The 2026 NAF Hartpury Festival of Dressage got underway in spectacular style, with world-class performances across international Para Dressage and Premier League national classes setting the tone for a week of top-level competition at Hartpury University and Hartpury College.
As the final British Dressage Premier League of the season and the last domestic international competition before the FEI World Championships in Aachen, the event has taken on added significance for riders and selectors alike, with key combinations making their final preparations on home soil.
Grade I Para Grand Prix A headlines opening day
The standout performance of the day came in the CPEDI3* Para Grand Prix A Grade I, where Mari Durward-Akhurst delivered a commanding victory with Athene Lindebjerg, scoring 77.042% to top the entire international field and set the highest mark across all grades.
The British rider impressed an international judging panel with an expressive, accurate and harmonious test, securing a decisive win ahead of fellow Briton Elan Williams, while Susanna Wade completed the podium.
The result underlined the strength of Britain’s Grade I combinations at a pivotal stage in the selection period, with Hartpury once again proving a key benchmark event ahead of championship decisions.
Sophie Wells delivers Grade V dominance
In Grade V, multiple Paralympic medallist Sophie Wells produced a commanding 1-2 finish, winning aboard MSJ Gold Standard with 74.051% before returning later in the class to take second with Ontario CL on 71.872%.
Her performances highlighted both depth and consistency at the top of the sport, with judges rewarding accuracy, harmony and expression throughout.
Double wins for Naylor, Green and strong British depth across grades
The home nation continued to dominate across the grades:
- Grade IV: Nicola Naylor claimed both first and second place with Humberto L (73.861%) and Moulin Rouge (71.750%)
- Grade III: Erin Orford secured victory with LJT Nutbush (72.100%)
- Grade II: Jemima Green edged a closely fought class on Fantabulous (74.759%), narrowly ahead of Sir Lee Pearson on Breezer (74.379%)
Across all para classes, British combinations featured prominently on the podium, reinforcing depth across multiple grades as the season reaches its decisive phase.
Premier League finale delivers high-quality national competition
Georgia Stokes enjoyed an outstanding opening day, claiming victory in the Advanced Medium 4 (2024) aboard SOS San So Amorous with an impressive 72.237%. Lucy Bremner and Tomasz finished second on 71.711%, while Katharine Lewis partnered SLS Maurits into third with 70.526%, ensuring all three podium finishers surpassed the coveted 70% mark in a class that showcased the depth of talent within the final Premier League of the season.
The afternoon's NAF Advanced Medium 5 (2024) proved equally competitive, with Bryony Goodwin and Marciano A taking top honours on 73.947%. Goodwin was pushed all the way by Lucy Bremner and Tomasz, who matched the winning score before being separated on collective marks, while Georgia Stokes rounded off another excellent day by claiming third with SOS San So Amorouson 71.053%. Vikki Pengilly and Cynheidrefawr Isaac also impressed in fourth on 70.658%, meaning the top four combinations all exceeded 70%.
The Fairfax Saddles FEI Prix St Georges rounded off the day's national action, with Kate Cowell producing the winning test aboard Samarkand, earning 69.853% in a competitive field of 15 combinations. Bryony Goodwin continued her successful day by finishing second with Krack DE on 68.677%, while Anna Wilson and Escojunio Ballante completed the podium on 67.647%. The class provided a fitting conclusion to a day of high-quality Premier League competition, underlining the strength and depth of British dressage as the domestic season reaches its climax.
Hartpury reflects on opening day
Equine Director at Hartpury University and Hartpury College, Phillip Cheetham, praised the standard of competition and the atmosphere surrounding the opening day: “It’s been a fantastic start to the festival with exceptional sport across both our international para classes and the national Premier League competitions.
“The level of performance we’ve seen today really demonstrates the strength of British dressage at every level, and it’s particularly exciting to host so many combinations who are in their final preparation for the World Championships.
“Hartpury is proud to provide this platform at such a crucial point in the season, and we look forward to another strong day of competition tomorrow as the festival continues.”
Looking ahead
With the opening day setting a high benchmark, attention now turns to day two of competition, where CPEDI3* and national classes continue alongside further opportunities for combinations to make their mark ahead of championship selection.
