Cowdray Polo Club in West Sussex made history last weekend when it staged both the Ladies British Open Championship and St. Regis British Open for the Cowdray Gold Cup finals on the same day.In the ladies final, Yaguara took a narrow victory, defeating Salty Polo by 7 goals to 6.5 while in the Gold Cup, first time finalists Gaston beat Dubai Polo Team by 9 goals to 8 in another hotly contested affair.Both finals took place on Sunday 19 July.I couldnt be more proud of the team and of our win, said Yaguara player Millie Hine who was presented with the Gusbourne Most Valuable Player award.These are without doubt the biggest crowds we have ever played in front of and doing it on the same day as the Gold Cup, at home and in front of family friends is super special.Joining Millie in the winning team were Mia and Myla Cambiaso and patron Martina Lowe.Yaguara won the ladies competition.Worlds best playersThe British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup welcomes the sports best players to Cowdray in West Sussex, the home of British polo, each summer for Europes premier 22-goal polo tournament. The world-famous tournament saw teams from around the world battle it out over a three-week period at Viscount Cowdrays 16,000 acre estate, which is located in the South Downs National Park, for the chance to lift the historic Cowdray Gold Cup.Making up the victorious Gaston team in the Cowdray Gold Cupwere Jean Paul Luksic, Gonzalo Ferrari, Beltran Laulhe, and Cruz Hegu.This has to be one of the best finals of all time. It had it all; drama, excitement, a fantastic standard of polo and first timer finalists playing one of the greats, said Cowdray Park Polo Club Managing Director, Martine Hartridge.The care of the ponies was excellent and special thanks goes to the grooms, veterinarians and all those that work so hard behind the scenes. The crowd was one of the largest weve had and the amazing weather certainly added to the day.Image Mark Beaumont.More content from Your HorseRider anxiety: how to get past it and start enjoying your horse againLacking confidence? 10 signs of high-functioning anxiety in horse ridersFive tips from a dressage judge to help you be more confident in a testNervous out hacking? How hypnotic language will helpCaroline Moores five gears for a confident and clear cross-country roundThe post Polo Club makes history after playing both mens and womens finals on same day appeared first on Your Horse.

Ocala, FL The $50,000 C. Jarvis Insurance American Standard Grand Prix welcomed 24 horse-and-rider combinations to the WEC Grand Arena to compete for top honors. In the end, Tracy Fenney (USA) claimed the top two spots on the leaderboard, taking the victory aboard Davenport Farms MTM Pablo (Perigueux x Celina) and finishing second with MTM Farms MTM Apple (Favorit Ask x Kongs Whopsie).Source

Great Britain will field its first Young Rider endurance team at an FEI Championship since 2018, when it sends a trio of horses and riders to France next week.Scarlett Chapple riding Durboro Tansy, Carmen Benitez Tennant aboard BAN KEI Almanzor and Suzannah Todd with Keflawill represent Great Britain at the FEI Endurance European Championship for Young Riders & Juniors which is taking place in the Jullianges, in south-central France on Friday 31 July. Fourth team members, Alex Powell and Hope, had to withdraw ahead of the event on veterinary grounds.Great Britain has not fielded a Young Rider Endurance Team since 2018, due to a combination of factors including declining youth participation, limited funding, and the increasing distance of championship venues, making travel with horses from the UK difficult, especially with post-Brexit customs formalities, said chef dequipe Katie Bedwin.As Young Rider Chef dquipe, I am committed to rebuilding the programme. Our goal is not just to return a team in 2026, but to create a sustainable pathway that supports and inspires the next generation of endurance riders for many years to come.Demanding and undulating courseThe championship course in Jullianges will test the ultimate limits of horsemanship, tactical maturity, and stamina over a demanding and undulating route. With only three combinations representing Great Britain, there is no drop score available meaning every single horse-and-rider partnership must complete the course successfully in order to secure a team placing. Success in endurance is measured not just by speed, but by strict veterinary standards; horses must pass rigorous health checks, including heart rate and soundness evaluations, before, during, and immediately after the race to secure a successful placing and completion.Jullianges is a highly technical course, and it will not be a race of pure speed, but also agility over varying terrain and undulating tracks. In a field of young riders, it will be incredibly important to ride a mature race and not lose sight of the distance that is to be completed, said team member Suzannah Todd who is currently based in Spain.Image Endurance GB.More content from Your HorseJump out of trot to test rider balance and build trust with this exercise from Piggy MarchEmily Cole has launched a new collection and dressage fans will love it!5 things to bear in mind to achieve your solo hacking goals with a young or new horse or following a breakHow to tell if a horse is happy: behaviourist reveals 13 key signsThe post GB Young Rider endurance team heads to European Championships after eight-year absence appeared first on Your Horse.

Robert Whitaker and Equine America Vermento etched their names into Hickstead history by claiming an unprecedented third Al Shiraaa King George V Gold Cup on the final day of the Agria Royal International Horse Show.The reigning champions returned to defend their title in style, adding the 2026 crown to victories in 2023 and 2025. In doing so, the 13-year-old Argento gelding, who was bred by Roberts father John, became the first horse in the modern era of showjumping to win Hicksteads prestigious grand prix on three occasions. The feat has not been achieved since Harry Llewellyn partnered the legendary Foxhunter to a third King George success in 1953. An emotional Robert reflected on the significance of the victory afterwards.To win it three times is incredible. What can I say? he said. I didnt have the best draw and had to go first in the jump-off. I know this ring is very big and open, and its easy to have a fence down, so I just wanted to jump a safe round.To be honest, I thought I was a fraction slow, and when I was clear after the second-last fence, I probably took a bit more time than I should have. But it paid off. Whitaker also paid tribute to long-standing owners Caroline and Stephen Blatchford, whose support has been instrumental in the partnerships success.Theyre fantastic owners, and weve got a lot of horses coming through, he said.The victory also sees Robert equal his father John Whitakers tally of three King George titles. John claimed the trophy with Ryans Son in 1986, the great Milton in 1990 and Welham in 1997. Roberts uncle Michael Whitaker remains a four-time winner, while David Broome still holds the all-time record with six victories.Drawn eighth in the opening round, Robert and Vermento produced the first of just five clear rounds to secure their place in the jump-off. As the first combination to return against the clock, they faced the challenge of setting an early target, stopping the clock in 43.34sec after another faultless round.Canadas Nicole Walker came closest to denying the British rider aboard Panter JVH. Although quicker on the clock, a slip on the turn before the final fence disturbed the geldings balance, resulting in them knocking it down. Brazils Stephanie Maciera came forward with Novak De Kalvarie hoping to become only the second female rider to win the King George since the class was opened to women in 2008. She produced the only other double clear of the competition but crossed the finish more than a second behind Robert to claim the runner-up spot.Jack Whitaker finished fourth with Jack JL after lowering two fences in the jump-off, while Jessica Mendoza, who was part of Fridays British Nations Cup-winning team, completed the top five aboard Summerhouse.Picture courtesy of Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves.Related contentGemma Stevens makes history with third Eventers Challenge title at HicksteadI love them so much: 11-year-old girl jumps her way into history books at HicksteadPole exercises that make clever, confident horsesTina Cooks top tips for jumping on grassRichard Waygoods cavaletti exercisesFive common problems with a riders jumping position solvedThe post To win it three times is incredible: Robert Whitaker and Vermento take historic Hickstead King George victory appeared first on Your Horse.

Boston Black Tie and Helen Baker have added the ultimate accolade to their glittering showing record by lifting the Barberstown Castle Supreme Ridden Horse Championship at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.The partnership, who are three-time winners of the Ellena Thomas BSHA Supreme Hack Championship, topped a high-calibre line-up of the weeks section champions to take the coveted Winston Churchill Cup on the final day at Hickstead.Owned by Nicola Faulconbridge, Boston Black Tie impressed the judges to score 28 marks from a possible 30, finishing one point clear of Robert Walker and Full Cry, winners of the Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) Supreme Hunter Championship, who took reserve honours on a score of 27.I wasnt expecting that to happen, though youre always hopeful, said Helen, whose individual show featured simple and flying changes, a rein-back, an elegant extended trot and was finished one-handed.Now the Irish Bank has been removed [from the mani arena], theres so much more room to be seen out in front of the judges. His strength is his trot its his party piece I just have to stay with him. Although Helen has enjoyed numerous top placings in the championship over the years, including second, third, fourth and fifth, this marks her first victory in the prestigious supreme.Just to get into the Supreme is an honour its a massive achievement, she added.Known at home as DJ, Boston Black Tie was bred by Stephen Howard, who had travelled from Yorkshire to watch the gelding claim Saturdays BSHA Supreme Hack title. After that success, DJ returned to the field to spend the night with his companions before coming back to Hickstead to secure the biggest title of his career less than 24 hours later. Picture courtesy of Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves.Related contentTo win it three times is incredible: Robert Whitaker and Vermento take historic Hickstead King George victoryGemma Stevens makes history with third Eventers Challenge title at HicksteadI love them so much: 11-year-old girl jumps her way into history books at HicksteadPole exercises that make clever, confident horsesRichard Waygoods cavaletti exercisesThe post Its a massive achievement: Boston Black Tie lands Royal International supreme ridden horse title appeared first on Your Horse.

Boston Black Tie and Helen Baker have added the ultimate accolade to their glittering showing record by lifting the Barberstown Castle Supreme Ridden Horse Championship at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.The partnership, who are three-time winners of the Ellena Thomas BSHA Supreme Hack Championship, topped a high-calibre line-up of the weeks section champions to take the coveted Winston Churchill Cup on the final day at Hickstead.Owned by Nicola Faulconbridge, Boston Black Tie impressed the judges to score 28 marks from a possible 30, finishing one point clear of Robert Walker and Full Cry, winners of the Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) Supreme Hunter Championship, who took reserve honours on a score of 27.I wasnt expecting that to happen, though youre always hopeful, said Helen, whose individual show featured simple and flying changes, a rein-back, an elegant extended trot and was finished one-handed.Now the Irish Bank has been removed [from the mani arena], theres so much more room to be seen out in front of the judges. His strength is his trot its his party piece I just have to stay with him. Although Helen has enjoyed numerous top placings in the championship over the years, including second, third, fourth and fifth, this marks her first victory in the prestigious supreme.Just to get into the Supreme is an honour its a massive achievement, she added.Known at home as DJ, Boston Black Tie was bred by Stephen Howard, who had travelled from Yorkshire to watch the gelding claim Saturdays BSHA Supreme Hack title. After that success, DJ returned to the field to spend the night with his companions before coming back to Hickstead to secure the biggest title of his career less than 24 hours later. Picture courtesy of Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves.Related contentTo win it three times is incredible: Robert Whitaker and Vermento take historic Hickstead King George victoryGemma Stevens makes history with third Eventers Challenge title at HicksteadI love them so much: 11-year-old girl jumps her way into history books at HicksteadPole exercises that make clever, confident horsesRichard Waygoods cavaletti exercisesThe post Its a massive achievement: Boston Black Tie lands Royal International supreme ridden horse title appeared first on Your Horse.

Young Scottish rider Isla Smith admitted her heart felt like it was beating out of my chest as she claimed one of the biggest victories of her showing career with her much-loved pony, Sutton Grange Fancy That. The show hunter pony victor only returned to showing last year after a seven-year break, but yesterday (27 July), he took the Supreme Products Supreme Pony championship at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.In the supreme championship, three ponies were awarded 26 points, but 15-year-old FT pipped them to the post on 27, after scoring a straight run of nines from the panel of three judges.With the journey to Hickstead taking between seven and 13 hours from Scotland, Isla said it was more than worthwhile after securing the prestigious title with a pony she described as so special.Isla admitted the pressure of the occasion had been immense.I was so scared something was going to go wrong in that show, she said. And I dont think I managed my nerves very well! Despite the tension, the combination delivered a polished performance, with the ponys experience proving invaluable.He knows his job, she said. He loves coming back out and the big arenas really suit him, with his gallop being a real highlight he feels like hes floating. The rider paid tribute to her partner, describing him as not only a talented show pony but also a genuine character.Hes such a nice, kind pony. The victory adds another significant accolade to an already impressive record for the partnership. While the pony has enjoyed success in the show ring previously, the rider said this was among the biggest titles they have achieved together.Last season, the pair were crowned supreme champions at the British Show Pony Society Summer Championship Show and were also reserve champions at Hickstead last year in the Supreme Show Hunter Pony Championship. With this latest success, the combination have now added another major championship to their collection, bringing them close to completing an enviable list of top showing honours.Reflecting on their achievement, the rider acknowledged how much the pony relishes performing on the biggest stages.He loves coming back out, she said. The big arenas really suit him. Related contentIts a massive achievement: Boston Black Tie lands Royal International supreme ridden horse titleTo win it three times is incredible: Robert Whitaker and Vermento take historic Hickstead King George victoryGemma Stevens makes history with third Eventers Challenge title at HicksteadI love them so much: 11-year-old girl jumps her way into history books at HicksteadPole exercises that make clever, confident horsesThe post He feels like hes floating: young rider overcomes nerves to take Royal International supreme pony title appeared first on Your Horse.

Robert Whitaker and Equine America Vermento etched their names into Hickstead history by claiming an unprecedented third Al Shiraaa King George V Gold Cup on the final day of the Agria Royal International Horse Show.The reigning champions returned to defend their title in style, adding the 2026 crown to victories in 2023 and 2025. In doing so, the 13-year-old Argento gelding, who was bred by Roberts father John, became the first horse in the modern era of showjumping to win Hicksteads prestigious grand prix on three occasions. The feat has not been achieved since Harry Llewellyn partnered the legendary Foxhunter to a third King George success in 1953. An emotional Robert reflected on the significance of the victory afterwards.To win it three times is incredible. What can I say? he said. I didnt have the best draw and had to go first in the jump-off. I know this ring is very big and open, and its easy to have a fence down, so I just wanted to jump a safe round.To be honest, I thought I was a fraction slow, and when I was clear after the second-last fence, I probably took a bit more time than I should have. But it paid off. Whitaker also paid tribute to long-standing owners Caroline and Stephen Blatchford, whose support has been instrumental in the partnerships success.Theyre fantastic owners, and weve got a lot of horses coming through, he said.The victory also sees Robert equal his father John Whitakers tally of three King George titles. John claimed the trophy with Ryans Son in 1986, the great Milton in 1990 and Welham in 1997. Roberts uncle Michael Whitaker remains a four-time winner, while David Broome still holds the all-time record with six victories.Drawn eighth in the opening round, Robert and Vermento produced the first of just five clear rounds to secure their place in the jump-off. As the first combination to return against the clock, they faced the challenge of setting an early target, stopping the clock in 43.34sec after another faultless round.Canadas Nicole Walker came closest to denying the British rider aboard Panter JVH. Although quicker on the clock, a slip on the turn before the final fence disturbed the geldings balance, resulting in them knocking it down. Brazils Stephanie Maciera came forward with Novak De Kalvarie hoping to become only the second female rider to win the King George since the class was opened to women in 2008. She produced the only other double clear of the competition but crossed the finish more than a second behind Robert to claim the runner-up spot.Jack Whitaker finished fourth with Jack JL after lowering two fences in the jump-off, while Jessica Mendoza, who was part of Fridays British Nations Cup-winning team, completed the top five aboard Summerhouse.Picture courtesy of Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves.Related contentGemma Stevens makes history with third Eventers Challenge title at HicksteadI love them so much: 11-year-old girl jumps her way into history books at HicksteadPole exercises that make clever, confident horsesTina Cooks top tips for jumping on grassRichard Waygoods cavaletti exercisesFive common problems with a riders jumping position solvedThe post To win it three times is incredible: Robert Whitaker and Vermento take historic Hickstead King George victory appeared first on Your Horse.