Carl Hester delivered a masterclass in harmony and expression during the Gala Evening at the NAF Five Star Hartpury Festival of Dressage, capturing the headline CDI3 NAF Superflex Grand Prix Freestyle to Music* with a commanding score of 82.825%. Performing to a dramatic soundtrack aboard the Bordeaux-sired Fame, Hester’s test was a crowd favourite and showcased the pair’s remarkable connection and scope. Just shy of their career best of 85.46% set at the 2023 European Championships, the performance reaffirmed their status as one of the most consistent and charismatic combinations on the international circuit.
Laura Tomlinson and Issey delivered a strong showing for second with 74.975%, while Alice Oppenheimer and Headmore Bella Ruby impressed with 71.375% to complete the podium. Jessica Dunn and Dan It’s Carston also made their mark in fourth, confirming their emergence as an exciting new partnership.
The Gala Evening began with the Elite Stallions Young Horse Grand Prix Final, where promising future stars returned in reverse order of qualification. Michael Eilberg, no stranger to Hartpury success, topped the class again—this time on EDH Nanouk (Negro x Dimaggio)—with 69.951%. Dannie Morgan and Vive La Reinne VH climbed the ranks to second (69.559%), while Lucinda Elliott and Mezati held on to third (69.265%). Eilberg praised Nanouk’s development: “He has developed with work and he feels very talented with a lot of scope.”
The Gala also featured a charming intergenerational showcase from Louise Bell, Emma Brookes, and Violet Hawkins, each riding young horses developing toward upper-level work.
The day began with the Individual Competition Test for Ponies, where Jessie Clarke and Bunteeichen Nivaro led from start to finish on 67.432%. Judges could not separate Violet Hawkins (DZL Royal Sunrise) and Queenie Moule (Amden Supreme Golden Dancer), who tied for second on 66.937%.
In Children on Horses, Ever Sinfield Day edged out Bethany Flowers with a composed ride on Ola Jupiter to score 60.370%.
The Junior Individual Test was tightly contested, with Lily Cawley and Damon’s Dan Farrington setting an early winning benchmark of 66.716%. Penny Smith and Rembrandt GSH followed closely (66.608%), while Bella Liu and Soul Princess also scored 66.716% but finished third on collectives.
Former GB Nations Cup rider Francessca Cawley took the Young Rider Individual Test with 66.422% on Dame Blanche, ahead of Flora Hayes (Woodcroft Jamais Noubliez) and Madison Eagle (Royalty).
The Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I DQ featured 17 combinations. Rebecca Jane Edwards and Laerke Stensvang impressed to win with 71.422%, ahead of David Harvey (Blue Diamond) and Tom Goode (Margot) on 69.853%.
Later in the day, the CDI1 Intermediate I* brought together a world-class judging panel and 29 riders. Sarah Higgins and Geniaal, owned by Sarah Roa, triumphed late in the class with 73.294%, narrowly ahead of Michael Eilberg (MSJ Encore) on 73.000%, with Matt Frost and Kerouac third on 71.206%.
Indoor Arena Focuses on Young Pony Talent
In the KBIS British Dressage Young Pony Finals, the Hartpury Arena celebrated British-bred brilliance:
- 4-Year-Old Final: Michelle Wakefield and MM Sweet Gucci scored 76.200%, with Rebecca Bates (Bellcross Ferbo) second and Sheeley Reeve-Smith (No Doubt I) third.
- 5-Year-Old Final: Lucy Goodman and Daria LGD (78.200%) narrowly edged out Sofia Hyde and Wonder Boy III (78.000%).
- 6-Year-Old Final: Evie Head and Little Beanie took the win with 74.600%.
- 7-Year-Old Semi-Final: Alicia Lee and Della Ballerina capped a perfect week with 77.367%.
