Day four of the NAF Five Star Hartpury Festival of Dressage delivered another sun-soaked day of world-class competition, with pristine arenas, vibrant floral decorations, and an enthusiastic crowd creating the perfect backdrop. As the competition intensified, both international and national classes brought forth some of Britain’s top riders, rising talents, and unforgettable performances.
The day opened in the International Arena with the Hazlewoods LLP Prix St Georges, judged by an international ground jury of Isobel Wessels (GBR), Eduard De Wolff Van Westerrode (NED), Susanne Baarup (DEN), and Richard Baldwin (GBR). Among 28 strong combinations, Michael Eilberg and MSJ Encore once again proved their class at Hartpury, posting 72.618% to take the win—adding to their growing list of successes at this venue.
“I’m really, really pleased with Eric,” Eilberg shared post-ride. “He’s in great form, and while there was a small mistake in the three-tempi changes, the rest of the test was exactly how I’d hoped. The facilities here have really stepped up, especially the new indoor warm-up—it’s made a huge difference.”
Sarah Higgins and Geniaal, owned by Sarah Rao, secured second with 70.941%, while Matt Frost and Kerouac followed closely in third with 70.118%.
There was also a special moment as Hartpury graduate Chris Hammond returned to familiar ground for his international dressage debut, riding Jersey Boy to a confident mid-field finish.
The Stubben Intermediate II DQ kicked off indoors at 9am, drawing a strong field of 28 combinations. Spencer Wilton impressed with the striking grey Woodcroft Django Mon Ami, earning 70.000% for the win.
“It’s only his fourth Inter II,” Wilton noted, “but he’s starting to get the hang of it. I think he has Grand Prix potential. We’ll stay at this level through Nationals, then hopefully debut at Grand Prix in the autumn.”
Gloucestershire-based Rowan Bryson and the consistently strong Izonic took second on 68.873%, while Samantha Thurman-Pickett and Gerardo placed third with 67.696%.
In the second indoor class of the day, the Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges DQ, 11 combinations presented to the judges. Darren Hicks, riding Kinnear—owned by Suzie Leon and Fiona Langdale—set the early benchmark with 67.990%, a score that held for the win.
Dannie Morgan and Vive La Reinne VH were a close second with 67.745%, while Jade Clark and Jemimah HH, last to go, completed the podium with 66.422%.
A masterclass in precision and poise was delivered in the Hartpury University and Hartpury College CDI3* Grand Prix, as Carl Hester and Fame claimed an emphatic victory in a high-quality international field.
Scoring a commanding 77.304%, Hester and the 14-year-old KWPN gelding (by Bordeaux out of a Rhodium mare), owned by Fiona Bigwood, earned first place from all five judges—Nick Burton (GBR), Susan Hoevenaars (AUS), Maria Colliander (FIN), Hans Voser (SUI), and Stephen Clarke (GBR). ride had the audience captivated and confirmed Fame as a serious contender ahead of the autumn internationals.
Gareth Hughes took second with 71.326% aboard the Lusitano mare Lufada MVL, bred by Coudelaria do Monte Velho and owned by Monica Lindstedt. The grey 9-year-old showed elegance and harmony in the collected movements, with high marks for trot work and canter pirouettes that highlighted the horse’s power and elasticity.
Just behind in third was Jessica Dunn and Dan It’s Carston, a British Warmblood gelding by Durable, scoring 70.869%. The combination produced a flowing test full of promise, with consistent marks across the board and top three scores from three judges.
Fourth and fifth places went to Laura Tomlinson. Full Moon II scored 69.783% for fourth, while Issey followed closely in fifth with 69.326%. The Fürstenball-sired Full Moon II impressed with softness and relaxation, while Issey, by Johnson, stood out for his dynamic extensions and steady contact. Speaking after her test on Full Moon II, she said: “I’m really happy with this horse who has really improved since Rotterdam. He had two nines for his extended walk, which is a first, but I’ve always known he was capable.”
Richard Davison and Intero also put in a commendable performance to finish sixth with 69.196%, demonstrating power and control in the canter work, while Henriette Andersen and Zackery claimed seventh with 67.935%, rounding out a strong British showing. Other notable performances included Alice Oppenheimer and the homebred Headmore Bella Ruby, eighth on 67.848%, and Fiona Bigwood with Donna Bella (66.152%). Ireland’s Sorrell Klatzko, riding Turbo, completed the top ten with 66.065%, representing the international flair of the competition.
“He’s a consistent scorer, having got five scores of 77%! He was much better in the frame for his test today, but it’s nice having done three different shows with different judges, giving us lots of comments to take away. I love riding this horse, he’s kind and fun. He was actually in the field this morning, put on the lorry and then came here, he’s so easy.”
Carl was quick to praise Hartpury’s efforts to assist with the British team’s preparations for big championships.
“Hartpury always put an arena out for the riders to practice in before heading to a major championship, and this support deserves a shoutout. It’s very much appreciated.”
Carl and Fame will feature during Saturday night’s Gala Evening, having confirmed their participation in the NAF Superflex CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle to Music.
Friday closed with glowing praise from riders and organisers alike. From Olympic medallists to rising stars and university alumni, Hartpury continued to deliver an inspiring showcase of British and international dressage.
With Saturday’s Gala Evening on the horizon—including the Elite Stallions Young Horse Prix St Georges Final and the NAF Five Star Superflex CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle to Music—anticipation is building for a thrilling weekend finale.
Live streaming continues on Horse & Country TV, and tickets are still available for those who want to witness the excitement in person.
