The opening day of dressage at the prestigious CCI5* Mars Badminton Horse Trials concluded with British-based American rider Tiana Coudray holding the overnight lead aboard Cancaras Girl (feature image) after producing a personal best score of 28.1 penalties.
Thursday’s competition began against the backdrop of one of the week’s biggest talking points, after Oliver Townend announced via social media the withdrawal of his sole Badminton ride, Cooley Rosalent. The late withdrawal leaves the former winner absent from this year’s competition, disappointing fans who had hoped to see the world-class rider challenge once again at the Gloucestershire fixture. Townend famously won Badminton in 2009, but despite consistently remaining among the sport’s elite riders, has since finished runner-up on five occasions without adding a second title to his record.
Meanwhile, attention is building around reigning champions Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, who begin their title defence on Friday morning. Should the pair secure victory once again this weekend, they would make Badminton history by becoming the first combination to win the title three years consecutively.
The potential achievement comes just three months after Canter gave birth to her second child, Seneh, adding another remarkable layer to what is already one of the standout storylines of this year’s event.
With only three combinations breaking the 30-penalty barrier on Thursday, the leaderboard remains exceptionally close heading into the second day of dressage.
Britain’s Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy sit second on 29.3 penalties, just 1.2 penalties behind the leaders, while Bubby Upton and the experienced Cola start their 5th consecutive Badminton together, holding third on 29.8.
Irish riders Georgie Goss with Feloupe and Lucy Latta aboard RCA Patron Saint currently occupy fourth and fifth respectively, while Britain’s Sarah Bullimore sits sixth with the home-bred Corimiro.
The ground jury of Christina Klingspor (SWE), Amanda Miller (USA) and Angela Tucker (GBR) proved selective throughout the opening day, rewarding only a handful of combinations with sub-30 scores.
For Coudray, this year marks a third Badminton appearance with the Holsteiner mare Cancaras Girl, a horse she first discovered on Facebook a decade ago while the mare was advertised as a junior showjumping prospect.
“She was small, pretty and polite but never flashy and in the end I didn’t sell her,” explained Coudray. “It is a privilege to be here a third time and I will be as competitive as I can be. Everything is the icing on the cake with her.”
Now based in Wiltshire, the 37-year-old Californian previously competed in Irish dancing at world championship level before turning her attention to eventing through a school programme. She later represented the United States at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Second-placed Rawlin is also contesting his third Badminton with the Irish Sport Horse Ballycoog Breaker Boy. Like Coudray, he trains with dressage specialist Tracie Robinson.
“Ballycoog Breaker Boy felt fantastic coming into Badminton,” said Rawlin. “He has had a good spring lead-up and I am very chuffed. We had a few mistakes, but there is plenty more to come.”
The Newmarket-based rider has partnered the now 16-year-old gelding from BE100 level through to medals at Young Rider European Championships and five-star competition.
“To be here together for the fifth time is very special,” said Upton. “He is a horse that has fulfilled so many dreams.”
Attention is already beginning to shift towards Saturday’s influential cross-country phase, with riders praising Eric Winter’s latest Badminton track design.
“Eric is an absolute genius,” said Upton. “It’s a helluva track, big intense and will get us thinking.”
Experienced British rider David Doel, currently 28th aboard Ferro Point after his first test, described the course as “one of the fairest Badminton tracks”, adding: “The combinations come up clearly to the horses and it should ride nicely. It is still jolly big, though!”
FEI Eventing World No.1 Harry Meade currently sits in joint 18th place overnight with Et Hop Du Matz, a horse that only stepped up to five-star level during the 2025 season.
Meade returns to the arena on Friday with two further rides, beginning at 10am aboard Annaghmore Valoner before later presenting experienced five-star campaigner Cavalier Crystal.
Dressage resumes at 10am on Friday morning, with Canter and Lordships Graffalo scheduled to enter the arena at 10.48am as the competition intensifies ahead of Saturday’s cross-country test.
Badminton Horse Trials delivered a standout day for grassroots eventing yesterday as the LeMieux Championships were decided across BE100 and BE90. With the pressure on in the final phases, two riders kept their nerve and turned early leads into championship titles.
BE100: Untouchable Hendry shows her worth
In the BE100 final, Philippa Hendry held on to her overnight advantage to win with Flyer Des Coupeaux on 24.8, after setting the standard in the first phase with an exceptional 19.8 dressage. A clear cross-country round kept her on track, and although a single pole fell in the showjumping, it was enough to secure the eventing championship.
“It feels amazing, I’m over the moon with the horse,” said Philippa of her 11-year-old French gelding. “The course was beautiful and rode really well, and all those years of hard work paid off.”
Winners of the BE100, Philippa Hendry and Flyer Des Coupeaux. Image courtesy of Hannah Cole Photography
The result was the culmination of years of work for the partnership, with Hendry having owned Flyer Des Coupeaux since he was three and produced him through the levels.
“It’s been a long road,” she explained, referencing early challenges including his dislike of water and a cleft palate that required surgery. “Due to his respiratory issues, and me being 61 now, we’re happy staying at this level and in our comfort zone. I don’t want to push him while he’s enjoying himself.”
Hendry also credited her support team for helping her deliver when it mattered most.
“My dressage trainer Rob Wayne came up yesterday to help before my test, and Kylie Roddy warmed me up for today’s jumping. I’m just so happy to have made them proud and show that the hard work all these years has paid off.”
Last year’s BE90 champion Emily Proud finished runner-up in the BE100 final with BallyJ Ed on 27.1, while Ollie Rowlands and Project Pony’s Loughan Silver Shadow took third, finishing on their dressage score of 29.
BE90: Jessett leads from the front
In the BE90 Grassroots Championship, Holly Jessett also led from the front to take the title aboard Lombard Lad. Adding nothing to her dressage score of 27.1, a composed and confident performance across both jumping phases sealed the deal for the pair.
“It feels pretty amazing – I can’t put it into words,” said Holly, who has partnered the 13-year-old Irish gelding for seven years. “This is our third time here. We’ve been doing BE100’s for the past year so he’s quite confident at that level but when we get to the regionals he has a bit of a problem going cross-country. We’ve worked really hard over the winter doing lots of dressage and show jumping, and he’s been going really well this season.”
Winners of the BE90, Holly Jessett and Lombard Lad. Image courtesy of Hannah Cole Photography
Her father, Howard, highlighted the emotional significance of the result.
“It means everything. We’ve been coming for many years, including with my daughter Becky, and it’s great that the hard work has paid off. There’s always that little bit of doubt with him cross-country, but he’s aced it today.”
Natasha Bailey finished second with Wild Confetti on 28.3, while Olivia Turner and Odin Van De Koolhof took third on the same score of 28.3.
Attention now turns to the top level at Badminton, with dressage for the CCI5* getting underway today, marking the start of the competition for the event’s headline international title.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show will be back between 14-17 May 2026 in the private grounds of Windsor Castle. Top-level FEI competition is featured in the official programme in show jumping, driving and endurance with the Sunday Rolex Grand Prix being the showjumping highlight.
To the bettors, it is easy to find showjumping markets more difficult to find than football, racing or tennis. This is why many fans tend to start with the comparison of the already established horse racing covered on Cheekypunter, since bookmakers with extensive coverage of racing are usually the most logical first places to check in order to have wider equestrian betting.
Why is the Royal Windsor horse show a premier betting event?
Royal Windsor is not any other horse show. It is among the major outdoor equestrian fixtures in the UK, held next to Windsor Castle, and with international level competition. The betting center of attention is showjumping, particularly the CSI5 classes, and Rolex Grand Prix, with previous winners including Martin Fuchs (2024) and Gregory Wathelet (2025).
Dressage exhibitions, driving, endurance and showing only add to the cost, but the headline jumping class is likely to be priced by bookmakers because it has definite winners, entry of the elite and a high level of spectators.
What to look for in a showjumping betting site
An effective showjumping betting site must not be a token market. Check if a bookmaker has ever covered niche sports, offers competitive odds, has a simple mobile interface, has their each-way terms clearly displayed and has tools to help gamers be responsible.
Ensure the operator has previously offered Olympic equestrian, major showjumping or other FEI-style markets before attempting to bet on Royal Windsor. Niche sports demonstrate to what extent a sportsbook is deep.
Top betting sites likely to offer odds for Royal Windsor 2026
Royal Windsor Horse Show 2026 markets are not live yet and therefore the names below are best viewed as watchlist options based on a larger sportsbook scale and coverage of racing, major events or niche markets.
1. Bet365: The comprehensive choice for equestrian fans
Bet365 is the best first check in showjumping betting due to its wide sportsbook coverage and long-established history of providing large markets in both mainstream and secondary sports. Its live betting site now advertises betting in most sports, whilst historical odds services also monitor Bet365 as a key provider of market data.
In case of Royal Windsor odds, the most probable market would be Outright Winner in the Rolex Grand Prix. The more detailed options like top-three finish or head-to-head between the riders, would be offered based on the demand of the bookmakers and the confirmed entries.
2. William Hill: A trusted name with UK heritage
Another viable bookmaker that is worth following is William Hill. It boasts a long UK betting history and has extensive racing books, such as UK, Irish and international racecards.
No confirmed Royal Windsor market in 2026 has been confirmed at the time of writing, although William Hill has a long tradition of horse betting, making it a viable alternative in the eyes of the equestrian fans. Offers to new-customers usually extend to sportsbook betting, but the reader must always verify the specific terms before making a showjumping bet.
3. Betfair or Paddy Power: Other comparable options
Betfair is also worth considering since there are times when its sportsbook and exchange model offers a niche-event price which is not available in a fixed-odds book. Paddy Power also works well with bettors with racing leads, with a bustling horse racing center and frequent promotions.
A beginner’s guide to showjumping betting markets
The easiest bet is the Outright Winner: a bet on a single horse-and-rider combination to win a particular class.
Depending on a large field, each-way betting can be possible. This implies that a section of the stake will be used on the selection to win and part on it to place, frequently in the first two or three, according to the terms of the bookmaker.
Less popular markets can be Top 3 Finish, podium finish, or head-to-head betting involving two riders.
Expert tips for betting on the Royal Windsor horse show
Learn horse and rider shape. The last CSI scores are important, yet the history of partnership is important, as well. When a rider has been successful numerous times at Windsor, he is to be noticed, and Wathelet is such a rider, having won the Rolex Grand Prix at Windsor on multiple occasions, including in 2025 .
Check final entries, course conditions and draw order before betting. Begin on a small scale, particularly when it is your first bet in showjumping. Lastly, revisit bookmaker sites during the week prior to 14 May 2026, when any Royal Windsor promotions or enhanced odds are most likely to be found.
Barnsley-based cleaning innovation brand Vamoosh has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise 2026 for International Trade, recognising what the company describes as a period of exceptional global expansion and export growth. Vamoosh is one of 185 organisations nationally to receive a King’s Award this year, with the winners announced today (Wednesday 6 May).
Founded in 2016, Vamoosh was developed by Cares Laboratory and launched its breakthrough Pet Hair Dissolver in 2017, designed to tackle the household problem of removing stubborn pet hair from fabrics in the wash.
The brand says the product is the world’s first and only of its kind, with patent protection in more than 30 countries, including the United Kingdom. Since then, Vamoosh has expanded into a wider range, including washing machine cleaners, fabric care solutions and other household products, and is now stocked in over 5,000 UK retail outlets across grocery, pet, DIY and value channels.
International trade has been a major driver of the company’s recent growth. Over the past 18 months, Vamoosh says its export partners have increased from four to 12 globally, with exports rising 440% over three years and products now sold in more than 30 countries, including Australia, Germany, South Africa, the Nordics and the USA. The company highlights retail listings including Target (USA), Aldi (Australia), EDEKA (Germany) and DM (across Europe), and says North America is expected to become its largest export market within three years following an initial launch in 600 Target stores.
Commenting on the award, founder Tom Abbey said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to receive the King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade. To see the growth of Vamoosh recognised in such a prestigious way is an honour for the whole team. Over the last few years, we’ve worked incredibly hard to grow the brand internationally, bringing our patented innovations to households around the world, so it’s fantastic to see those efforts recognised with the UK’s highest business award. This achievement is a real reflection of the passion, dedication and innovation across the entire Vamoosh team, and we’re excited for what the future holds.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise (formerly The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise) were renamed in 2023. Now in its 60th year, the programme remains one of the UK’s most prestigious business accolades, with winners able to use the King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.
The opening day of the British Eventing LeMieux Grassroots Championships at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials got underway today, in fresh and breezy conditions. Overall, the dressage phase welcomed high-quality performances, setting the tone in both the BE90 and BE100 sections of the event.
BE90: Jowett and Jessett share the lead
A competitive BE90 field saw a tie at the top of the leaderboard, with Lucy Jowett aboard Lilly, and Holly Jessett aboard Lombard Lad, both posting identical scores of 27.1 heading into cross-country.
Lucy Jowett and Lilly (BE90). British Eventing LeMieux Grassroots Championships at MARS Badminton Horse Trials 2026. Image 1st Class Images.
Jowett, competing at Badminton for the first time, admitted the moment had yet to fully register:
“I don’t think it’s quite sunk in yet – I’m still a bit in shock to be honest! It was amazing. I just wanted to go in and give Lilly a nice, smooth test and get through it, and she really improved as she went on.”
She added that the experience carries extra meaning, having owned Lilly since the mare was eight:
“It’s our first time at Badminton, which makes it even more special… I’ve been coming to Badminton since I was a child, so to be here competing… it’s just incredible.”
Looking ahead, Jowett is optimistic about the next phase:
“It looks like a course you can attack and ride forward, with some tougher questions towards the end, but it feels fair.”
Jessett was equally delighted with Lombard Lad’s test, highlighting the results of focused training at home:
“It’s amazing, I’m just so pleased with him. Everything we’ve been working on at home really came together.”
She emphasised improvements in rhythm and connection:
“We’ve been focusing a lot on not rushing the test… every transition felt smooth, and he just stayed relaxed and consistent.”
Jessett, who finished third in this class in 2023, admitted her current position feels “surreal,” adding:
“It’s exciting, but definitely a little nerve-wracking too.”
Close behind the joint leaders, Maddy Moffett and Odysseus HM sit third on 28.4, keeping the pressure firmly on going into tomorrow’s showjumping, before the final cross-country phase shortly after.
BE100: Hendry leads with standout sub-20 score
In the BE100 section, Philippa Hendry and Flyer Des Coupeaux produced the performance of the day to take the overnight lead on an impressive 19.8.
Philippa Hendry and Flyer Des Coupeaux (BE100). British Eventing LeMieux Grassroots Championships at MARS Badminton Horse Trials 2026. Image 1st Class Images.
Hendry credited significant improvements to both her own physical development and the support of trainer Rob Wayne:
“I’m absolutely over the moon with him. He tried so hard… having [Rob’s] eyes on the ground has been a real game changer.”
After struggling with suppleness issues, Hendry explained how a back injury earlier this year proved a turning point:
“It made me realise it was actually me causing the issue… since then I’ve been working on my own suppleness and riding with more movement. The difference… has been incredible.”
Her partnership with Flyer Des Coupeaux has deep roots, having purchased the horse unseen as a three-year-old:
“It was a gamble that paid off… this is his fourth time here.”
At the fine age of 61, Hendry is pragmatic about the challenges ahead:
“Tomorrow will be a challenge, but I’m just really pleased we’re both fit, sound and healthy.”
Jane Rogers and Corrieview Merlin Magic hold second place on 26.1, while Ella Stevens and Totally Worth It sit in third on 27.8.
With dressage complete, attention now turns to tomorrow’s showjumping and cross-country, where a highly influential track will see riders aim to secure championship titles before the spotlight shifts to Badminton’s prestigious five-star competition.
Equine gut health has a direct impact on your horse’s condition, behaviour, and performance. When the digestive system is not functioning efficiently, the effects are often seen in subtle but meaningful changes.
A healthy gut supports nutrient absorption, energy production, and a stable temperament. When this balance is disrupted, issues can develop gradually and may increase the risk of conditions such as Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome, as well as broader health complications affecting the whole body.
Recognising early warning signs allows for quicker intervention and better long-term outcomes.
Early indicators to watch for:
Changes in behaviour or attitude
Reduced performance or willingness to work
Altered eating or drinking habits
Gradual loss of condition
Understanding the Equine Digestive System
The horse’s digestive system is designed for continuous fibre intake. Much of a horse’s energy is produced through fermentation in the hindgut, where beneficial microbes break down fibre.
This process supplies around two-thirds of a horse’s energy needs, making hindgut function central to overall health. The digestive tract itself accounts for approximately 12 percent of body weight.
A stable microbial environment is essential. Disruption to this balance can affect digestion, nutrient utilisation, and increase susceptibility not only to hindgut acidosis and Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome, but also to wider systemic effects such as reduced immunity, poor condition, and inflammation-related conditions, including Laminitis.
This highlights that gut health is not isolated to digestion alone, but underpins multiple aspects of equine health.
Key points:
Horses are adapted to eat little and often
Fibre fermentation is a primary energy source
Microbial balance underpins digestive efficiency
Imbalance can impact both digestive and systemic health
Common Signs of Poor Gut Health in Horses
Symptoms of poor gut health can vary and are often gradual in onset, making early recognition essential.
A reduced or inconsistent appetite may indicate discomfort within the digestive system. Unexplained weight loss, despite appropriate feeding, can suggest inefficient digestion or poor nutrient absorption.
Manure consistency is another useful indicator. Loose droppings, diarrhoea, or dry and reduced output can reflect disruption within the hindgut and may precede more serious digestive disturbances such as colic.
Physical signs of discomfort may include restlessness, pawing, or the development of stable vices. In some cases, digestive imbalance may contribute to recurrent or mild colic episodes.
Behavioural changes are also significant. Increased irritability, tension, or lack of focus can be linked to gut discomfort. This is partly due to the connection between the digestive system and the nervous system, often referred to as the gut-brain axis.
In performance horses, this may present as reduced energy, poor recovery, or reluctance to work. Over time, unresolved gut issues can also contribute to secondary problems such as reduced immune resilience or increased susceptibility to conditions like Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome.
Common symptoms include:
Reduced appetite
Weight loss
Loose or inconsistent droppings
Signs of discomfort or restlessness
Recurrent or mild colic
Behavioural changes
Decline in performance
Risk Factors That Affect Equine Gut Health
Several everyday management factors can influence digestive health and increase the likelihood of both gastrointestinal and wider systemic issues.
Low forage intake is one of the most significant risks. Horses only produce saliva when chewing, and saliva helps buffer stomach acid. Without sufficient forage, this natural protection is reduced, increasing the likelihood of gastric irritation and Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome.
High starch and sugar diets can disrupt microbial balance within the hindgut, increasing acidity and contributing to conditions such as hindgut acidosis. This disruption can also allow toxins to enter the bloodstream, which has been linked to inflammatory conditions, including Laminitis.
Intensive exercise can further contribute by increasing pressure within the stomach and altering digestive function during work.
Stress remains a major factor. Travel, competition, environmental changes, and inconsistent routines can all destabilise the gut environment and increase the risk of both ulcers and broader digestive disturbances.
Hydration is equally important. Reduced water intake can affect gut motility, increasing the risk of impaction colic and reducing overall digestive efficiency.
Primary risk factors:
Insufficient forage intake
High starch or sugar feeding
Intensive exercise
Stress and environmental changes
Limited water intake
How to Improve and Maintain Your Horse’s Gut Health
A consistent, fibre-based approach is the foundation of good digestive health and helps reduce the risk of both digestive and secondary health issues.
Forage should form the majority of the diet. Horses should consume at least 2 percent of their body weight in forage daily, ideally provided little and often or ad-lib to support natural grazing behaviour.
Reducing cereal-based feeds and prioritising fibre- and oil-based energy sources helps maintain a more stable gut environment. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can reduce digestive strain and lower the risk of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome.
Regular turnout supports both physical and digestive health by encouraging movement and consistent forage intake. Feeding a small amount of fibre before exercise may also help reduce acid exposure within the stomach.
Clean, fresh water must always be available, particularly during travel or competition. Adequate hydration supports gut motility and helps reduce the risk of impaction colic.
Additional support, such as prebiotics and probiotics, can help maintain a balanced hindgut microbiome, supporting fibre digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut stability.
Best practice approach:
Base the diet on high-quality forage
Feed little and often
Limit starch and sugar intake
Provide regular turnout
Offer forage before exercise
Ensure constant access to water
Consider digestive support supplements
Why Equine Gut Health Matters
Gut health underpins far more than digestion alone. A well-functioning digestive system supports efficient energy use, helps maintain condition, and contributes to a more consistent temperament.
It also plays a key role in reducing the risk of a wide range of conditions, from colic and Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome to inflammation-related issues such as Laminitis.
By identifying early signs and maintaining consistent feeding and management practices, horse owners can take a proactive approach to long-term health and performance.
A healthy gut supports:
Stable condition and weight
Consistent behaviour
Improved performance and recovery
Reduced risk of digestive and systemic issues
If you notice persistent or unexplained changes, seeking veterinary advice early can help prevent more serious complications.
When it comes to equestrian sports, the right saddle can make all the difference in your riding experience. General Purpose (GP) saddles are versatile and popular among riders for their adaptability to various riding disciplines.
In this blog post, we’ll explore expert tips to help you select the perfect GP saddle that suits both you and your horse. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, these guidelines will ensure you make an informed decision.
Understanding GP Saddles
GP saddles, often referred to as all-purpose saddles, are a versatile and indispensable choice for riders involved in various equestrian disciplines. These saddles are designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of riding styles, making them a popular choice among riders of all levels of experience.
GP saddles are renowned for their adaptability and balanced design. They typically feature a moderate seat depth, versatile flaps, and a semi-forward or forward-cut design. This unique combination allows riders to comfortably engage in activities such as dressage, show jumping, eventing, and even leisurely trail riding.
GP saddles encapsulate the essence of these saddles’ flexibility and multifunctionality, as they are suitable for a general purpose, offering riders the freedom to explore various riding disciplines without the need for multiple saddles. Understanding the versatility of GP saddles is crucial when selecting the perfect saddle that aligns with your riding aspirations and preferences.
1. Assess Your Riding Style
Assessing your riding style is the foundational step in the quest for the perfect GP saddle. It’s essential to understand your primary equestrian activities and the specific demands they place on both you and your horse.
A GP saddle can accommodate a selection of disciplines; however, you may choose to purchase a saddle that has been made especially for dressage or showjumping. These come at a premium price, which is not always achievable. Here, the GP offers versatility in terms of use should a rider not be able to afford a premium saddle.
For instance, if you’re primarily involved in dressage, you’ll require a GP saddle that provides a balanced seat and supports correct posture for precision movements. On the other hand, if show jumping is your focus, a saddle with a more forward flap and secure knee and thigh blocks will aid in maintaining a stable position during jumps.
Additionally, if you enjoy a mix of disciplines or leisurely rides, a GP saddle’s versatility becomes especially advantageous. Its adaptability allows you to comfortably transition between riding styles.
By evaluating your riding style, you’ll pinpoint the features and design elements you need in a GP saddle, ensuring that it complements your riding activities and enhances your overall experience in the saddle.
2. Evaluate Your Horse’s Conformation
GP saddles must not only be suitable for the rider’s requirements but also the horse’s confirmation (a foremost consideration).
Take the time to evaluate your horse’s conformation. Consider factors such as the wither height, back shape, and shoulder width. These factors will impact the saddle’s fit on your horse, ensuring comfort and proper weight distribution.
Saddle length should be considered so the rider’s weight is kept within the weight-bearing area of the horse’s back. Should this not fit properly, the horse can become uncomfortable, sore, and reluctant.
Consulting with a qualified saddle fitter will pay dividends when it comes not only to your horse’s welfare but performance too.
3. Seat Size and Comfort
Choosing the right seat size for your GP saddle is paramount to your comfort and riding effectiveness. Your seat size should be a reflection of your body proportions and riding style.
A saddle with the correct seat size will provide the rider with stability, balance, and a comfortable riding experience. If the seat is too small, you may feel cramped and struggle to maintain a proper position. Conversely, an excessively large seat can lead to reduced control and hinder your ability to communicate effectively with your horse.
Consider your leg length, hip width, and riding posture when determining the ideal seat size. It’s essential to try out different sizes to find the one that suits you best. Remember that comfort is not a one-size-fits-all concept, and what works for one rider may not work for another.
Investing time in finding the perfect seat size ensures that you’ll enjoy long hours in the saddle without discomfort, enabling you to focus on the joy of riding and improving your connection with your horse.
4. Flap Length and Position
The flap length and position on a GP saddle can vary. Longer flaps are ideal for riders with longer legs, while shorter flaps may be better suited for those with shorter legs. The flap’s position also affects your riding posture and balance, so consider what works best for you.
5. Tree Width and Saddle Fit
The tree width of your GP saddle plays a pivotal role in ensuring both your comfort and your horse’s well-being. The saddle’s tree is the framework that sits underneath the seat and directly contacts your horse’s back.
Choosing the correct tree width is essential because an ill-fitting saddle can lead to discomfort and potential health issues for your horse. If the tree is too narrow, it can pinch your horse’s withers and restrict their movement, causing pain and potentially long-term damage. Conversely, a tree that is too wide may lead to uneven weight distribution, discomfort, and hindered performance.
Consulting with a professional saddle fitter or knowledgeable equestrian expert is highly recommended to determine the appropriate tree width for your horse. They will assess your horse’s conformation and help you find a GP saddle that fits snugly and comfortably, promoting your horse’s well-being and allowing you to ride with confidence. Prioritising saddle fit is not only a matter of comfort but also a crucial aspect of responsible horsemanship.
6. Material and Construction
GP saddles come in various materials, including leather and synthetic options. Consider the maintenance requirements, durability, and comfort when choosing the material. Quality construction is essential for longevity, so invest in a well-crafted saddle from a reputable manufacturer.
7. Budget Considerations
While it’s essential to prioritise quality and fit, your budget is also a significant factor. Saddles are available in a wide price range. Set a budget that aligns with your needs and preferences, and explore options within that range.
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect GP saddle requires careful consideration of your riding style, your horse’s conformation, and your personal comfort. It’s an investment that will enhance your riding experience and your horse’s well-being. Remember to consult with professionals, such as saddle fitters, to ensure a proper fit. With the right saddle, you’ll be ready to enjoy a wide range of equestrian activities with confidence and comfort.
Incorporating these expert tips into your saddle selection process will help you find the ideal GP saddle that meets your needs and enhances your riding journey.
So, when you’re ready to saddle up for your next equestrian adventure, remember the importance of selecting the perfect saddle, and you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding riding experience.
The MARS Badminton Horse Trials returns from 6th–10th May, bringing Olympic medallists, championship winners and five-star stars to Gloucestershire for one of the sport’s biggest weeks.
With a £125,000 prize fund on the line, the competition is set to be fierce! If you can’t be there in person, there’s a straightforward way to follow every phase from home. Read on below to find out more.
Where to watch: Badminton TV (via ClipMyHorse.TV)
Badminton TV is the official streaming service for the event and is available via ClipMyHorse.TV. It is designed to show the action across the competition. The service allows you to watch every phase, as the event develops, including the all-important cross-country. There’s also a catch-up service.
You can subscribe to a season pass – that gives you access to all of Badminton TV features for one year – for £22.99. The package includes live and on-demand features.
Viewing tip: if you’re planning to watch cross-country live, it’s worth setting up your login and payment details in advance so you’re not troubleshooting at the start of the day.
Who to watch: the key storylines in the 2026 entry
This year’s entries again include many of the world’s highest-ranked riders and proven five-star combinations.
Ros Canter (world number five) and Lordships Graffalo head the list of favourites, with the chance to make history if they can claim a third Badminton win together.
Last year’s runners-up Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent return, aiming to go one better, while Ireland’s Austin O’Connor is back again with Colorado Blue and the popular grey Sixmilewater.
World number one Harry Meade arrives with five horses to choose from, while a strong British challenge also includes Laura Collett (the 2022 winner), Emily King, Bubby Upton, Gemma Stevens and David Doel. International contenders include Boyd Martin, Tim Price and Jonelle Price, as well as Caroline Powell and Felix Vogg.
Badminton Director Jane Tuckwell said: ‘It’s always a thrill that so many of the world’s top riders want to return to Badminton as well as the first timers aiming to “tick the box” and be part of history,’ says Badminton Director Jane Tuckwell. ‘It’s going to be another exciting competition and will provide, we hope, some pointers to medallists at the World Championships in Aachen this year.’
Royal Windsor Horse Show has confirmed a standout line-up for its CSI5* Show Jumping classes in 2026, with Britain’s Scott Brash and Harry Charles set to spearhead the home challenge in the private grounds of Windsor Castle from 14–17 May.
The CSI5* action runs from Friday 15 May to Sunday 17 May, culminating in the Rolex Grand Prix, which is billed as the highlight of the week in The Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Castle Arena.
British riders to watch at Royal Windsor 2026
World No. 1 Scott Brash leads the British entries and arrives in Windsor as one of seven Rolex Testimonees competing. The double Olympic gold medallist ended 2025 with victory in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final and has carried that form into 2026, with CSI5* Grand Prix wins already recorded in Paris and Doha.
Brash will be joined by Paris 2024 Olympic gold-winning teammate Harry Charles, who is aiming to better his third-place finish in last year’s Rolex Grand Prix. Also in the spotlight are Show Ambassadors Joe Stockdale and Jack Whitaker, both of whom have started the season strongly. Stockdale won the Gold Tour Grand Prix at Arezzo earlier this month, while Whitaker finished second in the CSI5* Grand Prix in Miami.
Further strengthening the British showjumping contingent is Robert Whitaker, who has a long history of success at Royal Windsor, including a Grand Prix win in 2014 and results stretching back to his first victory at the Show in 2008. Sienna Charles also returns with winning form at Windsor, having previously taken the Under-25 Jumping title.
Matthew Sampson, Jodie Hall McAteer and Adrian Whiteway are also named among the British riders looking to make their mark in front of the Windsor crowd.
International challengers set for Windsor Castle
Among the headline international contenders is World No. 2 Kent Farrington, who is set to arrive after an FEI Jumping World CupTM Final victory. The United States team also includes World No. 10 Laura Kraut, Lillie Keenan and Eve Jobs, with Canadian Olympian Kara Chad adding further North American strength.
Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs and Steve Guerdat bring proven Royal Windsor form, having finished first and third respectively in the Rolex Grand Prix in 2024. Fuchs also won the class in 2023, while World No. 11 Guerdat is a previous winner in 2018.
Belgium is led by 2025 Royal Windsor Rolex Grand Prix winner Gregory Wathelet, alongside Nicola Philippaerts, Pieter Devos and Thibault Philippaerts. Germany’s challenge is headed by reigning individual Olympic champion Christian Kukuk, with Daniel Deusser also entered. France is represented by World No. 6 Nina Mallevaey and Marc Dilasser.
Sweden’s former World No. 1 Henrik von Eckermann is another former Rolex Grand Prix winner in the mix, having taken the title in 2019, while Ireland’s Daniel Coyle adds further depth to a field that is stated to include 10 of the world’s top 20.
Other named contenders include the Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders and Luxembourg’s Victor Bettendorf, who won the Manama Rose Show Stakes at Royal Windsor in 2025.
Chairman of Royal Windsor Horse Show, Simon Brooks-Ward, said: “We are thrilled to welcome such an outstanding group of riders to Royal Windsor Horse Show this year. The continued presence of the world’s best athletes highlights the prestige of the Show, and we look forward to three days of exceptional international competition in The Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Castle Arena.”
Tickets and further details are available at www.rwhs.co.uk
Heading to Belsay Horse Trials next month (15-17 May 2026)? Sponsored by Barbour, here’s a run-down of the top horse and rider combinations you can expect to see competing.
Feature class – the Houghton Country CCI4*-S – has received more than 100 entries, with British Olympic gold medallists Laura Collett and London 52 making their first appearance at the event. Belsay forms a vital stepping stone to selection for the FEI World Eventing Championships in August, so competition is bound to be fierce. Alongside Collett, reigning world champions Yasmin Ingham and Banzai Du Loir and CCI5* winners Ros Canter and Izilot DHI and Caroline Harris with D Day are also in the running.
Said Collett: “I’m very excited about making my first visit to Belsay – I’ve heard so many good reports about it, and I have had lots of great experiences at other northern events with ‘Dan’ [London 52] such as Burgham and Scone Palace.
“He’s on great form and was squealing with excitement in all three phases at his last event. I’ve had to change my plan for the season a bit after injuring my collarbone in March, and actually it’s really nice for a horse of his age, who has pretty much been to the same events year after year, to be going to some new places.
“He’s just a dream – I get to appreciate him every day, but it’s so lovely to see other people appreciate seeing him, and I know that he will love the crowds at Belsay!”
Laura Collett
Last year’s Belsay CCI4*-S heroine Piggy March returns with her newest top-level partner, MCS Maverick. Others include Olympic individual silver and team gold medallist Tom McEwen, CCI5* winner and Olympian Gemma Stevens, New Zealand medallist and CCI5* champion Tim Price, Irish European medallist Aoife Clark and CCI5* runner-up Tom Jackson.
The Chaser Communications Advanced class is equally starry, with Olympic partnership Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park, among the entries, as well as the likes of Bubby Upton and local five-star rider Katie Magee.
Many up-and-coming pairings are also welcomed in the Forsters CCI3*-S and N.I.S Ltd CCI2*-S, as well as the British Eventing national classes. Ones to watch will include Japanese Olympic riders Yoshiaki Oiwa, Ryuzo Kitajima and Toshiuyi Tanaka, China’s Alex Hua Tian, British Olympian Kitty King and a strong local contingent that includes Storm Straker, Emma Carmichael, Jack Mantel, Lucinda Atkinson and Holly Richardson.
Belsay organiser Laura de Wesselow said: “I’m thrilled that we’ve received such brilliant entries for Belsay – it really goes to show what a great success our inaugural CCI4* event in 2025 was, and once more proves that Belsay has become really popular with the very best riders in the world as well and our very supportive grassroots competitors.
“Belsay Horse Trials is a true celebration of the horse, and of all things Northumbrian. There is so much to watch and so much to do – for example, the Dachshund Derby, in aid of our supported charity, the British Eventing Support Trust, on Saturday evening, should be a real crowd-pleaser.”
The CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S and CCI2*-S classes are the first leg in the big-money Northumberland Challenge, supported by Belsay’s official hotel partner Matfen Hall, An Eventful Life and N.I.S Ltd, which unites the three Northumbrian international events (Belsay, Alnwick Ford and Burgham).
Belsay Horse Trials also features Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse qualifiers, and a multitude of competition opportunities for local grassroots riders, including showjumping and arena eventing classes, BSPS showing and the ever-popular inter-hunt relay. There are outstanding shopping opportunities, delicious food and drink – including the new Northumbrian Larder – and lots of family-friendly activities on offer.
The cross-country action from Belsay Horse Trials can be watched live on Horse & Country TV’s livestreaming platform, H&C+.
Advanced booking prices, only available until 30 April, mean that entry costs from £12.50 for an adult and £8 for a child aged six-16 – children aged five and under are free – and season admission (Thursday, 14 May-Sunday, 17 May) costs £36 per adult and £22.50 per child aged six-16.
We do love our horses; the smell, touch and feel is enough to melt any equestrian’s heart BUT and that’s a big but, as with anything in life, days don’t often go as smoothly as intended.
Here we run down 19 points that, if you are a horse owner, you’ll be able to relate to.
The hay man running late
Everyone’s opinion is right, yet conflicts with the next persons
Dropping the brand new riding hat while being careful not to
Electric fencing that won’t stay in place
Horses that escape, with said electric fencing being snapped (poles) and trodden into the mud (fencing) – each time reminding you of the need to buy a new battery
Overflowing muck heaps and the individuals that like to dump and leave it all at the bottom
Wheelbarrows left full (and overflowing) to be blown all over the yard
Having to collect the horse’s rug from the middle of the field when you’re short on time (and it’s probably their new one)
Getting stuck in the mud whilst holding the gate with 5+ large horses cantering towards you
Tacking up, climbing on board and entering the arena, only to realise the horse is lame
On bringing a non ‘horsey’ friend to the yard the horse acts like a twit the entire time
The snapped shavings falk is telling of a heavy winter
Turning out when you’re in a rush and not being able to find the horse’s lead rope
Getting to the yard to realise your muckers are at home and you have to muck out in work heels or riding boots
Horse shoes torn off in bog
The items of tack and yard gear that just disappear
Drumming up the enthusiasm to ride, yet when you arive the heavens open and there’s no indoor
Strange looks from shoppers in the supermarket, school mums and those in coffee shops when clad in your full equestrian wear
Partners that fail to understand the importance of needing to see your horse every day – sometimes twice
Entries have officially opened for the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting (17–21 June 2026), with organisers announcing a price freeze on entry fees in a move set to support riders amid ongoing financial pressures.
Staged at the renowned Hickstead Showground, the five-day event remains one of the UK’s leading equestrian fixtures, attracting a mix of grassroots competitors, amateur riders and international showjumping stars.
Support for Riders Amid Rising Costs
With the cost of living continuing to impact horse owners across the UK, Hickstead Director Edward Bunn confirmed that entry fees will remain at 2025 levels.
“Our priority is to maintain accessibility to our events and minimise the financial impact on those who attend and support us,” he said, adding that organisers are absorbing increased operational costs wherever possible.
Competition for All Levels
While best known for elite showjumping, the Hickstead Derby Meeting offers extensive opportunities beyond the international arena. Around 2,500 horses are expected to compete, with the majority taking part in national classes across the outer rings.
Classes range from 90cm level upwards, alongside children’s competitions such as the Hickstead Mini Challenge, and a strong schedule of showing classes, with many acting as final qualifiers for the Agria Royal International Horse Show.
Changes to Electric Hook-Ups
Due to continued uncertainty surrounding fuel and energy prices, electric hook-up bookings will not be released at the same time as entries. Instead, availability will be confirmed closer to the event once costs become clearer.
International Highlights and Derby Action
The show begins on Wednesday with national competition before opening to the public from Thursday, when international classes—including the Stoner Jewellers Vase and ClipMyHorse.TV Derby Tankard—get underway.
Friday’s Agria Derby Trial will determine qualification for Sunday’s feature class, while Saturday hosts the British Speed Derby, returning in 2026 with a redesigned course.
The meeting concludes on Sunday 21 June with the €120,000 Al Shira’aa Derby, one of the most iconic and challenging showjumping classes in the world.
How to Enter
Competitors must submit entries online by Monday 18 May, after which late fees will apply.
With strong entries expected, early application is advised for riders looking to secure their place at this flagship event in the British equestrian calendar.
The Horse of the Year Show, widely regarded as the “World’s Most Famous Horse Show”, returns to Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre from 7–11 October 2026, celebrating its landmark 25th anniversary year.
Each year, thousands of visitors gather to experience elite competition, world-class displays, and one of the UK’s most iconic equestrian sporting events. The 2026 edition promises an unmissable programme showcasing the very best in showing and showjumping.
Exciting New Additions for 2026
This year introduces fresh attractions to the schedule, including:
Agility Nexus Hunter & Gather Dog Agility Grand Prix
Veteran Horse Society Veteran Horse of the Year Championship
Returning Fan Favourites
Spectators can also look forward to the return of much-loved highlights, including:
Ripon Select Foods Puissance
International showjumping classes
Dressage Future Elite Championship
Osborne Refrigerators Scurry Driving
LeMieux Pony Club Mounted Games
The show will also host some of the most prestigious showing championships in the sport:
Supreme Products Supreme Horse and Pony of the Year
More Than Just Competition
Beyond the arenas, visitors can enjoy a premium shopping village and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere, making HOYS a standout event for equestrian enthusiasts and general visitors alike.
Ticket Information
Tickets are on sale now via the official website, with prices starting from £42.00. A variety of options are available to suit different preferences and experiences:
General Tickets
Weekday (Gold) Tickets Access to both performances in the Andrews Bowen International Arena, plus all-day entry to the TopSpec Arena and Retail Village.
Saturday & Sunday Daytime Tickets Entry to daytime arena performances, with full-day access to shopping and additional arenas.
Saturday & Sunday Evening Tickets Access to the Retail Village all day, plus evening performances.
Super Sunday Tickets A discounted all-day ticket covering both Sunday performances and full venue access.
VIP & Premium Experiences
Hospitality Tickets Premium seating, welcome drinks, fine dining, VIP cloakroom, hostess service, complimentary programme, and VIP parking.
Champions Bar Tickets Panoramic arena views, two-course lunch, private bar, tea and coffee, plus full venue access.
Staycation Packages Includes overnight hotel stay with breakfast and Band A seating options (now including Saturday & Sunday for 2026).
Season Tickets Enjoy the entire week with a reserved seat, plus complimentary parking and programme.
With strong demand expected for this milestone anniversary, early booking is strongly recommended to secure the best seats.
Biosecurity is a fundamental process of helping keep our horses safe, as successful measures can help prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. Whether you look after your horse yourself or pay a livery service, it’s wise to practice safety measures throughout our interaction with our fellow equines.
In this article, Helen Whitelegg, Senior Campaigns Officer from Redwings Horse Sanctuary, explains the simple changes we can make in our horse care routines to help stamp out infectious diseases in equines, alongside shining the spotlight on strangles.
Did you know that almost half of our everyday actions are habits? From a morning cuppa to the weekly shop, habits are behaviours we carry out without really having to think about them. The upside is that we don’t spend time and energy weighing up options to make a decision. The downside is that breaking bad habits or forming new ones isn’t always easy!
We tend to use a lot of habits in our horse care routines. They can help us, and our horses know what’s going to happen when, and make it less likely we’ll forget to do something important. Seasonal changes, new equines moving on and off the yard, or when you’ve been away for a competition can offer the perfect excuse to ask ourselves whether any of our existing habits could be updated or improved, or fresh habits introduced, to benefit our horses’ health. And when it comes to infectious diseases, such as equine influenza, even small actions can make a big difference in reducing risk, so why not adopt our five healthy habits to start you and/or your yard off with a better biosecurity system?
Five Healthy Biosecurity Habits
Covid-19 has made us all far more aware of what’s involved in preventing the spread of an infectious disease. There’s no doubt that we all had to form new habits very quickly in 2020, many of which did not come easily. But did you know that some of the hygiene habits we have adopted over the past year or so also lend themselves to better biosecurity for horses? So, our five healthy horse habits may sound familiar!
Wash your hands
Check your horse’s temperature
Share with care
Practice social (equine) distancing
Isolate as a precaution
As with the Covid-19 pandemic, relatively small, everyday behaviours like these, which really can help to stop the transmission of disease, are as much part of good biosecurity as bigger steps such as testing and vaccination.
Wash your hands
Caring for horses is a very ‘hands-on’ activity, and bacteria or viruses can hitchhike on our skin if we touch an infected horse or contaminated surfaces. Regularly washing or disinfecting our hands is better for our horses’ health, as well as our own.
Do you have handwashing facilities at your yard?Making hand sanitiser available at key points is also a good idea, especially for people arriving who may have come from another yard. And did you know that signs reminding people to wash their hands raised compliance in hospitals from 24% to 62%?
Setting up handwashing points is an easy way to improve hygiene in any yard.
Check your horse’s temperature
Fever is usually the body’s first response when it detects harmful pathogens. Infectious diseases have evolved to thrive at the normal body temperature of their host, so heating things up makes it harder for the bacteria or virus to survive and reproduce.
Horses commonly develop a fever before they become contagious to others. If we can spot a new infection as soon as fever spikes, and isolate the horse as a precaution, we have the best chance of containing a disease before it spreads.
A healthy horse will have a resting temperature around 37.5 – 38.5oc. A young foal’s normal range is a little higher, and a donkey’s a little lower. For a short demonstration of safely taking a horse’s rectal temperature go to www.redwings.org.uk/strangles/help-and-advice.
How often do you take your horse’s temperature? Incorporate temperature checking ad-hoc into your horse’s routine, so you are both used to the procedure and you are familiar with what is normal for your horse and what is not.
Share with care
It’s great to be able to help each other out, and sharing certain items can help save costs. However, be aware that living areas or equipment can be a route of disease transmission between horses. Try to stick to your own tack and tools, or clean and disinfect anything you do share. Remember that anything a horse touches with its nose is particularly high risk, from buckets and water tanks to stabling and transport.
Do you keep disinfectant in stock? Disinfectants vary widely, and a common household product is unlikely to kill an equine infectious disease. Look for a DEFRA approved disinfectant and check the specific pathogens it acts on. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines; using disinfectant incorrectly will make it both ineffective and a waste of money.
Horse transport hygiene is especially important to help reduce the spread of disease.
Practice social distancing
Infectious disease spreads most easily when horses are in direct contact, especially nose-to-nose contact, which creates a perfect transmission route for respiratory conditions. We know how important equine companionship is for our horses’ mental well-being, but be alert to the risk of introducing them to horses with unknown health statuses. Remember that a horse doesn’t have to look unwell to be contagious.
As owners, we should also be wary of interacting with new or unknown horses then returning to handle our own equine unless we wash our hands first. The risk may be low, but we can always make it lower.
How would you politely discourage a stranger at a show from interacting with your horse? Infectious disease has often been a taboo subject, but we need to bring it into the open to raise awareness and remind people that there can be risk in well-meaning actions.
Isolate as a precaution
Covid-19 has taught us the importance of isolating before disease is confirmed. If a horse may have been exposed to disease, or has symptoms that haven’t yet been diagnosed, use isolation as a precaution while waiting for test results or until the disease’s incubation period has elapsed. When it comes to infectious illness it is far better to be safe than sorry. Waiting for test results before isolating the horse means the disease has already had time to spread.
Does your yard routinely isolate new horses? New arrivals are one of the most common ways disease makes its way onto a yard, and routine isolation is always recommended to reduce risk. Isolation doesn’t have to be complicated: a clear notice on a stable door or paddock gate asking people not to enter or touch your horse, your own equipment, and disinfectant to clean your hands and boots each time you leave.
Have a suitable disinfectant to hand, you never know when you might need or want to use it.
My biosecurity habit
Abigail Turnbull, horse owner and manager and co-owner of Richmond Equestrian Centre in North Yorkshire, explains why she made a habit of biosecurity:
Abigail Turnbull, manager and co-owner of Richmond Equestrian Centre.
I’ve always had high standards and pride myself on running a clean, organised, professional yard. But I think infectious disease is one of those topics that’s historically been under the radar, no one really discussed it; so like many other people, we hadn’t really considered the risk to our own horses. But when a disease like strangles strikes, as we learned very quickly, it can come at a very high cost – financially, physically, and emotionally. We had to cancel our largest British Eventing competition of the season, go into full lockdown for several weeks and it was an anxious, tiring time for everyone on the yard.
None of us want to go through it again, and I would say to anyone (and frequently do!), don’t learn about infectious disease the hard way. Good biosecurity should be a normal part of caring for horses. Compared to dealing with an outbreak, the cost and effort of protecting horses is tiny. Biosecurity habits are second nature for us now, and clients really value our commitment to the health of their horse.”
What the eye doesn’t see…
Preventing the spread of infectious disease in any species is made more challenging when contagious individuals may not look unwell. As we’ve already mentioned, a newly infected horse is often able to pass the disease on before they develop visible signs of ill-health themselves, for example. This is why checking horses’ temperatures is a great habit to get into, especially after they have been around other horses at an event or spent time away from home.
With some diseases, horses can also remain contagious after they have recovered from an illness. This is why it is important to work with your vet to make sure a horse has the all-clear before lifting quarantine and allowing them to come into contact with other equines again.
We may also see horses who pick up an infection and never become ill at all, or develop such mild signs that they are disregarded or mistaken for something else, while still spreading disease.
Spotlight on strangles
The most common infectious disease diagnosed in UK horses is strangles. Even when the equine flu outbreak was making national headlines during 2019, there were still many more cases of strangles recorded that year than flu.
Strangles can be a devastating disease for horses, owners, yard managers and equestrian communities and there are an estimated 600 outbreaks in the UK every year. Although research is increasing our understanding of the infection and vets’ ability to diagnose and treat it, everyone who interacts with horses has a part to play if we want to reduce this persistently widespread disease.
Getting to grips with strangles carriers
One of the reasons strangles continues to spread is the disease’s ability to create a ‘strangles carrier’. A carrier is a horse that has been infected and although appears to have fully recovered and be living a normal life, is still harbouring live strangles bacteria in a part of its respiratory system called the guttural pouch.
The good news is that strangles carriers cannot only be treated, but they can also be prevented! Vets can use an endoscope to access the guttural pouches of a horse who is recovering from the disease and check for signs of lingering infection. The scope can also be used to flush out remaining pus and bacteria, and take samples for testing to ensure a negative result is received. If unchecked, around 10% of horses with strangles will become a carrier, able to shed disease at any time over the coming months or years, triggering fresh outbreaks, all while seeming perfectly healthy. By taking steps to prevent horses from becoming carriers, the disease’s secret weapon is deactivated.
Betty was found to be a strangles carrier when she was tested after being rescued. She was treated and now lives a normal, healthy life in a loan home through Redwings Guardianship scheme.
Is there a vaccination for strangles?
A new strangles vaccine is now available in the UK. Although a vaccine has been available in the UK since 2010, there have been practical drawbacks, including the need for frequent boosters, along with an inability to differentiate vaccinated and infected horses on blood tests, which can impact outbreak management or routine screening strategies.
Trial results for the new vaccine were very promising, showing the need for less frequent boosters and DIVA capability, meaning that blood sample analysis can detect whether a horse is vaccinated rather than infected. The vaccination is also be administered into the muscle, making it quicker, easier, and safer to use.
An effective strangles vaccination is an exciting and valuable step forward in our efforts to control the disease. However, vaccination is best used in partnership with other biosecurity measures, not as a replacement for them. As strangles is a bacterial disease that spreads through contact, not on the air, your Five Healthy Habits can do more to prevent transmission than in the case of an airborne virus like equine flu, where we rely on vaccination as our main line of defence.
More challenges ahead
Climate change means there is increased likelihood of additional infectious diseases affecting horses in the UK that are currently rare or unrecorded. Conditions such as West Nile Virus and African Horse Sickness are already spreading to parts of the world where outbreaks have not been recorded, meaning there is no herd immunity and horses are very susceptible.
Longer spells of warmer, wetter weather are becoming a norm, along with fewer hard frosts in winter. This changing picture can make it easier for many bacteria, viruses, and spores to survive throughout the year, increasing the prevalence of pathogens in our horses’ environments.
This means the importance of good biosecurity is only likely to increase in the coming years. By establishing healthy habits now and knowing how to protect horses from infections like strangles that are already familiar to us, we can be far better prepared for new and even more unwelcome diseases that may threaten us in the future.
Make it a pledge!
Research has shown repeatedly that knowing we should do something doesn’t always translate into actually doing it. Wouldn’t life be easier if it did?! But there are also proven tactics we can use to increase our chances of starting and sticking to a new habit:
Break it down into manageable steps
Do it with a friend or as a group
Turn your intention into a positive statement
Tell other people
Pairing up with a friend is known to help make it more likely we’ll stick to our good intentions.
Redwings developed the ‘Stamp Out Strangles’ pledge to help give horse owners the best chance of introducing and sustaining good biosecurity habits. By taking the free online pledge horse owners, yard managers, vets and equine professionals are joining a growing network of equestrians who want to actively protect horses from infectious disease.
All pledgers receive a Strangles: Speak Out information pack, endorsed by the British Equine Veterinary Association, which is full of advice, information and ready to use resources. Regular, practical emails share additional ideas, reminders and top tips to help us all reach the point where protecting our horses from infectious disease is a habit we no longer need to think about.
In a survey of horse owners who had pledged to Stamp Out Strangles, 75% of respondents said their biosecurity had improved since taking the pledge, and 100% would recommend the pledge to other owners!
Pledging takes less than a minute and is completely free. Just go to the Redwings make a pledge page.
Horse owners across the UK are being urged to remain vigilant following a rise in equine influenza cases reported across multiple regions this month.
According to British Equestrian, citing data from the Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS), a. total of six outbreaks have been identified across Essex, Suffolk, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, Hertfordshire and Kent, raising fresh concerns about the spread of the highly contagious respiratory disease.
Equine influenza can spread rapidly between horses through direct contact, shared equipment, or airborne transmission. Symptoms typically include fever, coughing, nasal discharge and lethargy, and outbreaks can lead to significant disruption for yards, competitions and events.
While vaccination remains a key line of defence, recent cases have included horses that were up to date with their vaccinations. This has prompted renewed calls for strict biosecurity measures, particularly when travelling, competing or introducing new horses to a yard.
British Equestrian has also highlighted concerns that increased horse movement, including imported horses, may be contributing to the spread of the virus.
Horse owners and yard managers are being advised to:
Monitor horses closely for clinical signs
Isolate any suspected cases immediately
Avoid sharing equipment between horses
Ensure good hygiene practices across yards
Check vaccination status and consult vets where needed
The latest developments come as the industry continues to manage ongoing health risks alongside wider pressures, including weather disruption and rising costs.
With the spring and summer competition season underway, maintaining strong biosecurity protocols is expected to be critical in limiting further spread and protecting both horse welfare and equestrian activity across the UK.
A century-old animal welfare charity has unveiled a new name as it looks to strengthen its global identity and highlight the vital role of working animals worldwide.
SPANA will now be known as Working Animals International, a move the organisation says better reflects both the scale of its work and the communities it supports across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America.
Founded in 1923, the charity has expanded far beyond its origins in North Africa and now focuses on improving access to veterinary care, supporting animal owners with essential knowledge and skills, and campaigning for policy change.
Working animals—including horses, donkeys, mules, camels and others—remain central to daily life in many parts of the world. They provide transport to markets, schools and hospitals, and enable millions of people to earn a living and support their families. Despite this, their welfare is often overlooked.
Chief Executive Linda Edwards said the new name would help the organisation better communicate its purpose and broaden engagement.
“We are proud to launch our new name and brand. Our mission remains the same, but our new identity makes it clearer, more recognisable and easier for people to engage with and support.
“With a stronger voice, we are working towards a world where working animals are properly valued and cared for. When they thrive, so do the communities who depend on them every day – for income, for food, and for access to essential services like getting to school or to hospital.”
The rebrand follows an extensive consultation process involving supporters, donors, colleagues and partners across multiple countries, and reflects the organisation’s growing impact in partnerships, policy influence and frontline support.
Edwards added:
“This marks an important moment in our history. For more than a century, we have combined practical expertise with compassion to support working animals and the communities who depend on them, and that work continues to grow.
“As climate pressures and economic uncertainty grow, working animals and the communities who rely on them are under increasing strain. We must be in the strongest possible position to support them, and this new identity allows us to do exactly that.”
To mark the launch, the charity is hosting a photography exhibition, Impossible to Overlook, at the FUJIFILM House of Photography in Covent Garden, London, from 22 to 26 April. The exhibition showcases the essential and often unrecognised role of working animals around the world, featuring work from photographers in India, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Morocco.
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is a common and often frustrating condition that can affect horses of all types and disciplines. It does not always present in obvious ways. Some horses become irritable or underperform, while others show only very subtle changes. Without gastroscopic examination, or scoping, it can be difficult to confirm, meaning some horses may go undiagnosed for extended periods.
Awareness of EGUS has increased significantly in recent years, along with research into how feeding and management influence its development. As a result, horse owners now have a much clearer understanding of how to reduce risk and support horses that may be affected.
Understanding the horse’s digestive system
To understand EGUS, it helps to consider how the horse is naturally designed to eat. Horses are trickle feeders, evolved to graze for the majority of the day on fibrous forage. This near-constant intake supports a healthy digestive system and helps maintain balance within the stomach.
As horses chew forage, they produce large amounts of saliva. This saliva plays an important role in buffering the acid that is continuously produced in the stomach. Unlike humans, horses produce stomach acid all the time, not just when they eat. This means that long periods without forage can leave the stomach lining exposed and more vulnerable to irritation.
Modern management can interrupt this natural pattern. Stabling, limited turnout, feeding set meals and including higher levels of concentrate feeds can all reduce chewing time and increase the gap between forage intake. Over time, this can create conditions that increase the risk of ulcer development.
Types of EGUS
Although EGUS is often used as a general term, it actually refers to two distinct conditions, each affecting a different area of the stomach and with slightly different underlying causes.
Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD)
This form affects the upper part of the stomach, which has little natural protection against acid. ESGD is commonly linked to feeding and management practices, particularly periods without forage, high-starch diets and intensive exercise.
When a horse exercises on an empty stomach, acid can move upwards and come into contact with this sensitive area. Repeated exposure over time can lead to irritation and ulceration.
Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD)
EGGD affects the lower part of the stomach. This region is designed to cope with acid, but it relies on a strong protective lining. When this defence is weakened, ulcers can develop.
Stress is thought to play a significant role in EGGD, alongside factors such as illness, medication use and changes in routine. This type of ulcer can sometimes be more complex to manage and may require a combination of veterinary treatment and careful management changes.
Which horses are affected?
It is now clear that EGUS is not limited to racehorses. While it remains common in Thoroughbreds in training, studies have shown that many other horses are affected.
Performance horses such as eventers, dressage horses, endurance horses and show jumpers are frequently at risk due to the demands of training, travel and competition. However, leisure horses can also be affected, particularly if their routine includes restricted forage, limited turnout or inconsistent feeding patterns.
Horses and ponies of any breed, age or workload can develop EGUS, which is why it is important for all owners to be aware of the condition.
Risk factors associated with EGUS
EGUS rarely has a single cause. It is usually the result of several risk factors coming together over time.
Low forage intake is one of the most significant contributors. Feeding less than around 1.5 percent of bodyweight as forage, or leaving horses without forage for more than four to six hours, increases risk.
High-starch diets and large concentrate meals can also contribute, as they reduce chewing time and may increase stomach acidity. Exercising a horse on an empty stomach is another well-recognised risk, as it allows acid to move more freely within the stomach.
Additional factors include stress from travel, competition or changes in routine, restricted access to water, use of certain medications such as NSAIDs, and social or environmental pressures.
When horses eat forage, they produce far more saliva than when eating concentrate feeds. This saliva contains natural buffers that help neutralise stomach acid, which highlights just how important fibre is in the diet.
Clinical signs
The signs of EGUS can vary widely and are not always easy to recognise. Some horses show clear signs of discomfort, while others display more subtle changes in behaviour or performance.
Changes in eating habits are often one of the first indicators. A horse may become fussy with feed, eat more slowly or leave part of its ration. Weight loss or difficulty maintaining condition can also be seen.
Behavioural changes are common. Horses may become more irritable, less willing to work or sensitive when being groomed or girthed. In ridden horses, a drop in performance or reluctance to go forward is often reported.
Some horses may also experience recurrent, mild episodes of colic, particularly where no other cause can be identified.
Nutritional management to reduce risk
Forage provision
Providing adequate forage is one of the most effective ways to support gastric health. Ideally, horses should have access to forage at all times to mimic natural grazing behaviour.
If forage needs to be controlled, for example in good-doers, it is still important not to drop below around 1.5 percent of bodyweight. Using small-holed haynets, double netting or offering forage in several locations can help extend eating time and encourage more natural feeding patterns.
Spreading forage across the day and overnight also helps reduce long periods without food, which are a key risk factor for ulcer development.
Managing starch and concentrates
Keeping starch intake within recommended levels is important. Feeding smaller meals more frequently can help reduce the impact on the stomach and improve overall digestion.
Where possible, choosing fibre-based feeds instead of high-starch concentrates can support a healthier digestive environment. If additional energy is needed, adding oil to the diet can increase calorie intake without increasing starch levels.
Supporting gastric health
Simple feeding practices can make a noticeable difference. Offering a small amount of forage, such as chaff or alfalfa, before exercise can help reduce acid movement within the stomach.
Alfalfa is often included in diets for horses prone to ulcers because it is naturally higher in calcium, which may help buffer stomach acid. Oil can also be added to support energy requirements in a more digestive-friendly way.
Ensuring constant access to fresh, clean water is equally important, as hydration plays a key role in maintaining normal digestive function.
Reducing stress
Management and routine have a strong influence on gastric health. Horses benefit from consistency, so keeping feeding, turnout and exercise routines as regular as possible can help reduce stress.
Turnout and social interaction are also valuable, as they allow horses to express natural behaviours. For performance horses, balancing training with adequate rest is important. Managing travel carefully and avoiding long periods without forage when away from home can also help reduce risk.
Additional support
Some horses may require more than management changes alone, particularly in more severe cases. Veterinary advice should always be sought where EGUS is suspected, as diagnosis and treatment plans can vary depending on the type and severity.
There are also supplements available that are designed to support gastric health. These can be useful alongside good feeding and management, but they should not replace the basics of a fibre-rich diet and consistent routine.
Final thoughts
EGUS is a complex but increasingly well understood condition. By aligning feeding and management practices more closely with the horse’s natural behaviour, the risk can be significantly reduced.
A consistent routine, a fibre-focused diet and careful attention to stress all play an important role. With early recognition and thoughtful management, many horses can remain comfortable, healthy and able to perform to their full potential.
There is plenty for British equestrian sport to celebrate in the latest FEI Youth Rankings, with riders delivering standout performances across both dressage and eventing and reinforcing the strength of the nation’s next generation.
Leading the way is Ella Howard (GBR), who continues to hold the number one position in the FEI Junior Eventing World Rankings on 98 points. Maintaining her place at the top of the global standings, while also sitting inside the top 10 in the Young Riders rankings, marks her out as one of the most exciting young talents in the sport today.
In dressage, Isla Sully (GBR) has secured an impressive third place in the FEI Junior Rankings alongside Vagabond de Massa on 1,729 points. With three wins already recorded at Hartpury earlier this month, the British combination looks well set to climb even higher in the next rankings update, adding further momentum to an already strong season.
Depth of Talent Across British Eventing
The strength of British eventing is once again evident across the youth rankings, with multiple riders featuring among the world’s best.
Alice Casburn (GBR), the 2022 European Young Riders champion, holds third place in the FEI U25 Eventing Rankings on 197 points, continuing to demonstrate consistency at the highest level of age-group competition.
Meanwhile, last month’s World No.1 in the FEI Young Riders Eventing Rankings, Elizabeth Barratt (GBR), now sits just off the top spot in second place on 133 points, with last month’s No.2 Irish Rider Momo Sheehey now on top, The rider looks firmly in contention to take the top spot once again.
Together, these results highlight not only individual success but also the depth of talent coming through the British system.
A Promising Future for British Equestrian Sport
The FEI Youth Rankings, now given greater prominence, offer a valuable snapshot of the athletes who are shaping the future of international equestrian sport. For Great Britain, the latest standings paint a particularly encouraging picture.
With a world number one, multiple podium positions and strong representation across disciplines, British riders are continuing to build a pathway of success from youth level through to senior competition.
As the 2026 season unfolds and key championships approach, these performances provide every reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead for British equestrian sport.
What Are the FEI Youth Rankings?
The FEI oversees around 70 rankings and standings across disciplines including, jumping, dressage, eventing, endurance and para dressage. Youth rankings track performances across junior, young rider and under-25 categories, offering a clear pathway from emerging talent to elite international competition.
A new UK-based equestrian brand, Mulmet, is gaining attention with the launch of a lightweight horse riding helmet designed to support comfort during longer periods in the saddle. Founded in 2025 by Sara Li, the brand draws on more than 15 years of helmet manufacturing experience to introduce a new approach to rider-focused design.
Mulmet’s debut helmet weighs just 450g, making it significantly lighter than many traditional riding helmets, while meeting ASTM F1163-23 and CE EN1384:2023 safety standards. Crucially, the helmet is approved by the British Horse Society (BHS), British Showjumping and British Dressage, meaning it meets the requirements for competitive riding in the UK.
Lightweight Riding Helmet Designed for Comfort and Performance
Comfort remains an important factor for riders, particularly during training sessions, competitions and long days in the saddle. Mulmet’s design reduces overall helmet weight, improves airflow to support rider concentration and addresses the very real issue of headaches and discomfort over long rides.
Early feedback from professional riders and trainers has been positive, particularly in relation to fit and comfort. Riders have reported that the lightweight feel allows them to maintain focus without distraction.
Advanced Helmet Technology with Certified Safety Standards
Mulmet’s riding helmet incorporates two proprietary technologies developed over more than 15 years of manufacturing and research.
Multi-density EPS foaming uses engineered expanded polystyrene to deliver effective impact absorption while reducing weight. This allows the helmet to weigh around 450g compared to approximately 1,000 to 1,500g for many comparable helmets on the market.
Angle-moulded ventilation introduces seven ventilation channels using angled geometry and hidden reinforcement. This design improves airflow while maintaining the structural integrity required for safety certification.
Founder of Mulmet Helmets, Sara Li
Direct-to-Consumer
Mulmet has adopted a direct-to-consumer model, selling its horse riding helmets through equestrian events and its own online platform rather than traditional retail channels. You won’t find the helmets in stores, filtering out noise to help customers make an educated, rather than over-saturated decision.
In 2025, the brand launched at major UK horse trials including, Badminton, Burghley, Your Horse Live and the London International Horse Show. Riders visiting the stand frequently commented on the helmet’s lightweight feel, with many choosing to purchase after trying in person.
Mulmet to Showcase Helmets at Major UK Horse Shows in 2026
Mulmet is set to attend more than 20 horse shows across the UK in 2026, including the Mars Badminton Horse Trials. Founder Sara Li will be present to answer any questions and again, offer riders the ability to try the helmets firsthand.
The brand is also launching a rider sponsorship initiative through the Mulmet Riders Team, supporting both amateur and competitive riders across the UK equestrian community.
A Highly Skilled Founder
Sara Li brings over 15 years of experience in equestrian helmet manufacturing. She co-owned and directed a helmet manufacturing company in Taiwan from 2009 to 2025, helping grow it into a globally recognised supplier and contributing to three Taiwan National Excellence Awards.
She holds an MBA from Warwick Business School and an MSc in Entrepreneurship from UCL. Mulmet reflects her combined experience in manufacturing, innovation and business strategy, with both core helmet technologies developed under her leadership from concept through to certification.
Eight of the world’s leading showjumping nations have been confirmed for the Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain, taking place on Friday 24 July during the Agria Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead.
Host nation Great Britain will take on a strong field including Belgium, France, Germany and Ireland, alongside a returning Canadian team competing at Hickstead for the first time in 44 years. Brazil also returns to the line-up, while the United Arab Emirates complete the eight-nation field following their team debut at the show last summer.
The UAE impressed on their first appearance in 2025, producing consistent performances throughout the week. Their standout results came in the Al Shira’aa King George V Gold Cup, where Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi finished second, and Abdullah Mohammed Al Marri placed sixth.
British riders will be aiming to regain the Edward, Prince of Wales Trophy after narrowly missing out on victory last year.
“It’s set to be an exciting year with the British team hoping to regain the Edward, Prince of Wales Trophy after winning it in 2023 and 2024 then finishing runners-up to Germany last summer,” said Hickstead Director Lizzie Bunn.
This year’s Nations Cup could also play an important role in preparations for the FEI World Showjumping Championships in Aachen, which take place just over two weeks later.
“Aachen takes place just over two weeks after Hickstead, but both showgrounds feature large open grass arenas, and would suit a similar type of horse, so you might end up with some horses having their last run at Hickstead ahead of the Championships,” Bunn added.
“Other riders may have several top horses to choose from, and a strong performance in the Hickstead Nations Cup would be a confidence boost for any team heading to the Championships.”
With its traditional grass arena and long-standing prestige, Hickstead remains one of the most influential venues on the international circuit, offering both a major team title and a key opportunity to build momentum ahead of championship competition.
The Agria Royal International Horse Show runs from 21 to 26 July, with the Nations Cup taking centre stage on Friday 24 July.
Key Details
Event: Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain
Venue: Hickstead, West Sussex
Date: Friday 24 July 2026
Show Dates: 21 to 26 July 2026
Nations: Great Britain, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Canada, Brazil, UAE
FEI Rankings April 2026: Scott Brash holds world number one as pressure builds
Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) has released its latest monthly rankings, with Britain’s Scott Brash maintaining his position at the top of the Longines Rankings, although his advantage is beginning to narrow as rivals close in during a competitive start to the 2026 season.
Brash, who delivered a standout performance in Paris last month with Hello Chadora Lady, sits on 3,497 points. However, American rider Kent Farrington has reduced the gap to just 196 points after securing victory in Wellington, underlining how quickly the leaderboard could shift in the coming weeks.
Longines Rankings: momentum building behind Brash
While Brash remains in control for now, the chasing pack is gathering momentum. Germany’s Richard Vogel has moved into third place following an impressive run of four international victories across Ocala and Wellington, climbing above Britain’s Ben Maher, who now sits fourth.
Belgium’s Gilles Thomas holds steady in fifth, while France’s Nina Mallevaey continues her rise, moving into sixth and retaining her position as the highest-ranked female rider.
Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam also climbs the standings to seventh, reflecting consistent performances on the international circuit, while France’s Julien Epaillard remains eighth.
Further movement sees Olympic individual gold medallist Christian Kukuk drop to ninth, with USA’s Laura Kraut rounding out the top 10.
Outside the top 10, McLain Ward has slipped to 12th and will be absent from upcoming competition due to injury following a fall earlier in the spring, a setback that could impact his ranking position further in the months ahead.
Longines League of Nations: USA holds off challengers
In team competition, the Longines League of Nations standings remain tightly contested. Team USA continues to lead on 15,258 points, but Belgium has edged closer in second, narrowing the gap compared to previous months.
A notable change sees France move ahead of Great Britain into third place, with Team GBR now fourth. Ireland remains fifth, followed by Germany and the Netherlands, with Switzerland, Italy and Brazil completing the top 10.
With only small margins separating several of the leading nations, the standings remain highly fluid as the season progresses.
Eventing: Harry Meade leads strong British presence
In the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings, Britain’s Harry Meade continues to lead the way on 588 points, maintaining a comfortable advantage at the top.
Meade’s position comes at a key point in the season, with multiple top-level entries planned for both Badminton and Kentucky, highlighting the depth of form within his string.
USA’s Boyd Martin remains second on 537 points, while Britain’s Laura Collett holds third on 469. Collett is currently recovering from surgery following a fall but is expected to return to competition, adding further intrigue to the rankings battle.
The remainder of the top 10 remains unchanged, with New Zealand’s Tim Price fourth, followed by Britain’s Ros Canter in fifth and Tom McEwen in sixth — underlining the continued strength of British eventing on the world stage.
Para dressage: Howard continues dominance
In para dressage, Fiona Howard remains the dominant force in the individual rankings. The Paris 2024 triple gold medallist has extended her lead to 1,646 points following another series of victories in Wellington, achieved with a temporary mount while her usual partnership remains sidelined.
Germany’s Heidemarie Dresing stays second, with Kate Shoemaker in third.
The USA also leads the team standings, ahead of Great Britain and Germany, with little change among the top nations.
Driving and endurance: tight margins and steady leaders
In driving, Germany’s Anna Sandmann has taken over the number one position in the pairs rankings, where just two points separate the top three competitors.
Australia’s Boyd Exell continues to dominate the four-in-hand standings, maintaining a significant lead, while France’s Marion Vignaud holds firm at the top of the singles rankings.
In endurance, France’s Melody Theolissat retains her position as world number one rider, despite limited appearances at the highest level so far this season.
Meanwhile, India’s Bhanwar Singh Khiv Singh Rathore continues to lead the trainers’ rankings, highlighting the global spread of talent across the discipline.
What it means ahead of the spring majors
With major fixtures such as Badminton Horse Trials and the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event approaching, the April rankings provide a timely snapshot of current form across disciplines.
In jumping, the narrowing gap behind Brash suggests the world number one position is far from secure, while in eventing, a strong British contingent continues to dominate the upper ranks.
Across all disciplines, the early months of the season are already shaping the narrative for 2026 — and with key competitions still to come, further changes in the rankings appear inevitable.
Feature image: Scott BRASH (GBR) and HELLO FOLIE compete in the team final at the Longines FEI Jumping European Championship 2025 – Casas Novas, A Coruña, Galicia, Spain – 18 July 2025 – photo Jon Stroud Media
A major format change has been announced for one of showing’s most prestigious titles, as Horse of the Year Show confirms a new structure for The Price Family Supreme In-Hand Championship at HOYS 2026.
The update will see all qualified exhibits given the opportunity to compete across both arenas, marking a significant shift aimed at improving visibility, inclusivity and spectator experience at the show.
What has changed for 2026
Under the revised format, 20 qualified animals will contest the championship. All exhibits will first undergo pre-judging in the TopSpec Arena before coming together for the final judging and presentation in the Andrews Bowen International Arena.
Previously, competitors were split into two sections based on height, with only the top two from each class progressing to the final championship in the main arena.
The new approach removes that restriction, ensuring every qualified exhibit appears in both arenas across the championship process.
Why the change matters
The updated format is designed to elevate the experience for competitors, owners and spectators alike. By allowing all qualified animals to be seen in both phases of the competition, the championship becomes more inclusive while also offering audiences a fuller showcase of quality across the classes.
The Supreme In-Hand Championship remains one of the most sought-after titles in the showing calendar, bringing together a diverse range of breeds and types in a single, high-profile final.
GameZone news is structured to give players a clear understanding of what is currently active and what is coming next on the platform.
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Becky Moody secured victory at the FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Fort Worth, Texas, delivering a personal best score of 88.330% with her homebred gelding Jagerbomb in Saturday night’s Grand Prix Freestyle.
Competing at her first World Cup Final, the British rider added the title to her growing list of achievements after already topping Thursday’s Grand Prix. The result marks a major milestone for Moody and underlines her emergence as a serious contender on the global dressage stage.
Christian Simonson (USA) finished second with Indian Rock on 83.810%, while Sandra Sysojeva (POL) claimed third with Maxima Bella (80.770%).
The win represents a breakthrough moment for Moody, who continues to build on her Olympic success with Jagerbomb and is rapidly establishing herself among the world’s elite dressage riders.
The Grand Prix Freestyle at Dickies Arena delivered a charged atmosphere, with spectators fully embracing the occasion. In true Texas fashion, fans reacted to every extended trot and musical highlight, creating a lively backdrop throughout the evening.
Several combinations rose to the energy of the crowd, with riders encouraging the noise and celebrating their horses at the end of their tests. The night also carried an emotional moment as Morgan Barbancon (FRA) confirmed it would be her final competitive ride with Sir Donnerhall II OLD, who retires at the age of 20.
Pressure builds as leaderboard shifts
The competition remained wide open heading into the final stages. Germany’s Raphael Netz had held the lead for much of the class before the final group of riders reshaped the standings.
Christian Simonson produced a personal best performance with Indian Rock, delivering expressive work in the pirouettes and half passes to a Rocky-inspired musical programme. His score set a strong target and briefly moved him into the lead.
Sandra Sysojeva followed with Maxima Bella, impressing with a confident test that included elements of her Paris 2024 choreography, securing a podium position before the final combination entered the arena.
Moody delivers under pressure
Last to go, Moody and Jagerbomb entered the arena with the title on the line and delivered a composed and technically demanding Freestyle set to a compilation of tracks by The Beatles.
The programme featured a sequence of challenging transitions and tempi changes, with the pair excelling in balance and accuracy throughout. Their performance was rewarded across the judging panel, including a score of 90.235% from the judge at H.
“I’ve never ridden in an arena like that,” Moody said. “It’s just insane to be part of such a cool competition. The crowd here was absolutely something else. To be sat here with these riders is just fantastic. I think all of our horses are complete and utter diamonds.”
“Today, right from the get-go, [Jagerbomb] was just so focused and so with me,” she added. “The beauty of the Freestyle is that you are able to showcase your horse’s strengths, and he finds the changes on the curved lines very easy, and because he is good in the balance, he can go from one movement to another without a struggle.”
Key Results – FEI Dressage World Cup Final Freestyle
British rider Becky Moody made a strong start to her FEI Dressage World Cup Final debut, taking victory in the opening Grand Prix with her homebred gelding Jagerbomb at Dickies Arena on Thursday night.
Competing in Fort Worth, Texas, Moody and her Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medal partner delivered a standout test to score 76.761%, putting them firmly at the top of the leaderboard heading into the decisive freestyle.
“I had that nice balance of energy, but with relaxation as well,” Moody said. “I always say, he’s not exceptional at anything, but he is just really good at everything. So he’s just a joy to ride in an arena like that, and it was an amazing crowd.”
Moody’s performance carried added significance, with Jagerbomb a horse she bred and produced herself. The partnership’s journey to the World Cup Final included a major milestone, as both horse and rider experienced international air travel for the first time en route to the United States.
“I had never flown a horse before, and he had never flown before, so that was a factor in my decision making,” she explained. “I wanted that experience… and I’m really glad that I did, because we definitely learned things.”
Strong international field pushes early leaderboard
American rider Christian Simonson claimed second place with Indian Rock on 75.413%, impressing the home crowd with a composed performance.
“It feels a bit surreal to even say that I’m here at a World Cup Final,” he said. “’Rocky’ was amazing tonight… I think he and I have such a good bond together.”
Reigning champions Patrik Kittel and Touchdown finished third on 72.869%, despite minor errors in their test.
“Normally I don’t smile when I go around the ring,” Kittel said. “But then someone in the crowd [shouted], ‘We love you, Patrik,’ so I smiled before I even started.”
Kittel also praised the winning performance, adding: “[Becky’s] horse looks really happy… it just looks so harmonious, and that’s what we want to see in the sport today.”
All 16 combinations scored above 60%, securing qualification for Saturday’s Grand Prix Freestyle, where the 2026 FEI Dressage World Cup Champion will be decided.
Moody and Jagerbomb will be last to go, giving the British Dressage combination a strong position in the final phase of competition. Simonson is drawn 12th, while Kittel will compete 14th.
Despite leading, Moody believes there is still more to come.
“When you have bred them, it just adds that little bit of extra,” she said. “I don’t have any children, so he is my child. He’s just my pride and joy.”
Key Results
Becky Moody and Jagerbomb (GBR) – 76.761%
Christian Simonson and Indian Rock (USA) – 75.413%
