read…

‘He was sometimes sleeping five times what he normally would’: the insightful AI data behind Jagerbomb’s World Cup recovery

‘I spent most of the night watching the plane on Flightradar’: Becky Moody on flying Jagerbomb to the World Cup

‘Jagerbomb makes me feel like I can do it’: Becky Moody on why even top riders can suffer a crisis of confidence

Jagerbomb – Becky Moody’s home-bred ‘total legend’ who stole the spotlight on the world stage

‘I was very nervous – you don’t get to ride that kind of horse every day’: the day Jack Whitaker rode dressage star Jagerbomb

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

Three-time Olympic showjumper Dirk Demeersman has announced his retirement from the sport, aged 61.

The Belgian rider’s career spans decades; he competed at the European Championships on ponies aged 10 in and rode at his first Olympics, the 1992 Barcelona Games, aged 28.

Dirk represented his country at the 2004 Athens Olympics, finishing fourth individually with Clinton, and in 2012 he rode at the London Games aboard Befureo Van Het Panishof. In 2006 he helped the Belgian team to seventh at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Aachen, and in 2010 he was part of the bronze medal-winning WEG team at Kentucky.

This week Dirk announced his top stallion Cote D’Or, whom he bred and owns with his wife Kelly Pieck under their business Cavallini Horses, will make his competition debut with Olivier Philippaerts at the Chantilly CSI4*. Dirk’s last international competition with him was the CSIO3* Martofte Nations Cup in May.

“After 10 years together, Dirk has decided to hand over the reins of Cote D’Or Z to Olivier Philippaerts. Although his passion for the sport remains as strong as ever, he feels that, in the horse’s best interest, this is the right moment for Cote D’Or Z to continue his sporting career with a rider who can help him reach his full international potential,” said a Cavallini Horses spokesperson.

“At the same time, our home-bred horses Carrasco Z and Little Fellow Z have also joined Team Philippaerts. With this decision, Dirk officially brings his sporting career to a close.”

The spokesperson added that Kelly and Dirk “made this decision together, with the horses’ best interests always at heart”.

“They firmly believe this is the right time for each of them to begin a new chapter and wish Team Philippaerts every success and happiness with these exceptional horses,” he said.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:’

Heavy-hitting German showjumping team named for Aachen worlds with Olympic champion on reserve list

‘I can’t be more grateful to have him’: young Whitaker lands fabulous grand prix

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

Of all the obstacles on a cross-country course, ditches – in their various forms – often cause the most angst. Some horses tackle them with aplomb from the get-go, but most need plenty of quiet repetition to develop their confidence. Olympians and top coaches Nicola Wilson, Chris Bartle and Andrew Heffernan share their tips in this article exclusive to H&H subscribers

Quiet, slow repetition is the key to how to solve your horse’s fear of ditches. To build – or rebuild – confidence in jumping ditches, it’s vital to start this part of his eventing training from scratch, says British team performance coach Chris Bartle. He explains that it is a mistake to ask a horse to tackle a ditch without giving him the opportunity to look at it first.

“With a young horse, or a horse that is nervous, I will always take them to the ditch with no intention of jumping it,” he says. “I will let them stand beside it and walk around it until they are comfortable in the environment.

“Only when I know they are happy about being there – they will stretch their head down and have a sniff – will I ask them to step over the ditch.

“The important thing to remember is that the horse must never be pressurised from behind, either by the rider or someone on the ground, because all that’s doing is encouraging him to think backwards rather than forwards.”

Initially, at least, ditches should be small enough so that human legs can easily step over them.

“I measure a ditch by whether I need to stretch over it on foot,” says Chris. “It doesn’t matter whether the horse is four, seven or 14, my approach will be the same. If a horse is hesitant I will spend all my cross-country schooling time walking quietly over tiny ditches.”

Chris argues that it’s not necessary to school over big ditches.

“If you’ve built solid foundations, these can be saved for competition when your adrenaline’s up,” he says.

How to solve your horse’s fear of ditches: “trust is everything”

When working on how to solve your horse’s fear of ditches, “confidence and trust is everything” says former European champion-turned-top coach, Nicola Wilson.

This starts with laying the right foundations and revisiting the basics on a regular basis.

“When you introduce a ditch for the first time make sure you’ve got a confident horse to give you a lead and choose an inviting ditch to start with,” she says.

Nicola also emphasises the importance of rider position.

“It’s important that you look in the right place – up, not down into the ditch,” she says. “A young or inexperienced horse will often look down into the ditch and dither on the edge. This is fine so long as you stay up in your body and have a nice, supportive leg on them and a long rein so they can stretch down, use their head and neck and safely pop over.

“It’s a really good idea to use a neck strap so you can hold the strap together with your reins in one hand,” she continues. “If your horse jumps bigger than you’re expecting you won’t lose balance and inadvertently catch him in the mouth, which can turn it into a negative experience.”

Nicola agrees that repetition is key.

“If your horse lacks confidence jumping ditches it’s important to keep revisiting them on a regular basis so that walking up to them and popping over becomes second nature,” says Nicola. “There are plenty of five-star horses who will do just this on the lead-up to a big competition, so it’s not something you should be worried about. The key is to be as prepared as possible.”

Nicola also extols the value of praise and patience.

“Tell your horse when he has done well because this helps build trust and solid foundations,” she says. “And always give ditch training time. Never start something that you don’t feel you can see through the end.”

Once your homework is done, testing your training in a competition environment is the next step.

“When you’re out on the course, make sure you stay in a good rhythm and balance, and in the correct tempo for the ditch fence you’re tackling,” says Nicola.

When ditches are your friend

Once you have ironed out how to solve your horse’s fear of ditches and they are confidently moving up the eventing levels, most ditches will become a help rather than a hindrance.

“Where a ditch has a fence over it or behind it, the ditch itself acts as a useful ground rail, defining the take-off point,” explains Chris. “Big ditch-brushes, trakheners, and anything like that where the ditch ledge is on the take-off side, makes for a horse-friendly profile.”

Chris explains that when riding this type of fence, you should resist the temptation to spend too much time much setting up.

“When I was a jockey, before I started eventing, a trainer once told me that you should always increase your speed into a ditch,” he says. “You will never get the wrong stride because there is a groundline. I always remind riders of this when I walk courses with them as it saves a lot of time.”

Ditches through a course-designer’s eyes

Course-designers use ditches in different ways. Olympic event rider, trainer and Bramham course-designer Andrew Heffernan explains that as well as the size of the ditch size, where it is sited will determine the level of the test.

“Part of my job as course-designer is to ensure there is a logical progression in difficulty as you go up the grades,” he explains. “For example, on a B80 course I might include a small open ditch followed three strides later by a rails fence, at BE90 this might change to a rail followed three strides later by a ditch. By the time you get to BE100 I might be asking horses to jump a simple rail-ditch-rail on flat terrain, and then at novice level you can start expecting to see a ditch with a bit of terrain either side.”

This logical progression has obvious connotations for a horse who is a bit “ditchy”.

“Even if a horse is solid with every other type of cross-country question, he needs to be completely confident jumping ditches at one level before moving on to the next,” says Andrew. “The questions asked of him — and therefore the trust he needs in his rider — will be tested to a greater degree every time you step up.”

“We dug a ditch at home and that was the turning point”

Event rider Ivy Fisher’s talented three-star mare, Balief De Reve (Bali), only has one chink in her armour – ditches.

“When I bought her as a young horse she had only ever showjumped and although she quickly took to jumping solid fences, she’s always been suspicious of holes in the ground,” explained Ivy, who grew up in Norfolk but has been based with Dassett Eventing in Warwickshire.

“A few years ago, when I was on the brink of giving up with her, my dad dug me a ditch at home and that was the turning point. It was a case of repetition, repetition, repetition. The penny dropped in the middle of the 2024 season and she started to take them in her stride.”

The pair won the under-21 open intermediate at Kelsall Hill in September that year.

At her current base, Ivy has access to three different ditches and incorporates them into almost every training session.

“Last season I was even including them in our fitness work, popping over a ditch mid-canter,” she says. “We still have the odd wobble, but she’s getting better all the time. Bali’s taught me so much about perseverance, getting the basics right and about not running before you can walk.”

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

You may also be interested to read…

How to improve a horse’s gallop: top eventers share their tips for productive fast work

Worried about riding on wet, slippery or deep going? Top event riders share tips on how to help your horse cope

How to get your horse fit like world number one event rider Harry Meade

How to improve your cross-country riding position with secrets from Olympians – including exercises on and off the horse

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

Top British dressage rider Laura Tomlinson has paid tribute to her much-loved stallion Duval’s Capri Sonne Jr, who has died aged 19 following a happy seven-year retirement at home.

The KWPN Rhodium son competed at international grand prix but his career was cut short in 2019 aged 12, when he was found to have a heart murmur.

“He was still really fit and well, but he stopped competing on the vet’s advice having the heart murmur grade that he did,” Laura told H&H.

“He has had a lovely time living in the field outside our horse, enjoying a very unstressful life, with lots of attention from the kids.”

Capri Sonne was campaigned as a young horse by Dinja van Liere in the Netherlands. He was bought by Laura’s parents, the Bechtolsheimers, in 2015 and Laura produced him from small tour up to grand prix.

“He was as comfy as a sofa and he was my dad’s favourite to ride,” said Laura.

“He was wonderful to train and had a really good brain. I’m not a stallion rider, but you could hack him, travel him with mares, he turned out easily – he was just a really easy horse with an amazing temperament.”

During their four years of competition together, Laura Tomlinson and Capri Sonne contested CDIs in Aachen, Rotterdam, Hagen and Hickstead. In 2019 the pair were posting +70% at grand prix.

“He had some good competitions, but I think there was potential for a lot more,” said Laura.

“He was super talented, but not every horse is made for high level competition. We recognised that and didn’t push it, and he had an amazing life at home with us. He was just as important to us like that as he was a competition horse.”

Laura said Capri Sonne remained “extremely well” until his death in the field a few weeks ago, believed to be related to his heart condition.

“It’s very sad. He lived literally outside our living room window and on the drive, so he’s left a bit of a hole,” she said.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:’

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

Irish Olympic dressage rider withdraws from World Championships contention

Germany looking strong with three core riders named for World Championships dressage bid

Efforts are being made to promote and grow para showjumping, as concerns are raised by riders that there has been a decline in opportunities since the pandemic.

British Showjumping (BS) said para showjumping has had “a significant boost this year with the introduction of a revised competition structure and dedicated calendar”. This includes five multi-day competitions, culminating in the BS national championships at Stoneleigh and a season finale at Arena UK in September.

Open sections have been introduced alongside existing graded classes. BS said this provides “greater flexibility” by enabling riders to compete within their grades – in which they accumulate points towards the para leagues – and in open sections at different heights.

A two-day camp was held last month at the national training centre in Leicestershire, aimed at introducing riders to the sport.

“The training provides a great opportunity for riders to get together socially as well as benefiting from training sessions and unmounted workshops on a variety of topics,” said coach Sarah Tubbs.

Para competitors have welcomed the opportunities and hope more riders will become involved – but have raised concerns over whether more can still be done.

Rider Claire Pope told H&H that since the pandemic there has been an overall decline in para showjumping opportunities.

“Since Covid some riders have stopped competing or have lost horses, and we’ve just not been able to get more people involved,” she said.

“We’ve lost shows like Bramham, which was a big showcase for us. We’ve asked for more shows and we understand that we’re a very small minority, but the communication needs to be better.”

Anna Hilton did not know about para showjumping until after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

“I was trying to hammer myself around able-bodied classes, but it just wasn’t working because I don’t have the strength any more. I started Googling and that’s when I discovered para showjumping. I hadn’t seen it advertised anywhere, so I think that’s been the problem, that people just don’t know it’s an option,” she told H&H.

“Unfortunately, because there’s only a few of us in each class, some places don’t want to run para – and you can see it from their point of view. But we need more venues to get on board with putting the shows on and publicising it.

“We all joke that you have to be a little bonkers to jump with a disability, but we just love it – and that’s why we don’t want to lose it.”

Deena Webster once competed in para shows abroad through BS – but said in recent years opportunities have dropped off. She believes BS joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, as British Dressage has, could be a way to get more riders involved. Dressage riders can wear a sunflower armband or lanyard, which aims to raise awareness that they have a non-visible disability.

“The thirst for the sport is there. I’m pleased to see there are more opportunities this year but I think the whole para structure needs looking at to give people more,” Deena told H&H.

BS national director of sport Stephanie Toogood told H&H para showjumping “continues to go from strength to strength with increasing opportunities for riders to train, compete and be part of a supportive community”.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:’

Rider due amputation after shattering leg hopes to inspire others with showjumping success

British Dressage ‘proud to make the next step’ in move to support hidden disabilities

Para rider with MS hopes to inspire others after returning to showjumping

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

Equestrians are being warned that artificial intelligence (AI) does not replace calling the vet, after new RSPCA research considered the way pet owners use chatbots.

New data from the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index, the charity’s annual UK survey into public attitudes towards animals that includes the views of almost 7,000 people, found that 10% of pet owners are routinely using AI for advice and support in looking after their animals.

The RSPCA is concerned that increased reliance on “conversations” with AI could lead to complacency from owners and untreated illnesses in animals.

The most common reasons people seek help from AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Grok are symptom checking for ill pets (62%), advice on behaviour and body language (49%) and dietary tips (30%).

Gemma Hope, RSPCA assistant director of policy, advocacy and evidence, warned that this could spell “an inadvertent ticking time bomb”.

“Whether we like it or not, AI is a game changer – including for animal welfare,” she said. “And it can be one of many helpful tools responsible pet owners use to understand their animals, or to get tips on things like enrichment, play time ideas and more.

“But we’re worried that, with so many pet owners now using large language models to check the symptoms of poorly pets, or query behavioural challenges, this could be an inadvertent ticking time bomb for animal welfare.

“AI chat bots cannot physically examine an animal, check their bloods or understand the fast-moving changes that occur when a pet is in pain.

“However good or clever AI may seem, if someone is in doubt about their pet’s health or notices rapid changes, it’s vital to reach out to a vet immediately.”

Lucy Grieve, veterinary projects officer at the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), told H&H artificial intelligence “can be a useful tool for accessing general information, but it cannot replace a veterinary examination”.

“Horses cannot tell us how they are feeling, and diagnosis often relies on physical assessment, diagnostic tests and professional clinical judgement. AI-generated advice may not always be accurate or recognise when an apparently minor problem is actually a sign of serious disease.

“We would encourage owners to seek advice from their veterinary practice whenever they have concerns about their horse’s health or welfare.

“Digital tools, including video consultations, can support veterinary care in some situations, but they work best when used as part of a professional veterinary service rather than as a substitute for it.”

CBBC presenter and small animal vet Rory Cowlam, who has backed the RSPCA’s call, highlighted that there is a “massive difference” between a vet using clinical AI tools to support an examination, and an owner using a chatbot to skip one entirely.

“AI can be a great tool for brainstorming general pet tips, like how to keep your pet entertained, or enrichment ideas. But when your animal is genuinely sick, a chatbot is not where you should be looking for advice. If in doubt, log out from AI and reach out to a professional,” he said.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, 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

Potential pitfalls: how to keep yourself and others safe when using AI to benefit your horse

How AI is changing the game in what we know about our horses

‘He was sometimes sleeping five times what he normally would’: the insightful AI data behind Jagerbomb’s World Cup recovery

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

H&H’s eventing editor and Aachen World Championships reporter Pippa Roome assesses the line-up for British selection

If you could be a fly on any wall for a day, where would you go? I’d head to a meeting of the British selectors as they pick the World Championships eventing team for Aachen. As expected with such a wealth of strong combinations, Britain has nominated the maximum 15 entries, with the squad of five to come.

Three pairs – Ros Canter with Lordships Graffalo, Laura Collett on London 52, Tom McEwen riding JL Dublin – are surely guaranteed a spot in the British eventing team. The Paris gold medallists all have a back catalogue of excellent form, combining individual medal potential with consistency.

Tom has Brookfield Quality also listed and despite his good results, I think his pattern of missing the time on his long-format runs pushes him down the list.

Gemma Stevens and Flash Cooley have a strong claim, with a bank of sparkling four-star form over the past two years, bar a rider fall at NAF Hartpury last season. The chink in their armour is lack of five-star form and that their long format win this year came at an event where the cross-country time was easy to achieve.

What does the British team selection policy say?

The selection policy places qualification for the LA28 Olympics – so a top-seven team finish, excluding the USA, who qualify as hosts – as Britain’s primary aim at this championship, followed (in no particular order) by winning medals and giving championship experience.

This might play into the hands of Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal, who have been top-four finishers four times at five-star and should offer reliability – a priority for that team finish – over a seriously low score (more important for winning medals). Harry’s fall at Mars Badminton, when the mare stood on herself, was unfortunate and the selectors may be willing to forgive it.

Harry’s other top mare, Annaghmore Valoner, who finished third at Badminton, was a surprise absence from the list – she has sadly had a setback which means she will miss the autumn season.

David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed offered a similar profile of reliable five-star form, without stellar dressage, until their two five-star falls last year. Despite Pau and Defender Kentucky success since, those two errors may be harder to overlook than Cavalier Crystal’s mistake.

Bubby Upton (Its Cooley Time) and Caroline Harris (D. Day) fell on their championship debuts at the Europeans last year. Both have come back with wins, at Defender Bramham and Longines Luhmühlen, and they are well-supported professionals with other horses coming through, so they fit the selection criteria of giving championship experience.

Although Bubby has had two other falls besides the Blenheim one, I think she may be given the individual berth, because her dressage scores make her a potential medallist.

The four 10-year-old horses named are all very promising potential future team players, but may benefit from another year or two. They are United 36 (Tom Jackson), Corimiro (Sarah Bullimore), Gypsie Du Loir (Yasmin Ingham) and Cooley Park Muze (Gemma Stevens).

Finally Katie Magee (Treworra, fifth at Badminton) and Selina Milnes (Cooley Snapchat, second at Bramham) both have other decent results too, but also blips. Neither rider is on the World Class Programme (nor is David Doel currently, although he has been in the past) and while that’s not essential, it’s a measure of who’s on the high performance radar.

Kudos to them for making the 15, but I don’t expect to see them in the final five selected for the British eventing team.

Plenty of choices on worlds’ cross-country track

The top line takeaways from my interview with course-designer Giuseppe della Chiesa about the World Championship cross-country track are as follows.

There are 42 jumping efforts via the straight routes, but 74 fences on the track, indicating the number of alternatives available. In places, Giuseppe has given riders choices that are only two to seven seconds more time-consuming, so they are not true direct and long routes, but genuine alternatives.

The optimum time of around 10 minutes should be tight.

“If you go all the direct routes, you will have jumped a ‘four-star plus’, but you can also find a ‘three-and-a-half-star’ to get around,” says Giuseppe.

● How would you pick the squad? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events, as well as exclusive insights from top names, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also enjoy reading:

Golden Paris Olympic trio among British eventing entries for 2026 World Championships

Who’s made the cut for the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 eventing teams? Now updated with nominated entries for every nation plus final squad for the USA

How many fences, what’s the optimum time and more – course-designer answers your questions about the World Championships cross-country course

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

Smart Time, who competed at the young rider Europeans and gave Dani Stewart-Richardson (née Evans) her first Badminton completions, has been put down, aged 22.

“He taught me what a true five-star horse is – it’s not all about the size of their movement and jump,” said Dani. “It’s what’s between the ears and the want to do it, the ability to be quick over the fences, reserve energy, be trainable and the will to get better.”

Dani’s uncle, horse agent and producer Tim Warren, bought “PJ” from Ireland and Dani rode him as a young horse when she worked for Tim.

“He was sold to his owner Luana Edge and Polly Williamson was his rider, but sadly she had an accident that stopped her riding. I was then asked to take the ride on him,” Dani told H&H.

“When I was riding him as a four-year-old he was tiny, narrow and sharp. But he never looked back, he only ever looked forward and was always going.

“He was a quiet, unassuming little horse, never made a fuss, just wanted to work and then sleep and eat.”

The pair won the under-25 CCI2* (now CCI3*-L) at Tattersalls in 2013 and finished 11th at the young rider Europeans in Jardy in the same year.

In 2015, they were second in the under-25 CCI3* (now CCI4*-L) at Bramham Horse Trials and were selected for the British squad for the senior Europeans at Blair Castle Horse Trials. However, Smart Time was withdrawn on the day of the trot-up as he “wasn’t quite himself”.

Dani Stewart-Richardson and Smart Time regrouped with a trip to Boekelo in the Netherlands that autumn, finishing fifth in the CCIO3*-L (now CCIO4*-L). They repeated that Boekelo placing in 2017.

“My rounds at Boekelo are my best memories with PJ – everything comes up quickly and you have to be fast from the first fence if you want to be competitive,” she said. “PJ was so good at reading the question and being quick to answer it, land and move onto the next. He always jumped so well the last day of a three-day, never tired and just went straight back to work.”

Smart Time also completed Badminton Horse Trials twice, Dani’s first finishes at the British five-star, placing 17th in 2018, the final international run of his career. In addition, he was seventh at Blenheim Horse Trials CCI3* (now CCI4*-L) in 2016, fourth at Barbury CIC3* (now CCI4*-S) that year and sixth at Bramham CIC3* (now CCI4*-S) in 2014.

“He was the perfect horse to get me from young riders to seniors – he was on the young rider squad one year and selected for the senior team two years later. How lucky is that?” said Dani.

“Thank you to Luana for asking me to ride him at a young age and setting up my career as a professional event rider.”

Smart Time suffered an injury when he was 16.

“We decided to rehab him, but let him stay a low level. Lorren Chinnock had him and she treated him like a king until the very end. She did Pony Club Championships, hunting, fun rides and just hacking in the more recent years,” said Dani.

Smart Time was put down last month, in the field where he had been spending his retirement.

“PJ had deteriorated one night and wasn’t happy in the morning,” explained Dani.

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

You may also be interested in:

Who’s made the cut for the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 eventing teams? Now updated with nominated entries for every nation plus final squad for the USA

British four-star ‘delighted’ to be new home for eventing Nations Cup qualifier

Olympic medallist to become newest five-star cross-country course-designer

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

The German showjumping team has been revealed for the 2026 World Championships in Aachen (11-23 August) – as the home side boldly states “the goal is clear: a team medal”.

The team includes current European champions Richard Vogel riding United Touch S and former European champions Andre Thieme with DSP Chakaria. Olympic and European medallist Daniel Deusser will ride Otello De Guldenbloom and 2025 European bronze medallist Sophie Hinners has been named with Iron Dames Singclair. Both Daniel and Sophie’s horses are making their championship debut.

Marcus Ehning and Coolio 42, who were part of the 2025 Europeans team alongside Richard and Sophie, are first reserves. Perhaps more notably, 2024 Olympic champions Christian Kukuk and Checker 47 are second reserve.

A German federation spokesperson said national showjumping coach Otto Becker, who has led the home side to 13 senior medals during his 17-year tenureship, selected a team experienced in championships – and that “the goal is clear: a team medal for Germany”. Of course, the Germans will also be eyeing one of the seven 2028 LA Olympic spots up for grabs.

The pressure will be on Germany to deliver in front of the home crowd. In the past 10 years individual medals have come thick and fast, but team gold has eluded them. They won bronze at the 2025 Europeans, 2018 World Equestrian Games and 2016 Rio Olympics – and silver at the 2021 home Europeans in Reisenbeck.

With this in mind, some fans might be left scratching their heads over the omission of legendary performer Marcus Ehning and reigning Olympic champion Christian Kukuk from the core team – but looking at current form across the six combinations shows just how enviable a position the German selectors were in.

In February the federation said that there was not a fixed selection for the showjumping team, “but rather an individually agreed-upon selection route” with Otto.

The record of Richard Vogel and 14-year-old super stallion United Touch S speaks for itself; the formidable European gold medal-winning pair won the Rolex grand prix at the Dutch Masters in March and the World Cup leg in Basel at the start of the year.

Another key factor is likely to be Aachen’s big grass arena. Richard and United Touch won the CSI5* Rolex grand prix of Aachen in May, and Sophie Hinners was third with 11-year-old Iron Dames Singclair – proving these pairs can deliver there.

They don’t have championship experience together, but last month Sophie and Singclair posted a double clear to help Germany to the runner-up spot in the La Baule Nations Cup leg. This was alongside Richard, Daniel and Andre – all on their Aachen rides – showing the four already work well as a team. They were beaten by France by just 2.55 penalties.

Andre Thieme and DSP Chakaria have shown they are still at the top of their game five years after they won individual gold at the 2021 Europeans. The mare, now 16, had eight months out after picking up an injury in the summer of 2023 – but returned to win the Rolex grand prix of Aachen in July 2024. This year, they helped Germany to first place at the Ocala leg of the Longines League of Nations (LLN) in March and in May they won the Longines grand prix of Hamburg, another big grass arena.

Olympic team bronze medallist Daniel Deusser and 12-year-old Otello De Guldenboom, might not have a championship under their belt, but the pair are consistent at the top level. Among their multiple top placings this year, they were second in the World Cup Final in Fort Worth in April, and part of the Nations Cup squad at La Baule.

This isn’t to say Marcus Ehning and 13-year-old Coolio 42 or Christian Kukuk and 16-year-old Checker 47 are out of touch. Just last month Marcus and the 13-year-old gelding won the Longines grand prix of Switzerland – even while being chased by a loose dog.

Christian and Checker were part of that winning team at the LLN Ocala alongside Richard and Andre in March, having posted a vital double clear, and they have two recent Global Champions League team victories under their belt as part of Reisenbeck International.

Should Otto need to call on a reserve, he has two strong contenders waiting in the wings, who importantly, will be able to withstand the high pressure of being called upon at the 11th hour, if needed.

Under the showjumping rules, each national federation may enter a maximum of five athletes and five horses. The team will consist of four combinations (or three, for those countries that do not have four).

The substitution rules vary between disciplines. For showjumping, in the event of accident or illness of a horse or rider confirmed by medical certification, a substitution can be made up to one hour before the first horse inspection on 17 August.

The fifth horse and rider combination – in Germany’s case this is currently Marcus and Coolio – may participate in the training session on 18 August. The first competition session is on 19 August.

Chef d’equipes must declare in writing the members of the team by 5.15pm on 18 August. In cases of substitutions after this declaration, in the event of accident or illness, a substitution may be made until one hour before the first competition – with medical certification and approval of the president of the ground jury.

At the 2015 European Championships in Aachen the German team won silver, and at the 2006 Aachen World Equestrian Games the team won bronze. Could 2026 be the year they bag a team gold in front of the Aachen crowd?

The German showjumping team for the 2026 World Championships (in alphabetical order of surname):

Daniel Deusser with 12-year-old stallion Otello De Guldenboom

Owner: Stephex Stables

Breeder: H Versnick

Breeding: by Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z, out of a mare by Caretino

Sophie Hinners with 11-year-old gelding Iron Dames Singclair

Owner: Pegase Equestrian BV

Breeder: J AB Wannius

Breeding: by Singular Ls La Silla, out of a mare by VDL Cardento 933

Andre Thieme with 16-year-old mare DSP Chakaria

Owner: Pferdemanagement & Marketing GmbH

Breeder: Martin Juergens

Breeding: by CHAP 47, out of a mare by Askari 173

Richard Vogel with 14-year-old stallion United Touch S

Owner: Julius-Peter Sinnack

Breeder: Owner

Breeding: by Untouched, out of a mare by Lux Z Z

Reserves:

Marcus Ehning with 13-year-old gelding Coolio 42 (first reserve)

Owner: rider and Elmrok BV

Breeder: M Wirtz

Breeding: by Casalito, out of a mare by Quidam De Revel

Christian Kukuk with 16-year-old gelding Checker 47

Owner: H & Partner Gbr and Madeleine Winter-Schulze

Breeder: Wolfgang Kipp

Breeding: by Comme Il Faut 5, out of a mare by Loro Piana Come On

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:’

FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 showjumping teams are taking shape – including the complete list of nominated entries from 59 nations

What a squad! Medal-winning veterans and rising stars feature on British showjumping World Championship shortlist

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

Horses’ and other animals’ vision is at risk from the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, researchers have warned – and prevention of eye issues is key.

A veterinary review published in Veterinary Ophthalmology found that sight-threatening antibiotic-resistant eye infections are “becoming a significant threat to vision in dogs, cats, and horses”.

The research, conducted by Lionel Sebbag and Oren Pe’er of the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, aimed to consider antibiotic resistance in veterinary ophthalmology, with a particular focus on bacterial corneal infections that can threaten vision within hours.

The team is calling for earlier diagnostic testing, more targeted antibiotic use, stronger infection-control measures and strategies to help preserve antibiotics for future patients.

“Antimicrobial resistance is no longer a theoretical concern in veterinary ophthalmology,” the authors note. “It is a clinically significant and evolving reality.”

Drs Sebbag and Pe’er told H&H horse owners may often think of antibiotic resistance as a problem in human medicine.

“But it’s increasingly becoming an equine one as well,” they said. “Every responsible antibiotic decision today helps preserve these sight-saving treatments for the horses that will need them tomorrow. For a horse, vision loss can be life-changing, so protecting the effectiveness of antibiotics isn’t just about combating resistance, it’s about safeguarding vision, welfare, performance and quality of life.”

Bacterial keratitis, a serious infection of the cornea, is among the most urgent emergencies in veterinary eye care. Antibiotics are still the “cornerstone of treatment” for the condition but the researchers found “mounting evidence that many of the bacteria responsible for these infections are becoming increasingly resistant to commonly used drugs”.

The researchers considered studies conducted across the world to identify Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Beta-hemolytic streptococci and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the most commonly isolated bacterial pathogens in companion animals.

Antibiotic resistance: common strains

“Particularly concerning is the rising prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains, especially in referral and speciality care settings where the most severe cases are concentrated,” the authors said.

“One of the most consistent findings across studies was the impact of previous antibiotic use. Animals that had recently received topical antimicrobial treatment were more likely to harbour resistant bacteria and less likely to yield positive culture results, making accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment more challenging.

“The review also highlights a surprising gap between laboratory testing and real-world clinical outcomes. Standard antimicrobial susceptibility tests are largely based on how antibiotics behave when administered systemically, yet eye drops achieve very different drug concentrations at the ocular surface. As a result, laboratory susceptibility reports may not always accurately predict whether a treatment will succeed or fail in clinical practice.”

The researchers said lab results should always be considered alongside vets’ clinical observations, the severity of the condition and the patient’s history. They said it is crucial to take microbiological samples when possible to help inform treatment decisions.

“Beyond the immediate clinical implications, the review places antibiotic-resistant eye infections within a broader one-health framework,” the researchers said.

“Some bacterial species commonly found in animal eye infections have recognised zoonotic potential; they can be transmitted between animals and humans. The authors note that veterinary clinics, equipment and even households can serve as environments where resistant organisms circulate, highlighting the importance of rigorous hygiene and infection-control practices.”

The review recommends treatment that avoids antibiotics, such as antiseptic and ultraviolet-based treatment.

Preserving the crucial drugs

“The goal is not simply to resolve the current infection,” the authors said, “but to preserve therapeutic reliability for future patients.”

H&H vet Karen Coumbe said horses are particularly prone to eye disease as their large eyes are exposed to dust, dirt and irritation from flies, especially in summer.

“Antibiotics should not be the first line of treatment for any sore eye, despite it being perceived by some as a quick fix,” she said. “Vets should examine a horse before prescribing antibiotic medication, including eye ointment and drops. Paradoxically some antibiotic eye ointments can still be bought over the counter without veterinary involvement.

“While I would not recommend over-the-counter eye antibiotics, it remains common practice and can certainly cause more serious problems in some cases. Eye disease should be taken seriously and consider other options instead of immediately trying antibiotics.

“Prevention is equally important; simple measures such as fly masks and avoiding haynets that allow debris to fall into the eyes help reduce the risk of disease.”

• For unlimited access to expert advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also enjoy reading: 

Equine eyesight questions answered, plus vets share advice on common vision problems to look out for

Action must be taken as we ‘stand on a precipice’ in horse and human health

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

Stark warning of more colic deaths unless owners act to avoid worming ‘Armageddon’

‘We’re on a slippery slope, and what’s at the bottom is not an appealing picture’

Antibiotic resistance: 6 ways to lower the risk to your horse

Here is Mark Bowen MRCVS’s advice for protecting your horse against the ever-growing threat of resistance against antibiotics

Why do horses wear sunglasses?

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

Irish Olympic dressage rider Abi Lyle has withdrawn her top ride Giraldo (Arty) from selection for the Irish dressage team for this summer’s 2026 World Championships in Aachen, Germany (11–23 August).

In a statement, she said: “After much careful consideration, I have concluded that it would be best for me to withdraw from [World Championships] 2026 team contention.

“Although I am very privileged to have an amazing, fit horse and the opportunity to be selected, this is an incredibly personal decision to which I have given a lot of thought.

“This year, Team Ireland has a fabulous group of talented dressage riders, and I wish them all the luck in the world. In the meantime, I intend to keep training, competing and most importantly, enjoying my horses and giving them the best life possible.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported and continues to support me, especially Horse Sport Ireland, Caroline Clarry, my sponsors, Carl [Hester], Gareth [Hughes] and Mark [McVicar]. I really appreciate it.”

Abi Lyle withdraws from World Championships contention

Abi Lyle also took an extended break from competing between the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Speaking to H&H after announcing she was withdrawing from selection for the Aachen 2026 dressage team, she reassured readers that her decision wasn’t down to any single underlying issue.

“It was nothing in particular, but it was a culmination of things,” Abi explained: “For me, it’s always important to have at the forefront the reason why we do this sport. I’m fine, Arty is fine, there’s no drama, nothing has gone wrong, and the decision has brought me a huge amount of relief.”

The withdrawal comes at the end of a season in which Abi has been Ireland’s form leader: her 2026 international grand prix average of 68.39%, across four starts, is the highest of any Irish combination nominated for Aachen.

She was competing as recently as Hartpury (3-4 July) – the same show at which several of her prospective teammates secured their own qualifying scores – finishing 12th in the grand prix (67.41%) and 4th in the freestyle (71.57%).

Abi has represented Ireland at the past three major championships for which they have had dressage representation: as part of the team at the 2022 World Championships and 2023 Europeans, and as an individual at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

What does Abi Lyle’s withdrawal mean for Irish hopes?

But whereas in championship seasons past Abi was Ireland’s sole or leading hope, the Irish team goes into the worlds in as strong a position as it’s been in for a long time. With her withdrawal, the remaining four nominated riders – who will make up the team – are:

• Kevin Acres with 15-year-old gelding Ganesh (Jazz x Partout)
• Alex Baker with 14-year-old stallion Top Gear (Totilas x Don Frederico)
• James Connor with 13-year-old gelding Vanotti (Vitalis x Florestan)
• Jess Dunn with 13-year-old gelding Dan Its Carston (Durable x Clearway)

Kevin’s place had been riding on securing a second minimum eligibility result (MER), which he duly achieved at Hartpury CDI3* last week, scoring 66.96% in the grand prix to finish 14th – part of a season that has seen his scores climb steadily, culminating in his best grand prix and special results of the year at the same show.

James arrives with by far the busiest campaign of the four, having contested seven grands prix across four countries this season for a 67.05% average, the most tested form of any of Ireland’s remaining combinations. Jess Dunn (67.32% from three starts) and Alex Baker (64.80% from six) round out the side; Alex’s has been the most variable season of the four, ranging from the low 60s to a personal-best 67.48% at Hartpury just days ago.

It will be the first time Ireland has sent a dressage team to a major championship since the 2023 European Championships in Riesenbeck. Six team quota places for the LA 2028 Olympics will also be awarded to the highest-placed nations at Aachen (excluding hosts, the USA), so a strong showing here would put Ireland’s name into that conversation for the first time in years.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news on Aachen 2026 dressage teams, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in…

Aachen 2026: every dressage nominated entry confirmed, as definite teams begin to emerge

‘I honestly don’t know how I did it’: Abi Lyle on abuse, resilience and riding at the Olympics

Charlotte Dujardin throws fourth worlds spot wide open with stunning Hartpury double

Charlotte Dujardin, Carl Hester, Lottie Fry and Becky Moody among eight on Britain’s World Championship dressage shortlist

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

Defender Kentucky five-star winners Will Coleman and Diabolo will head up the US squad for the eventing World Championships at Aachen in August.

The US selection pathway for the Aachen 2026 eventing team is more straightforward than some others such as Britain’s – where riders have the pick of multiple events – in that the vast majority of US contenders head to Kentucky Three-Day Event for either the five-star or four-star short, so these two classes act as the major spring championship trial.

As such, the US squad includes the five-star winners in Will and Diabolo and runners-up Caroline Pamucku and HSH Blake, plus frequent team rider Phillip Dutton, who was eighth on Possante. Also included are Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker (11th in the five-star) and Kentucky four-star winners Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. The four-star runner Very Dignified is one of two direct reserve mounts for Will.

There are no major surprises in the squad. Selectors obviously decided they could forgive Tamie her fall at Defender Bramham Horse Trials.

Perhaps the only real question mark is the absence of Boyd’s Commando 3 (sixth at Kentucky five-star after very good five-star form in 2025) from either the squad or reserve bench – one has to assume this smart horse is out of contention with some kind of setback. Boyd has a reserve listing for Shanroe Cooley, who was third at Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials.

The selection of Cooley Nutcracker has a particular emotional pull because he was ridden at Paris 2024 by Liz Halliday, before her life-changing injury in a fall, and is owned by a syndicate called Liz’s Nutcrackers, which includes Liz and her mother, Debby. Liz watched the horse in action at Kentucky in April, her first return to an event since her accident.

Of interest to British fans will be the inclusion on the reserve list of Wiltshire-based Tiana Coudray with her Bramham podium finisher D’Artagnan. Should she be called up, this would be Tiana’s first championship since the 2012 London Olympics.

Fellow reserve Hallie Coon (Kapriccio) is also based in Wiltshire, while Allie Knowles (Montpellier Scais) has been competing in Britain this season as part of the development tour and sealed her reserve listing with results at Bicton Horse Trials and Bramham.

The squad includes three riders from the US’s 2022 world silver medal-winning team (Will, Tamie and Boyd), but no horses – unless Will ends up riding his old favourite Off The Record (seventh individually at the 2022 worlds), who is one of his two direct reserve horses.

It will be decided nearer the time of the World Championships which four riders from the US squad make up the eventing team and which rides as an individual.

US eventing squad for the 2026 World Championships

The full squad, in alphabetical order by athlete surname, is:

Will Coleman with 14-year-old gelding Diabolo

Owner: Diabolo Group

Breeder: Fritz Maschmann

Breeding: by Diarado out of a mare by Aljano 2

Groom: Erin Jarboe

Phillip Dutton with 13-year-old gelding Possante

Owner: The Possante Group

Breeder: De Radstake B.V

Breeding: by Namelus R out of a mare by Otangelo

Groom: Emma Yanek

Boyd Martin with 12-year-old gelding Cooley Nutcracker

Owner: Liz’s Nutcrackers

Breeder: Gary Doherty

Breeding: by BMC Tolan R out of a mare by Cobra

Groom: Stephanie Simpson

Caroline Pamukcu with 11-year-old gelding HSH Blake

Owners: Mollie Hoff, rider’s mother Sherrie Martin, rider and her husband Deniz

Breeder: Justin Burke

Breeding: by BMC Tolan R out of a mare by Kannan

Groom: Chloe Teahan

Tamie Smith with 10-year-old mare Lillet 3

Owners: Molly and Jennifer Duda

Breeder: Morena Petersen

Breeding: SIEC Livello out of a mare by Calidio I

Groom: Savannah Gwin

Direct reserve horses for Will Coleman:

Seventeen-year-old gelding Off The Record

Owner: Off The Record Syndicate

Breeder: Peter G. Brady

Breeding: by VDL Arkansas out of a mare by ARD Ohio

Groom: Erin Jarboe

Eleven-year-old mare Very Dignified

Owners: Jerome Broussard, Gloria Callen and Elizabeth Lendrum

Breeder: Deirdre Bowler

Breeding: by Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet out of a mare by Ricardo Z

Groom: Erin Jarboe

The following combinations have been selected as alternates and are listed in alphabetical order (grooms have not been published for the reserves):

Jennie Brannigan with 16-year-old gelding FE Lifestyle

Owners: Tim and Nina Gardner

Breeder: Danny Arnold

Breeding: by Leo Von Faelz out of a mare by Brandenburger

Hallie Coon with 11-year-old gelding Kapriccio

Owners: rider and Helen Coon

Breeder: E. Van Hal

Breeding: by Dexter R out of mare by Carambo

Tiana Coudray with 12-year-old gelding D’Artagnan

Owners: Kyrle Arscott, Tiana Coudray, and Annabelle James

Breeder: unlisted

Breeding: by Diamant De Semilly out of a mare by Cassini II

Phillip Dutton with 11-year-old gelding Denim

Owners: Ann Jones, Ann Lapides, Caroline Moran, and Neill Sites

Breeder: Bachmann

Breeding: by Dinken out of a mare by Ibisco

Sydney Elliot with 16-year-old gelding QC Diamantaire

Owner: Carol Stephens

Breeder: Berthold Gerdes

Breeding: by Diarado out of a mare by Sandro Hit

Emily Hamel with 19-year-old gelding Corvett

Owner: Black Flag Option, LLC

Breeder: Doris Schimmer

Breeding: by Corrido out of a mare by Clearway

Allie Knowles with nine-year-old Montpellier Scais

Owner: Katherine O’Brien

Breeder: Ben Wentink

Breeding: by Quasimodo Van De Molendreef out of a mare by Indoctro

Boyd Martin with 11-year-old Shanroe Cooley

Owner: Dallas LLC

Breeder: Anthony Smyth

Breeding: by Dallas VDL out of a mare by Condios

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

You may also be interested in:

Who’s made the cut for the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 eventing teams? Australia latest nation to announce nominated entries

‘What will selectors be willing to forgive?’ H&H’s eventing expert on what Bramham means for World Championship selection – for Britain and beyond

Five-star winners and medallists feature on New Zealand’s eventing squad for 2026 World Championships

Five-star campaigners and gold medallists among British squad for first under-25 eventing World Championships

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

Hosts Germany have announced their dressage team for the 2026 World Championships in Aachen, Germany (11–23 August).

The core of the team that won team gold at the Europeans last summer – Isabell Werth (Wendy de Fontaine), Katharina Hemmer (Denoix PCH) and Frederic Wandres (Bluetooth OLD) – remains unchanged. The only difference is in the fourth spot, where Raphael Netz and Great Escape Camelot have stepped in to replace Ingrid Klimke and Vayron, who didn’t contest the first selection trial and withdrew from contention before the second.

That change shouldn’t derail Germany’s medal prospects at the World Championships. Raphael’s 2026 grand prix average of 73.72% is actually well clear of the level Ingrid carried into Crozet last summer, when she averaged 72.03% across her three pre-championship grands prix – before a rough day at the Europeans itself, where she managed just 69.35% in a test she later described as the “worst grand prix we’ve done”.

Raphael, by contrast, has been strikingly consistent all season, never straying more than half a point from his own average across four grands prix.

There had been some early-season talk of Isabell switching to her exciting young stallion Viva Gold OLD, but the pair have consistently campaigned at CDI3*/4* level, whereas Wendy has been favoured for the CDI5*/CDIO circuit – and Viva Gold’s scores haven’t yet closed that gap, even if he’s one to watch on the road to LA28.

The only real doubt in that core trio for Germany’s dressage team at Aachen 2026 was Katharina Hemmer and her American-owned Denoix, who’ve had a disrupted season.

The pair have competed at three internationals. First at Lier CDI4* in March, where they won both the grand prix (75.59%) and special (75.6%). They followed that up at Hagen CDI4* in April, winning the grand prix (77.26%) and finishing runner-up in the freestyle (77.7%).

Those results at Hagen came just weeks after her long-time coach, Hubertus Schmidt, was hospitalised following a serious riding accident – and more disruption was to follow.

Denoix was forced to withdraw from the German Dressage Championships last month, Germany’s first mandatory selection trial for the worlds, after suffering a bump in the stable that left the 14-year-old gelding with a swollen leg.

It wasn’t the first time injury had cost them a start, either: the pair also missed Frankfurt CDI in December for the same reason.

Losing Katharina would have been a hammer blow to German hopes of team gold – not just for her scores, but for her record under pressure. At last summer’s Europeans in Crozet, she was the only rider among either nation’s core trio to outperform her season’s grand prix average, posting 75.7% against a pre-championship average of 74.3% – a jump of 1.4 points at exactly the moment it mattered most, while her German teammates and all three of Britain’s trio dipped below theirs.

Germany’s eventual margin of victory over Britain was just 2.86 points across three scores; without Katharina’s uplift, that gap would have been far closer, if not reversed entirely.

Thankfully for the German dressage team at Aachen 2026, she made her comeback just in time for the second and final selection trial last week, at another CDI4* at Hagen (2–4 July), winning the grand prix (77.02%) and again finishing runner-up in the freestyle (77.36%).

Afterwards, she said she “never really had any doubts” about Denoix. “By now I know that if he’s physically able to do it, he’ll give everything for me. I trust him completely,” she added.

German dressage team for the 2026 Aachen World Championships

Katharina Hemmer with 14-year-old gelding Denoix PCH

Owner: Nancy Gooding and Hubertus Schmidt

Breeder: Friedrich Kuhlmann

Breeding: by Destano, out of a mare by Pik Noir

Raphael Netz with 15-year-old gelding Great Escape Camelot

Owner: Theres Boss and Sonja Kristina Krall

Breeder: C.C. Kerssens-Rademaker

Breeding: by Glock’s Johnson, out of a mare by Turbo Magic

Frederic Wandres with 16-year-old gelding Bluetooth OLD

Owner: Equitorus GmbH

Breeder: Gestüt Lewitz

Breeding: by Bordeaux, out of a mare by GB Riccione 

Isabell Werth with 12-year-old mare Wendy De Fontaine

Owner: Château de Fontaine and Madeleine Winter-Schulze

Breeder: Kurt Gosmer

Breeding: by Sezuan, out of a mare by Blue Hors Soprano 

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news about Aachen 2026 dressage teams, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in…

Aachen 2026: every dressage nominated entry confirmed, as definite teams begin to emerge

Charlotte Dujardin throws fourth worlds spot wide open with stunning Hartpury double

Charlotte Dujardin, Carl Hester, Lottie Fry and Becky Moody among eight on Britain’s World Championship dressage shortlist

Olympic champion to miss World Championships: ‘Responsibility sometimes also means letting an opportunity pass’

Can AI judge dressage? The technology exists – but is the sport ready for it?

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

Robert Whitaker’s Hickstead Derby-winning hero Equine America Gentlemen VH Veldhof has retired aged 20 – to spend the rest of his life with old friends.

Robert, who triumphed with Caroline Blatchford’s superstar in 2025, paid tribute to his incredible career as it came to an end on a high.

“Gentlemen, thank you,” he said. “This special horse has done so many incredible things for so many people, including myself, Stephen and Caroline [Blatchford] – the highlight of those winning the 2025 Hickstead Derby.

“Gentlemen, you are a superstar and owe us nothing, go and enjoy your retirement, you wonderful horse.”

Robert took the ride on the Quite Easy stallion, previously ridden by Tim Gredley and with whom David Simpson won the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, in late 2024.

“It sounds madness to buy a horse at 18!” Mrs Blatchford told H&H. “But Rob knew Gentlemen had been around the Derby before and done quite well. He said right at the beginning, ‘I think I could win the Derby on Gentlemen,’ and we all looked at him like he was a bit mad.”

Gent and Robert were flying from the start; winning a six-bar at their first show, and they went on to other wins and good placings at top level.

“They clicked immediately,” Mrs Blatchford said. “When we get a new horse, we don’t expect anything particularly for the first few months while they settle and get to know each other but that wasn’t the case with Gentlemen.”

Gentlemen VH Veldhof: that Derby win

Mrs Blatchford said it was “wonderful” to watch her horse win the Derby, and that it felt as if the whole crowd was willing he and Rob on.

“Then in the prize-giving they put that gorgeous wreath round the horse’s neck and the pair of them looked so proud. I’ve never seen Rob look happier.”

Mrs Blatchford said the decision was taken to retire Gent on a high and keep him on livery, but the first rider who competed him internationally, Belgian Koen de Waele, stepped up.

“Rob said he was Gentlemen’s biggest fan,” she said. “He immediately said, ‘I want him to come home.’ He’d been following him; every time he jumped within a couple of hours, he’d travel to see him.

“He’s made an impact on a lot of people and he’s going to live out his days in comfort.”

Koen told H&H he took Gentlemen VH Veldhof on as a six-year-old – and there were some challenges at first.

“Everything was there, but he was a handful; a lot of work,” Koen said. “He was a good jumper but spooky. Not at the fences, they could have been on fire and he’d jump them, but everything else. It took me more than a year and a half to hack him in the woods, I fell off 1,000 times!

“He’d spook, turn back and I’d fall off. He never ran away but some rides, I fell off five times. But at a show, in the ring, he never let me down, ever. He was an abnormal horse.”

Koen said it took years of work but “one day he clicked, then he did everything”.

“At eight, he jumped a grand prix, it was all so easy for him,” he said. “He was lucky when we sold him to go into good hands; first David Simpson then Tim Gredley.

“I have to thank Tim, who’s a real horseman, and he was such a gentleman to Robert when he let him have Gentlemen to back up Vermento. They did a great job with him, then with Robert, I don’t have to tell the story, and Robert took such good care of him too.”

Koen said Gent will spend most of his summer relaxing in the field, or in his stable if it gets too hot, then in winter he will enjoy outings to the beach, where Koen likes to ride his horses. He added that he said immediately he would like to have Gent back when he heard he was to retire.

“They didn’t over-use him; he’s retiring sound, which gives me a lot of satisfaction,” he said. “He came straight to my stable from the plane and if you didn’t know, he looked like a three-year-old, fit and sound. It was good to see him back like that and he knew the place, he knew his stable. It was like he’d never left.”

Koen added that Gent will live with his old friend, another of his former competition rides.

“I went to a show last week and he wanted to go; he was waiting by the gate, like ‘I want to go too’,” he said. “It’s not the plan but he still would be able to. Now he can be with his old buddy, who he grew up with. I’m very happy to keep him and have him retire at my place.”

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

You may also enjoy reading: 

‘I’ve been watching this since I was a kid’: Whitaker thrilled to win first Hickstead Derby, with 19-year-old superstar

‘I’ve only sat on him once or twice!’ London roof lifted as crowd favourite wins with borrowed horse

Can we bottle this rider’s winning feeling? ‘A moment I’ll never forget’ and 19-year-old horse wins towering six-bar

Tim Gredley makes Hickstead Derby comeback — 17 years after his first attempt in the iconic class

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

Charlotte Dujardin and Brave Heart II put the cat among the pigeons in the pre-World Championships selection race, winning both the CDI3* grand prix and grand prix special at Hartpury, on 74.8% and 74.7% respectively – smashing their international personal bests in both tests.

The fourth British team spot for the worlds at Aachen has been the season’s big sub-plot. Selectors weigh grand prix scores most heavily, as this decides the team medals in Aachen – the special and freestyle, which determine individual medals, count too, but less.

Carl Hester on Fame, Lottie Fry on Glamourdale and Becky Moody on Jagerbomb have long looked nailed on for three of the four places, leaving one spot up for grabs.

Fiona Bigwood and Donna Bella had emerged as favourites on the back of the strongest form of the chasing pack, edging out Charlotte and Brave Heart in both of their head-to-heads this season: 73.13% to 72.8% at Hickstead CDI3* in May, then 74.6% to 71.87% at Wellington CDI3* in June, where Charlotte finished third behind winners Carl and Fame.

Charlotte’s international average had rested on just those two grands prix this season – the smallest sample size of any on the British dressage squad shortlist for Aachen 2026. And as the team is due to be confirmed this month, Hartpury was billed as the last chance for either combination to move the needle before selectors make their call.

Why Hartpury was a key moment in the Aachen worlds selection race

Fiona and Donna Bella were not competing at Hartpury – and although they have beaten Charlotte and Brave Heart on both occasions the pair have faced each other this season, Charlotte’s bumper score has lifted her grand prix average from 72.34% to 73.16%, above Fiona’s 72.9%. Charlotte’s Hartpury score is now also the highest posted by either combination all season, just eclipsing Fiona’s previous best of 74.61%.

Fiona still boasts the bigger sample size having competed at four internationals this season, including in the championship-like atmosphere of the Fontainebleau Nations Cup, where she rode alongside Carl and Lottie on the British team.

But the raw numbers have swung in Charlotte’s favour – a reversal I wouldn’t have predicted after Wellington, when I’d have put money on Fiona and Donna Bella completing the team alongside Fame, Glamourdale and Jagerbomb. Charlotte and Brave Heart had one shot left – and what a time to pull out a personal best.

“I’m so pleased with Brave Heart,” Charlotte said. “His confidence is really growing in the arena, and I know there is so much more to come.”

Her grand prix score did come with a notable spread across the panel, although she was the unanimous winner. Judge at B, Susan Hoevenaars, marked her at 71.85%, more than five points shy of Eduard de Wolff van Westerrode at M’s 77.17% – which selectors will no doubt weigh up. Despite that, her overall marks were remarkably consistent between the two tests, the special just 0.1% off the grand prix.

With averages, sample sizes, head-to-heads and now a scoring spread all in the mix, selectors Judy Harvey, Jenny Ward and Anne Keen have a genuinely tight call to make. I don’t envy them.

Sadie Smith and Swanmore Dantina – also among the nominated entries for Aachen – finished runners-up in the grand prix on their own personal best of 72.65%.

American rider Ashley Holzer completed the podium on 71.96% aboard Hawtins San Floriana, one of several of Charlotte’s former rides now competing at the highest level. Gareth Hughes and Mowgli-Olympia MC, the only other nominated combination in action, finished fourth on 70.98%. Sadie and Dantina went on to win Saturday evening’s freestyle gala, scoring 76.94%.

Susan Pape and Harmony’s Giulilanta were also in action this weekend, competing in Germany at Hagen CDI4*. Going into the competition, their grand prix average of 72.13% was just 0.2% behind Charlotte’s, leaving them an outside chance too. Among a stacked field, they scored 70.17% in the grand prix, finishing ninth, but bumping their grand prix average down to 71.64%.

International grand prix average scores for top British riders

Here’s how the season’s international grand prix averages now stand across the eight nominated combinations:

• Lottie Fry and Glamourdale – 79.62%
• Carl Hester and Fame – 76.75%
• Becky Moody and Jagerbomb – 76.43%
• Charlotte Dujardin and Brave Heart – 73.16%
• Fiona Bigwood and Donna Bella – 72.90%
• Sadie Smith and Swanmore Dantina – 71.74%
• Susan Pape and Harmony’s Giulilanta – 71.64%
• Gareth Hughes and Mowgli-Olympia MC – 70.42%

The top three didn’t compete this weekend, and their places remain untouched. But for the fourth spot, the picture could hardly be tighter: just 0.26 of a percentage point now separates Charlotte and Fiona – though, as ever, averages alone won’t be what decides it.

A couple of weeks ago, this looked like Fiona’s spot to lose. Now, with the door firmly back open, it’s genuinely anyone’s guess which name the selectors will read out – and as the British entries are not expected to compete again before the announcement, this is the picture they’ll have to work with.

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

You may also be interested in…

Aachen 2026: every dressage team and nominated entry, updated as they land

Charlotte Dujardin, Carl Hester, Lottie Fry and Becky Moody among eight on Britain’s World Championship dressage shortlist

Three names are certain for the British dressage team at Aachen – but who will be the fourth? H&H’s Oscar Williams weighs in

Paralympic champions among British para dressage entries for 2026 World Championship

Can AI judge dressage? The technology exists – but is the sport ready for it?

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

Owners are reminded of the need to be vigilant to prevent strangles, however healthy horses look, owing to a “concerning” increase in diagnosed cases.

Biosecurity and precautions are key, experts agree, as 274 cases had been recorded in 2026 by 23 June. The geographical spread covers Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and much of England.

Using data from the Surveillance of Equine Strangles (SES), strangles vaccination manufacturer Dechra calculated that if strangles continues to be diagnosed in line with current rates, there will be 600 cases confirmed in 2026, a rise of nearly a quarter from 2025.

Helen Whitelegg, campaign manager of Redwings, which runs the annual strangles awareness week, told H&H: “Redwings is concerned about the current increase in both equine flu and strangles and is grateful to the vital surveillance work carried out by [Equine Infections Disease Surveillance] EIDS to help us all identify and address these trends.

“It’s notable that of the 274 strangles cases recorded, just over a third of those horses were clinically ill. This reinforces how important it is to use good biosecurity and sensible precautions regardless of how healthy a horse looks.

“We know an infectious disease diagnosis can cause real anxiety in horse owners and yard managers. In addition to concern for the health of the affected horses, people often face restrictions in their daily lives and plans for the coming weeks and uncertainty over how long the outbreak will last and how much time, effort and cost will be involved.”

Ms Whitelegg stressed the BEST protocols: boost immunity by vaccinating, engage with trusted information, separate unfamiliar horses and temperature check as routine.

“We also want to acknowledge all the yards who communicate openly when disease strikes and who work as a team with their vet to tackle an outbreak responsibly to eliminate the disease and take action to protect themselves from future risk,” she said.

Vet Mary Battersby of Dechra added: “Equine flu and strangles spread rapidly and can bring the equine community to a standstill.

“Good biosecurity and preventative measures are essential to help tackle both diseases, particularly in light of owners traditionally being out and about more with their horses over the summer.”

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

You may also enjoy reading: 

Horse world urged to act after more than 100 strangles cases recorded this year

Dealing with strangles – the human impact of managing an equine outbreak

Strangles: what is it, how to spot the signs, plus a new vaccine to help protect your horse

Equine flu: what horse owners need to know during the current outbreak in Britain

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