Classic Eventing Nation

“I Was Nervous This Time”: Tim Price Retains Pau Title with Jarillo

By on Oct 25, 2026 5:13 pm -

Tim Price and Jarillo. Photo by Tilly Berendt. 

It’s hard to imagine that there’s any accolade that Tim Price hasn’t scooped up for himself, but today, he managed to find something new to add to his CV.

“I’d never won a five-star on a horse twice,” he says with a grin, moments after jumping clear with the 2025 Pau champion, Jarillo, to retain his title.

It very nearly wasn’t to be, though. His closest challengers – wife Jonelle, third after cross-country with Senor Crocodillo, the best-placed of her three rides, and Bubby Upton, second with the double Bramham winner Its Cooley Time, had each delivered one of seven clear rounds inside the time thus far. That meant that Tim wouldn’t have a rail to spare with the twelve-year-old gelding. Ordinarily this wouldn’t seem like much of an issue; the liver chestnut is an extraordinary jumper, and wouldn’t be out of place in that sport. But as Tim came through the middle of the course, he found himself gunning for a stride that didn’t exist at all.

“I tried to muck him up today, but he wasn’t having a bar of it,” laughs Tim. Jarillo, scopey almost in excess, overruled his pilot’s decision-making, and while they gave the oxer a hard rub, it settled back into its cups and allowed the formidable pair to continue on to their second victory.

Tim was, he admits, not as relaxed heading into the ring as he might have appeared.

“It’s amazing to be in this position again, but it’s not what’s going through your head at the time. I was really nervous this time – normally I’m quite under control, and with the first two horses I thought that would do everything to set me up for a nice approach to my round with Jarillo. But I went in and I was nervous; I didn’t really find my rhythm the way I wanted to.”

But, he continues, “this is why we sit on fantastic horses. I’ve had Jarillo for quite a while, and he’s a quirky horse; he needs his hand held in life in general. He runs away from certain things – thankfully, not on cross-country – but today, he looked after me for a change, because I don’t think I rode particularly well.”

Tim Price and Jarillo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Though a shock two rails at Luhmühlen’s CCI4*-S this summer might have cast some unfair doubt on Jarillo’s consistency – and arguably contributed to him being left off the New Zealand team at the World Championships – Tim was pragmatic about his form coming in to Pau.

“He’s been feeling a million dollars for almost all year, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can come and be successful. He’s such a class horse, and it makes my job easy to pilot him around, but there had been so many clear rounds that the pressure was coming further and further on. I had the faith in him, but I had to try to keep myself quite relaxed. Everyone always thinks I am, but I’m sort of paddling underneath the surface sometimes.”

Those seven clears inside the time – eight, once you add in Jarillo’s – were largely grouped in the business end of the leaderboard, and meant that the top five after cross-country was unchanged at the end of the final phase. One of those had already come from Tim himself: his second round, the mercurial Happy Boy, had closed out the weekend on a high, adding nothing in last challenge to the 3.2 time penalties he picked up yesterday when delivering the fastest round of the day.

“When he’s cool he’s really cool,” says Tim, who secured fourth place with the round. “But even when he’s naughty, I still can’t help but like him. We ask horses to do this; they don’t ask to do it, and he is who he is. He’s better in the autumn, or maybe in every second attempt at a big one, but whatever it is, he’s a really fun horse and has been exceptionally fun this week.”

Tim also secured 16th place with first horse Garcon, the greenest of the bunch, who tipped just one rail in the pathfinder round in today’s class.

There was, of course, no time for Tim to think between any of his horses: with just 29 left in the class, it was straight out of one saddle and into the next from the start of proceedings to the finish, and no doubt a really solid lorry nap on the long trip home now.

Jonelle Price and Señor Crocodillo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Mind you, the entirety of team Price will need a good sleep after a week that’s seen all six horses complete – and 50% of the top ten placings go to either Tim or Jonelle. Jonelle, for her part, takes third with Senor Crocodillo, eighth with the 2022 champion Grappa Nera, and 9th with newer ride Capitaine de Hus Z.

“Your performance is relative to your expectation,” she says. “I thought I could jump a good round on Capitaine de Hus, but we just had a light touch at the plank, which was a bit unfortunate in an otherwise good round. The black mare [Grappa Nera], she’s electric. She’s pretty hot, and when they’re that hot, it can go either way, so I was delighted to have just the four faults on her. And then with Crocodillo, he has a really good record on the last day, but in some ways that makes it harder. It’s getting to the point where he’s jumped so many clear rounds that you almost feel more pressure. But I jumped a couple of fences and thought, ‘he’s on’. He was a pleasure to ride.”

Bubby Upton and Its Cooley Time. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Dividing the Prices on the podium is Great Britain’s Bubby Upton, who finished second – her best result yet at the level – with her double Bramham winner Its Cooley Time.

The excellent result comes a year after a tricky run at Pau for the rider: in 2025 she brought three horses, including both her rides this week, to the event and completed with none of them.

This year, her goal was redemption, and she was determined to leave no stone unturned in her pursuit of it, particularly after some mistakes at the start of the season.

“Last year it was completely my fault in Its Cooley Time’s five-star debut, so to come back on his second attempt to finish second… obviously I’d always want to be at the top, but his performance all week has been flawless, and the future is incredibly bright,” says Bubby. “We’re only just scratching the surface of what he’s capable of, and we’ve learned so much about him over the last year or so.”

He can, she explains, “go in quite an extreme way with his head carriage, which is incredibly high, and so it often gives you a false feeling about how far you are away from the fence, because his legs go beyond the length of his neck. That’s what’s run us into trouble, particularly at Kronenberg this spring [where the pair fell on cross-country]. Whereas here last year, I felt we actually nailed 99.9% of it and had really come on from Blenheim [European Championships, where Bubby fell]. So it was easy to think of Pau as a very bad week for him, because of that error coming home, but actually, he got three fences from home in genuine perfection. There wasn’t anything there that we needed to strip back or change riding-wise, it was just a mistake on my part. Whereas Kronenberg really was an error in the system.”

Bubby Upton and Its Cooley Time. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

That’s when, she continues, “I got on the phone to Andrew Nicholson – and Chris Bartle has been a huge help to me as well. They’ve really rallied around me and given me the time in terms of analysing the rounds and distinguishing between how he’s so different from my other horses. I can’t shake, rattle, and roll around the cross-country like I can with Cola and expect the fence not to get in the way, because they do with him.”

She’s also had to learn to ride and embrace the quirks in his way of jumping: in showjumping, he’s an orbital, stylish jumper, while on cross-country, he’s much lower and more economical, so she’s switched him to open-fronted boots for cross-country to help him feel his way through and over brush fences without getting too low.

And when he’s sharp? That, too, is something to celebrate.

“He’s so feisty, but he’s like a cat – he’s the quickest animal on his feet, and he’s so obnoxious,” she laughs. “He’s like, ‘let me go! I know what I’m doing!’ And I’m like, ‘no you don’t!’ But that’s just him. The feistier he is, the better he is. I remember William Fox-Pitt saying that about Chilli Morning once: the more he’s fighting, the better he is, and it’s the same with him.”

Sofia Sjoborg and Bryjamolga van het Marienshof Z. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The top five is rounded out by Tom McEwen and the leggy nine-year-old debutant Quintus, who added nothing to their scoresheet today, while Great Britain’s Lizzie Baugh completed her climb from first-phase 38th to final 6th place with a clear inside the time with Piltown Concorde. Willa Newton did much the same with the former Izzy Taylor ride Hartacker, which completed her own climb from 20th to 7th, just ahead of Jonelle and first ride Grappa Nera, who had started the week in 40th place. Sweden’s Sofia Sjoborg delivered a smart clear and added just 1.6 time penalties to climb up to tenth place with her Olympic ride, Bryjamolga van het Marienshof Z, having started the week in 47th place.

Hallie Coon and Kapriccio. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Our sole remaining US competitor, Hallie Coon and Kapriccio, added 8 faults to move to a respectable 12thplace, just missing out on another five-star placing for their resume in the horse’s sophomore run at the level.

We think it every year, but truly: if anyone else wants to idly call Pau an ‘easy’ five-star, we will just start screaming and screaming and never stop.

For now, that’s all for us from Pau, and on the European end of EN, we head into the off-season a bit bruised, a bit battered, and really quite damp, actually. Thank you for following along with all our reporting this year – we’ll see you very soon to Go Eventing again.

The final top ten at Pau 2026.

Les Etoiles de Pau: Website | Entries + Live Scoring | Live Stream | EN’s Coverage

Four Leave Competition on Sunday Morning at Pau – Including Top Ten Contender

By on Oct 25, 2026 7:13 am -

The field at Les Etoiles de Pau has thinned by four at the final horse inspection, where – despite a late 11.00 a.m. start and an extra hour of sleep, thanks to the clock change – just about everybody left in the hunt was left to battle the aftereffects of a truly abysmal post-party hangover.

Overnight withdrawals came in spades, with the dominant British contingent badly hit: Steve Heal and his first ride, debutant Hisco, were 18th after cross-country with a smart, steady clear but opted not to present due to some swelling on a front fetlock; Heidi Coy, 32nd overnight with MGH Jessica, withdrew due to a suspected stud puncture on the mare’s elbow; and Izzy Taylor, who was 21st with PSH Encore and 6th with SBH Big Wall, did not present either horse.

Jonelle Price and Capitaine de Hus Z. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

That allows Jonelle Price, already 3rd with Senor Crocodillo and 7th with Grappa Nera, to move into the top ten with Capitaine de Hus Z, who had been 11th after yesterday’s cross-country.

Noor Slaoui and Cash In Hand. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

For those 29 who did present, the morning was largely sans incident – just Morocco’s Noor Slaoui and Cash in Hand, now 29th, were sent to the holding box, but were happily passed upon reinspection. They do come into the final day slightly lighter in assets than they started the week, though: poor Noor lost half of both of her two front teeth mid-round yesterday, but was her usual smiley self this morning, if in a closed-mouthed sort of way.

Now we look ahead to the finale of the 2026 five-star season with this afternoon’s showjumping, which will begin at 2.30 p.m. local time (1.30 p.m. British time; 9.30 a.m. EST).

Tim Price and Jarillo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Overnight leaders and reigning champions Tim Price and Jarillo don’t have a fence in hand; their overnight score of 30.9 puts them just 2 penalties ahead of second-placed Bubby Upton and Its Cooley Time, and third-placed Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo are just 3.7 penalties off the lead at this stage.

We’ll be back with a full report on the afternoon’s action. To watch along, you can tune in via Pau’s dedicated streaming service. Go Eventing.

The top ten after cross-country at Pau.

Les Etoiles de Pau: Website | Entries + Live Scoring | Live Stream | EN’s Coverage

Sunday Links

By on Oct 25, 2026 12:01 am -

Hallie Coon and Kapriccio. Hallie will be one rider on the roster of the indoor eventing challenge at the London International Horse Show in December. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Many of the world’s top eventers will descend on the capital this December to contest the London International Horse Show’s inaugural London International Eventing Challenge. Taking place in the evening performance on Friday December 18, the arena eventing competition will see leading riders go head-to-head over a challenging course combining show jumps and cross country fences.

Ros Canter, Gemma Stevens and Tom McEwen, members of Britain’s gold medal-winning team at the World Championships in Aachen this summer, will be among the star-studded line-up assembled by British Equestrian Eventing Performance Manager, Dickie Waygood. Former World and European and current British Open Champion, Zara Tindall will also compete, ensuring the home crowd have plenty to cheer about.

The three-star track will be designed by FEI level three course-designer Adrian Ditcham and will take place in the International Arena and part of the collecting ring.

The confirmed list of entrants is:

  • Tom McEwen (GBR)
  • Ros Canter(GBR)
  • Gemma Stevens (GBR)
  • Alex Hua Tian (CHN)
  • Gaspard Maksud (FRA)
  • Hallie Coon (USA)
  • Aoife Clark (IRL)
  • Jesse Campbell (NZL)
  • Sofia Sjöborg (SWE)
  • Alex Bragg (GBR)
  • Zara Tindall (GBR)
  • Giovanni Ugolotti (ITA)
  • Matt Sampson (GBR)

More information and tickets can be found here.

Major International Events

Les 5 Étoiles de Pau CCI5* (France): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Pau TV Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [Play Eventing Manager – Use code PCTD to join the EN league!]

U.S. Events This Weekend

Waredaca Classic Three-Day Event & H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer: Horse Trials] [Volunteer: Classic Three-Day]

YEH West Coast Championships & Last Chance Qualifier (CA): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scores]

Bouckaert Equestrian International (GA): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Windermere Run H.T. (MO): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scores] [Volunteer]

Hitching Post Farm H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scores] [Volunteer]

Links & Reading

Coaching Corner

Go Eventing

An incredibly relatable video:

Returning Champions Tim Price and Jarillo Step into Pau Lead on Turbulent Cross-Country Day

By on Oct 24, 2026 6:59 pm -

Lizzie Baugh and Piltown Concorde. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

This might be a really unwelcome insight into my algorithm – and the really boring ways I spend my time behind closed doors – but late last night, I was scrolling on Instagram and I rediscovered the poem (I know, I know, just bear with me, okay?) Go To the Limits of Your Longing by Rainer Maria Rilke.

The main thrust of it is this:

You, sent out beyond your recall,

go to the limits of your longing.

Embody me.

Flare up like a flame

and make big shadows I can move in.

Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror.

Just keep going. No feeling is final.

Don’t let yourself lose me.

Nearby is the country they call life.

You will know it by its seriousness.

It’s that last bit that stuck out to me, some hours before a pre-dawn alarm to get ready for a long day of five-star cross-country. Let everything happen to you. Beauty. Terror. No feeling is final. Nearby is the country they call life.

Because you do have to, don’t you? You have to throw yourself into your fear and your feelings and trade off the risk of being hurt in exchange for the reward of euphoria. And when you strip away the many layers of complexity of cross-country riding, of the ongoing developments in how safe we can make it and how cleverly it can develop, it really all comes down to that. Do you dare? Will you keep going?

I was thinking about that beauty and that terror when I bumped into the preternaturally sunny Emily King, our overnight dressage leader, at the coffee van. Her cappuccino was cold but she was still smiling; somewhere deep inside she must have been incubating a hard molten core of dread, but she was still making the people around her laugh. She had a course to rewalk and she still made the time to find me a pair of her rain boots, and to put them out for me, so I – literally just a journalist who was about to stand in a lake like a lemon all day – could have a nice day. Talk about containing multitudes.

By the time she left the start box, hours and hours later in the middle of the afternoon, so much of both ends of the beauty and terror spectrum had already played out. On the left hand of the spectrum, classic cross-country climbs from the very bottom of the leaderboard to near the top of it for Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera, Great Britain’s Lizzie Baugh, and Sweden’s Sofia Sjoborg and Bryjamolga van het Marienshof; a gleeful caper around the course for France’s Julie Bilquez, who smiled so broadly over each fence that she looked like she might take flight like one of the happy little unicorn balloons dotted through the crowd; a Labrador having perhaps the very best day of his life, swimming jolly circles in the far end of the water complex, in carousel with two bemused swans and eight increasingly irate geese.

And then, on the other end of the spectrum, the bad: seven non-completions at that stage, including early retirements for French World Championships pathfinders Benjamin Massie and Figaro Fonroy; a surprise horse fall for Caroline Powell and High Time, who were unharmed but for some nasty bruising for the rider; several slips and scrambles on the slick ground, which had a firm underlayer but had received a huge dumping of rain on top yesterday; and no shortage of dropouts from the top ten as horse after horse ran out at the seemingly innocuous B element at the first water, the first of two in a line of skinny arrowheads. Worst of all, a horror fall at the final combination for Yasmin Ingham and Gypsie du Loir, who had sat fifth after dressage and were bang on their minute markers in one of the rounds of the day before their tumble. Luckily, both horse and rider are, we’re thrilled to report, completely fine. The same could not be said for Ego des Cabanes, the 12-year-old mount of France’s Luc Chateau, who hit a front leg hard against the B element of that first water after an unconventional approach, and was subsequently euthanised.

But regardless of what had happened before her; regardless of what had happened in her own previous runs at the level – a plot-twist rider fall at fence two here last year; a second place finish at Luhmühlen this summer; placings at Badminton and beyond – Emily still had to leave the start box. She still had to give herself over to the thing she longed for. To become a five-star champion, she had to accept the risk of being bitterly disappointed, or worse.

She will not be this year’s Pau winner. After a beautiful, efficient clear through the first third of the track, which wends its way through the wooded parkland of the Domaine de Sers, and through the second third, with its achingly tricky twists and turns through Pau’s racecourse training track, she steadied up for the leaf pit-style drop at 24AB, popped neatly down it, avoiding the ice-rink slick of footing that had caught several others out, and then found herself skipping out to the righthand side of the skinny at the bottom. Their chances gone, she put her hand up and opted to retire her 17-year-old partner. But by god, didn’t they give it a good go?

Tonight’s post-cross-country party will be twice as full of commiserators as it is celebrators: after Emily’s sad adieu, there were two consecutive retirements for Aistis Vitkauskas of Lithuania and Mark Davidson of Great Britain; an early fall for Tom Jackson from last year’s runner-up, Plot Twist B; a fall on the flat while executing a turn for Ireland’s Joseph Murphy and Calmaro; a fall on the flat in a different area for Switzerland’s Mélody Johner and Erin; the same again for her countryman Felix Vogg and his second ride, Maryland 5* winner Cartania; a fall at the final fence for France’s Sebastien Cavaillon and his second horse, Elipso de la Vigne, with whom he’d been third after dressage – a placing that, perhaps, saw him push for just a hair more than his horse could give him.

In all, we lost a third of the field today, among them two of our three US riders: Tiana Coudray and Cancara’s Girl, equal fifth after dressage, had an early runout and subsequently retired, while debutants Alexa Gartenberg and Cooley Kildaire finished their day at the same spot after also running out at fence 8, though poor Alexa was popped out of the tack in the process. Just 18 of our 49 starters would deliver a clear round — and none of them would catch the time.

Tim Price and Jarillo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Price family, at least, will have something to smile about. Tim and Jonelle each came to this event with three horses; each has a former winner in their line-up. Both finish the day with all six of their horses – 12% of the starting field and nearly 19% of the remaining one – in the top twenty.

Foremost among those is Jarillo, the twelve-year-old reigning champion, with whom Tim stepped up from overnight second to the provisional lead today after adding just 5.2 time penalties in one of the quickest rounds of the competition.

“He’s just getting better and better – he’s a class horse, and now he feels like an established five-star horse,” says Tim. “He’s just a joy to ride. He’s a quirky animal – he spooks and he’s horse-shy and anything can catch his attention, but when he’s actually in the field of play and on his job, he’s incredible. I’ll forgive him for all those other things that can annoy him on a daily basis because he’s just so good and so lovely to ride.”

Tim Price and Happy Boy. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Tim also sits fourth overnight with the often mercurial Happy Boy, who delivered the fastest time when adding just 3.2 time penalties. In 19th, the debutant Garcon added 15.6 time penalties and an 11 for a broken safety device.

“All three horses I was really happy with,” he says. “The first guy, Garcon, is very unproven, very unknown in terms of what he’s capable of. He’s tiny – I always feel like I’ve stolen him from some little kid. I see a picture and I’m like, ‘he’s too small for you!’ but he’s full of might and power and ego and aggression, and so I thought, ‘the sooner I get him into something that’s truly going to challenge him, the better.’ So here we are with him, on a journey to discover what he might be capable of.

“With Happy Boy, I’ve got to take the computer chip out and put a new computer chip in for the next horse, because they’re so different. He’s been good here before, but he’s a real on-off horse in terms of his performances. Now that he’s 14 or 15, I’m finally working out the Rubik’s cube, and he was fantastic today. I really know where his flaws are and what he doesn’t like, and he’s fast, which I’ve never really acknowledged because I’ve always been dealing with his naughtiness and runouts and silly things.”

That natural speed allowed Tim to opt for a long route at the tough final combination before the arena finish.

“Anything that allows for a left run-out is his nemesis, and I really didn’t want to take that on at the end with him. He’s fast, and so I set off like, ‘I’ve got to do what I can to be able to afford the long route at the end.’ I knew I probably couldn’t do it and make the time, but it was more important to go clear and do a good job. I’d be ruing it if I’d gone for the straight route and had a problem, because it’s the biggest left-handed corner we’ve seen all year, and I’d be taking it on a horse who’s notorious for running left. I had to ride with my head a bit.”

Bubby Upton and Its Cooley Time. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Second fastest of the day was Bubby Upton and her second ride, the double Bramham winner Its Cooley Time, who added 3.6 time penalties in a much-improved, laser-focused round that had been finessed with the help of Andrew Nicholson, who has been coaching Bubby for this phase after a spate of mishaps at the top levels.

The zenith of those mishaps was, arguably, here twelve months ago. Bubby had three rides on that occasion – Its Cooley Time again, and first ride Cola, too, as well as the now-retired Cannavaro, but a combination of mistakes and bad luck meant that none of three finished the competition in what was an enormous blow for the young professional.

Now, though, she’s determined to rewrite this chapter and give her horses the results she believes they richly deserve. Her riding today proved that she’s willing to do the right things to get to that goal.

“Last year Its Cooley Time gave me a flawless round in his first-ever five-star at ten years old, but then I made a mistake at the last combination and just over-pressed him coming into the same exact house that I was delighted to see there again this year, and in a very similar line and combination,” she laughs. “I would say it’s even more difficult than last year, actually. So that took quite a lot of time and focus to make sure I didn’t make the same mistake again, because I felt like I really robbed him of a top result in his first five-star. He’d been up on the clock the whole way, and we know he’s a good jumper on the final day, so that was a very tough pill to swallow, and this year was what we call redemption.”

Its Cooley Time, too, demonstrated the solid foundations he and Bubby have laid in their partnership over the last year when he took the wheel through the first water complex, allowing Bubby to focus on orchestrating arguably the save of the day.

“Fair play to the horse, because he was still looking at the flags while I definitely wasn’t – I was very much seeing water for a long time, and then I got back in the saddle and it was one stride and bam, the second fence. He was extraordinary in that moment.”

Jonelle Price and Señor Crocodillo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Third-placed is Jonelle Price on the third of her three rides, the stylish grey Senor Crocodillo. They climbed from eleventh after dressage when nipping around 4.8 time penalties, and are joined at the business end of the leaderboard by pathfinder Grappa Nera, the 2022 Pau champion, who was electric for 6.4 time penalties and moved up from 40th place to 7th. Jonelle’s middle ride, Capitaine de Hus Z, sits eleventh after a steadier 12.8 time penalty round.

“Obviously I’m in the top three because of the round with Senor Crocodillo, but it’s not to be overlooked that I got off to a really good start with Grappa Nera,” she says. “She gave me a fantastic ride – I think one of our best rounds yet, and so that gave me a really good insight into the course and I was able to capitalise on that from that moment on.”

It’s not, Jonelle says, “my first rodeo” where being pathfinder is concerned.

Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“I’ve been here before, and I know Grappa Nera inside out, and she’s experienced at the level and so nimble and athletic that you’ve got options. There’s an element of cross-country riding that has to be reactive, and it’s all well and good having a plan and having walked it four times, but at the end of the day you’ve got to be able to respond in those moments. I know with her that I have options, which is a really nice feeling to have on a course that’s quite unpredictable, like Pau can be. So she just set me up for the day, really.”

Of Senor Crocodillo, her 2026 World Championships ride, she says, “I’m just delighted for him, really. He’s been on a good upward trajectory for a couple of years now, and I just felt so sad for him at the Worlds when we had a blip late in the course, coming home after he’d had a hold. It was sort of easy to look at it and think it was a bad mistake, but I truly believe it was a result of the hold, and so it was so nice to be able to come here today [and prove that]. He was on the job and very good on all his lines, and I’m just happy for the horse that he was able to come out and show himself in a great light today.”

Tom McEwen and Quintus. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Tom McEwen’s oversized nine-year-old Quintus continued to impress and deliver performances beyond his years and will head into tomorrow morning’s final horse inspection in fifth place after adding 8 time penalties. Just behind him, Izzy Taylor’s comeback from a broken leg is confirmed by an excellent 9.6 time penalty round aboard SBH Big Wall, which moved them into sixth place and redeemed an early retirement for Barrington Alice, who had two run-outs at that influential B element at the first water, and PSH Encore, who picked up a 20 en route to completion.

Izzy Taylor and SBH Big Wall. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Eighth place is held by Lizzie Baugh and Piltown Concorde, who, like Jonelle and Grappa Nera in seventh, climbed a huge 30-place stretch of the leaderboard after adding just a smattering of time penalties.

The sole remaining US representatives in the competition, Hallie Coon and Kapriccio, look set to add another five-star placing to their resume and will head into tomorrow’s final day in ninth place, having added 12.8 time penalties. The top ten is rounded out by Great Britain’s Willa Newton and the former Izzy Taylor ride Hartacker, who stepped up from 20th place.

Hallie Coon and Kapriccio. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

There are just 33 horses and riders remaining in the competition as we look ahead to the final horse inspection, which will take place from 11.00 a.m. local time (10.00 a.m. British time/6.00 a.m. EST) tomorrow. We’ll be back with the full story from the trot-up, and, of course, from the showjumping finale thereafter.

Nearby is the country they call life (and/or the off-season, frankly). Go chase it down — and Go Eventing.

The top ten after cross-country at Pau.

Les Etoiles de Pau: Website | Entries + Live Scoring | Live Stream | EN’s Coverage

Saturday Links

By on Oct 24, 2026 12:15 am -

Kentucky Horse Park and Equestrian Events Inc. (EEI) are starting up a new Combined Test series aimed at off-season practice, and the first competition will be held on December 5. Starter through Modified will be open, and don’t forget that CTs can now be used to earn leaderboard points on the new USEA Combined Test Leaderboard. Individual jumping rounds will also be offered.

Entries open on November 2, and we don’t have a link for those just yet, but you can keep an eye on the Equestrian Events Inc. Facebook page for information as it becomes available.

Major International Events

Les 5 Étoiles de Pau CCI5* (France): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Pau TV Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [Play Eventing Manager – Use code PCTD to join the EN league!]

U.S. Events This Weekend

Waredaca Classic Three-Day Event & H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer: Horse Trials] [Volunteer: Classic Three-Day]

YEH West Coast Championships & Last Chance Qualifier (CA): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scores]

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Fresh off her top five finish at the US Open of Eventing, Laine Ashker has jetted off to Mexico City to compete her dressage horse, Zeppelin, in the Mexico City CDI-W:

Allez! Allez! Allez! Cross Country Day at Les 5 Étoiles de Pau: Live Blog

By on Oct 23, 2026 5:20 pm -

Délicieux with garlic and butter. Photo via CrossCountry App.

Bonjour mes amis eventing. We’re comin’ at ya from the final 5* of the year (boo 👻) with all the fun and frolics from the French offering live on cross country day at Les 5 Étoiles de Pau.

So far there’s been plentiful talk about the weather – promising to be wet – and reminiscing of years gone by when rubber boots were more appropriate than shoes even with the biggest studs out on cross country. Alas, the only thing to be done when it’s raining is to let it rain, and so we will continue with proceedings accordingly, zip up our waterproof coats to the very top, and get on with the job at hand. Unless of course you’re enjoying our outdoor sport from indoors, living vicariously via this live blog. Whatever the weather, we’re here for it.

We know that Saturday’s a day when the leaderboard tends to get shook up like a Boggle cube, but before the shaking commences, here’s a look at the podium as things stand following the dressage phase:

1️⃣ 🇬🇧 Top of the class between the white boards was Emily King and Valmy Biats who laid it all down and then some in the dressage ring to sit on a score of 24.5, 1.2 penalties ahead of the rest of the field – in cross country terms, that’s three seconds.

2️⃣ 🇳🇿 Chasing the top spot is Tim Price and Jarillo who made light work of the test for a score of 25.7.

3️⃣ 🇫🇷 Rounding out the podium placings after the first phase is Sebastien Cavaillon and Elipso de la Vigne who made their mark on the competition with a score of 28.1.

🇺🇸 Best of the US is Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl who sit in equal 5th place on a score of 28.9.

You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.

In a water tower town… Photo via CrossCountry App.

Alongside the galloping and jumping action, the track promises to throw up a veritable smorgasbord of treats. If you’re watching on Pau TV (with one eye firmly locked onto the live blog – and a finger on your refresh button), might I suggest a friendly round of décor bingo, if you will? It sure is spooksville out there with a festive and frankly strange bunch of stuff to spot: a bit chilly for it, to be honest, but who’s up for ice-cream? More appropriate for the season there’s a Jack o’lantern in a goblet lurking with a mean red-eyed arachnid while a full-on skeleton reclines in the fence, and looking ahead, a Nutcracker’s on jump judge duty and a sled’s ready to sleigh. For the animal offering this year: prancing ponies on poles; delicious, if you’re into that kinda thing, l’escargot; a flock of curious-looking sheep; a horned dairy cow; the head of a duck; a bear and some bugs, and swans on the sand. Oh Pau, please never ever change.

Welcoming competitors to fence 25, a bear behind. Photo via CrossCountry App.

The bingo live blog will begin when the first horse and rider leave the start box, so while we wait for starter’s orders, some links for your perusal:

▶️ Catch up with Tilly’s reports on what went down in the dressage: [Thursday] [Friday]

▶️ For all the deets you need to know, including schedules, fast facts, how to watch and so much more, check out EN’s Ultimate Guide.

▶️ Have a gander at what the horses and riders will be facing out on course today – fences and festivities – courtesy of CrossCountry App.

▶️ As you know, here at EN we are never happier than when we’re befriending the owls and up with the larks to deliver the goods to you, fellow eventing nerds. You’ll find all of our Pau shenanigans here.

With all that said, a little ‘refresher’ on the no. 1 rule of following EN’s classic live blog: refresh, refresh, refresh – and all will be revealed.

via GIPHY

If you’re catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.

We’re counting down to kick off… Jonelle Price will get the day going with the first of her three rides, previous Pau winner Grappa Nera – they’re due to go at noon CET / 6am ET.

Baguettes at the ready – Allez eventing!

Les Etoiles de Pau: Website | Entries + Live Scoring | Live Stream | EN’s Coverage

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11:15am

SUMMARY OF THE DAY’S SPORT

Keep it locked onto EN for our classic full report – coming as soon as Tilly’s managed to wrangle the riders, wring out her socks, and smash out 100,000 words.

Until then, here’s a rapid update of the action on today’s cross country:

1️⃣ 🇳🇿 Leading the pack is Tim Price and Jarillo who delivered a flawless clear jumping round, adding 5.2 time penalties on a day when the clock proved impossible to beat, to land on a score of 30.9, 2 penalties ahead of the field – in show jumping terms that’s not a pole but with 5 seconds in hand.

2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Sitting in second as things stand is Bubby Upton and It’s Cooley Time who showed what they’re truly made of with the second quickest round of the day, adding just 3.6 time penalties to go into the finale on a score of 32.9.

3️⃣ 🇳🇿 Rounding out the podium after cross country is Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo who were smooth as butter out there, adding only 4.8 time penalties and ending up on a score of 34.6.

4️⃣ 🇳🇿 Heading into the final phase just off the podium in addition to his lead is Tim Price and Happy Boy who put down the fastest time of the day, adding 3.2 penalties for a total score of 35.9, 1.3 points off the podium placings.

5️⃣ 🇬🇧 Tom McEwen and Quintus had a cracking spin and sit in 5th place after adding 8 time penalties to their score and ending up on 36.6.

🇺🇸 Best of the US is Hallie Coon and Kapriccio who had a beautiful round, adding 12.8 time penalties to land them in 9th place on a score of 44.2.

You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.

But we all know that eventing’s about so much more than the scores. Here’s some points of note from today’s competition:

✅ 33 combinations completed cross country from 49 starters.

⛔ 9 combinations were eliminated on course.

🖐️ 7 opted to retire from the competition.

❗ Jumping penalties came at 16 different fences.

🚩 0 flag penalties were upheld.

⛓️‍💥 There were 8 broken frangible device penalties.

📈 Fence 9b was the most influential in terms of jumping penalties.

🍂 There were 9 falls in total.

⏰ 0 combinations made the time:

👌 18 combinations jumped clear.

🪜 Leaderboard climbers are a particularly cool feature of our sport, and we had a fair few in the ascendency today:

Tim Price and Happy Boy put the cat among the pigeons when they clawed their way up 12 places into 4th.

Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera galloped their way up a whopping 33 places from 40th into 7th.

Lizzie Baugh and Piltown Concorde flew 30 places up the board into 8th.

Jack Pinkney and Carpo Vivendi jumped themselves 22 places up into 12th.

Felix Vogg and Frieda rocketed 24 places up into 13th.

Sofia Sjöberg and Bryjamolga VH Marienshof Z propelled themselves 33 places up into 14th.

⭐ Winning at 5* isn’t always about well, winning. Here’s some rounds of note, although honestly, there were so many:

🪩 Julie Bilquez and Brin d’Or des Sources had an absolute ball out there on their first time at 5*, making dreams come true.

🍑 Hallie Coon and Kapriccio had a real peach of a ride with a beautiful clear jumping round.

🎞️ Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo had a round worthy of the highlight reel – a total masterclass of working as a partnership.

🐻 Stephen Heal and Hagonda had their eyes on the flags like a bear for a salmon with a truly great cross country round from both horse and rider.

💔 Not everyone can have the best day, that’s sport. There were some tricky moments out there, and some disappointments:

🛟 Save of the day came courtesy of Sebastien Cavaillon and Hashtag de la Vigne when Sebastien’s core of steel came fully into play when they had a seat of your pants moment at the final water. He clung on and they sit in 27th.

🎢 Emily King and Valmy Biats showed just what a rollercoaster this sport can be, coming into today in the lead and having a smooth as silk ride, up until it wasn’t. They bowed out of the competition at fence at 24b after a drive by prompted Emily to put her hand up.

😫 Caroline Powell and High Time came unstuck at the steeplechase fence at 14 out on the racecourse, in a shock end to their competition. Another shock unseating came via Sarah Ennis and Dourough Ferro Class Act who parted ways at the Halloween themed wall at 6.

🫢 It’s sad to see a fall on the flat out on cross country, and unfortunately, today we had a few of them, notably on the approach to the arrowhead at 24b, after the big drop. Poor Joseph Murphy had his round end earlier than that, when Calmaro looked to headbutt him out of the saddle while they were galloping between fences. Ouch.

🃏 And finally, Bastien Commecy and Crack du Noyer win the wild card for a butt clenching, wild kinda ride – they’re in 20th place.

All this, and much, much more, in vivid detail below in the live blog. If you want to relive the day according to the order of go, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.

The final 5* cross country day of 2026 has drawn to a close, but before we hunker down to watch re-runs through the winter, let’s see this one through the finale – the show jumping phase is due to start at 2:45pm CET / 9:45am ET, which you can catch on Pau TV with EN’s overall debrief following shortly after.

Thanks for following along with the live blogs this season. It’s been epic.

Eyes on EN for a full report – coming soon.

Until next year – go eventing!

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10:45am

STAY TUNED FOR A SUMMARY OF THE DAY’S SPORT HEADED YOUR WAY.

Keep hitting that refresh button – more horsing around coming up very soon…

via GIPHY

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10:38am

Izzy and PSH Encore have the course to themselves as they finish up the day.

Oh, they just don’t get to the final element of the coffin complex at 17 and the horse grinds to a halt. Annoying for Izzy. But she comes back round and they continue on, gaining experience together.

They come to the big drop at 24a and then Izzy makes it happen over the arrowhead at the b element. They take the flag at the open corner coming out of the final water at 25 which elicits a question mark from the judges for now.

They head towards home, over the skinny brush at 27 and onto the big combination at 28.

They have a great ride through there, really clean and moving forwards and then they come down the bank and into the main arena. The applause is roaring for the final combination as they clear the swans at 30 a and b and jump over the last. 20 penalties, 42 seconds over the time.

And there we have it. Pau cross country is over, but the competition rages on.

More in a minute… Stay tuned.

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10:33am

FINAL COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Izzy Taylor and PSH Encore

Dressage Score: 33.2
Place: 19

Rounding off the day with her third ride, Izzy’s closing things out for us. This pair only have four international events together but the mare’s been round Burghley and Pau before. This horse is a real jumper and she shows that off with a foot perfect ride through the first water at 9. Izzy gets a superb line out of the water at 11. They open right out as they gallop along the racecourse but the mare really listens when Izzy asks her to come back for the fences.

Tim and Jarillo continue with their masterclass. They’re so very, very quick away from the fences. So fluent and full of scope and power. Tim angles the arrowhead at 24b, avoiding having to turn on the approach. And that’s how a World No. 1 does it. Breath taking.

Tim gallops into the main arena. The crowd is huge. They’re over the swans at 30 and b. Tim takes no chances over the finale. 13 seconds over the time. Outstanding work. And into the overnight lead.

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10:26am

PENULTIMATE COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇿 Tim Price and Jarillo

Dressage Score: 25.7
Place: 2

Tim’s had a long wait to see if he can hold onto his place on the podium. This gelding is a super talent and comes to Pau as the reigning champ – eyes on this one. Jarillo looks fabulous as he flies through the two angled brushes at 7 and 8. There’s zero doubt about the line out of the water at 11 for them. Total class.

Bubby’s quick through the main arena, over the swans in the sand at 30 a and b and then over the finale. Her arm’s in the air. She’s grinning. Just 9 seconds over the time. Second fastest of the day. And into the lead, for now.

Meanwhile Jonelle’s neat and tidy through the final water at 25, picking out a beautiful line through there as she heads for home. They’re such a partnership as they navigate the drop at 24a and the arrowhead at the b element, just so together and so smooth. We’re really being treated to a masterclass from Jonelle. They’re quick into the main arena to the cheers of the crowd, over the swans at 30 and then over the last. Huge cheers as they cross the line, just 12 seconds over. What a ride she gave that horse.

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10:21am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇿 Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo

Dressage Score: 29.8
Place: 11

Jonelle’s third ride takes us into the final three to go. This lovely horse was 10th at Pau last year and is a smart prospect, for sure. It may be late in the day but the crowd are still out in force, clapping Jonelle along the start of the track. They’re super neat over the broken bridge at 4 and then over the related fence at 5 and equally so through the two angled brushes at 7 and 8. Beautiful through the two log piles at 15ab. Smooth, flowing, rhythmical. Superb.

Back with Bubby and this pair haven’t let up any. They fairly leap off the drop at 24a and then there’s no doubting the line for them through the arrowhead at b. They’re fierce through the final water at 25 and can smell home now.

Oh dear, Sebastien’s showing on the live scores as having had a fall at the penultimate fence. That’s a sad end to their day.

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10:17am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Bubby Upton and Its Cooley Time

Dressage Score: 29.3
Place: 8

Bubby’s back for a second go around. She’s here for redemption with this clearly talented and exciting gelding after taking a tumble at Pau last year. The horse is fighting for his head as they come to the Halloween wall at 6 but Bubby gets him back and they clear it nicely. She means business as she goes through the two angled brushes at 7 and 8 in two strides. Yikes, she has a save of the day as she’s pitched out of the tack over 9b but somehow manages to sit up for the triple brush in the water at 9c. She leaves no doubt through the line out of the water at 11. The horse is equally bold as his rider.

There’s Allezs from the crowd willing Sebastien on through the water at 23 but sadly it’s not enough and they don’t make the stride through there, picking up 20 at the palisade in the water. He continues on though.

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10:11am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇫🇷 Sebastien Cavaillon and Elipso de la Vigne

Dressage Score: 28.1
Place: 3

The final Frenchman’s out on track. Cue the crowd. He’s on the podium as things stand. Allezs galore incoming. Oh la la, they go French style over fence 5, jumping the very biggest part. Wowza. What an exciting start to their round. Ugh, disappointment for the French as they pick up 20 at 11b, the brush shoulder coming out of the water. The crowd gasp and then cheer them on as they come back round and continue on.

Back to Stephen at the big combination at 28 where we see more neat work from this pair. What a round they’re having. They come through the main arena and over the last. Clear jumping, 47 seconds over the time. That really was a great ride from Stephen and an impressive showing from the horse. He’s understandably delighted.

Meanwhile, Felix is up at the last water at 25. It’s a little heart in mouth coming to the middle element but Felix holds the mare in and they make it through. Oh. My. Felix and Cartania have had a fall on the flat after the drop at 24a. They slip and the horse loses her hind end. They’re both up on their feet but what a huge disappointment. It’s happened a couple times there which we definitely don’t like to see.

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10:06am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇨🇭 Felix Vogg and Cartania

Dressage Score: 30.4
Place: 12

Felix is back with his second ride of the day, Maryland winner and supermare Cartania. Hang on to your hats, she’s a speedy kinda gal. She powers out of the start box and flies the first couple of fences. She’s so elegant over the broken bridge at 4 and on to the skinny brush at 5, floaty. She fights a little for her head when Felix asks her to concentrate on the first of the two angled brushes at 7 and 8 but she jumps beautifully over the fences there.

Stephen continues to have a great ride, taking the open oxer at 19 out of the horse’s stride. They get a sweet jump over the big ditch and brush at 21 and then roll back round for the water complex at 23 and get a very straight route through there. We see Felix in the background clearing the white gate at 13 as Stephen drops down the big step at 24a and then sees the line to the arrowhead. They’re equally great through the water at 25.

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10:01am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Stephen Heal and Hagonda

Dressage Score: 34
Place: 26=

Stephen’s back with his second ride, a mare who’s got two solid 5* results under her cinch to stand her in good stead today. They set off looking to mean business, shaving off seconds right from the off as they take a very efficient line over the roll top at 2. They’re really quick over the broken bridge at 4, the horse is superb there. They’re bold through the two angled brushes at 7 and 8 and then they’re foot perfect through the first water at 9, very confident and sure of one another, great to see. They turn in the air over the picture frame at 10, shaving off fractions of seconds with an eye on the clock. What a line they get through the water at 11. Stephen’s giving this horse a peach of a ride and she’s answering every single question with confidence. Her ears are flicking back and to, hunting out the fences and listening to her rider. Very cute.

Jack comes to the finale and there’s big cheers for another finisher in the stadium. Clear jumping, 29 seconds over the time. That was a great round from them.

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9:56am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇪 Sarah Ennis and Dourough Ferro Class Act

Dressage Score: 29.5
Place: 9=

This rookie horse sure looked like a class act in the dressage phase and Sarah sure is a rapid rider across the country. Sarah starts off characteristically quick and rides really boldly over the broken bridge at 4 and onto the related fence at 5.

But then, the wall at spooksville catches her out. The skeleton in that fence watches on as they part company and end their competition early. Both look to be fine but a shame for them.

Jack has to push for the big ditch and brush at 21. The horse jumps well but seems to be a little behind Jack’s leg. Ooo, they squeak through the line at the water at 23. Well ridden there and a good horse to listen. The horse looks down the drop at 24a but Jack sits up and then they’re in the perfect balance through the line to the skinny at 24.

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9:52am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Jack Pinkney and Carpo Vivendi

Dressage Score: 34.5
Place: 32

Another rookie horse at the level, this gelding’s been through the young horse route via Le Lion and Blenheim as he made his way through the grades. We catch up with them as they come to the two brush shoulders at 8 and 9 and they get a solid three strides through there. The horse backs off a little at 9b going into the water but Jack pushes forward and the slide over none the worse. There’s no doubting the line up the step out of the water at 11 and then over the skinny brush at b, very smooth. They’re equally neat over the white gate on the mound at 13.

Jack doesn’t seem to have his foot down as he makes his way along the racecourse but the horse is jumping really nicely and looks to be enjoying his time out there.

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9:41am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇨🇭 Mélody Johner and Erin

Dressage Score: 29
Place: 7

We’re into the final ten to go now. This gelding’s making his debut at the level but has had good results at the World and European Championships. Mélody really rides for the broken bridge at 4 and then the horse puts in a trot stride on the bank there to rebalance before the related skinny brush at 5. They get a perfect shot through the water at 9 and they’re a picture through the picture frame at 10. She makes things happen coming out of the water at 11 and over the brush shoulder. Good job. She’s really giving this horse a great ride and they look very confident together.

Oh no. I spoke too soon. The horse stops at the top of the big drop at 24a. She comes back and rides forward for it and they leap off but then, goodness, they slip on the flat on the approach to the b element and part company. The horse is straight up, so is Mélody, and Erin takes off back down the track, hopefully to be caught quickly.

Marcio’s nearing home now after giving his horse a really lovely, sympathetic ride. He completes clear jumping, 1 minute 31 over the time.

OK, so we see Anthony making a quick decision after coming off the drop at 24a, opting for the longer route to complete that combination when it was clear the arrowhead at b wasn’t going to come up for them. They continue on to finish, 20 jumping, 1 minute 46 over the time.

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9:38am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Anthony Clark and Ballinaguilkey Fortunas

Dressage Score: 37.1
Place: 42

This combination are rerouting from Burghley and hoping to bag their first 5* completion. They’re impressive at the start of their round, getting the perfect shot through the two angled brushes at 7 and 8 and then foot perfect through the first water at 9. Anthony’s got his foot down as he lands and the horse is really responding when Anthony asks him to come back. But then, oh dear. After all that he misses the shot to the angled brush shoulder out of the water at 11 and they pick up 20 penalties. They continue on.

Meanwhile Marcio’s horse is looking to have really found his confidence as he comes off the drop at 24a. He’s super honest over the arrowhead at the b element and then the pair work nicely together round the alternate route through the water at 25.

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9:31am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇧🇷 Marcio Carvalho Jorge and Linkin Park K

Dressage Score: 34.4
Place: 30=

This gelding’s making the step up after coming through the levels via young horse events such as Le Lion and Blenheim. This horse is a bit looky at the crowd as he gets his round underway but Marcio’s keeping the horse focused on the fences. They have a green jump over the broken bridge at 4 and then have to squeak over the related skinny brush at 5. They have a bit of a slip round the corner coming to the first water at 9 but Marcio’s in balance. They have a moment over the skinny brush in the water over the c element, sliding over there, and then another awkward jump over the picture frame at 10.

They tap the gate at 13 and Marcio looks back but it’s stayed up. The horse is still looking a little starstruck but Marcio’s super experienced and is holding his hand. He looks happier as he gallops along the racecourse and is thinking more forwards as he comes to the coffin complex at 17.

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9:27am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇪 Joseph Murphy and Calmaro

Dressage Score: 33.2
Place: 18

This pair were top 20 at Burghley in the fall and have put themselves within reach of another solid result this week. Yikes, Joseph gets off to a seat of your pants start, hunting from the off. He’s a great cross country rider and really showing it.

Oh. Oh. Oh. What has just happened? They’re going along the track, Calmaro’s neck seems to come up and give Joseph a knock, a big one, so big in fact it knocks Joseph off. No fence involved. We see him up and extremely disappointed with Calmaro being led off the track. Gutted.

Rafael’s over the line, 40 jumping, 1 minute 37 seconds over the time.

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9:22am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Tom Jackson and Plot Twist B

Dressage Score: 33.5
Place: 21=

Last year’s runners-up made the trip to Kentucky in the spring and are closing out their season with a return trip to Pau hoping to bank another great result.

Oh boy. Tom’s round comes to a very early end as he’s propelled over Plot Twist’s ears at fence 8 and hits the deck. He’s straight up on his feet, not losing hold of the reins, and it’s a disappointing walk home from there.

Rafael makes things happen at the water at 23, not getting the smoothest ride but getting the job done. He’s brave off the drop at 24a and then gets a good shot over the arrowhead at the b element. It’s all a little squirrelly through the water at 25, looping round the alternate and although they’re not the neatest there, they’re through.

Mark opted to retire after that second refusal.

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9:17am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇧🇷 Rafael Mamprin Losano and Cooley and Co

Dressage Score: 37.7
Place: 43

He may not have a bunch of runs under his cinch, but this gelding’s been round a couple of European 4*-Ls to get a feel for things. They get a brave jump over the broken bridge at 4 and a bit of a heavy landing but it doesn’t affect things for the related fence at 5. Sadly they fall foul of the triple brush at 9b, glancing off to the side and picking up 20 penalties. They come back round and jump it and then continue along the course.

Topgear’s still pulling as he heads towards the double of cubes at 20. He certainly knows his job though and he jumps really well over each of those fences before heading to the huge ditch and brush at 21, which he flies. He has something to say about coming back for the white plank at 21 but Mark manages it. Sadly the wheels come off at the big water complex at 23. They drive by the palisade in the water at the b element and then have to pick a route through, but they continue on. There’s more troubles at the open corner in the water at 25b and they pick up another 20 there.

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9:12am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Mark Davidson and Cooley Topgear

Dressage Score: 39.4
Place: 45=

Rookie pairing alert. Coming at the end of the season, Pau is an attractive prospect for first-timers. Well, Topgear sure is living up to his name at the start of their round. This looks to be a whole lotta horse. The gelding’s super brave through the two angled brushes at 7 and 8, fighting for his head but leaping on through. He’s equally bold through the first water at 9 but looks to have settled when he comes through the picture frame at 10.

He trots through the water on the approach to the step at 11a and kind of stumbles up the bank but is super honest and clears the skinny on the way out nicely. They tap the white gate at 13 but it stays up this time.

Topgear’s in racehorse mode as he goes along the racecourse, head in the air but jumping well over the steeplechase fence. He’s bold, that’s for sure.

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9:09am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇱🇹 Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG

Dressage Score: 47
Place: 49

This gelding may not be a fan of he sandbox, but boy does he love to gallop and jump. The live feed’s focused on Emily right now but Aistis is showing up on the scores as having had a 20 at 9b. He seems to have retired.

Oh rats. Emily’s had a drive by coming down the hill after the big drop at 24a, overshooting the skinny arrowhead at the b element. So disappointing. Up until that point they were having such a superb round and really eating up the course. This sport is a rollercoaster, just gotta ride it, but that’s gotta smart some.

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9:01am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Emily King and Valmy Biats

Dressage Score: 24.9
Place: 1

Heyo, it’s our overnight leaders. Can Emily finally quell her 5* win door knocking?

Emily and Val have the course to themselves as they head out hoping to hold onto the top spot. Val looks to be well on Emily’s side at the start of their round, strong, yes, but staying with Emily. They get a really good shot into the water at 11b and then a perfect line to the triple brush at c. So far, so good.

Will they get the line out of the water at 11? They will. Perfect. They’re in beautiful balance over the white gate on the mound at 13 and Emily’s position is magnificent as they take the steeplechase fence on the racecourse at 14 out of their gallop stride. He comes back to her for the two skinny log piles at 15 a and b.

Spot on and effortless through the coffin complex at 17. The crowd clap their appreciation as they clear the wide table at 18. There’s support from the course stewards too as they gallop on by.

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8:57am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇺🇸 Alexa Gartenberg and Cooley Kildaire

Dressage Score: 35.2
Place: 35=

One for US fans, this is a rookie combo but have plenty of experience at the 4* level to stand them in good stead for today. But oh, sorry to say that’s not the case. They get a nice jump over the angled brush at 7 but then the striding’s off to the related angled brush at 8 and the horse goes to pick up, puts down and thinks about ducking round, and Alexa’s popped out the side door. Horse and rider both look OK but a sad, early end to their round.

Abby opts for the alternate at the big combination at 28, like fellow Kiwi Tim Price with Happy Boy earlier. It’s extra jumping efforts but the horse still looks full of run as he nears the end of the course. They clear the swans in the main arena at 30 a and b and then the finale. 20 jumping, 11 frangible penalties and 1 minute 59 over the time.

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8:47am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇿 Abby Jones and Henton Audacious

Dressage Score: 33.5
Place: 21=

This combo had a disappointing end to their Pau last year when they withdrew before the second horse inspection. Here’s hoping they pick up a completion this time around. They have a bit of an uncomfortable landing over the broken bridge at 4 but Abby sits up and kicks on. They take on the first water at 9 and the horse is very genuine, picking out the flags and jumping brilliantly. But then things don’t happen for them as they come back through the water for 11. They make the step up for the a element but the angled brush at b doesn’t come up for them and then horse has no choice but to stop. 20 penalties there for them but they continue on.

Goodness. They have a real moment at the ditch and brush at 21. The horse looks to go to put down behind on the brush and Abby’s propelled forwards but somehow she manages to right herself and gather things together for the white plank at 22. Impressive riding there, for sure.

They come back to trot for the big drop at 24a and then get a perfect line to the arrowhead at b. Great. They have a frangible penalty at 25b and then pick up the alternate route.

Back with Ros as she clears the open oxer at 19. They have a heart in mouth moment down the big drop at 24a, landing very steeply and Ros’ core really comes into play as she fights to sit up. They’re back together for the arrowhead at b though and they gallop on. They get the perfect stride through the big combination at 28 and head on towards the main arena. They’re over the swans at 30 a and b neatly and then fly the finale. 20 jumping and 50 seconds over the time.

Meanwhile, Sam has completed, 20 jumping, 11 frangible penalties and 1 minute 12 over the time.

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8:41am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Ros Canter and MHS Seventeen

Dressage Score: 31.9
Place: 14

This pair finished just outside the top 10 at Pau a couple years ago and will be aiming to move further up the order this time around, although Ros is a former Pau winner. Ros sits up over the broken bridge at 4, ensuring a good balance for the horse. They are excellent through the two angled brushes at 7 and 8 but then, oh dear. 9b strikes again when they drive by the skinny triple brush into the water there. Lucinda Green in the commentary box things the shadow played a part there. Ros comes back round and they continue on, looking not to have lost any confidence for that mistake. She lines up the step out of the water at 11 perfectly for the brush shoulder at the b element.

Lizzie has completed, clear jumping, 20 seconds over the time.

Sam is showing on the scoreboard as having had a 20 at 25c but we didn’t see what happened on the live feed, sorry. He’s continued on.

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8:38am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Sam Gillespie and But Not Till Now

Dressage Score: 36.9
Place: 41

This cool mare’s got two European 5*s under her cinch, including at Pau last year. Oh, they’re another pair to break the frangible device on the white gate at 13, just a bit long and low over there.

Lizzie takes a wide line into the house at the a element of 23, zigzagging her way through the water complex there, making things work for them. They opt for the alternate route at the final water at 25 but keep in a nice rhythm and the horse looks very confident.

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8:33am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Lizzie Baugh and Piltown Concorde

Dressage Score: 35.8
Place: 38

This gelding’s making his debut at the level at Pau this week. He’s named for speed and smooth flight – will he channel his namesake today? We catch up witht hem at the water at 9, galloping away from there very quickly. The horse looks quite strong as Lizzie brings him back to come into the water for the second time for fence 11 but he listens and they’re smooth through the line there. They’re very neat and tidy through the coffin complex at 17. Nice work.

Things continue to be hairily French for Bastien as they fly the arrowhead at 24b a little out of control, to be honest. He overshoots the turn and ends up against the ropes in a real butt clenching moment. Yikes. Bastien thinks quickly and gets back on track and they jump through the water at 25 clear. They barrel into the main arena and over the two swans at 30. The crowd are cheering them home. They clear the last. 11 frangible penalties and 36 seconds over the time.

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8:28am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇫🇷 Bastien Commecy and Crack du Noyer

Dressage Score: 39.4
Place: 45=

Allez! Allez! Allez! The home crowd’ll be behind this pair. There’s cheers as he lives a little dangerously at the angled brush out of the water at 11, putting a bit of French flair into their style there but making it over clear. The horse is super keen as they make their way along the racecourse. They’re showing as having picked up 11 penalties for the frangible device at the white gate at 13.

Ooo, Izzy’s horse has a little look into the ditch in front of the brush at 21 but that backing off actually helps to bring him back for the white plank at 22. They have an uncomfortable landing over the palisade at the water at 23 but Izzy sits tight and they continue on. They come into the main arena and drive forward through the double of swans at 30 before coming round to the finale. Izzy looks pleased with the horse. Clear jumping, 24 seconds over the time.

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8:21am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Izzy Taylor and SBH Big Wall

Dressage Score: 29.5
Place: 9=

Busy Izzy’s got three horses in the field. She rejoins us now with her second contender hoping to put right the mistake from earlier. All good at the water at 9 where he round earlier ended and then they come back through the water for 11 and get the perfect line. The horse tries really hard for Izzy through the log pile combination at 15 a and b.

Jonelle’s horse continues to be strong as he pulls Jonelle into the main arena. What an engine he’s got. They clear the swans at 30 and then the finale and are home clear jumping, 32 seconds over the time.

We hear from Tom how pleased he is with his horse and that he’s well and truly ready for a British 5* next season.

Meanwhile, Tim’s clear through the water at 23, making things happen with Happy Boy. Brilliant riding from Tim as they fairly leap the skinny arrowhead at 24b after the big drop. Cross country at its finest. Tim opts for the alternate at the combination at 28, taking on extra jumping efforts but keeping things safe with a horse who can duck out of a skinny corner should the mood take him. He gallops into the main arena and comes to the last really quick. Fastest round of the day! 8 seconds over. But for that long route, he’d have made it, when no one has today (so far).

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8:16am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇿 Tim Price and Happy Boy

Dressage Score: 32.7
Place: 16

Will Tim be a happy boy after his second ride of the day? Happy Boy’s got his ears pricked as he jumps out of the box and out onto the track. So far so good as they make a nice shape over the white gate at 13, looking happy.

We see Tom coming through the main arena and over the two swans at 30 a and b. He clears the last, 20 seconds over the time. What an impressive round from this 9-year-old and an exciting start to his top-level career.

We finally see Jonelle having a conversation with her horse as she comes to the cubes at 20 a and b but he listens and they’re clear through there. They get a beautiful jump over the ditch and brush at 21 but the conversations continue as she asks him to come back for the plank at 22. She makes things happen through the water at 23.

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8:14am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇿 Jonelle Price and Capitaine de Hus Z

Dressage Score: 33.7
Place: 23

Jonelle joins us for her second ride round after getting the day underway as trailblazer. The live feed’s focusing on Tom so we don’t get to see the start of Jonelle’s round, sorry, but she’s showing on the scores as being clear through fence 10.

Meanwhile Tom’s round continues to flow nicely, this pair sure are smooth operators.

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8:06am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Tom McEwen and Quintus

Dressage Score: 28.6
Place: 4

Tom’s a Pau winner but Quintus is stepping up to 5* for the first time. They made their mark in the first phase sitting just off the podium. This is a huge horse and takes quite a bit to keep together. He lands a little flat over the broken bridge at 4 and puts in some trot steps as he rights himself but things are back on track for the skinny brush at 5. They get into a really good rhythm and make nothing of the first water at 9. It’s a little squirrely through the water at 11 when the horse just looks a little green on the line up the step and over the angled brush, but Tom’s legs are like steel and he holds this big horse in. They’re very neat over the white gate on the mound at 13 and head to the racecourse.

Quintus looks a little strong as Tom asks him to come back for the two skinny log piles at 15ab but he listens and they’re neat through that combination. The horse is nimble on his feet through the coffin complex at 17. Very impressive. Tom brings him back for the double of cubes at 20 and they are super neat through there.

Lionel continues to shine bright as he nears the end of the course. He’s a total pro through the big combination at 28 as he heads to the main arena and home.

We hear from Mary that her aim was to come to Pau and have a good time, and she did.

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8:01am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇺🇸 Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl

Dressage Score: 28.9
Place: 5=

Tiana’s in a great place going into today. The mare’s sure talented but things can get tricky out there. Everything crossed. They’re super brave over the broken bridge at 4 and then get the perfect shot over the related skinny brush at 5.

Oh. They jump the angled brush at 7 but then drive on by the related second angled brush at 8. Such a shame for them and so disappointing. She comes round to jump it but then Tiana puts her hand up. Sad for them.

Mary and Lionel have the course to themselves for a bit as we catch up with them at the white plank at 22. They come round for the water at 23 and Mary really rides nicely to show him the way through there. The horse looks well within himself as he comes to the big drop at 24. He’s characteristically careful down the drop at a and then puts in some clever footwork to make it over the arrowhead at b. This is really shaping up to be a nice round from this pair.

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7:56am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Mary Edmundson and Lionel II

Dressage Score: 39.2
Place: 44

Hello, is it Lionel you’re looking for? Here he is.

We’re back underway Lionel gets big jumps over the first few fences. He buckles slightly on landing over the broken bridge at 4 but Mary’s sits up well and they continue on as though nothing happened. the horse looks super fit and keen. He’s got a high head carriage which shows off his pricked ears and he’s really looking for the fences.

They’re a real picture through the picture frame at 10 and then they come back into the water for 11, swinging right out to present to the step at a to make the line easy for the angled brush at b. They don’t look to be going quick but they’re jumping carefully. He makes a lovely shape over the white gate at 13 and then Mary puts her foot down a bit further as they head onto the racecourse. What a genuine kind of guy he seems. Nice.

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7:48am

We’re just on a short break – the live blog will resume when the competition restarts. Stay tuned.

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7:37am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇫🇷 Luc Chateau and Ego des Cabanes

Dressage Score: 34.3
Place: 29

Heads up, we have a French competitor out on course. Allez!

OK, so we don’t really see much of Luc but the scoreboard shows him as having had a 20 at 9b and then nothing since, so it seems he must have opted not to continue.

We catch up with Andrew at the ditch and brush at 21, making a nice job there and coming right back to pop the plank at 22. Andrew has to really make things happen through the water at 23, driving forward and catching the line and making it through clear. They trot down the bank after the big log at 25, dropping down into the water and then going safely through the two open corners at b and c. He finishes up with 20 jumping and 1 minute 14 over the time.

Oh rats. We get a picture of Gypsie du Loir being led round at the combination at 28, minus Yas. We didn’t see what happened but the horse looks fine, no news on Yas. I’ll update you as I know more.

OK, we’ve seen Yas on her feet walking away. The medics are with her but she seems to be OK.

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7:32am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Andrew Downes and Cooley Foxtrot

Dressage Score: 33.9
Place: 24=

This pair picked up a completion at Pau last year on the horse’s debut at the level. The live feed’s focusing on Yas so we don’t get to see Andrew, sorry, but the live scoreboard’s showing them as having picked up a 20 at 9b but they’ve continued on.

Yas continues to have a very neat and tidy round, wasting not a smidge of a second as she floats along the track. What an impressive horse this is. Beautiful serpentine to make the line through the water at 23. Yummy stuff going on right there. Very brave down the drop at 24a and a brilliant line to the arrowhead for the b element. There’s a bit of a squiggle at the final water at 25 when the stride doesn’t come up for the corner in the water at b, and they lose momentum coming out of the water to the open corner at the c element. There’s a few trot strides but Yas drives forward and we get a class showing of a horse really trying and a rider making things happen.

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7:26am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Yasmin Ingham and Gypsie du Loir

Dressage Score: 28.9
Place: 5 =

Yas picked up a superb 6th place at Burghley on stablemate and fellow 5* debutant Goliath du Loir this fall. How will this rookie step up? Let’s see. The horse looks very keen at the start of their round and they’re very brave over the broken bridge at 4 and then the related skinny at 5. They’re motoring along as they head towards the first water at 9. They’re very quick through there, super brave from both horse and rider. They’re smooth as silk through the line up the step and over the brush shoulder at 11ab. They’re rapid, for sure. Yas has to come right back for the white gate 13, insisting on an extra stride to be super safe. But then they’re galloping towards the racecourse and flying the hedge at 14. Yas really is giving this horse the ride of her life thus far.

Meanwhile, Noor has crossed the line, carrying 20 jumping penalties, 11 for a frangible device at 25b, and 3 minutes 4 seconds over the time.

Sam has also completed with Mr Big Ears, 11 frangible penalties and 13 seconds over the time.

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7:21am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Sam Ecroyd and Mr Big Ears

Dressage Score: 34.1
Place: 28

Behold, the awesomely named Mr Big Ears. He’s got his tail swishing as he gallops over the first couple of fences. He lands a bit flat over the broken bridge at 4 but Sam’s in balance and they continue on. They’re a little sticky through the water at 9 but Sam makes it happen. They get a nice jump through the picture frame at 10 and then come back through the water at 11 on an excellent line and get a smooth ride up the step and over the brush. Big pat for Mr Big Ears from Sam.

Oh, but then the horse gets too low over the white gate on the mound at 13 and down it comes. 11 penalties for them there. He gets a nice jump over the hedge on the racecourse at 14 and then they’re good through the double of log piles at 15. Sam’s having to work hard with this horse, using all his experience to support the gelding.

Noor’s horse seems to have picked up as they make a very neat job through the coffin complex at 17, he looks to be listening to her more now.

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7:17am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇲🇦 Noor Slaoui and Cash In Hand

Dressage Score: 35.9
Place: 39

This pair are looking for their first 5* completion – and history-making for Morocco. The horse is very brave at the start of their round and looks totally up for the job. They’re brilliant through the first water at 9 and the crowd clap them along as they come back round to go back through at 11 but sadly, things don’t come up for them. They make it up the step for the a element but can’t make it for the brush shoulder at b. They come back round and the crowd are really supportive. They continue on.

It’s a bit sticky over the white gate on the mound at 13 and the horse seems to have fallen behind her leg a little as they head out towards the racecourse.

Willa crosses the finish line after giving her horse a really superb ride, building his confidence the whole way round. Clear jumping, 28 seconds over the time.

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7:12am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇿 Caroline Powell and High Time

Dressage Score: 34.6
Place: 33

Caroline’s bagged the two British big Bs with other horses and is looking for a big result with this one after rerouting from Burghley. The gelding looks keen at the start of their round and they’re very tidy over the white gate on the mound at 13.

But then, oh dear. We see High Time trotting round without Caroline on board. We didn’t catch it on the live feed but they appear to have parted ways at the steeplechase fence on the racecourse at 14. Total bummer for Caroline.

Hallie has crossed the line on a 5* debutant that looks very much within himself. What a peach of a ride she had round there. Clear jumping, 32 seconds over the time.

We catch up with Willa taking a beautiful line through the cubes at 20ab and then absolutely flying over the ditch and brush at 21. Willa gives him time at the white plank at 22 and then comes round for the water complex at 23. Willa’s really clear with her steering through there, helping the horse to pick his way between the flags. Willa swings out in the water at 25 to get a nice line for her horse to the corner in the water. She’s really riding this horse empathetically, so nice to see.

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7:02am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇺🇸 Hallie Koon and Kapriccio

Dressage Score: 31.4
Place: 13

First up for the US, this gelding was 5th at Luhmühlen on his 5* debut, so Hallie’ll be looking to capitalize on that great experience this week. This smart gelding shows his fancy footwork at the broken bridge at 4, cleverly patting his way over there. Hallie means business, for sure. They’re smooth as butter through the water at 11, up the step and over the brush shoulder. They head out onto the racecourse and take the hedge at 14 at a gallop. Beautiful.

Sofia’s horse looks to be relishing her time out there. She’s got her ears pricked and is really jumping brilliantly.

We haven’t seen much of Willa, sorry, but the live scores are showing her as being clear through fence 17.

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7:06am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Willa Newton and Hartacker

Dressage Score: 33.4
Place: 20

This horse is a former Izzy Taylor ride and has experience abounding as he makes the step up to 5* with Willa, coming to Pau off the back of a second place at the 4*-L at Scone in Scotland.

Hallie swings out to make the line through the double of cubes at 20. They’re really traveling forwards and make such a picture of a partnership in action. Hallie’s really brave over the big ditch and brush at 21, he’s a little behind her leg but she pushes on and they fly it. They take a tight line through the water complex at 23. Hallie’s confident to the big drop at 24a and the horse launches off there and they locks straight onto the arrowhead at b and there’s not a smidge of doubt there.

Sofia’s mare looks great as she finishes up her round, really seeming to have enjoyed her time out on the track. Clear jumping, 24 seconds over the time.

We’re hearing that Julie was delighted and that her dream of doing a 5* has come true. All the feels.

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6:59am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇸🇪 Sofia Sjöborg and Bryjamolga VH Marienshof Z

Dressage Score: 39.7
Place: 47

This mare may be making her 5* debut, but she’s got World Championships and Olympic Games experience under her cinch. We pick her up at the water at 11 and they make a really neat turn after the step to take the brush shoulder on the way out at b. Very accomplished. Sofia sees a great stride through the double of log piles at 15ab, very neat and tidy. So far so good for them.

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6:49am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇫🇷 Julie Bilquez and Brin d’Or des Sources

Dressage Score: 43
Place: 48

This pair are rookies at the level but there’ll be support aplenty from the French crowd to carry them along the track.

Oh, after a keen start they run into a moment at the first water at 9. They get a sticky jump over the skinny at b and then Julie has to use all of her core strength to stay aboard. She manages but they drive by the triple brush in the water. It didn’t look like they presented but a 20 comes up on the scoreboard. I’ll keep an eye on that. They pick their way through an alternate route and continue on.

Julie rides brilliantly at the cubes at 20 when the horse squirrels between the a and b elements and she straightens things up and heads through the flags. Nice job. There’s more superb riding at the big drop at 24 and some vocal encouragement to make it over the arrowhead at b. The French crowd are really behind this pair, not just because they’re French but because they really are showing a picture of a partnership. It’s a bit muddly from horse and rider but they’re both trying for one another and are making things happen. Nice to see and it looks so fun. The horse is jumping magnificently and Julie is grinning. She’s delighted as she crosses the line. Superb scenes. Total joy. 20 jumping and 47 seconds over the time, but that’s academic, they had an absolute blast out there together.

Update on Heidi’s penalties. She didn’t present at the b element of 24 and the penalties have been taken away, so she’s not eliminated. It seems they’re putting the penalties on for potential presentation and then reassessing as required. They’ve now completed with 40 jumping (9b and 24a) and 2 minutes 31 over the time.

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6:43am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇫🇷 Benjamin Massey and Figaro Fonroy

Dressage Score: 33.9
Place: 24=

OK, so we’re about to have two French starters. The home crowd will be beside themselves. ALLEZ!

Wow, he takes the two related angled brushes at 7 and 8 in true French style on two strides, showing huge scope there. But then their day sadly ends early at the water, at 9b, the skinny triple brush on the way in. The horse just didn’t seem to see it and they stop. Benjamin opts to walk home. That fence proving to be influential so far today.

Meanwhile Bubby’s through the finish line with her pal Cola, 11 frangible penalties and 39 seconds over.

Oh dear, we’re having a bit of a time of it. Heidi’s horse doesn’t fancy the drop at 24a. She’s got no choice but to turn and reapproach. She growls, “C’mon” and the horse tentatively goes off, but there’s 20 penalties there for that. She comes round and looks to take the alternate route and continue on but the live scoreboard is showing her as having approached the b element of the straight route and they’ve been given penalties there and are showing as eliminated. I’ll update you as I know more.

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6:39am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Heidi Coy and MGH Jessica

Dressage Score: 34.9
Place: 30=

This mare’s making her 5* debut but has picked up plenty of experience at the 4* level on her way to the top. We don’t see it on the live feed but the scoreboard’s showing them as having had a 20 at 9b, the skinny triple brush in the first water. They continue on though.

Bubby and Cola are very confident down the drop at 24 and navigate the approach to the arrowhead at the b element neatly. But then the frangible device goes at 25b again. 11 penalties added for that.

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6:31am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Bubby Upton and Cola

Dressage Score: 32.3
Place: 15

Bubby’s here with two rides – first up is long-time pal, Cola. Bubby’s head down and meaning business as she sets off on course. He fairly flies off the broken bridge at 4 and Bubby has to have her hunting seat to hand. That’s cross country riding for you.

Sebastien’s horse takes on the huge ditch and brush at 21, the French crowd carrying them round. The horse is a rookie at the level and showing it at times, but Sebastien’s supporting him. They come off the big drop at 24 confidently but then they slip on the road crossing before the brush arrowhead at b and Sebastien really has to use his balance to keep everyone on their feet. They squeak over but then there’s a big moment at the water at 25 and surely a save of the day. Man this guy’s got a core of steel. It’s all very squirrelly but they pick their way through and are looking for home. Yikes, but phew. They’ve had frangible penalties at 25b. The crowd’s clapping and cheering as they come through the main arena and cross the line, with 20 jumping penalties, 11 for the frangible device and one minute and 6 seconds over the time.

Just to fill you in on some scores: Stephen and Hisco jumped clear, one minute and 2 seconds over the time.

Felix has also crossed the line with Freida, clear jumping with 28 seconds of time.

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6:27am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇫🇷 Sebastien Cavaillon and Hashtag de la Vigne

Dressage Score: 34
Place: 26=

First up for France, expect wild support for this pair.

Oh, sadly things don’t go to plan for them. They have a miss at the skinny triple brush into the water at 9b and canter on past. They come back round though and continue on. Things look to be back on track as they jump through the picture frame at 10 to the claps from the crowd and then there’s cheers as they make a really neat line up the step out of the water at 11a and then on over the angled brush shoulder at 11b.

We catch up with Felix at the double of cubes at 20, getting a really beautiful shot through there. Felix opts for the longer route at the water complex at 25, eating up some time with all the turning but ensuring a smooth ride.

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6:21am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇨🇭 Felix Vogg and Frieda

Dressage Score: 35.7
Place: 37

Felix is a two-time 5* champ but this is Frieda’s first outing at the level. Frieda looks up for it as she gallops out of the box and over the first couple of fences, she’s got her ears pricked and is really traveling and eating up the ground at the early stages of the course. Felix makes a really economical line to the brush shoulder after the step out of the water at 11, very smooth.

We rejoin Stephen as he clears the coffin complex at 17. The horse is careful over the oxer at 19. They’re not going for the time but the horse is really listening and has his ears pricked. He makes a lovely shape over the fences, a really great jump on this one. He has a tiny peek at the big ditch at 21 but flies on over. They come back to trot before coming off the big drop at 24a and then slid down the hill a little and Stephen does a great job of balancing the horse before the brush arrowhead at the b element. The horse stumbles a little on landing after the wide table at 26 but Stephen’s in balance and they gallop on towards home.

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6:17am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Stephen Heal and Hisco

Dressage Score: 34.8
Place: 34

This gelding’s lightly run and is making his 5* debut this week. We pick them up over the two angled brushes at 7 and 8, looking nicely together and like the horse is really listening to him. They’re very neat through the water at 9 and get a really lovely jump through the picture frame at 10. The horse puts in a clever little trot stride at the bottom of the big mound at 13 before cantering on up and popping the white gate on top at 13. They head on out to the racecourse and have a really fun jump over the hedge at 14. This horse really seems to be loving it out there.

Tim really has to ride through the big combination at 28, showing his horse the route through there. Impressive riding, of course. He comes into the main arena and over the swans at 30ab and then through the flags, 39 seconds over the time and having broken the frangible device at 25C, the open corner at the final water.

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6:14am

THIRD COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Izzy Taylor and Barrington Alice

Dressage Score: 33
Place: 17

Another rider with three in the field, Izzy brings forward her 5* debutant and joint-youngest horse in the field first.

Sadly Izzy’s round ends early when she picks up two refusals at 9b, the skinny triple brush going into the first water.

We pick Tim up as he’s nearing the end of his round, at the water complex at 25 and Garcon looks to be enjoying his first trip round a 5*.

We’re hearing from Jonelle that she had a fabulous ride (we concur) but that her other two rides are very different.

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6:13am

SECOND COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇿 Tim Price and Garcon

Dressage Score: 35.2
Place: 35=

Chasing Jonelle round the track, Tim’s got three rides today. First up is 5* debutant, Garcon. Sadly we don’t see Tim on the live feed as it was focused on Jonelle as trailblazer but the live scoreboard is showing him as clear through fence 23. I’ll update you if/when we see him.

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6am

FIRST COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇿 Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera

Dressage Score: 36
Place: 40

There’s no better trailblazer than multiple 5* winner Jonelle with previous Pau winner Grappa Nera, or Grape as she’s known to her pals. Let’s do this thang.

Grape gets a pat as Jonelle prepares to come into the box and away they go! The crowd at the first fence are in fine voice as a cheer goes up as cross country day gets underway. They come up to the new broken bridge fence at 4 and fly off the end, not even noticing the big ditch there. They opt for the left hand side of the related fence at 5 and then take the spooky wall at 6 well over to the right to set up for the pair of angled brushes at 7 and 8 and then a rollback turn to the first water complex at 9, which they splash through neatly.

They head back to the water for 11AB, making a beautiful line up the step and over the brush shoulder, which is on an acute angle. Total pro job, of course. She brings the mare back for the white gate on the big mound at 13 and then it’s pedal to the mettle as they head on out to the racecourse and fly the hedge at 14.

Grape is totally eating up this course. They come to the coffin complex at 17 and Grape’s pulling a little. She puts in a massive jump over the ditch at B and then is very neat over the skinny brush at the C element. So far so very, very good.

There’s claps and cheers from the crowd as she gallops towards the double of cubes at 20 – “C’mon Jonelle!”. They get a lovely line through the combination there and then keep the gallop going for the big ditch and brush at 21 before having to come right back for the white plank at 22. Their line through the water complex at 23 is *chef’s kiss”.

The live feed is focusing on Jonelle as trailblazer for now as she nears the end of the course. They’ve really made the track look super smooth. The claps continue from the appreciative crowd who’re out in force to support the sport today.

They come to the tricky combination at 28 and Grape really shows off her scope over through there before they gallop on into the main arena for the final combination at 30 over the two swans. They’re a little over the time as they come round to the finale and they finish up 16 seconds over the time. What a start to cross country day!

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Emily King Reigns Supreme in Pau Dressage

By on Oct 23, 2026 4:56 pm -

Emily King and Valmy Biats. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

After yesterday’s petit section of dressage, some 32 horses and riders entered the arena at Les Etoiles de Pau today in rain, shine, gale and gleam to put their scores on the board for the first phase of this final five-star of the year.

At the end of it, we have a new leader – and, really, an almost entirely reshaped top ten.

Best of the clubhouse by 1.2 penalties (that’s three seconds on tomorrow’s cross-country, if you’re keeping track) is Emily King and the evergreen Valmy Biats, with whom she finished second at Luhmühlen this summer after a rollercoaster spring season.

The French-bred Valmy might not be the most traditional dressage ‘type’ – we’re sure Emily won’t mind us noting his noggin the size of an SUV – but year on year, his performances in this phase eke out another few degrees of capability. Today, despite some tough scoring across the class, the pair posted a 24.5 – a tenth of a penalty away from matching their five-star personal best, achieved at Burghley in 2024.

Emily King and Valmy Biats. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

It started with a bang: 9s across the board for their first centreline meant that the score on the board was, for a merry few moments, a 10.

“Valmy was brilliant. He’s been here a good few times now, and he’s 17 years old, so he knows the drill,” says Emily. “But he’s a real sensitive character, and he’s so powerful, so I always find it a hard balance of showing him off without it all going a little bit too wild and a few errors coming in as a result. I felt like finally we got it just perfect in there.”

Emily and Val were fortunate enough to do their test in one of the sunny gaps between heavy rainshowers, though a fierce wind still blew through the venue. That the quirky Selle Français stayed level despite the gale was no small testament to the solidity of his foundations.

“The wind picked up, and luckily, we didn’t get rained on, but it made it quite a fragile atmosphere in there, and he stayed very stable despite that,” says Emily. “We call him the lion at home because he’s got a big, bushy mane and he’s a big, bushy character, but actually, he’s really sensitive to ride. He just felt really with me today, and he did everything that I asked.”

Big stretch: Emily King and Valmy Biats demonstrate the tricky penultimate movement. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

In a test that sat almost entirely in the 7.5 to 9 range, just the medium walk saw Emily and Valmy earn lower marks after the gelding made some shuffling steps in pursuit of a trot.

“His walk’s always a bit fragile. He always finds that hard, and he’s a little rascal, because he does it so well outside, and in the arena familiarisation, and then when you go in, he always gives a little bit of a jog. That’s probably actually me giving a bit different aid, but he was brilliant today. I think it was one of his best tests he’s ever done. So I’m so pleased that the marks reflected that.”

Emily and Valmy return to Pau on their Luhmühlen high in a bid to rewrite the story of their last visit here when, as one of the favourites in the field, Emily suffered a shock tumble early in the course.

“It walked sort of tough last year, but we were all just like, ‘right, this is  good, it’s there to be jumped,’ and then it caused so many problems,” she says. “So when I went out, I thought I could go into the lead if I went quick enough. That was the vibe. Anyway, I went a bit too quick on him at the beginning and fell off at number two! It’s that balance of being quick but actually being smooth, and he’s a hard horse to ride cross country. He is tricky, so I want to try and get that right.”

“He’s strong, and his neck comes a bit in, but his body keeps on going, and his ears are pricked, and he would, bless his soul, jump the moon,” she continues. “It’s just getting him to just actually lower his heart rate down and just breathe and concentrate and look. He can sometimes get a bit frantic, and it’s hectic the beginning of the course here. Everything’s so close.”

Tim Price and Jarillo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

On the other end of the spectrum, Tim Price and Jarillo – the third of his three rides this week – return after a very different Pau 2025: they won the thing, and will make a strong bid to retain the title this week. Their effort began with a smart test for a 25.7, nearly a penalty better than their score twelve months ago, and good enough for second overnight, which is two places better than where he started in 2025.

“He was really, really nice; really rideable. He’s always had talent — since he was born, I imagine, but definitely since I’ve known him, he’s just had that little bit extra,” says Tim of the 12-year-old. “It’s about curating that, bringing that forward, and now he’s established at five-star level, the expectation is that we can deliver that talent in the right way. And today, I felt like we were pretty close to doing a pretty spot-on job.”

Though the charismatic gelding is quirky – he particularly hates being around other horses, and so prefers the isolation of the competition arena to the chaos of the warm-up – and though his last memory of Pau is careening happily around the lap of honour, Tim has found him workmanlike on his return. Except, of course, when trying to familiarise with the rest of the class.

“I think they just recognise the rhythm of the week, and there’s quite a lot of schooling, and you know, out of the stable, back in the stable,” he says. “It’s little and often with a horse like him, just to get him a little bit exposed to the to the atmosphere. It’s funny, though, that the environment here [for dressage] is very different to the prize-giving ceremony. But also, for all his quirks and sharpness, he loves attention, and he loves people to pat him. He loves having his photo taken, and he loves for people to look at him, so I think that was probably a positive memory of his.”

Since last year, he continues, Jarillo is “more established in his body — he feels stronger and a bit more complete in the way that he can use his body. A little bit of an underlying plan with him as he’s gotten more mature and developed is to have a bit more stamina at the end of the course: he’s not one that dies out, but he just comes back a peg. He’s not a Thoroughbred, let’s face it, but he has definitely improved this year. When I look at old horses like Ringwood Skyboy, they took they took time to learn about the stamina requirement of the job, and I think he’s now understanding what it feels like to be at minute 9, 10, 11, and I’m hoping that he’ll come home better than he’s come home before. So that’s been something that I’ve seen improve in him this year, along with his just general mental strength.”

Last year, Jarillo was the last horse to leave the start box on cross-country day. This year, he’ll be the penultimate to go. Whatever happens, though, Tim knows he has a serious horse in the stables for the seasons to come.

“He’s just a lovely horse, and I’m so lucky to ride him. He’s a joy to do, and I don’t mind if he spins around and tries to run away from cannonballs or whatever, whether it’s a horse or a car or something that jumps out at him. I can live with that.”

Sebastien Cavaillon and Ellipse de la Vigne. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The home side was well-placated by a late entry onto the podium from France’s Sebastien Cavaillon, who produced a smart, professional test with his European Championships ride Elipso de la Vigne for 28.1 and overnight third.

“To take this placing today is good, and I’m happy with my horse. But I’m a little bit disappointed with the ground — yesterday the ground was much better, and today it feels a little bit like glue,” says Sebastien, nodding to the newly-resurfaced main arena with its tendency for clagginess.

Though Sebastien was delighted to put himself well into contention for the weekend, he had hoped that his 12-year-old’s five-star debut might yield a slightly lower score.

“I made a mistake on the flying change at the warm-up; that’s never happened, and it made me a little bit stressed. But he was okay in the arena, and we made his best,” he says. “Normally, the marks are much better. He can do dressage on very good marks between 23 and 26, and but today there is one judge [James Rooney at C, who had them five percent worse than H and B]  who doesn’t want to make me happy. Probably I need to go to Ireland, I don’t know!”

Tom McEwen and Quintus. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Tom McEwen also piloted a debutant into the business end of the leaderboard, posting a 28.6 with the lanky nine-year-old Quintus.

“Good bus!” quipped Jonelle Price as she trotted past Tom in the chute.

Does Lamborghini do buses? If so, he’s probably that kind, rather than, say, the £10 Flixbus you can get from London to Paris that always smells a bit like sick and feet. He comes here after a second place finish at Scone’s CCI4*-S in August; a sixth place finish in the CCI4*-L at Bramham in June; and a thirteenth-place finish in a huge field on his CCI4*-L debut at Boekelo last year.

Today, they eclipsed their usual low-to-mid-30s four-star scores to make a sterling start to this major step up.

“He’s only a young horse, and he’s also a big horse and a big mover at the same time, so I couldn’t have been happier with him,” says Tom. “He pulled out all the stops, and he was absolutely fantastic. I thought there were some real good highlights and bits to be improved on, which is always a good thing.”

He is, he continues, “a massive horse, and he works really hard. From the outside, he looks super relaxed, but internally, he always gets a little bit nervous. But today, he’s just working really well.”

Part of today’s success, he explains, comes down to a slight tweak in how he rides the gelding.

“We’ve gone about things a little bit differently — I messed up at the start of the year, and nearly put too much pressure on him to get some of the movement, get him a little bit more together. It made him a little bit tense, like you saw at Bramham. Whereas now, I actually treat him like he’s a smaller horse, riding really forward, keeping it really easy, and actually, I’ve found he’ll always prop himself back when he gets in the ring. So I’m delighted that today was pretty much what he can do at five star at this moment in time, and I also believe there’s an awful lot more in them as well.”

“He’s managed to come here as a nine-year-old; he’s managed to do Bramham unbelievably well as a nine-year-old, and Boekelo as an eight-year-old. So I’d say he’s smashing the numbers, really, but numbers are just numbers. It doesn’t really matter 00 it’s how he feels, and he feels amazing. To come out and do a PB for his way of going – regardless of the mark — in an arena like this is super special at this level.”

Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Day one leaders Yasmin Ingham and Gypsie du Loir now sit equal fifth with British-based US rider Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl, who also posted a 28.9 this morning to put themselves well in the hunt.

“I’m really, really pleased,” she says. “I think there was one change we threw some marks away on, and I’m sure when I watch it back there’ll be plenty that can still be better. But she just keeps getting better and better. She’s 16 now and she’s stronger than she was last year, and she was stronger last year than the year before. It’s just really, really exciting to have a horse that just tries so hard and trains and shows up to work – it’s really special. She was very level-headed in there, very on the aids, and that’s what we’re all dreaming of.”

The five-star B test features a stretchy half-circle at trot just before the final centreline, and ‘Nana’ was one of just a handful of horses to really demonstrate a lowering of the neck and lifting of the back, which earned them an 8 from Judy Hancock at B.

But that wasn’t always a foregone conclusion.

“They’ve changed the test a little. We used to have a canter stretch circle a bit earlier, and you had more time to show more. But that half circle is so short; there’s not a lot of time to show the movement, so I’ve been really training to get the stretch from the very first stride — because if you don’t, it’s over before it starts. And she hadn’t yet done it until in the ring, so I’m thrilled.”

Tiana, who led the first day of dressage at Badminton this spring with the diminutive mare, says Nana’s heart is the x-factor. Because of that, she has to make sure she’s just as generous.

“She’s a horse I can’t be greedy with. She does everything she does out of goodwill and a fantastic temperament. She’s a beautiful, beautiful animal, but she doesn’t actually have the easiest body for the work, and so I can’t be greedy with her because she’s giving me everything she’s got. As long as I respect that and just nurture what she can give me, then she gives me everything.”

Mélody Johner and Erin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Switzerland’s Mélody Johner and Erin sit seventh going into cross-country on a score of 29 – well in touch with their best scores at four-star, which is no small feat on a five-star debut for both horse and rider.

“It’s the third season I ride this horse, and now I can say I really understand the horse for the warm-up and also all the preparation before I go to the test to the to the main arena,” says Mélody. “He’s really, really easy and wonderful to ride, but he can come so quick, so fresh, and so hot, so today he was good with the rain. But I was really slipping a lot with the boots and saddle – which I guess is also a good exercise if I ever want to come and compete in England!”

Mélody has been a mainstay of the Swiss team over the last number of years: last year, she piloted Erin to tenth individually and fourth with the team at the European Championships, and she rode his similarly great grey predecessor Toubleu de Rueire at two Olympics, a World Championships, and a Europeans.

This summer, she and Erin were part of the Swiss team’s World Championships effort in Aachen, where they secured a coveted ticket for the LA Olympics. With that huge goal accomplished, she began to think about finally making the step up to the topmost level of the sport.

“I think with this one, the biggest goal was really to go to Aachen, because I just have this one for the four-stars,” she says. “I broke my foot at the beginning of the year, so the season was a little bit different than planned. I always said if we earned a ticket for Switzerland for the Los Angeles Olympics, perhaps I would try a five-star. And for me, Pau was quite good with the calendar, and it’s not the easiest, but it’s not like Badminton or Burghley, so for me it was really perfect.”

So when this weekend goes well, does that mean she’ll set her sights on one of the Big Bs?

“I’m sure that [Andrew] Nicholson will say this,” she laughs. “And I’m sure if Nicholson is saying this, I will say ‘okay, for sure!’. But I’m not sure at this moment, because I think Badminton and Burghley, they give me some fears —  I think it’s really for the big, big stars. And I don’t think of myself as a big star!”

Mélody’s connection with Andrew goes beyond just riding with him in his tenure as Swiss cross-country coach – Erin is also one of his former rides, and was bred by Ramon Beca, who also bred Andrew’s Badminton winner Nereo.

“Andrew rode this horse until three-star level in England, and when we were looking for a new horse after Toubleu de Rueire Nicholson said to me, ‘I think I have one, but he’s really sensitive, especially in show jumping.’ But I’m a lucky, lucky woman, because I jump a lot with good horses in big levels. So he said to me, ‘perhaps with you, as a woman with this sensitive horse, and also as a show jumping rider, perhaps you can make a good partnership.’ I think it was not so bad an idea, and I’m really thankful to Andrew because without him, I wouldn’t have this horse in my stable.”

Bubby Upton and Its Cooley Time. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Bubby Upton moves into eighth place with the last of her three rides, double Bramham winner Its Cooley Time, with whom she posted a 29.3 today. Yesterday’s ride, the stalwart Cola, moves down to fifteenth.

She’s followed on the leaderboard by two combinations in equal ninth place – Izzy Taylor and the second of her three rides, debutant SBH Big Wall and Ireland’s Sarah Ennis and Dourough Ferro Class Act each delivered excellent 29.5s to secure their position in the spotlight going into the second phase.

Izzy Taylor and SBH Big Wall. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“SBH Big Wall is another horse I’ve had from the beginning, and it’s a treat to have them from the beginning to the five-star level because you do know everything about them – and they know everything about you,” grins Izzy. “So yeah, that’s very special. I was really pleased with him today. There were some little mistakes. Obviously, it’s not been the smoothest year for us. But he went in there, on his five-star debut, and gave it a good shout. We’re all greedy and we all want more, but that’s the nature of it, isn’t it? And yeah, of course, there’s room for improvement, and you know, being able to ride them a bit more consistently will hopefully help. But I think for where we are, I’m very happy with that.”

Being a very good boy, she explains, is just part of who the Puissance son is.

“If he was a human, he’d be very level. So I think that’s really helpful with an event horse, because he doesn’t have a crazy side. Or if he does, he keeps it well hidden!”

Sarah Ennis and Dourough Ferro Class Act. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Sarah Ennis attributes her sudden shift to dressage supremacy to some new help behind the scenes from Irish dressage rider Kevin Acres.

“I’ve been working really hard at home with Kevin,” she says. “He’s been an amazing help. Like even Joseph [Murphy] was talking to me after [my test], and he just said ‘the difference in your riding!’, but that’s down to him. He’s extremely good, and it’s made all the difference to coming to his first five-star and getting the sub-30.”

“I’ve worked with people in the past, like I’ve done a lot with Ian Woodhead, but I can’t get across the water,” she continues. “It’s just so expensive for us to keep up with, and finding the time to travel. And then if you do go across, you can kind of do a few days together, and then you’re on your own for a long time. Whereas if I ring Kevin and say I’ve managed to mess up my changes again, he’s like, ‘come over’, and I’m  20 minutes away, so he can get on and say, ‘This is the way it has to be.’ And oh, the difference is amazing.”

Dourough Ferro Class Act is very well-bred for this phase: he shares a paternal grandsire with Valegro. Perhaps that’s part of why he’s not the most conventional cross-country horse – and why his tendency to pay a visit to the stars over every fence has made him infamous in his own right.

“At Blenheim at the Europeans, everybody saw him at the first fence and said, ‘That’s never going to finish. He’ll never keep that up,’” laughs Sarah. “But he’s still doing it at the last fence and full of running. It is who he is, a little bit.”

The gelding has, she explains, become a real part of the family since she got the ride in his six-year-old year.

“He actually was purchased out of the Goresbridge Go For Gold sale for a Swedish lady, and then he showjumped with Michelle Kenny for two years, and then I had him for half a year as a six-year-old, and I just couldn’t let him go. I’m not getting any younger, and it’s rare I have a horse go through [the levels] like him. I just loved him; he was just a pet from the start. So I emptied my bank account.”

Alexa Gartenberg and Cooley Kildaire. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Pennsylvania’s Alexa Gartenberg has spent four years in the UK based with Kevin and Emma McNab, and this week, those years of effort are coming good as she tackles her five-star debut with the 13-year-old Cooley Kildaire.

“It’s like a dream come true. I can’t believe I’m here,” she beams. “Ever since I was young, it’s been a dream of mine, and here I am. It doesn’t feel real.”

The pair produced a very sweet, workmanlike test to put a 35.2 on the board, which sees them sit 34thovernight – just over ten penalties behind the lead in this tightly-packed field.

“I’m really proud of him. He finds dressage quite difficult, and he’s not naturally the most supple, soft horse, so he finds it really hard. But he tries so hard and has a heart of gold. He almost tries too hard sometimes and like holds his breath, but he was actually relaxed more in the arena than in the warm-up, which was great. Emma McNab has been helping me on the flat this year, and she’s really brought out the best in him, and has really increased our scores. We’ve been focusing on just keeping him through in his whole body and getting him really soft in his rib cage, and actually making sure that he is truly through and soft, because again, he knows how to do all the movements. It’s just making sure he’s soft and truly through in order to do them.”

There’s also a size discrepancy to keep in mind.

“He’s really big, and I’m like a fly on his back, so I’m not obviously very strong, so I can’t really fake anything, per se,” she says. “He actually has to be soft and on the aids in order to properly perform. And flying changes are actually his party tricks — he loves them. I joke that because he’s naturally quite stiff in the rib cage, he doesn’t know how to do a late or a wrong change — he’s just so working to his own advantage.”

Alexa, who sourced from gelding with Sharon White just before moving to the UK, was touched to receive a special message this morning from across the pond.

“Manon Davidson had Kili before, and she sadly passed away very young, in just her twenties,” says Alexa. “I woke up to a text from her mom this morning, saying that Pau was always a dream of hers and how meaningful it is. That was really emotional and just so, so special.”

Tomorrow’s cross-country challenge will begin at 12.00 local time (11.00 a.m. BST/6.00 a.m. EST), and will be broadcast in full on Pau’s dedicated streaming platform. To check out the start times, head to this link, and to take a look at Pierre Michelet’s typically twisty, technical, go-kart track of a course, head over to the CrossCountry App preview here. We’ll be back with plenty of coverage to help you unpack the best of the day – and until then, Go Eventing!

The top ten after dressage at Pau.

Les Etoiles de Pau: Website | Entries + Live Scoring | Live Stream | EN’s Coverage

The Le Lion d’Angers Class of 2029: EN’s Top Picks from the Goresbridge Go for Gold Sale

By on Oct 23, 2026 10:30 am -

Last week, I got a text from EN’s Editor-in-Chief, Sally Spickard.

“We’ve got a Goresbridge Go For Gold preview to do – any chance you can fit it in?”

First of all, Sally, way to get a girl when she’s vulnerable. I was heading down to Le Lion d’Angers, the home of the World Championships for six- and seven-year-olds, the sort of place that always makes me stop in my tracks and think, ‘my god, wouldn’t it be unbelievable to produce a horse through the grades and get here?’ It’s gorgeously autumnal, it’s beautifully laid out, it’s full of good food and good wine and masses upon masses of rightful emotions as people – owners and riders alike – watch their formerly gangly, unbacked babies step into the first zenith of their careers. It’s dreaming made tangible, and as much as it’s an incredible chance to get first eyes on the future superstars of the sport, it’s also an ineffable reminder of the power of loving a horse so much that you believe in it all the way to the world stage.

So yeah, Sally, I will pick my future superstars, thank you very much, and in a few years’ time when they make it to that bubble of horsey excellence, I will consider it my own personal victory, no matter how annoying that is for everyone who’s actually involved with the horse.

Unrelatedly, anyone know which sugar daddy website is good these days?

The 2026 Goresbridge Go for Gold sale will take place November 9-11 at Barnadown and the Amber Springs Hotel in Co. Wexford, Ireland. For more information, to register as a buyer, or to browse for your own favourites, head to the Goresbridge website.

Lot 3 — Crystalent.

LOT 3: Crystalent

Five-year-old, 165cm gelding (Valent x Bellaney Jewel, by Roselier)

If you’re a sucker for proven breeding and ready athleticism, there’s an early entry in this year’s catalogue that you should cast your eye over. This five-year-old is a full sibling to Oliver Townend’s five-star winner Cooley Rosalent, Olivia Dutton’s excellent Jewelent, who represented the USA at the Under-25 World Championships this summer, and Sofia Sjoborg’s four-star ride Govalent, who has represented Sweden at the European Championships level. None of these horses look similar, despite being full siblings, and Crystalent doesn’t look like any of them – but he does have that characteristic forward-thinking nature and is comfortable and confident hunting his way down to a fence. Buying a five-year-old at auction can be a risk many riders choose not to take, preferring the relatively untouched product that is an unbacked three-year-old, but this clever, canny little guy looks to have been quietly produced by someone who’s stayed out of his way and let him enjoy his natural scope, and I think you could go to big places very quickly with him in the right programme.

Lot 20 — Silvertip JS.

LOT 20: Silvertip JS

Four-year-old, 168cm gelding (VDL Mattias x Jolly Jewel JS, by Embassy II)

Two things generally tend to be true for me when I’m browsing a sales catalogue: like the twelve-year-old girl I once was, I’m a sucker for a grey, and I’m also quick to be won over by a kind eye. This chap has both in spades, and if you can tell anything from a horse’s expression, you can tell that this one is just a really nice, gentle sort of person to have around. He’s also been around the block a bit already: he was fourth in the Irish Breeders Classic jumping finals, so he’s got a good brain under pressure and in some atmosphere. He’s very, very European in his breeding in quite an old-school sort of way, and I think is a horse who could be useful in a variety of spheres. While you’re working out his niche – top event horse, smart equitation mount, junior jumper, whatever – you’ll really enjoy seeing him hang his head over the stable door and I suspect he’ll be a real pleasure to bring along.

Lot 39.

LOT 39: Unnamed

Three-year-old, 165cm gelding (Castlefield Kingston x Mariko Miss Blue, by Phil VD Wezelse Heihoeve)

Also a grey – sue me – but this unnamed gelding appeals to me in a different way to Silvertip JS. He’s got a real pony countenance: a spritely, sparky expression; an easy, arrogant jump; a short-couple frame with a surprising amount of movement, and all of that, to me, says that this guy could go far on gumption alone. I like to see a young horse go through a jumping chute like he can’t imagine what all the fuss could possibly be about, and that’s how he does it. There’s a sharp curiosity to the way he takes in the world, too, that’s really appealing. I’d like to see how this one’s future unfolds, which is why it’s so annoying that he doesn’t have a name I can keep note of. Whoever buys him, DM me?

Lot 40 — OLSH MBF Captain Grande.

LOT 40: OLSH MBF Captain Grande        

Three-year-old, 165cm gelding (Capistrano x Lagrande Bogibo, by Casino Grande)

Fair play to the MBF lot, because they’ve really figured out what works for them – and that’s leggy, light, modern continental types with a cracking bascule and a tonne of what the Americans call ‘chrome’. This chap is a perfect example, and should sell very well. He jumps for fun (and in the sort of shape that will make the hunter market shut up and pay attention), he really moves, and he’s got that big-horse sort of charisma in an appealing 16.1hh frame. This is just a really, really good-looking animal with jumping breeding top and bottom – basically, about as commercial as you can get, so if you’re looking for something smart to produce and resell, this could well be an excellent investment.

Lot 47 — Lowhill Silver Fox.

LOT 47: Lowhill Silver Fox

Three-year-old, 168cm gelding (SIEC Livello x Lowhill Cruisedown, by Touchdown)

For full transparency into my thought process – a weird path to go down, honestly  – when I was first picking out my longlist of horses my only note for this one was “adorable, fat little thing.” I mean, first of all, rude. Second of all, he’s not even little. But also, like, look at his tummy rippling as he skips through the chute. He looks like an oversized Connemara (complementary).

I think there’s a tonne of talent and a very evident boatload of good looks here, dadbod or no, and I reckon this is a very interesting horse for a professional – partly because he could do lots of different things, and partly because those Livellos are probably not everyone’s ride. Some of them aren’t anyone’s ride, but I have high hopes for this fellow. Lords knows those lines, top and bottom alike, will give him jump for days, even if they might come with some, erm, extra athleticism sometimes.

Lot 62 — Chilly Willy MTB Z.

LOT 62: Chilly Willy MTB Z

Three-year-old, 165cm gelding (Chaccothage Blue PS x Miss Cooper, by Captain Cooper Z)

Again, dipping back into the process behind the picks: I was willing this one to be a nice horse purely so we could all bask together, just for a moment, in that name. It’s no Perseverance Funky Famous Flamborghini but like, it’s not far off, is it? Fortunately for us all, he jumps, he really trots, and if your bits are still cold, you can probably buy knitted underwear somewhere in rural Ireland while you’re in situ for a couple of days of loose-jumping and auction-shopping. Stay cozy; go well.

Lot 63 —  Monbeg Airtime.

LOT 63: Monbeg Airtime

Three-year-old, 165cm gelding (Avos Jordan Z x Rathlee Candy Lady, by Sligo Candy Boy)

There’s something really appealing about this sweet-faced little horse, who has no problems whatsoever in the scope department and is very happy to go at his own pace – a nice, steady, sensible but athletic one. I imagine there’s actually probably a great turn of speed in there after some production and a little bit of growing time, but what I love is the unhurried, measured way he assesses the task at hand and gets it done. It speaks volumes that his early work so far has been similarly unrushed, and he’s been able to learn where each part of his body is and what he ought to be doing with it. I could see this being a useful purchase for a variety of outcomes: produce him as a junior horse, see how high up the levels he fancies going, or even put him into the show ring, if that’s your sort of thing. You can only tell so much about a brain from a video, but I suspect this is a good one.

Lot 71 — Borris Me Gente.

LOT 71: Borris Me Gente

Three-year-old, 165cm filly (Cormint x Cedarmount Sally, by Vriend)

If presence is what you’re after, this filly has it in spades. There’s plenty of power and movement to play with, plus a tidy, pretty jump – no, her shoulder isn’t the quickest yet over a fence, but that’s the sort of thing that comes along with good production and gymnastics. I’d almost be tempted to produce this for the equitation ring and consider it a seriously solid investment for resale, but I also think there’s a lot to recommend her for staying in the eventing world, too. Plus, wouldn’t it be nice to have a horse who looks like an oil painting in your yard?

Lot 74.

LOT 74: Unnamed

Three-year-old, 165cm gelding (Casallco x Chavamdula PS, by Chacfly PS)

Also very charismatic is this unnamed gelding with serious jumping lines – Casall on top; Chacco Blue on the bottom – and a hind end to prove it. Scope won’t be an issue here, and as a bonus, he’s being backed and ridden away ready for the sale, which means you’ll be one step further along in your own journey to Le Lion. Please just don’t do what one Italian rider did a number of years back and keep his name as ‘Unnamed’. It was only funny that one time.

Lot 77 — Metalbridge Buttons.

LOT 77: Metalbridge Buttons

Three-year-old, 168cm gelding (Button Sitte x Metalbridge Sandy, by Uskerty Sweet Lad)

Get your bottle of MTG out, because poor Buttons has clearly been out with some mouthy youngsters and has the half-a-tail to prove it. But who needs a set of flowing locks when you’re blessed with this kind of natural balance? This is a horse who could go to the hunter ring (where fake tails are de rigeur anyway, so that won’t be an issue) or could be a lot of fun to produce as an eventer. He seems a sensible type, so could even be a fun project for a capable amateur or junior to produce with their trainer. In any case, this is a very commercial type of horse, and one that will be well-admired at the sale.

Lot 81 — Solsboro Kelpie.

LOT 81: Solsboro Kelpie

Three-year-old, 168cm filly (Another Pleasure x Cushinstown Cavalier Royale, by Cavalier Royale)

Sometimes you look at a horse and imagine immediately who might put a bid on it. For me, with this lot, that’s Kate Walls – owner of Chris Burton’s Cooley Lands and a very capable eventer in her own right. Call me Cilla Black, but I’d love to matchmake these two, because I think Kelpie is right up her straße. Mind you, she’s also right up mine, so again, sugar daddies, if you’re out there, my phone is always on. This is such an elegant, rangy filly, with lots of sneaky blood: she’s got Master Imp on her dam’s side, which ordinarily would be a point off the board for me because – look, I’ll whisper this here, because I don’t feel safe – I don’t love a Master Imp. But man, can they jump, and he’s far enough back that I don’t feel like I’m being hunted for sport after seeing his name in the pedigree. On the top side there’s some French Thoroughbred breeding that comes via Furioso and down through to For Pleasure, which gives you sharp, clever jumping ability. This one’s top class.

Lot 86 — Flo Bouncer.

LOT 86: Flo Bouncer

Three-year-old, 168cm gelding (Cascari x Bounding Spa, by Grange Bouncer)

Great name, first of all. Let’s get that acknowledged right off the bat. Also very interesting breeding: some very good German jumping lines on top, and a smart bit of Irish and Thoroughbred lineage on the bottom, including the excellent Ghareeb, who was formerly the leading British Eventing sire and was responsible for the likes of Mark Todd’s Coolio. It’s very easy to go to an Irish sale and leave with a lovely horse without a jot of Irish breeding in it, but this is a really nice balance of continental and classic, and it’s working well for him. Another horse here with plenty of scope and athleticism, who is unrushed and unruffled about it. He’s also already backed and ridden away.

Have a look through the catalog yourself here – over 90 gorgeous horses are on offer this year. Videos are available for all horses – free jumping for the youngest and ridden videos for the 4- and 5-year-olds. If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, make sure to pack riding gear as you are also able to book in a time to try a horse yourself.

You can start planning your trip by visiting the Go for Gold website here. If you’re thinking of bidding online or by phone, make sure you register ahead of time to be eligible.

Curious about past graduates of the Go for Gold sale? View them here!

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Oct 23, 2026 12:01 am -

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Major congratulations are in order for Galway, Ireland’s Justin Burke, who has just earned the prestigious title of WBFSH Eventing Breeder of the Year 2026, for breeding HSH Blake, the Irish Sport Horse by Tolan R out of Doughiska Lass (Kannan) partnered with U.S. Olympian and World Championships rider Caroline Pamukcu. HSH Blake, a freak of nature in his own right, has won or finished competitively at nearly every event he’s gone to, across levels. His accolades with Caroline include individual gold and team silver at the Pan American Games in 2023 and two five-star podium finishes – including one at Burghley as well as Kentucky this year.

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Connor. Photo by Chelsea Spear Photography.

And Blake isn’t the only horse in Caroline’s string that was bred by Justin Burke! HSH Connor, who finished on the podium at Le Lion d’Angers as a 6-year-old and has gone on to win events like the Maryland 3 Star and Bouckaert International’s CCI4*-S, is another horse out of Justin’s program.

In all, the Irish studbook was the top-ranked Eventing Studbook for 2026, determined by points accumulated throughout the season.

“On behalf of The Irish Horse Board, I want to congratulate Justin Burke on the fantastic achievement of being named Eventing breeder of the year for 2026 and to all of the Irish breeders who contributed to helping regain Ireland’s title as World No.1 for breeding Eventing horses,” Irish Horse Board director General Alison Corbally said in a press release. Ireland also featured on the WBFSH Breeder rankings in show jumping for the efforts of the Connolly family, breeders of CSF James Kann Cruz who finished the year as the runner-up in the World Show Jumping breeder rankings with Shane Sweetnam.

Here’s a look at the Irish horses that contributed to this achievement – you’ll see a few familiar U.S.-based names!

You can view the full announcement from WBFSH here.

Major International Events

Les 5 Étoiles de Pau CCI5* (France): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Pau TV Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [Play Eventing Manager – Use code PCTD to join the EN league!]

U.S. Events This Weekend

Waredaca Classic Three-Day Event & H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer: Horse Trials] [Volunteer: Classic Three-Day]

YEH West Coast Championships & Last Chance Qualifier (CA): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scores]

Bouckaert Equestrian International (GA): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Windermere Run H.T. (MO): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scores] [Volunteer]

Hitching Post Farm H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scores] [Volunteer]

Other News & Recommended Reading

Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.

To wrap up the season after the excitement of last weekend’s East Coast Championships, the USEA Young Event Horse West Coast Championships kick off today at Twin Rivers (Paso Robles, CA). Nineteen of the West’s most promising young horses (13 five-year-olds and six four-year-olds) head to Twin this weekend, where they will be assessed by judges Marilyn Payne (USA) and Chris Ryan (IRL), who also judged at Fair Hill last weekend.

Amber Birtcil leads the field with five rides, including Viking Viko Van De Dreef, whose 92.10% qualifying score is the second-highest for a 5-year-old nationally this year. Only Katy Robinson and Nite Cap (92.15%) scored higher. James Alliston brings three horses, among them 4-year-old stallion Wizmo Warrior OMR (91.65%). Reigning 4-year-old champion Earned Effort returns with Ashley Loucks in the irons.

The program’s alumni have had a strong fall. Orpheus, fifth here as a 4-year-old in 2023, just won the 7-Year-Old Developing Horse National Championship at Morven Park. LS Crown Royal, third as a 5-year-old that same year, was the top American at the Boekelo Nations Cup earlier this month.

[Learn more Fast Facts about the field]
[View other USEA Young Event Horse coverage]
[Keep up with live scores]

  • Voting is open for the 2026 FEI Awards: Eventers are represented in two categories, including Longines FEI Rising Star, for which Germany’s Teresa Leowald was nominated, this year’s Junior European Champion. Get your vote in here.
  • The carriage era draws the curtain: The New York City Council has voted to ban horse-drawn carriages within two years. One thing that remains relatively unclear at this stage is what will become of the 180 or so carriage horses and 200+ employed in the industry currently. The bill also is likely to face opposition before it’s able to be fully enacted. Read more here.
  • Why ‘just be confident’ doesn’t always work: Sometimes, it takes more than “positive thinking” to make a difference when fear or nerves show up. So what does move the needle? Dive in here.

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

Are you qualified for the Championship round of Stable View’s Eventing Academy? Find out in the post above or here! Either way, entries are now open for this penultimate Eventing Academy of the year and the final of the 2026 points season; December’s EA will be counted for 2027 leaderboards and points. So, this is your chance to get in on $20,000 worth of prizes in one of the best unrecognized series around. If you’re new to Eventing Academy, you can learn more about it here.

Get that entry in! They close on November 13 for the November 20-22 schooling and horse trials.

[Learn more about Stable View Eventing Academy]

Coaching Corner

Go Eventing

Learn more about the science behind ground management at an event with Lucinda Green and Mark Lucy:

EN’s Ultimate Guide to Les 5 Étoiles de Pau CCI5* + Field Facts

By on Oct 22, 2026 10:31 pm -

We’re well underway with the action at our final CCI5* of the season, but we’ve made it to the last Ultimate Guide of our season and we’re here to keep you on top of all of the action. Keep this page bookmarked for the latest information; a full list of our coverage on-site can be found at the bottom.

Les 5 Étoiles de Pau CCI5* (France): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Pau TV Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [Play Eventing Manager – Use code PCTD to join the EN league!]

The Schedule

We’ll start this schedule from Friday on. Time zone widgets are embedded for each phase to make it easier to find out what time to tune in, wherever you are in the world.

Friday, October 23
10:00 am local / 4:00 am EST: Dressage Day 2

Time converter at worldtimebuddy.com

Saturday, October 24
12:00 pm local / 6:00 am EST: Cross Country

Time converter at worldtimebuddy.com

Sunday, October 25
11:45 am local / 5:45 am EST: Second Horse Inspection
2:45 pm local / 8:45 am EST: Show Jumping

Time converter at worldtimebuddy.com

An up-to-date schedule and start lists, as well as live scoring, can be found here.

How to Watch and Follow

Pau has its own live streaming platform, which makes it very easy to access for a nominal one-time fee. You can sign up for this year’s stream and on-demand viewing here. The cost is about $33 / €24.50 and grants you access to both the live feed as well as on-demand content for the next year.

We’ll also have a live blog run by Cheg Darlington for cross country on Saturday, so you can use that to follow along as you’re able, or alongside the live stream.

The Players

Our field this week is full of former winners, both human and equine, Olympic athletes, World Champions and some keen rising stars eager to make an impression. While we’ve slid into this end of the year on our back feet and without a full Form Guide for this year’s field, you can take a look at our entry preview here. The EquiRatings Prediction Center is another way to handicap the field and get a better sense of who’s likely to perform how, and while the deadline has passed to form your Eventing Manager team for this week, you can follow along to see scoring trends in their live scoring view here.

Here are a few more facts and figures about this year’s field:

The Officials

James Rooney (IRL) is the President of our Ground Jury and dressage judge at C this week. Joining James are Judy Hancock (GBR) and Laure Eslan (FRA). Alec Lochore is serving as Technical Delegate this weekend.

Pierre Michelet returns for another revival of his long-running cross country course, and he’s assisted by Frenchman Nicolas Burtin this year. Yann Royant (FRA) is the show jumping designer.

The Cross Country Course

You can view the full course map below, thanks to CrossCountry App (you can also view the course in-app or in your browser here):

This year’s course features an optimum time of 11:00, with 31 numbered fences containing around 48 jumping efforts, not including long routes. One newer feature early on course comes at fences 4 and 5, which now feature a “broken bridge” style of jump with a built-up landing. Generally, the course will follow the same path as 2025’s edition. The intensity of the course is set mostly on the back half of the course, with 28 of the jumping efforts set in the final five-and-a-half minutes or so.

EN’s Coverage

We’ll keep the list below updated each evening with the latest from our on-site coverage.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 22

Former World Champion Heads All-Female Top Five on Day One of Pau

One Horse Spun at Pau First Horse Inspection

PRE-COMPETITION

Les 5 Étoiles de Pau CCI5* Entry List Live with 54 Entries Representing 10 Nations