Hartpury University and Hartpury College welcomed record spectator numbers, the highest online engagement in the event’s history, and an electric atmosphere for this year’s NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials and British Championships (5-10 August).
Over six days of thrilling sport, the Gloucestershire venue hosted the British Eventing National Championships alongside three international classes brimming with World, European and Olympic medallists. Riders competed for a string of prestigious titles, including the Hartpury University and College British Open Championship, Jump1 British Intermediate Championship, Fairfax Saddles British Novice Championship, Corinthian Cup, Retraining of Racehorses Open Novice Championship, and NAF Magic CCI4*S, NAF Superflex CCI3*L, and NAF Metazone CCI2*L.
Staff and students from Hartpury University and Hartpury College played a pivotal role, with many volunteering to help deliver the smooth running of the event. As always, their hard work and dedication were essential to the event’s success.
Jade Hanlon, a student starting her third year of an MSci Equine Science in September said: "Volunteering is a brilliant way to get up close to the action in a way that you don’t get to spectating! There are many fantastic opportunities to speak to grooms and the stewards to learn more about preparation for an international event like this. The event has a good collaborative atmosphere amongst the volunteers. It is also a great way to catch up with friends on the circuit and meet new people."
The action in the arena and across the stunning cross country course was matched by a real sense of occasion even away from the competition. An alumni reunion brought together former Hartpury University and College students, while the VIP marquee offered guests an unforgettable experience of top-level eventing with breathtaking views from outside Hartpury House.
Despite an unusually dry spring and summer, the Hartpury grounds team and course builders (Jump1) delivered immaculate conditions. Weeks of careful preparation, strategic irrigation, and expert turf management ensured that the going was both safe and fair for every horse and rider. Competitors and officials alike praised the consistency of the footing, which stood up to six days of intense action and showcased Hartpury University and College’s commitment to horse and rider safety.
Among the many sporting highlights, Durham-based Katie Magee enjoyed a standout week, claiming both the Hartpury University and College British Open Championship with Treworra and the Jump1 British Intermediate Championship aboard Cushlas Indigo. Ireland’s Austin O’Connor won the Fairfax Saddles British Novice Championship, whilst Michael Jackson took the Retraining of Racehorses Open Novice Championship aboard the former Sir Michael Stoute-trained Bhodi. The Corinthian Cup (Fairfax Saddles British Restricted Novice Championship) went to Emily Kemp.
Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo — the reigning Badminton champions — delivered another masterclass to win the NAF Magic CCI4*-S, while China’s Alex Hua Tian took top honours in the NAF Superflex CCI3*L and Great Britain’s Bubby Upton won the NAF Metazone CCI2*L.
Phillip Cheetham, Event Director, said: “This year’s horse trials have been nothing short of incredible — not only because of the outstanding sporting performances, but because of the atmosphere our spectators, volunteers, and wider Hartpury community helped create. The record-breaking engagement, both here on site and online, shows how much the event means to people. We’re proud to showcase world-class equestrian sport right here in Gloucestershire.”
With its blend of elite competition, community spirit, and record public engagement, the 2025 NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials and British Championships have set a new benchmark for future years. With that in mind, the event is looking for a sponsor for the British Open Championship 2026, to raise the prize money for competitors in that class. Any business or individual interested in sponsoring the British Open can get in touch with us via shows@hartpury.ac.uk in the first instance.
