An exceptional field of international and British talent will descend on Hartpury University and Hartpury College for this year’s NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials inc. British Eventing National Championships (5-10 August), with many of the sport’s most accomplished combinations in action.
Despite a dry spring and start to summer in Gloucestershire, targeted watering has been taking place on the cross country course to ensure optimal going. Hear from Deputy Vice-Chancellor Rosie Scott-Ward and Jump1’s Dominic Moore here, as they discuss this year’s groundwork.
In the NAF Five Star Magic CCI4*S, World Champion Rosalind Canter brings forward her superstar Lordships Graffalo, twice winners of the Mars Badminton Horse Trials (2023 and 2025), and winners of the Defender Burghley Horse Trials in 2024. Fellow Olympians Tim Price and Jonelle Price are notably represented, with Tim entered aboard Global Quest.
Zara Tindall, a former World and European Champion, returns to the field with Showtime, as does Harry Meade, who presents two strong challenges in Et Hop du Matz and Annaghmore Valoner, both competitive at the international level.
Pippa Funnell, the 2019 Burghley winner and one of Britain’s most decorated riders, rides Billy Walk On, a veteran of multiple top-level finishes.
Gemma Stevens lines up with a trio of exciting mounts including Chilli King (2nd at Thoresby Park CCI4*S this spring) and Cooley Park Muze (winner of the CCI3*L at Millstreet in May), while rising star Bubby Upton brings forward Magic Roundabout IV and defending champion Cola III.
International podium contenders include Clarke Johnstone (NZL) with Sparky Lad and Rocket Man, and Padraig McCarthy (IRL), fielding MGH Mr Messack and MGH Zabaione—both part of his growing elite string.
Olympic team member Lauren Nicholson (USA) brings depth with Landmark’s Jungle Gold and Larcot Z, while established names like Austin O’Connor, Piggy March, and Willa Newton add to a line-up brimming with 5* credentials and future stars. Piggy rides Halo, a winner of Belsay’s inaugural CCI4*S as well as the 2023 Bramham winner and former ride of Pippa Funnell, MCS Maverick.
A glittering cast of British and international talent will contest this year’s Hartpury University and College British Open Championship, one of the highlights of the eventing calendar, where proven five-star horses, Olympians and emerging stars will vie for one of the sport’s most coveted titles.
Tim Price aims to defend his title with Vitali, no doubt in preparation for another powerful autumn campaign like 2024, when the pair finished as runners-up at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials. He’ll also ride Happy Boy, further strengthening New Zealand’s chances of Open glory. His wife, Jonelle Price, the 2018 Badminton champion, brings forward Grappa Nera and Chilli’s Midnight Star, both sharp and consistent at the top level.
Ireland’s Olympic medallist Austin O’Connor, fresh from a standout season, returns with his 5* winner Colorado Blue, who placed third at Badminton and delivered strong form for the Irish team at championship level.
Zara Tindall competes aboard Class Affair, a sometimes-quirky horse with plenty of talent and experience, while Oliver Townend, a former World No.1 and multiple 5* winner, brings forward the Kentucky 2024 winner Cooley Rosalent.
Rising British stars are also set to make an impact: David Doel, who has enjoyed a stellar run of international results, fields Galileo Nieuwmoed, Ferro Point, and Cobalt de Dugny, all of whom have shown impressive consistency at 4* and 5* level.
Alice Casburn (who won a team gold medal and individual bronze at the Young Rider European Championships at Hartpury in 2022) brings her long-time partner Topspin, a proven five-star horse who continues to shine on the biggest stages, while Tom Jackson lines up with the ultra-talented Hawk Eye.
Also in the mix are international contenders Jesse Campbell (NZL) on Cooley Lafitte, and Samantha Lissington, who rides Billy Alberto and Lord Seekonig, both of whom have delivered reliable performances at the upper levels.
Many top riders also have rides in the Jump1 British Intermediate Championship, Fairfax Saddles British Novice Championship, Fairfax Saddles Novice Restricted Championship (Corinthian Cup), Retraining of Racehorses Open Novice Championship, NAF Five Star Superflex CCI3*L, and NAF Metazone CCI2*L.
The event gets underway on Tuesday 5 August, with the final opportunity to qualify for the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Finals (4 and 5-year-olds) at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials.
Two days of cross country will take place on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August, with trade stands offering shopping and plenty of places to eat and drink. A Family Fun Zone, new for 2025, will keep kids entertained and help to make a visit to the Hartpury Horse Trials a great day out for all the family. The fun includes a hobby horse competition, dog agility, face painting, Mini Landers Ride-Along, sports activities and inflatables. Whilst admission to the horse trials gives attendees access to the Family Fun Zone, a £5 wristband is required for the inflatables.
An Eventful Life will return to film every rider’s cross-country round, while Horse & Country’s H&C+ will provide live streaming of the showjumping and cross-country action. Cross Country App will have all cross country courses available via their app, and official event photography will be provided by Jasmine Punter Photography.
Click here to buy tickets: https://shorturl.at/VzQuL
Learn more about the event online: https://www.hartpury.ac.uk/equine/horse-trials/
