Day two of the NAF Five Star Hartpury Festival of Dressage began with a welcome shift in weather as the British heat wave eased across Gloucestershire. Riders, spectators, and officials alike were relieved by the cooler conditions, allowing for a more comfortable and focused day of sport.
This year’s event holds added significance for para riders, serving as the final qualifier ahead of September’s Para European Dressage Championships in Ermelo, The Netherlands. With team selections looming, every performance carried extra weight.
The CPEDI3* competition in the International Arena began with Grade IV, where Nicola Naylor continued her commanding form aboard Humberto L, repeating her win from day one with an even stronger score of 75.811%. Her second ride, Moulin Rouge, also stepped up to claim second with 72.054%, pushing Isobelle Palmer and Last Gift to third on 71.162%.
In Grade V, the results mirrored the previous day despite two changes in the judging panel. Sophie Wells and LJT Egebjerggards Samoa remained unbeatable, winning again with 71.684%. Charlotte Cundall and First Pitch followed on 69.842%, and Alice Begg with Nalique took third on 67.790%.
The Grade II contest saw a shake-up in the top three. Georgia Wilson and Faside Got The Love edged up to first with 73.567%, while Jemima Green and Fantabulous climbed into second on 72.733%. Lee Pearson and Breezer completed the podium with 71.033%.
In Grade I, Gabriella Blake delivered another standout test aboard the striking grey Strong Beau, scoring 74.875% for the win. Mari Durward-Akhurst and Athene Lindebjerg impressed once again to take second on 74.000%, while Michael Murphy, now training with Elder Klatzko, earned third with Cleverboy (70.875%).
The final para test of the day, Grade III, was once again dominated by the Irish. Katie Reilly and Keystone Dawn Chorus secured their second consecutive win with 72.067%, followed by Hartpury University BSc (Hons) Equine Business Management student Jessica McKenna and D.C.I. Cerruti, riding for her mother, Emma McKenna, on 69.233%. Kate Kerr-Horan and Lykkebo’s Don Akino took third with 67.533%.
The first class in the Hartpury Arena featured 33 rising stars in the Bret Willson Dressage International Advanced Medium 6 DQ.
Early in the class, Alicia Lee and Della Ballerina laid down a solid test, scoring 71.296%—a score that would prove unbeatable throughout the rest of the day. Local rider Rob Barker and Licorno gave her a run for her money, finishing just behind with 71.203%. Michael Eilberg, a familiar face at the Festival, rode EDH Malakai to third with 71.158%, showcasing razor-thin margins between the top three.
Louise Bell, riding Peaky Blinder (63.704%), reflected honestly on her test: “The test wasn’t perfect—Dougie had a tough time in the heat and with the two-hour trip. He’s seven but behaves more like a five-year-old! Some highlights, some low points—but I love him anyway.”
She went on to praise the venue, saying: “The Andrews Bowen surfaces here are fabulous—we have them at home. Hartpury is a highlight of the year. The team puts on a brilliant show, and we as riders are so grateful.”
Louise will be performing at Saturday’s Gala Evening, offering a demonstration designed to help riders navigate training challenges—delivered with a mix of expertise and humour.
The day’s competition wrapped up on a vibrant note with the British Dressage Prix St Georges Freestyle to Music, as five combinations danced through their carefully choreographed tests. This discipline blends technical precision with musical artistry, evaluating both the harmony of horse and rider and the creativity of the routine.
First to enter the arena, Darren Hicks and the chestnut gelding Quentino 43, delivered a fluid and emotive performance, setting the bar high with 71.417%—a score that would stand throughout the class to earn them the win.
Second to go, Tyler Bradshaw and Gijsbert, made the long journey from Devon well worth it, claiming second with 69.917%. Rounding out the top three, Nathalie Kayal and Heliantus V.D. Fuik scored 69.167%.
In a closely fought Stubben Intermediate II class, Spencer Wilton emerged victorious riding the elegant grey Hanoverian gelding Woodcroft Django Mon Ami. The 10-year-old, by Dante Weltino out of a Royal Diamond mare, impressed the judges across the board to earn a winning overall score of 71.225%. Bred by Samantha and Jarrod Britton and owned by Wilton, Django Mon Ami showed maturity and expression beyond his years, topping two of the three judging panels.
Hot on his heels was Matt Frost with Atterupsgaards Berlucchi, a 12-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding by Belissimo M. The pair showed consistency and harmony to post a strong 70.735%, securing second place. Germany’s Kathleen Kroencke and Flanell rounded out the podium in third with 70.000%, marking a high-quality and tightly contested class that promises much for the rest of the season.
It was a standout performance from Michael Eilberg and his striking black Oldenburg gelding EDH Saubermond, who claimed victory in the Prix St Georges with a final score of 70.588%. The eight-year-old, by Sezuan out of a Dancier mare, impressed with his expressive paces and composure, topping one judging panel and finishing no lower than second across the board. Bred and owned by Eilberg himself, Saubermond continues to show exceptional promise for the future.
Taking second place was Nikki Barker aboard the powerful KWPN gelding Iwan. The 11-year-old by Charmeur scored 69.608%, highlighted by a standout individual mark of 70.147%, showing clear potential and polish in his work. Rounding out the top three was Lucinda Elliott and her AES mare Mezati, a 7-year-old by Franklin. The pair scored 67.598%, showing elegance and promise in what was a highly competitive and high-quality class.
