And just like that, we’ve come to this: the last 5* of our Olympic year (say it ain’t so!). Our field of 73 come up to the Pyrénées mountains to finish out our season, with everyone from tested Olympic partnerships to a healthy handful of rookie riders and pairs. Let’s see what this ragtag group has on offer as we prepare to send out 2024 with a bang!
Les 5 Etoiles de Pau (France): [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [Ultimate Guide]
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Want to jump straight to your favorite horse and rider? Click the links below to jump to their section (the combinations are listed in alphabetical order by country and last name; entries listed by draw number):
Samantha Cesnik and Graftango (AUS)
Isabel English and Cil Dara Dallas (AUS)
Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line (AUT)
Wouter de Cleene and Quintera (BEL)
Senne Vervaeck and Google van Alsingen (BEL)
Alex Hua Tian and Chicko (CHN)
Sara Bech Strøm and Dicte Aldrup (DEN)
Luc Chateau and Cocorico de l’Ebat (FRA)
Luc Chateau and Viens du Mont (FRA)
Arthur Duffort and Toronto d’Aurois (FRA)
Florian Ganneval and Erebor de Fleyres (FRA)
Camille Lejeune and Dame Decoeur Tardonne (FRA)
Cedric Lyard and Unum de’Or (FRA)
Arthur Marx and Church’ile (FRA)
Benjamin Massie and Filao de Perle (FRA)
Louis Seychal and Bakar de l’Ocean LA (FRA)
Laura Birley and Bob Cotton Bandit (GBR)
Imo Brook and San Solo (GBR)
Rosalind Canter and Izilot DHI (GBR)
Rosalind Canter and MHS Seventeen (GBR)
Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI (GBR)
Kirsty Chabert and Opposition Heraldik Girl (GBR)
Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick (GBR)
Caroline Harris and D. Day (GBR)
Ben Hobday and Shadow Man (GBR)
Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ (GBR)
Tom Jackson and Plot Twist B (GBR)
Fiona Kashel and Creevagh Silver de Haar (GBR)
Emily King and Valmy Biats (GBR)
Katie Magee and Treworra (GBR)
Piggy March and Halo (GBR)
Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality (GBR)
Selina Milnes and Cooley Snapchat (GBR)
Aimee Penny and PSH Encore (GBR)
Aimee Penny and PSH Gazelle (GBR)
Jack Pinkney and Rehy Revelation (GBR)
Kylie Roddy and SRS Kan Do (GBR)
Tom Rowland and KND Steel Pulse (GBR)
Tom Rowland and Quintilius (GBR)
Storm Straker and Fever Pitch (GBR)
Zara Tindall and Class Affair (GBR)
Alexander Tordoff and Cool Jack (GBR)
Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent (GBR)
Oliver Townend and Crazy du Loir (GBR)
Oliver Townend and En Taro des Vernier (GBR)
Isabel White and Icarus (GBR)
Nicolai Aldinger and Timmo (GER)
Arne Bergendahl and Luthien NRW (GER)
Daragh Byrne and Kilcannon Ramiro (IRL)
Ian Cassells and Millridge Atlantis (IRL)
Dominic Furnell and Bellscross Guy (IRL)
Dominic Furnell and Ivanhoe (IRL)
Robbie Kearns and Ballyvillane OBOS (IRL)
Robbie Kearns and Chance Encounter (IRL)
Jennifer Kuehnle and Sammy Davis Junior (IRL)
Joseph Murphy and Belline Fighting Spirit (IRL)
Patrick Whelan and Ikoon Lan (IRL)
Paolo Torlonia and ESI Bethany Bay (ITA)
Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG (LTU)
James Avery and MBF Connection (NZL)
Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park (NZL)
Samantha Lissington and Lord Seekonig (NZL)
Tayla Mason and Centennial (NZL)
Caroline Powell and CBI Aldo (NZL)
Caroline Powell and High Time (NZL)
Tim Price and Jarillo (NZL)
Ginny Thomasen and Capitaine de Hus Z (NZL)
Wiktoria Knap and Quintus 134 (POL)
Frida Andersen and Box Leo (SWE)
Malin Asai and Golden Midnight (SWE)
William Coleman and Off The Record (USA)
Boyd Martin and Fedarman B (USA)
Boyd Martin and Miss Lulu Herself (USA)
***
Nicolai Aldinger and Timmo (GER)
Germany’s Nicolai Aldinger returns to Pau for a second time after finishing 13th here in 2019 with Newell. This time, he’s brought his experienced campaigner Timmo, for his third start at the 5* level. Timmo, who is 14 this year, notched his first 5* completion at Luhmühlen in June of this year, where an annoying 20 on cross country marred an otherwise competitive weekend that saw him lay down a 30.9 in the first phase. He’ll be back with more experience and maturity for this effort, coming off a podium finish in the 4*-S at Strzegom in Poland as his final FEI prep for this weekend. This pair is capable of a high-20s dressage score, and even if they score closer to their average in the low- or mid-30s, Nicolai’s goal will be to finish as close to that mark as possible – and at any 5* competition, it would be silly to place a ton of merit on dressage scores alone. This pair’s record has been marked by a few show jumping rails and, interestingly, a fair bit of time penalties on the final day, but strong jumping performances this weekend will place Nicolai and Timmo in good standing come awards time.
Frida Andersen and Box Leo (SWE)
Fresh off the back of her second Olympic appearance in Paris this Summer, former Pony and Young Rider team rider Frida brings forward Box Leo, her partner in Paris, to both of their first 5*. 12th in Paris, this pair were also part of the Swedish World Championship team in Pratoni in 2022 too, finishing best of the team in 17th place with just a rail and time faults to add to their dressage score. They were also called up for the Europeans in Haras du Pin last year, again finishing within the top 20.
Competed up to 4* level with Ludwig Svennerstal, Frida took the reins on Box Leo in 2021, and alongside their Championship appearances, the pair have finished in the top 25 in all of their FEI starts together, including an eighth place at CHIO Aachen last year. Frida, who has degrees in both Dental Hygiene and Sport and Business, spent two years in Germany training with Frank and Sara Algotsson Otsholt before returning home to Sweden. She is now trained by her mother Annki Andersen-Gerdin, and in 2019, she moved to Boxholm to work alongside the breeder, Therese Orup, who bred Box Leo. “I like to compete and love to win, I’m a really competitive person,” she says of herself, and so she will be leaving the start box on a mission to succeed in this, her first 5*.
Malin Asai and Golden Midnight (SWE)
Swedish World Championships rider Malin Asai brings forward Golden Midnight, the horse she was named as Traveling Reserve for Paris with, this weekend for a third attempt at the 5* level. This pair was 22nd in a strong debut at Badminton back in 2019, after which they focused more heavily on championship competition. Now that the Olympics are in the rearview, Malin turns her attention back to 5* competition, where she’ll look to improve on her Badminton finishing score of 57.2 She jumped around clear with time and also delivered a double clear show jumping there, and in the intervening years she has managed to get the dressage marks down a bit. Pau provides an opening for Malin to really put the experience she and Golden Midnight have gained over the past few seasons of championship prep and competition, and a finish on a score in the 30s or 40s would be a strong one for this seasoned pair.
James Avery and MBF Connection (NZL) | Groom: Tori Morris
James describes MBF Connection — or “Louis,” as he is known at home — as “a laidback character, who is passionate about good food and wine.” Fitting then, that he made his 5* debut here in Pau last year, and finished within the top 10 to boot. Since then, his form has continued, with three top 25 finishes in as many starts at 4*, including the highly competitive Luhmuhlen earlier this Spring.
Previously campaigned by Matthew Heath and then Harry Horgan, James — who is based with his fiancée Holly Woodhead at Honington Grange Wellness and Rehabilitation Centre in Lincolnshire – took the ride on Louis in 2021, recording a win on their very first outing together. James will no doubt be seeking to improve on last year’s result this week, and cementing his place as a rising star within Team New Zealand’s ever-growing arsenal.
Sara Bech Strøm and Dicte Aldrup (DEN)
A fall midway around cross country at Luhmühlen ended Danish rider Sara Bech Strøm’s 5* debut with the 14-year-old Danish Warmblood mare Dicte Aldrup, and now she’s back to fight another day at Pau this weekend.Sara Bech is an experienced rider in high-pressure scenarios, representing Denmark thrice in Junior European Championships (all with this special mare), and this pair has shown consistent form throughout their FEI career as they continue to hone the details that equal success at the highest levels. They have certainly encountered their share of growing pains as they gain further experience at the Advanced and 4* level, and their dressage scores have kept them from being more competitive, but they’ve done a load of preparatory events to get ready to step up, having begun their 4* track back in 2019. A fun fact about this partnership is that this has been Sara Bech’s only FEI eventing horse, and this mare has done all of her competitions with the same rider. Sara Bech has also benefited from the tutelage of William Fox-Pitt, with whom she has been based to further her eventing and horsemanship education.
Arne Bergendahl and Luthien NRW (GER)
This weekend marks a sophomore 5* effort for both Luthien NRW and her rider, Arne Bergendahl, who finished 14th overall in their debut at Luhmühlen in 2023. After a later start to their 2024 season, this pair has aimed at Pau for their next 5*, collecting two 4*-S podium finishes, one at Maarsbergen in the Netherlands and one at Strzegom last month, along the way. This is another pair who lean a little more on their jumping ability, not quite able to catch the top scores yet in the first phase with their high-30s average. But jumping is their jam, and they’ve got a fairly clear FEI cross country and jumping record. They’re also quick, picking up just two seconds of time at Luhmühlen, and if they can replicate this performance and deliver a double clear on show jumping, it’ll be a strong finish for this pair.
Laura Birley and Bob Cotton Bandit (GBR) | Groom: Jan Birley
Laura Birley and Bob Cotton Bandit, her partner of nine-and-a-half years, made their 5* debut at Luhmuhlen earlier this year, and in doing so surpassed all expectations — even those of Laura and her connections. “Bandit”, who has no recorded breeding, was not bought as an event horse, and certainly not one destined for the top level of the sport — instead, his intended career path was as a riding club horse for Laura’s mum, Jan, who will be grooming for the pair out in Germany. However, when he proved a little over enthusiastic at his first few competitive outings, Laura took on the ride to produce up the levels and eventually sell.
Bandit never stopped rising to the challenge, however, continuing to prove his worth at every level. Unfortunately, Laura made the decision to withdraw Bandit before the show jumping in Luhmuhlen, so here’s hoping they have a better run at the level on this occasion. Their form has certainly not suffered since then, with a top 25 in the 4*S at Blair and top ten at the same level in Ballindenisk; now just to finish their season on a high with a successful completion at the top level of the sport. Not bad for a riding club horse!
Imo Brook and San Solo (GBR) | Groom: Emma Brook
One of the best thing about 5*’s, is their tendency to highlight the many origin stories of the lesser known faces on the entry list, some of which are of the fairytale variety. Such is the case with Imo Brook, and her rider here San Solo, who she moved through the levels together, and make both of their 5* debut here in Pau this week. Bought for Imo as an eight year old, when she was just 17, “Solo” has been the horse of a lifetime for this talented young rider thus far. Together they have done everything from under-18 championships to Young Rider trials, and Imo was the youngest rider to complete at Blenheim in the 4*L in 2022 with Solo. Despite being bred as a dressage horse, Solo has taken to eventing like a duck to water- “he loves to gallop and jump,” says Imo, and indeed, his lack of blood doesn’t slow him down all that much! Imo, who broke her pelvis in a particularly nasty fall at Bramham last year, rides out for Alan King and Simon Earle, as well as driving for Weyhill Horse Transport, giving new meaning to the word multi-tasker!
Daragh Byrne and Kilcannon Ramiro (IRL) | Groom: Aaron Smullen
Daragh’s dad, James Byrne, bought ‘Kilcannon’ as an unbroken three-year-old from the Goresbridge sales and the gelding promptly became his pride and joy and, as Daragh acknowledges, his “equine child”. James has never missed a competition and even groomed for the sweet gelding at Pau last year. This guy is pretty enormous, so he’s been brought up through the levels slowly to give him time as he matured, generally stepping up a level each year. This will be his third CCI5* start and Daragh will have all his fingers and toes crossed that it’ll be a first completion.
An unfortunate rider fall at Pau last year saw his debut at the level end early, then two unlucky drive-bys at Badminton had Daragh putting up his hand and walking home. But both runs are experience in the bank and, overall, his cross country jumping record is impressively clean. The first phase is still a work in progress and it’s likely we’ll see a high-30s score for them, and it would be fair to say the show jumping is similar, although he has shown a marked improvement this season and has kept it to just the one pole down. But that’s all relative, what we’re looking for here is the finish flags on cross country day which have thus far eluded this pair, and the celebrations from Daragh – and his dad – should everything align this time around will be suitably joyous, for sure.
Rosalind Canter and Izilot DHI (GBR)
Last year’s Pau champion could well have been in the running to be Ros Canter’s Paris horse, though the selectors in the end gave the nod to the slightly more experienced Lordships Graffalo for this Olympics. “Isaac” is certainly an Olympic-caliber horse, though, and he’s proven this time and time again with strong performances at the 4* and 5* level. He has had the issue or two at the beefy British 5* events, with Ros opting to retire after early trouble at both Badminton and Burghley this year with the notoriously quirky and spooky Dutch gelding, but when he’s on, he’s on and more than capable of delivering a winning performance across all three phases. This horse has been far from straightforward as Ros has produced him, and she even admitted that winning Pau last year was not even remotely in her plan – instead she had hoped to give her horse a positive experience at the 5* level and perhaps come away with one less spook on the weekend. They’re coming in hot off a win in the Little Downham 4*-S to prepare for this, and there’s no reason to believe that a repeat win isn’t in the cards for Ros and Isaac – except perhaps this year she’ll be aiming for the win!
Rosalind Canter and MHS Seventeen (GBR)
Ros Canter also has a second ride this weekend in the debutant MHS Seventeen, a slightly newer ride for her as she took the reins over late in 2022 from Nicola Wilson. MHS Seventeen was fourth in the tough 4*-L at Bramham this summer, building on his podium finish at Boekelo last October to cap off his first season at the level. He now comes into this Pau primed and ready off a fourth place finish in the 4*-S at Little Downham. He’s also proven he can catch the time on a longer course and can also still leave all the jump poles up on Sunday. Could this be another debut win for Ros, who by now should be running out of space on her shelf for 5* trophies? Time will tell, but we can tell you Ros is a rider to very alertly keep your eyes on this weekend with her two exceptionally strong rides.
Ian Cassells and Millridge Atlantis (IRL)
Irish rider Ian Cassells brings forward a 5* debutant in the 10-year-old Irish gelding, Millridge Atlantis, coming in hot off a 4*-S win at Ballindenisk last month to tick off the final preparatory box en route to Pau. This is a super exciting horse for Ian who’s flourished in high-pressure environments, collecting a top-12 finish at CHIO Aachen and in the 4*-L at Saumur this summer to put a cherry on top of two solid seasons at this level. This debut stands to be a competitive one if this pair can replicate previous performances, dipping as low as the mid-20s in the dressage and well capable of going fast and clear across the country. They do have a smattering of rails lowered on the final day, including two down after running a Long cross country, but they do have the ability to jump a clear round. If the raucous atmosphere at Pau doesn’t disarm them too much, they could notch a top-10 finish here this weekend.
Samantha Cesnik and Graftango (AUS) | Groom: Ava Fisher
Back in her native Australia, Samantha and her partner Chris Height run a training and rehabilitation centre in Victoria; Spring Creek Equine. But now they have embarked an entirely different adventure on the other side of the world, along with Graftango with whom Sam has dominated the upper levels of the sport in Australia. “Adelaide” – so called because she was born on the weekend of Adelaide 5* – has rarely been out of the top 10 at 4* this season, although this will be her first 5* start. Samantha does not have particularly lofty expectations for this week, given that Adelaide only touched down on European soil last week. After such a quick turnaround, and given that it is also her first run at the level, Sam’s main aim is “to complete with a sound horse,” before setting her sights on future challenges.
Now that they are here in the Northern hemisphere, the long term goal is a certain big B next Spring, so Pau is more of a learning experience for these two. While she is over here, Sam will spend some time on France, getting some winter training in with her dressage coach Brianna Burgess, before basing with Sam Griffths for the final Badminton trip. Whatever the outcome of their first 5* run, these two will be worth keeping an eye on, especially at their next 5* outing in 2025.
Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI (GBR) | Groom: Izzi Kirk
Kirsty and ‘Betty’ are back at Pau for another go after finishing 6th last year, coming very, very close to a podium place but for two poles on the final day. This quirky mare proved her mettle at the level when she was runner up at Luhmühlen in 2022 where she finished on her dressage score of 31.1 on only her second time at CCI5*. In between those two excellent results, things haven’t been so straightforward; she followed up her success at Luhmühlen with 20 cross country penalties at Pau later in the season, with more of the same on both of her Kentucky attempts. When she’s in it to win it, she’s quick and clear, and has showed she can go sub-30 in the first phase at the level, but when it’s not her day, then it’s just, well, not. The same goes for the final day; she can absolutely leave the poles in the cups, or she can have two down, that’s just the kind of gal she is. But Kirsty’s got the measure of her longtime partner and manages the mare carefully at home to keep her happy, forgoing the school for the forest and spending time out on the trails as that’s what Betty likes best. It would be very cool to see this pair up there once all’s said and done — the talent is unquestionable — but it’ll be heart-in-the-mouth stuff until the final fence and she’ll keep us guessing right to the end.
Kirsty Chabert and Opposition Heraldik Girl (GBR) | Groom: Izzi Kirk
‘Rocket’ may be small at just 15.2hh and relatively lightly run, but she’s already proved herself at the CCI5* level with a 6th place finish at Luhmühlen this season, where she added just a very small handful of cross country time penalties to her score across the entire competition, not bad for a first completion at the level. She’s back at Pau after making her 5* debut there last year where a fall at the first water ended her competition early, so fingers crossed they put that to bed this time around and fly through the finish flags on Saturday. Their second top level start was at Badminton this spring but the mare didn’t take up her spot in the start box after being withdrawn following the dressage phase. There’s no denying that this homebred is an exciting prospect for Kirsty, with improving first phase scores, plenty of quick cross country clears on her record and an enviable reliability for a classy clear round in the show jumping ring. Kirsty’ll be channeling her Luhmühlen luck this week at Pau and hoping to add another solid 5* result to this clearly up-and-coming mare’s record.
Luc Chateau and Cocorico de l’Ebat (FRA)
Frenchman Luc Chateau brings forward the third horse he has debuted at the 5* level throughout his career in the 12-year-old French gelding Cocorico de l’Ebat. This pair has competed nearly exclusively in France in preparation for this move up, most recently finishing fourth in the 3*-L at Lignières about a month ago. This is a pair that has a flawless cross country record in FEI competition, and they’re also capable of making the time at Long format events. This pair is unlikely to lay down a leading score in the dressage, but don’t quite count them out to be ranked low going into cross country, as they are capable of delivering a sub-30 score. It’s quite fitting for a French duo that has primarily stayed in France to debut in their home country at the top level, and this could be a pair that makes some major moves up in the standings after cross country. If they can deliver a clear show jumping to boot – and that’s something they haven’t quite always done – they could be in the victory gallop come Sunday afternoon.
Luc Chateau and Viens du Mont (FRA) | Groom: Caroline Quéval
Luc’s rerouting Viens du Mont after early drama out on the Burghley cross country course last month when his stirrup broke after a run out at fence 5 meant he had no choice but to walk home. The gelding made an impressive CCI5* debut on home soil at Pau in 2022, jumping clear inside the time and adding just a single show jump to his dressage of 39.8 to finish in 9th place, following up with a trip to Badminton in 2023 where he proved he could handle just about any going and finished just outside the top-10. This season things have been a little less straightforward with a late 20 at Badminton in the spring and that early mistake at Burghley, so Luc’ll be hoping to get firmly back on track as he takes on his home 5* this week.
We’ll likely see a first phase score which is edging into the 40s but this is the kind of horse that’s, ordinarily, in this game for the cross country. Prior to last season he hadn’t had a jumping penalty in almost 20 international runs and had added time on just five occasions. Since then though, he’s had penalties in both his 5* starts this season and retired at Burghley last year after picking up 60 penalties out on course. The final phase can prove a bit tricky and we can expect at least one pole to fall, perhaps two. Will he be back on form this week? Let’s hope so, because this really is a horse who relishes the job on his day.
William Coleman and Off The Record (USA) | Groom: Hailey Burlock
Will Coleman is coming off a podium finish in the 3*-L at Maryland with one of his rising stars and now turns his attention to his original Olympic horse, Off the Record. This will be Will’s first trip to Pau, and he opted to tackle this new event rather than Maryland as he thought the course might suit “Timmy” quite well. This could be a shrewd prediction, as this pair did succeed in grand fashion on a somewhat similarly-twisted cross country track at CHIO Aachen in 2021, when they took the first-ever individual title for the U.S. This is a highly experienced pair that could well have pushed the U.S. into medal contention in Paris, contributing to their silver medal finish at World Championships in Pratoni in 2022, had it not been for an ill-timed withdrawal at the midnight hour in Paris.
Dressage hasn’t historically been Off the Record’s strongest suit, but I say that as he has delivered sub-30 marks plenty of times throughout his career and has also demonstrated that he’s anything but a one-trick pony with consistent performances across the influential jumping phases. Will also benefits from the assistance of the likes of Ian Woodhead on the flat, and he’s a well-versed and quiet dressage rider in his own right. A finish on whatever dressage score he earns could see Will attain a podium finish here this weekend for the Americans.
Wouter de Cleene and Quintera (BEL)
Belgium’s Wouter de Cleene comes forward for a CCI5* debut this week with the 12-year-old Hanoverian mare Quintera, having prepared using CCI4*-S events in the months leading up to Pau. This bay mare has been with Wouter throughout her entire FEI eventing career, and though they’ve had a few niggling issues here and there as they prepared for this debut, they have come in well-prepared in higher pressure scenarios. They’ve competed in FEI Nations Cup competitions together, most recently at Lignières in France, where the finished eighth individually. It’s always interesting to read a horse’s record and see what the rider has planned, on paper at least, and Wouter is another who historically takes more time on Short-format events, pushing harder for the time at Long formats. This is a trend we see among many top-ranked riders that seems to pay off well in terms of performance at higher-caliber events, and we’ll be interested to see how this manifests in the performance of Wouter and Quintera in their first go at a 5*.
Arthur Duffort and Toronto d’Aurois (FRA) | Groom: Léonore Gignoux
Seasoned CCI5* campaigner Toronto d’Aurois comes to Pau after a top-20 finish at Luhmühlen earlier this year. Produced in France up to 2* by part-owner and Arthur’s friend Paul Gatien, this quirky gelding was originally destined to be sold on, however, he was so difficult that no buyer was found and he ended up staying and progressing through the levels with Arthur in a career that’s spanned a decade and taken in eight 5* starts. He’s a bit of a shy guy who’s easily spooked — his groom, Léo Gignoux, says she would turn off the giant screen in the dressage arena for his test if she could — which often shows up in first phase scores hitting the high-30s, but point him out of the start box on cross country day and he really comes into his own. Aside from a blip at Burghley last season, you have to go back to 2019 to find a cross country penalty on his record. There’s likely to be some time added on Saturday and penalties to come on the final day, he rolled three poles at Luhmühlen, but Arthur will surely be looking forward to another 5* spin on French soil with his longtime partner before Toronto’s turned away for the winter to live like a wild horse, only tolerating a blanket change if Léo bribes him with treats. He sure sounds like a smart cookie!
Isabel English and Cil Dara Dallas (AUS)
Aussie rider Isabel English returns to Pau for the first time since 2020, this time bringing forward an up-and-comer in the 9-year-old Cil Dara Dallas. This pair enjoyed a top-20 finish in the 8- and 9-year-old CCI4*-L at Blenheim this summer and they also have a top-5 CCI4*-L finish under their belts in finishing fourth at Marbach (Germany) earlier this year. This is a horse Isabel’s tapped as her next “big thing” since his young horse years, finishing fourth with him in the 6-year-old World Championship at Le Lion in 2021 and steadily targeting age divisions in the years since. They’re still honing their dressage, averaging a starting score in the mid-30s that won’t quite be a threat on the first phase, but they are fairly reliable in the jumping phases. A pesky jumping penalty or a pole down in show jumping has kept them from making more major moves up in the standings, but on their day they can lay down a fast clear on both jumping days. Isabel will have selected this first 5* carefully for her horse for the future, and with 2026’s World Championships and, further down the road the 2028 Olympics looming large, she should have a great prospect for a senior team if she can lay down some solid 5* performances starting this weekend.
Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick (GBR)
After making an epic save of all saves on cross country at Burghley with MCS Maverick, Pippa Funnell later opted to retire after encountering trouble later on course. Now, she changes tacks and opts to try again at Pau with this 11-year-old British gelding who was 11th here at Pau in 2023. Pippa actually took the reins on “Mav” from her stable rider, Helen Wilson, after she sustained an injury and needed to keep the notoriously spicy gelding going. Pippa’s always disarmingly humble about her accomplishments (you’d think the woman didn’t win the Rolex Grand Slam by talking to her), and even she hesitated to take the ride over on this horse, who’s far from a straightforward ride for even the best of riders. But persist she did, and she’s been rewarded with a horse that’s proven to be very capable of handling 5* tracks and finish well on these important weekends. Burghley aside, Mav has yet to pick up any other cross country penalties in FEI competition with Pippa in the irons, and he’ll have learned much from making it three quarters of the way around the toughest 5* in the world at Burghley. On their strongest days, this pair can deliver a mid- or high-20s score, and are also capable of jumping clear on Sunday. If they can put their Burghley ghost behind them, this weekend could be a sweet one for Pippa and MCS Maverick.
Dominic Furnell and Bellscross Guy (IRL)
Coming off of their 7th place finish at the 4*S at Ballindenisk, Dominic Furnell will be piloting Bellscross Guy around the gelding’s 5* debut at Pau. While they won’t be expected to win the dressage, with typical scores in the low 40s, they have a solid cross country record, and tend to jump well on the final day, although a rail or two can’t be ruled out. Furnell jumped around his first Pau back in 2016 (finishing 32nd) with Ballycahane Flower Power at his first attempt at the level at only 24 years old.
Dominic Furnell and Ivanhoe (IRL)
We’ll also see Dominic Furnell navigating Pau with Irish Sport Horse stallion Ivanhoe. While this will be Ivanhoe’s first attempt at the level, the duo have gained significant experience at the 4* level, with five top 20 finishes, with two top ten finishes – a 7th in the 4*L at Mallow and a 9th in the 4*L at Ballindenisk. This partnership usually delivers a mid to upper 30 dressage score, have an impressively clean cross country record, but do typically pick up a few rails on the last day. This pair will be one to watch at their first attempt together!
Florian Ganneval and Erebor de Fleyres (FRA)
After competing at Pau three times with his first CCI5* horse, Blue Bird de Beaufour, Florian Ganneval now returns with a rookie horse in the 10-year-old Selle Francais gelding Erebor de Fleyres. Regally bred with Con Air 7 as the sire and Jaguar Mail as the damsire, this gelding quickly showed his prowess for the sport with strong cross country performances at the 3* level. Since moving up to 4* last year, he’s had a few growing pains and spats of trouble, but he did deliver a clear on cross country and show jumping in the 4*-L at Kronenberg to cap off his spring season this year. Like Luc Chateau and Cocorico de l’Ebat, Florian also used the 3*-L at Lignières at the end of September to open the pipes for this 5* debut. This pair won’t grab a flashing dressage score, and show jumping has a bit been their nemesis on the final day, a strong showing in the jumping phases will set them up well for future success at the level.
Caroline Harris and D. Day (GBR)
Caroline and D-Day made the 5* debut earlier this year, at Luhmuhlen. They finished 12th on that occasion, adding naught but cross country time penalties to their first phase score of 34.9, a result that Caroline will be hoping to equal if not better on this occasion.
Consistent from the early days of his career, D. Day has a very impressive international record, marred by just a smattering of jumping penalties here and there. Their dressage scores tend to hover around the low-30’s to high-20’s — they won the CCI4*-S in Lignieres last month on a 26.8.
Fiona Oliver bred the Billy Mexico gelding as a potential hunt horse for her son’s girlfriend, though when that pairing came to an end, she sent him to Caroline to produce — a happy ending for Caroline, at least! “He has a heart of gold, and tries so hard for me,” she says of the 10-year-old D. Day, though there is no doubt that Caroline’s own talent also plays a big part in their success thus far throughout their career. Fingers crossed that their second run at 5* proves as successful as their first!
Ben Hobday and Shadow Man (GBR) | Groom: Daisy Buckley
Fresh off the back of his Silver medal winning performance in Paris this Summer, “Fidgy” has been reunited with his original rider, Ben Hobday, who initially produced him through the levels. Prior to this season, Ben had been contesting pure show jumping shows with the chestnut gelding, competing successfully over CSI2* and CSI3* tracks.
It was with Ben that Fidgy made his 5* debut at Badminton back in 2022, though they did not complete, parting company three-quarters of the way around cross country. However, they were second in the Nations Cup in Strzegom in 2019, and fifth in the 4*-S at Bramham that same year, proving that Fidgy has bravery in spades, as well as scope. Chris Burton, who piloted him to that podium place in Paris enjoyed several steady runs with Fidgy, taking the win in the 4*S at Millstreet ahead of their Olympic appearance. The 14 year old has continued to show impeccable form since being reunited with Ben, with a top 10 finish in the 4*S at Lignieres last month. Hopefully that will have set them up well for their return to 5*, and it would not be altogether too surprising to see them finish within the top 10 this week, such is the talent of both horse and rider.
Alex Hua Tian and Chicko (CHN)
Paris Olympian Alex Hua Tian isn’t actually a rider we see too often at the 5* level, though he’s become something of an Olympian stalwart for his home country of China. This will mark Alex’s first appearance at Pau and first 5* start since 2016 (Badminton), bringing forward the former Polly Stockton ride Chicko for his debut at the level. After acquiring the ride for owners Kate and Peter Willis, Alex secured a podium finish in the Chatsworth CCI4*-S in the spring of 2023, following that up with a strong finish at Millstreet, which was China’s final Olympic team qualifier. Unfortunately, Chicko would later be eliminated after a drug test revealed the presence of the controlled substance altrenogest, better known under its UK trade name, Regumate, and the domino effect of the case would be that China would lose its team spot in Paris.
That blip on the radar aside (and you can read more on the context of the case here) this has proven to be a serious horse for Alex, collecting a top-10 finish at Blenheim in the summer of 2023 and going on to win the 4*-S at Ballindenisk in Ireland this spring. Alex is well-respected for his prowess on the flat, and while he’s still chipping away with this horse, it’s not hard to see him finishing on or close to a low-30s mark at Pau this weekend. Should he do that, he’ll be well within a spot at a top 10 or better finish.
Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ (GBR)
Reigning World Champion Yasmin Ingham travels to France this weekend with her two-time Luhmühlen podium finisher, Rehy DJ, or “Piglet” as he’s affectionately known in the barn. Rehy DJ did start Pau in 2020 as his 5* debut, but was withdrawn at the second jog on Sunday after encountering some rookie errors on cross country that weekend. He’s come back stronger than ever, though, notching strong season results at 4* and finding consistent result at the German 5*. He was fourth in the 4*-S at Little Downham last month in preparation for this event, and if Yas can get his dressage back down to the mid-20s he’s shown in the past (he’s gone as low as 27.5 at this level and has turned in two sub-30 marks at the 5* level), this could be yet another podium finish for this stablemate to Yas’ World Championships and Olympic reserve horse, Banzai du Loir.
Tom Jackson and Plot Twist B (GBR)
Tom Jackson brings forward the 9-year-old Plot Twist B for his 5* debut this weekend at Pau, getting down to business in this horses’ first full season at the 4*+ level and riding the high of a top-10 finish in the 4*-L at Bramham earlier this year. This weekend stands to be an educational one for this pair, though they absolutely can be competitive here if they can finish close to their average mid-30s dressage marks. Tom’s a very experienced 5* jockey and has been successful at Pau in the past, finishing as high as seventh in 2021 with Billy Cuckoo and finishing two horses in the top 20 back in 2018. Plot Twist B stands to become the latest edition to Tom’s 5* string, ready to tackle even bigger challenges next year with a strong performance this weekend.
Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park (NZL) | Groom: Marcus Beanie
Originally produced by Kevin McNab, Menlo Park –“Jacko” was also briefly ridden by Oliver Townend, before being sold to Australia, where Tim Boland competed him for a season, though rider injury ultimately led to Clarke buying him. Together a relatively short time, theirs is already a strong partnership, finishing in the top 15 in all but one of their international starts. Part of the New Zealand team in Paris this Summer, where they finished in the top 20, Clarke and Jacko were also part of the Bronze medal winning team at the World Championships in Pratoni.
Clarke, who has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Otago, was also part of the Bronze medal winning team at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, and he and Menlo Park finished 15th at CHIO Aachen last year, adding just a rail and cross country time faults to their dressage score. That is typical of this combination; they have only ever had cross country jumping faults on one occasion since Clarke took over the ride, and you can count on one hand the number of rails they have had in that time, too. This will be Jacko’s first run at 5*, though his recent 4* form has proved he is more than ready to make the next step up. Second in his last run in the 4*S at Little Downham, where he added just a few time faults to his 28.5 dressage score, it would be of little surprise if Clarke and Jacko finished within the top 25 here, too.
Fiona Kashel and Creevagh Silver de Haar (GBR)
Fional Cashel and Creevagh Silver de Haar certainly know each other like the back of hand and hoof at this point in their partnership, having done everything from the ground up together. This will be their sixth 5* start and their second trip to Pau, where they’ll look to build on the experience they’ve gained since 2022, when the finished 30th overall. They have picked up jumping penalties here and there at this level, including during their first trip down in 2022, but they’ve certainly got the skills and experience to put all the pieces together this weekend. They turned in a personal best 29 in the dressage at Lignières last month, and though Fiona went on to part ways with her horse of a lifetime on cross country that weekend, she will be working hard to replicate that score and finish as close to it as possible in France.
Robbie Kearns and Ballyvillane OBOS (IRL) | Groom: Maxine Rae
This will be Robbie and Sparky’s second start at 5*, having made their debut earlier this year in Luhmuhlen. They finished up in 31st place on that occasion, encountering a few issues on the cross country to come home with 60 jumping penalties, so Robbie will be hoping to better that result this time around, no doubt. Theirs is a relatively new partnership; Robbie only took the ride on him last year, although owner Richard Ames has owned the now eleven year old gelding since he was a three-year-old. In the short time that Robbie and Sparky (or “Sparkly”, as Richard’s three-year-old granddaughter likes to call him) have been together, they have formed a solid and consistent partnership; those cross country faults in Luhmuhlen were the first they had had together, and indeed, the only cross country faults Sparky had ever had in the whole of his international career.
They also have speed on their side, taking the win in the CCI3*-S in Ballindensisk last year after finishing on their dressage score. Having learnt valuable lessons in Luhmuhlen, they will hopefully put them to good use this week in Pau, and pull of an even better result on their second 5 * run.
Robbie Kearns and Chance Encounter (IRL)
Robbie and “Harry” have been on fire this season, with two podium placings in as many outings – second last month at Ballindenisk and third in August in Lisgarven. They whipped round the 4*S in double quick time on both occasions to add nothing to their first phase score (31.2 and 31.9 respectively). They made the trip to Germany in June for the 4*S Luhmuhlen, and it is testament to just how competitive that class was, as the unofficial final pre-Olympic selection trial, that they finished just outside of the top 25, despite adding only a smidge of time and a single show jump to their first phase score. Head rider for Belline Equestrian in his native Ireland, Robbie has also spent time with Kevin McNab. This will be Harry’s first run at 5, though given his recent form, this could be a very good debut, and set them up well for a few more 5* runs next season!
Emily King and Valmy Biats (GBR)
Emily King and Valmy Biats sadly fell victim to the notorious Trout Hatchery at Burghley last month, ending their bid for a competitive finish in an abbreviated manner when Emily opted to call it a day – always a respectable decision, especially when competitiveness goes out the window for an otherwise experience 5* horse. This weekend will be “Val’s” eighth start at the level, and he did find success here in France in 2022 when he and Emily finished inside the top 10 in just their second 5* together. This is a pair we could see in or close to the lead after dressage, routinely turning in mid-20s scores in the first phase. They’ve been knocking on the door of a podium 5* finish, having come fourth at Badminton earlier this spring, and should the work they’ve been putting in during the intervening months pay off, this could be a huge weekend for a pair that easily could have been a part of the British Olympic squad had it not been for the immense depth the country currently boasts.
Wiktoria Knap and Quintus 134 (POL)
Polish rider Wiktoria Knap got her first taste of Olympic competition this summer in Paris, when she and Quintus 134 were called in as substitutes for show jumping day. She’ll have left Paris hungry for the next chance to improve on that performance with her longtime partner, Quintus 134, and one stop en route to her next senior team berth is this weekend at Pau, which marks both her and her horse’s 5* debut. This pair knows each other inside and out, as Wiktoria’s done all the production and competing with this horse since he begun his eventing career back in 2016. They’re coming off a win in the U25 4*-S at Strzegom earlier this year and were also fifth in the 4*-L at Baborowko in 2023. This pair is pretty consistent on the flat, generally scoring in the low 30s, and have delivered a large number of cross country clears. Show jumping will be their weakest phase, and the buzzy atmosphere of the arena at Pau could cause its fair share of issues for horses that aren’t already strong jumpers.
Jennifer Kuehnle and Sammy Davis Junior (IRL)
Sammy Davis Junior started his eventing career with Jennifer’s other half Cathal Daniels, who campaigned him all the way up to 4*-L before Jenny managed to “rob him 3 years ago!” Already enjoying several success with Cathal, “Sammy” has since gone on to win an Irish Team Bronze medal at the Young Rider Championships with his new jockey; they were also fourth individually on that occasion, too. They jumped double clear around Boekelo last year and posted a PB in the first phase at Millstreet last month, although they unfortunately retired on the cross country. Still, that is something of a blip for Sammy — when he is not eventing he can be found jumping around 1.40m show jumping tracks . His dressage scores are ever-improving, sitting around the low-30s mark, so they should be well in touch heading into cross country.
Jenny describes him as “the biggest fighter,” as well as the “monkey of the stable!” He proved the former on his 5* debut in Luhmuhlen earlier this year, where a double clear landed him a top 10 finish, just below his stable mate Polly Blue Eyes, another 5* debutant for young Irish talent, Jenny. She will no doubt be gunning for a repeat of that performance here in France, cementing her place as one to watch for the Irish team.
Camille Lejeune and Dame Decoeur Tardonne (FRA)
Camille Lejeune makes his third 5* start and second at Pau with Dame Decoeur Tardonne, an 11-year-old French-bred mare who Camile has produced up from her young horse starts in the sport and coming forward for her second 5* try after finishing 13th here last year. This is another very reliable pair across the country who are ready to improve on their result last year. In 2023, Camille took his time on cross country in the horse’s debut at the level, and this year we can expect him to see if he can get closer to that elusive optimum time around Pierre Michelet’s winding cross country track. While he probably won’t grab a record-breaking score on the flat, if they can just marginally improve on their 2023 performance, a top-10 or better is not out of the question for Camille and Dame Decoeur Tardonne.
Samantha Lissington and Lord Seekonig (NZL)
One of the rising stars of the Kiwi eventing scene, Samantha arrived in the UK with no real fixed accommodation, no car, no lorry… nothing. That did not stop her from making quite the name for herself at the top level of the sport, with a couple of 5* completions thus far – including eleventh place in Luhmuhlen with the first of her two rides here in Pau, Lord Seekonig – “Charlie,” or “King Charles” to those who know him best.
Until 2022, Charlie was competed by Ireland’s Alex Power, who took him to the CCI3*-L level, but he and Sam finished in the top-20 on all of their outings in their first season together. “A lovely horse to ride on the flat,” the German-bred gelding never fails to impress in the first phase. They were lying eighth after dressage in the CCI4*-L at the Blenheim last year on a 28.7, and were it not for a missed flag on the cross country, they would have finished towards the top of the leaderboard after jumping clear on the final day. Don’t be surprised to see these two sitting pretty after day one, and if all goes according to plan cross country, a top ten finish to boot.
Cedric Lyard and Unum de’Or (FRA) | Groom: Elora Lyard & Eve Revillard
It’s a seventh CCI5* start for this experienced combination, who’ve taken trips around Luhmühlen, Burghley, Badminton and Pau together previously, their best result coming at the French 5* in 2021 when they finished 9th after adding just a couple of time penalties to their dressage score of 31.6, not bad for a top level debut. Since then things have been a bit mixed; they secured a top-20 placing at Burghley in 2022 but then retired out on course at Pau last year after picking up 20 penalties, then a rider fall saw their Luhmühlen come to an abrupt end earlier this season. But aside from a couple of uncharacteristic blips, this gelding is in fact a very reliable prospect on cross country day and can be quick to boot. We’ll likely see them sitting in the mid-30s after the first phase and adding perhaps a handful of time on the Saturday. The final phase is the toughest to predict, with a whole bunch of clear rounds on their record, interspersed with a fair few eight penalties. Safe to say, Cedric will be looking for at least a solid finish for this 16-year-old, and at best a smart performance across the three phases and, potentially, another top-10 finish at his home 5*.
Katie Magee and Treworra (GBR)
It’s a long-awaited 5* debut for British rider Katie Magee and Angela Hislop’s Treworra, a 10-year-old British gelding who is a product of the Preci Spark breeding program that keeps a slew of foundational mares for their breeding program and have yielded horses such as former Oliver Townend 5* ride Tregilder and current Lucienne Bellissimo partner Tremanton. Treworra is by Jaguar Mail out of the Preci mare Trewinnow, who has produced two horses including Treworra. Katie has ticked off her 5* prep by tackling some of the toughest events the UK has to offer, including Bramham, Blenheim, and Blair Castle, where she’s finished as high as eighth in 4*-S competition. Two solid seasons at the 4* level have prepared this pair well, and while they have some work to do on the flat, usually scoring mid-high 30s in the first phase, they are proven in the jumping phases and can deliver clear rounds across the country and over the show jumps.
Piggy March and Halo (GBR)
We’ve been eagerly awaiting the 5* debut of Angela Hislop’s 11-year-old Holsteiner stallion Halo, the latest debutant for Britain’s Piggy March. Halo, who formerly competed under the name Scuderia 1918 Humphreys with Australian rider Kevin Mcnab, joined Piggy’s string at the end of 2021, with the intention that he would eventually begin covering mare’s in the March Stud breeding program run by Piggy’s husband, Tom. Halo has collected a handful of FEI wins with Piggy in the irons, including a win in the 4*-S at Aston-le-Walls earlier this year, and he’s been quite competitive across the country with her, demonstrating an ability to get close to the optimum time and also delivering some clear show jumping rounds. Piggy will be sensible about this being the first 5* for the gray stallion, but many a horse has won the 5* debut throughout history, and a competitive podium finish isn’t a far-fetched idea for this British pair.
Boyd Martin and Fedarman B (USA) | Groom: Steph Simpson
Boyd Martin had a Maryland 5 Star he’d love to forget last weekend before boarding his flight to France alongside fellow Maryland competitors Tim Price and Oliver Townend, who will also compete at Pau this weekend. Boyd targeted this event for his Paris horse as one he knows he’s capable of winning. “Bruno” has been the picture of consistency throughout his tenure with Boyd, finishing eighth in both of his 5* starts to date, including at Pau last year. An annoying 11 penalties kept Boyd from finishing higher last year at this event, and he’ll be back (after several ice baths, most likely, having taken a couple of rough tumbles at Maryland last weekend) with a vengeance to finish higher this weekend.
Boyd Martin and Miss Lulu Herself (USA) | Groom: Steph Simpson
Making an exciting 5* debut at Pau this weekend is Bonnie Stedt’s Miss Lulu Herself, who’s enjoyed two strong seasons at the Advanced and 4* level in preparation for this step up. Boyd has brought horses to Pau more than once to make their 5* debut, favoring the flatter terrain as an intiial test of a horse’s capabilities for this top level test. “Lulu” has proven she’s capable of tougher terrain, finishing on the podium in the hilly 4*-L at Bromont in Canada last year, and she should have a strong base of fitness built up for this test. Her dressage will keep her from threatening the initial leaders too much, but Boy’ds ever the competitor and will have a goal in mind to finish on that low or mid-30s dressage mark for a strong debut to build off of in 2025 and beyond.
Arthur Marx and Church’ile (FRA)
A family affair, this sweet homebred’s dam and grand-dam were piloted by Arthur’s dad. He made his CCI5* debut at Pau in 2022, picking up a 20 out on cross country but finishing in a very respectable 23rd place. Since then, things haven’t exactly been smooth sailing, with three further top level starts but no completions. They had an unfortunate parting of company out on course at Badminton last year and then a broken stirrup at Pau last season saw their competition end early once more, despite the home crowd’s efforts to carry them home with the kind of gusto French eventing fans are famous for. Arthur jumped a fair few fences with one pedal, cantering past others and taking a lap of honor ‘round the arena to huge cheers. The ground jury determined enough was enough however, and he was pulled up to great disappointment from all who were enjoying the show.
This year’s Badminton saw the pair accumulate three refusals and a walk home. However, the gelding will have gained valuable experience along the way and Arthur is sure to relish the home crowd once more as he takes on Pau for a third time. We’re looking at a first phase score in the high-30s and, although they can be quick out on cross country, things haven’t really gone to plan recently, so a clear jumping round will very much be Arthur’s focus. They do tend to have a pole or two on the final day and perhaps a smidge of time. Let’s hope that they get things firmly back on track this week and gain that elusive second 5* completion to build on next season.
Tayla Mason and Centennial (NZL) | Groom: Tilly Howard
Tayla Mason made the long trip over to Blighty from her native New Zealand in 2018, to spend two years working for Team Price at their then base at Mere Farm. Six years later, she is still here, and has now set up her own yard, Mason Equestrian. When she made the trip over all those years ago, she brought a couple of horses with her too, one of which was the ginormous “Chase” who stands a magnificent 17.1hh. Bred by Tayla and her mum, Tayla describes this big lad as “an absolute gentleman, who loves his job.” They had their first trip round Pau back in 2021, where they picked up 20 on the cross country before lowering four poles on the final day. It was a completion none the less, and though the 13 year old New Zealand Warmblood missed last season, he has enjoyed several steady runs this season, culminating in a top 10 finish at Little Downham last month. With a first phase score hovering around the mid 30’s, these two should remain well in the mix heading into cross country, and hopefully three years of experience should see them come home clear, albeit it with a few time faults.
Benjamin Massie and Filao de Perle (FRA)
French rider Benjamin Massie will debut the 9-year-old Filao de Perle, a Selle Francais gelding, at Pau this weekend, having intentionally and lightly campaigned him in FEI competition up to this point. Despite being comparatively light on international experience, with just 10 starts on his CV, Filao de Perle has been quite a strong horse for Ben, nearly always coming home clear across the country and demonstrating the ability to catch the optimum time when asked. This horse had had strong performances in his 4* starts, though show jumping has been a bit of his Achilles heel, with one pole down in each of his four starts at the level. Pau show jumps on a surface, which can often help horses that aren’t strong on grass or in deeper footing, and if you subtract the four penalties from this pair’s recent finishing scores, they’d be quite competitive in the final standings.
Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality (GBR) | Groom: Adam Short
“Nervous Norris” made his 5* debut at Luhmuhlen in June, though Tom made the decision to save him for another mid way through the cross country – having survived a mini hurricane while out on course! They have put that firmly behind them though, winning the 3*S at Cornbury last month, and finishing on the podium again at Little Downham just a few weeks later. Described by wonder groom Adam Short as “super cute and super friendly, but also a little bit scared of life,” Norris has yet to let his phobia of, well, most things, hinder his competitive career. Piggy March initially produced the OBOS Quality gelding, and since Tom took the reins in 2022, he has continued to go from strength to strength, with a podium finish in the 4*S at Blair that year and 4th place in the 4*L in Blenheim the following year. Nor does there seem to be a weak phase for this horse; he scored 28.3 on his debut at the level in June, and his usual scores average in the mid to low 20’s, while he has had only 2 poles down in the last three seasons. Hopefully, this second start at 5* will prove their Luhmuhlen run to be naught but a blip, cementing Norris’ place as the next big thing to come from the McEwen stable!
Selina Milnes and Cooley Snapchat (GBR)
Great Britain’s Selina Milnes was out of the tack for the start of the year due to a skiing accident, but the North Somerset-based eventer dove right back into action (after a friendly hand from Austin O’Connor who piloted a few of her horses at early season outings), and this weekend she’s got two entries in the massive five-star class. The first of which is first-timer Cooley Snapchat. If this is your first time hearing of the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse, then you’ll want to make sure you tune in for each and every one of their rides because this will certainly be a debutante that you’ll want to see. He’s consistently proved he’s made of the right stuff as he’s made his way up the ranks with Selina: He was third in the Eventing World Breeding Championships as a seven-year-old as well as fifth in the competitive Blenheim CCI4* for 8/9-year-old horses last season. A sub-20 dressage certainly isn’t out of the question, and he will lean into Selina’s experience as he tackles his biggest cross country challenge to date. Selina says riding this horse on the final day “fills you with so much confidence and definitely eases the pressure,” and this pair could very well deliver a double clear round that will put them in striking distance of a top finish.
Joseph Murphy and Belline Fighting Spirit (IRL)
The very experienced Joseph Murphy, with both Olympic and World Championship experience to his name, has brought a debut horse in the 9-year-old Anglo European gelding Belline Fighting Spirit this weekend. Belline Fighting Spirit has done nearly all his FEI competitions with Joseph in the irons, finishing as strong as seventh overall in 4*-L competition (Mallow – 2023), and he’s got jumping talent in spades to take forward to this first 5* experience. We won’t quite see this pair making any threats to the dressage leaders, and they are capable of a green issue on cross country and/or a rail or two down on Sunday, but what better weekend for all of the pieces to come together? They’re well-prepared for the challenge at hand, and Joseph will lean on his extensive experience both producing a horse for this intention as well as navigating tough 5* tracks to give this young rising star a positive debut to build off of.
Aimee Penny and PSH Encore (GBR) | Groom: Julie Penny
In as much as her travel buddy “Diva” may be sassy and bold, PSH Encore is “timid and scared of crowds.” Until cross country day that is, when there is just one thing on her mind. The path to 5* has not been straightforward for Bumble, making Aimee all the more grateful that she is finally ready to make her debut. The twelve year old mare finished in the top 25 in the 4*L at Blenheim last month, and has enjoyed safe and successful completions in the 4*S at both Burgham and Bramham this season too. Their first phase score tends more to the higher end of the 30’s, though that will be of little consequence come cross country day. She may not be the fastest horse, but Aimee’s main aim in France this week is to have fun with both of her horses, and hopefully set them up for a few more 5* starts in future!
Aimee Penny and PSH Gazelle (GBR) | Groom: Julie Penny
One of the two 5* debutants that Aimee Penny is bringing forward this week in Pau, sixteen year old “Diva” has finished in the top 25 on all of her international starts this season, proving that she is more than ready to make the step up to the next level. Bred by Power Sports Horses – like her stable mate PSH Encore – Diva is described by Aimee, for whom this will also be a first 5* – as “sassy and confident,” which should stand her in good stead for the week ahead. Top 20 at Blair in August, Diva also enjoyed a successful trip around Bramham this year too, adding just cross country time faults to their dressage score. Proof of her bravery across country, Diva is also an impeccable show jumper, often leaving all of the poles in situ on the final day. With a dressage score averaging mid 30’s, these two could be amongst the highest climbers come cross coutry day, though Aimee’s main priority is to bring Diva and her second ride, “Bumble” home safe and sound.
Jack Pinkney and Rehy Revelation (GBR) | Groom: Lea Pinkney
10 year old “Alex” came to Jack Pinkey’s yard as a tricky five-year-old, with a particular penchant for napping. Even know, Jack describes him as a “strong character, who thinks he knows best,” so it is testament to Jack’s patience in producing his horses that he is now on the cusp of his first 5*. By the show jumping stallion Ars Vivendi, it is of no surprise that the cross country phase is Alex’s strong suit, and he rarely lowers more than a pole in the show jumping too. This cheeky chap is a particular favourite of Jack’s wife, Lea, who will be grooming for these two this week in Pau: “she adores him and has done since the first time she saw him!” says Alex. The main aim for this week? To gain valuable experience and do the best they can, a solid mindset with which to head into your first 5*!
Caroline Powell and CBI Aldo (NZL) | Groom: Tristan Hudson
CBI Aldo made his 5* debut at Badminton this Spring, but Caroline opted to pull him up on the cross country, saving him for another day rather than over facing him. They encountered problems on the cross country again in Aachen, coming home with 60 jumping penalties, although their top 10 finish in the 8/9 year old 4*S at Blenheim last month would suggest that they have since ironed out any issues. Bought from the Monart Sale in Ireland back in 2018, 9 year old ‘Aldo’ was 8th in the 6 year old Young Horse Championships at Le Lions d’Angers back in 2021, and has maintained similarly impressive form as he has progressed in his career. With a first phase score that averages towards the lower end of the thirties, Aldo could be set to redeem himself here in Pau, hopefully leaving the blip at Badminton behind him, ready for another crack next year!
Caroline Powell and High Time (NZL) | Groom: Tristan Hudson
Not content with two 5* horses, this year’s Badminton champion brings forward yet another this week, with 12 year old High Time. This is a fairly new partnership; Caroline only took the ride on “Henry” last year, with Daniel Scott and Steven Renton both having campaigned him before then. Together, they have notched up an impressive roster of results, including a top 10 in the 4*L at Millstreet earlier this season, as well as podium place in the 4*L at Blair Castle back in August. An impressive showjumper – he rarely lowers more than a pole – Henry has yet to break into the 20’s in the first phase, instead averaging around the mid-30’s. A safe, confidence giving trip around the French countryside will no doubt be the aim of the game here, setting Henry up for the 5* challenges that lie ahead next season.
Tim Price and Jarillo (NZL) | Groom: Kerryn Edmans
Are you even an eventing fan if you don’t follow @jarillo_not_so_official on Instagram?! Yep, that’s right, the beautifully marked “Milo” has his very own Insta account, and though posts may be few and far between, he’s pretty good at providing behind the scenes action from the top events via his stories. 3rd in last year’s 8/9 year old 4*S, Milo is rapidly earning a name for himself as the next big thing to emerge from the Price stable, as demonstrated by his win in the 4*S at Thoresby at the beginning of this season. He had a minor hiccup with 20 cross country penalties in Aachen in July, though those was his first cross country penalties in two years. He has had but one pole down in the show jumping all season, and his dressage scores are in the mid 20’s more often than not these days. Fresh off the back of his podium finish in Maryland, it is unlikely that Tim will be gunning for a top placing this week, too, with this being Milo’s first run at the level. Still, anything is possible with the former world number one, and though he may not take the win, a competitive finish would not be without the realms of possibility, such is Milo’s natural aptitude for the sport, and Tim’s unrivalled talent for producing young horses.
Kylie Roddy and SRS Kan Do (GBR) | Groom: Helen Shaw & Gemma Plastow
This will be a sixth CCI5* start for ‘George’ and third Pau, which has proved to be a happy hunting ground for this partnership in the past. The gelding made his 5* debut on French soil in 2021 and impressed with a finish just outside the top-10, returning last season for fifth place, adding just a handful of time to his dressage score on both occasions. Add to that the fact that this combination have also been sixth at Luhmühlen and we start to get a picture of a pretty smart 5* pairing. Sure, this year’s Badminton wasn’t what Kylie would have hoped, with her being pulled up by the Ground Jury after a hairy moment at the Vicarage Vee had her hesitating over whether to come back ‘round for a second attempt; she decided not to but was judged to have jumped outside the flags ending her competition early. But Kylie will be channeling her European successes as she takes on Pau this week, with realistic hopes for another top result.
‘George’ has showed he’s capable of going sub-30 in the dressage phase as well as being a reliable jumper on cross country day, keeping time penalties firmly within single figures on the whole. He’s also a talent in the show jumping ring, enviably careful and clean over his fences, which is exactly the type of horse you want to be sat on in the final phase of a 5*. A couple of fun facts about this pair: George is owned by British period drama Downton Abbey actor Michael C. Fox and family, and when Kylie’s not busy with horses, she’s making them – saddle horses that is, which she creates from upcycled furniture. So now you know.
Tom Rowland and KND Steel Pulse (GBR) | Groom: Georgie Dobbin
KND Steel Pulse returns to Pau, after making his 5* debut here last year. He finished comfortably within the top 25 on that occasion, with an unfortunate three poles on the final day dropping him down the leaderboard following a confident cross country round. Unfortunately, “Dermot” was eliminated on the cross country at Badminton on his second run at the level earlier this year, so Tom will be hoping to right those wrongs this week.
Tom has produced Dermot from the very beginning of his eventing career, and together they have amassed several notable results, including a top 20 finish in the 4*S at Blair last year. Historically, the show jumping has proved to be the major chink in Dermot’s armour, but this season he has shown a marked improvement in this phase, testament to Tom’s patience and resilience when producing his horses. On his last 4*S run, he lowered just the one pole, earning him a top 20 finish, so hopefully that improved form will continue in Pau.
Tom Rowland and Quintilius (GBR) | Groom: Georgie Dobbin
Initally based with Angela Tucker, Tom Rowland has also spent time at the yards of both Pippa Funnell and Nigel Taylor, before setting up his own yard. Since then, his name has been an almost permanent fixture on 5* entry lists; he first rose to prominence with Possible Mission, who he partnered around Burghley and Badminton several times. Subsequently, he has produced several more horses to the level, including Quintilius, who will be making his 5* debut here in France this week. Tom describes Quintilius as “very small, nippy and easy to turn,” so hopefully the twists and turns of Pau should be “right up his street!” After a year out last year, it has taken a little while to get this 12 year old gelding back up and running, but his recent 3rd place in the 4*S at Little Downham proves that Tom has left no stone unturned in getting him back to optimum fitness, primed and ready for his first 5*. “Our priority is obviously a good competition, but we are hoping he could be competitive as well – he’s feeling really, really well,” says Tom, and we will be keeping everything crossed that that is the case!
Louis Seychal and Bakar de l’Ocean LA (FRA)
It’s a 5* debut for both Louis Seychal and Bakar de l’Ocean LA, a horse Louis has produced himself all the way up from the 1* level of international competition. Sired by the legendary eventing stallion, Birkhof’s Grafenstolz, this young horse has all the ingredients to make a true 5* competitor for Louis. Despite the fact their final prep at Lingières went awry with a parting of ways on cross country, they’ve got some seriously competitive results on their record nonetheless and could leave Pau with a nice token if they can replicate one of those performances this weekend. They’ve gone as low as 21.7 at the 3* level and have delivered more than one sub-30 score at 4* competition, and if they can do this at Pau they’ll put themselves into solid standing ahead of the jumping tests. They have a strong cross country record – the fall at Lignières could be forgiven as a one-off based on their record – and while of course a 5* is a new type of animal, if they can manage two clear jumping rounds they will be competitive here this weekend.
Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line (AUT)
Lea Siegl may be young, but she sure is mighty. She stormed into the senior ranks with her junior and young rider horse ‘Fighty’ via the World Championships and was the youngest eventer at the Tokyo Olympics, where she finished 15th individually. Sadly, she didn’t get the chance to improve on that impressive placing in Paris this summer after being spun at the first horse inspection, a real blow as they’d gone into the Games in the form of their career, with two wins and a second place on their international record this season; since then they’ve added another win. This will be the pair’s third CCI5* start and Lea will be hoping it’ll be third time lucky and a first completion with her gutsy gelding. They were having a superb round last year at Pau when things got tricky and they had a fall at what ended up being the most influential fence on the course. Lea came out of it battered and bruised, but bounced back like the tough eventer she’s proved to be and comes to Pau for another go. There’s nothing quite like knowing your horse inside out when it comes to tackling the pinnacle of the sport, and when that horse regularly posts sub-30 dressage scores, is overwhelmingly careful and quick across the country and is a reliable show jumper, Lea’s got to be feeling good about her chances this week.
Storm Straker and Fever Pitch (GBR) | Groom: Nick Straker
Some might say that Storm Straker was born to event: her father Nick was the winner of the inaugural Bramham Horse Trials, and her aunt is multi-Olympian Karen Dixon. Not one to rest on her laurels, Storm is also one of those incredible superhumans who manages to combine her equestrian pursuits with another career, working full-time for Howden Insurance. Her boss is none other than David Howden — creator of the “Howden Way” and president of the Cornbury House Horse Trials — so as Storm points out, he understands the time commitment required to compete at the top level of the sport!
Storm and her long term partner “Pitchie” will be making their second start at 5*in Pau, although their first run at the level — in Luhmuhlen earlier this year — came to an untimely end, with a fall on the cross country. They have put that firmly behind them though, finishing in the top 15 on their three 4*S runs since then. They won the CCI4*-L at Ballindenis this year too, adding just 0.4 show jumping time penalties to their sub 30 dressage score and have previously finished within the top 20 at Blair and in the Eight/Nine-Year-Old class at Blenheim Palace.
An incredibly sensitive horse, Storm and her dressage trainer Nicola Naprstrek have worked very hard to eliminate the tension that Pitchie tended to bring forward in the first phase, and it has certainly paid off — they are rarely out of the 20’s now, and scored a 33.6 on their 5* debut. Hopefully they will pull a similar score out of the bag this week, and make it safely around the cross country too!
Ginny Thomasen and Capitaine de Hus Z (NZL) | Groom: Emilia Hazell
A “cheeky little chipmunk,” Capitaine de hus Z and Ginny will be making their first appearance at 5* in Pau this week, though their recent form would suggest that they are more than ready for the challenge. Winners of the 4*L in Kronenberg earlier this year, they also finished in the top 20 at Aachen, and again in their final prep run at Little Downham last month. Previously campaigned by Emma Winter, Ginny took the reins on “Alvin” in 2021, stepping him up to 4* last year. Alvin is a one or none kind of guy when it comes to the show jumping, and with a dressage score tending towards the lower end of the 30’s, the stage is set for a solid 5* debut. His owners David and Karie Thomsen will be flying out to see him go, so hopefully this diminutive gelding will step up to the mark and make their trip worthwhile!
Zara Tindall and Class Affair (GBR)
This weekend marks the eighth 5* start for stalwart veterans Class Affair and Zara Tindall from Great Britain. They enjoyed a stellar cross country trip around Burghley last month until they parted ways about three-quarters of the way around, opening the door for a reroute to take advantage of that 5* fitness built up over the last few seasons. “Socks” has been a bit of a mercurial horse for Zara, delivering many a strong performance but also capable of throwing a wrench into the best-laid plans with a cheeky drive-by on cross country. Their best 5* finish came at Kentucky in 2023, when they finished 15th overall. They’ve gone as low as sub-30 once or twice in the past at this level but generally average more of a low-30s mark in the first phase, and if Zara can get Class Affair through the finish clean on Saturday, she will find herself in good stead to make a strong finish and perhaps even better her previous best finish at the level with this longtime partner of hers.
Alexander Tordoff and Cool Jack (GBR)
Britain’s Alexander Tordoff makes his 5* debut alongside the 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding this weekend. This will be an experience-building weekend for this pair, who’ve been together since 2016 after the horse was first competed by Ros Canter. They have loads of experience at the level below, first stepping up to the 4* level together back in 2020 and methodically working through the kinks en route to this long awaited debut. They aren’t *quite* at the point where they’ve become competitive, with average dressage scores in the mid-to-high 30s and a smattering of rails on the final day marring their final scores. They are fairly reliable on cross country, though, and if they can deliver a clear and relatively fast round, they will go home pleased with their accomplishments in what will be their biggest test together to date.
Paolo Torlonia and ESI Bethany Bay (ITA)
Our sole Italian pair this weekend is also stepping up to the 5* level for the first time. Paolo Torlonia and ESI Bethany Bay are poised to make their debut together, having begun their partnership back in 2020 after the 11-year-old Irish mare was produced in Ireland to start her eventing career. Since they got together, Paolo and ESI Bethany Bay have steadily ticked up the levels, finishing as well as 10th place in 4*-S competition, which coincidentally came in their final FEI prep for Pau at Little Downham last month. Their dressage scores have a bit trended in the wrong direction thus far this year, but they are a steady cross country pair with nary a cross country jumping penalty on their record. Paolo has also competed in pure show jumping with this mare, and though they do have some rails on their record, they do also have the ability to produce two strong jumping rounds when it counts. Look for this pair to be prioritizing experience and mileage in this 5* debut, but if they finish on their dressage score they could be looking at a top-20 or better finish to put the cherry on top.
Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent (GBR) | Groom: Francesca Gorni, Charlotte Holifield, & Jessica McKie
Things sure started off rosie for ‘Rosie’ this season when she held her nerve right to the end and became Kentucky champion. She may have been a little off the pace following the first phase, but an accomplished cross country round saw her through the flags just one second over the optimum time and then a faultless performance in the final phase, whilst others succumbed to the pressure, sealed the deal. Unfortunately, things didn’t run to the same tune at Burghley last month, where an early rider fall out on course threw up a reroute to Pau
Produced by Oliver from the start of her eventing career, this exceptional mare already has an impressive record and she’s still just a 10-year-old. In 22 FEI competitions she’s finished outside the top-7 just twice. Last season she won the prestigious 4*-S for eight- and nine-year-olds at Blenheim, finishing on her dressage of 24.7, the only competitor to keep a clean sheet across the board. She made her CCI5* debut at Luhmühlen the same year, where a green mistake saw her finish in 27th, but that educational run stood her in good stead; she came back in the fall to claim third at Maryland, where she would have won had it not been for two fences down in the final phase.
Her dressage scores have been a little haphazard thus far; she’s well capable of landing in the low-20s but every now and then the flying changes get the better of her and she’ll be closer to 30. But it’s likely to be clear and quick come cross country day and then a hold your breath moment on the final day. Regardless, this mare is such an exciting prospect for Oliver, a real talent with (even more) big results to come, for sure.
Oliver Townend and Crazy du Loir (GBR) | Groom: Francesca Gorni, Charlotte Holifield, & Jessica McKie
Oliver took over the ride on this smart mare from Britain’s Matt Heath at the beginning of the 2022 season and now brings her forward for her debut at the CCI5* level. She’s well-equipped for her step up to the top level with solid runs over suitably meaty tracks in the 4*-L events at both Blenheim and Bramham, where she finished 12th and 13th respectively and proved she’s got the turn of foot required to make good on cross country day, adding just a small handful of time penalties on each occasion. Her dressage scores at 4* tend to be in the low-30s and her cross country record is impressively clean. She’s also a careful jumper in the ring with an excellent clear round rate – in 19 FEI competitions she’s had show jumping penalties on just three occasions, exactly the kind of reliability you want in a 5* horse. There’s always a sense of the unknown when a horse takes on the top level for the first time, but Oliver’s put in the mileage with the promising mare at 4* this season and it’ll be interesting to see how she stacks up when it comes to the real deal.
Oliver Townend and En Taro des Vernier (GBR) | Groom: Francesca Gorni, Charlotte Holifield, & Jessica McKie
Oliver comes to Pau triple handed, with the young but proven CCI5* talent Cooley Rosalent and two debutants at the level. En Taro des Vernier is relatively low mileage with just 13 FEI competitions under his girth, including only four 4* competitions, one at the long format. However, his path to the top of his sport has taken in the prestigious 4*-S for eight- and nine-year olds at Blenheim, where he finished 15th after adding a handful of cross country time and a show jumping pole (which proved to be expensive in the company) to his dressage score of 29.1, as well as the notoriously meaty 4*-L track at Bramham this season, where he finished just one place behind his stablemate and fellow Pau competitor, Crazy du Loir.
First phase scores for this guy tend to have a pretty wide swing, with a ten mark difference between his highest and lowest, so it’s safe to say that we’ll just have to wait and see what happens between the white boards on the day. One thing we do know for sure is that this horse knows his way around a cross country track. There’s not a single jumping penalty on his record, although there is generally time added, but he’s a young horse so that’s to be expected, really. The show jumping hasn’t been quite so consistent thus far, but he does tend to keep it to just the one pole down. One of the cool things about Pau is that we get to see a whole bunch of horses stepping up to the level and a first glimpse of the future of the upper echelons of the sport, like this flashy newcomer.
Senne Vervaeck and Google van Alsingen (BEL)
We’re excited to follow 5* debutants Senne Vervaecke and Google van Alsingen this week in France. At 27, Senne has been a lifelong horseman. It’s in his blood as the son of Kris Vervaecke who has ridden for Belgium at World and European Championships. Senne has brought this thirteen-year-old Dutch Warmblood up the levels himself to the pinnacle of the sport. He has ridden under the Belgian flag at six Junior and Young Rider European Championships before he made his Senior team debut with Google at the World Championships at Pratoni in 2022. Their efforts in the first phase will see them land in the mid-to-high-30s, and their cross country record at 4* is quite compelling with only four blips on their record since Google stepped up to the level in 2021. When show jumping is the final phase, they have seen a few four-fault rounds, but Senne will be delighted to see the finish flags on the final day of his first five-star regardless.
Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG (LTU)
The 2024 season has not exactly played out how Aistis surely visualized it would. Slated to become Lithuania’s first Olympic eventer over the summer, those dreams were dashed by an elimination at his and Commander VG’s final qualification due to dangerous riding. They instead rerouted to Burghley where their weekend once again came to a premature ending when Aistis opted to retire after trouble early on course. This pair are hoping the third time’s the charm in the Pau CCI5*.
Commander VG came to Aistis as a challenging 5-year-old and together he and the stunning bay have had six five-star completions since, including Commander’s debut here at Pau in 2020. They’ve additionally represented their country at both European and World Championships and were the first Lithuanian pair to complete at Badminton in 2023. Aistis and Commander VG were 19th here last year, though they did add a frustrating 20 penalties on cross country. With record-breaking entries this weekend, this pair won’t be going against world-beaters in the first phase, but rather will likely produce an acceptable high-30s score on the flat. More importantly, they will both be looking to get back into their groove on the cross country with the goal of a completion.
Patrick Whelan and Ikoon Lan (IRL)
Another of Ireland’s rising stars — seriously, the Irish have it nailed when it comes to breeding talented young riders — this will be the second run a at 5* for both Patrick Whelan and his ride Ikoon Lan. They made their debut in Luhmuhlen earlier in the Summer, picking up a frustrating 20 cross country jumping penalties, though a top 5 finish in the 4*S at Ballindenisk last month would suggest they have put that firmly behind them Originally produced by his good pal Cathal Daniels, Patrick bought “Brutus” a couple of years ago, and they have quickly formed a strong partnership. The 11-year-old gelding only stepped up to 4*-L at Millstreet last June, and barring a frustrating 11 penalties on the cross country, he coped well with the challenge. He has continued to show his class since then, jumping around the CCI4*-L at Blenheim last year too.
Dressage would not be this horse’s strong suit — expect a score in the high 30’s — and he is more likely to roll a pole or two on the final day, too. Still, Patrick will looking for a steady, clear run, putting those 20 penalties at Luhmuhlen firmly behind them, and finishing their season on a high.
Isabel White and Icarus (GBR)
Izzy cut her teeth with Judy Bradwall, before setting up her own yard. Since then, she has proven herself to be quite the force to be reckoned with finishing third in the U254*L at Bramham in June with Icarus, her partner this week in Pau. Described by Izzy as a “timid character in the stable,” Icarus is certainly bold enough cross country; Bramham was his first 4*L and aside from time faults, he tackled it in fine style. Indeed, these two have finished in the top 10 in all but one of their International outings this season, including Little Downham 4*S last month in their final prep run ahead of Pau. Both of their first 5*, Izzy is trained by Caroline Moore, as part of the Performance Mentoring Programme, and will no doubt be grateful for Caroline’s ongoing support this week!
