The final five-star of the season gets under way in France this week, with the first day of dressage kicking off tomorrow (23 October). There are 59 combinations entered and a strong field of Brits, including Laura Collett, Tom McEwen and Oliver Townend, to name just a few. H&H’s eventing editor Pippa Roome has shared her views on some of the top contenders and who she predicts we will see on the podium.
Ahead of the five-star action at Pau, Tom McEwen was in a different part of France last week contesting the young horse World Championships at Le Lion d’Angers. Tom and Brookfield Danny De Muze won the prestigious seven-year-old title, thanks to a clear showjumping round that put them ahead of Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Helios, who were leading after the cross-country. “He’s a very modern-day sport horse. He’s got a great gallop and a fantastic jump so for me he’s the full package,” said Tom.
Ireland’s Conor Swail has announced the retirement of his superstar partner Count Me In, aged 18. The Hanoverian gelding’s record includes 14 five-star wins and countless placings from major shows including Spruce Meadows, London International, Dublin Horse Show and Aachen. “The best horse I’ve ever ridden. It has been such a privilege and an honour to have been your jockey these past three-and-a-half years,” said Conor.
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Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.
