Thursday dawned with great anticipation as day three of the NAF Five Star Hartpury Festival of Dressage got underway. It marked the final selection opportunity for riders hoping to secure a spot at the upcoming European Para Dressage Championships in Ermelo, The Netherlands. With fingers crossed and hopes high, it was a day packed with top-tier performances across all grades of para dressage.
The International Arena hosted the final day of the CPEDI3* para dressage competition, beginning with Grade III Freestyle. Ireland’s Katie Reilly maintained her dominant form aboard Keystone Dawn Chorus, earning her best score of the week with a brilliant 75.194%. Hartpury University BSc (Hons) Equine Business Management student Jessica McKenna and D.C.I. Cerruti once again took second place, this time on 72.254%, mirroring their placings from the previous two days. Third place went to Kate Kerr-Horan and Lykkebo’s Don Akino, scoring 71.160%.
In Grade II, the standard was exceptional, with the top three all exceeding 75%. Multi-gold medallist Lee Pearson and Breezer topped the class with an impressive 77.847%. Jemima Green and Fantabulous followed closely with 76.047%, while Georgia Wilson and Faside Got The Love On secured third with 75.954%. This grade proved especially exciting across the week, as the same three riders rotated podium spots throughout.
The Grade I Freestyle saw Gabriella Blake and the elegant grey Strong Beau deliver a stunning test, wowing judges for a commanding win with 78.940%. Just behind, Mari Durward-Akhurst and Athene Lindebjerg scored 78.580%, while Ireland’s Michael Murphy and Cleverboy took third with 74.414%.
In Grade IV, Nicola Naylor and Humberto L completed a remarkable hat trick of wins this week, cruising to victory with 78.560%, over 7% clear of the rest of the field. Laura Scott and CEI Summer Days were second on 70.785%, with Isobelle Palmer and Last Gift third on 70.570%.
The para competition concluded with Grade V, where Sophie Wells and Lady Joseph Trust’s black mare claimed the top spot on 76.470%. Charlotte Cundall and First Pitch followed with 71.010%, while Alice Begg and Nalique finished third on 69.250%.
Straight after lunch, the LeMieux Grand Prix DQ opened the afternoon Premier League action. Representing Ireland, Abigail Lyle did a one-two, taking the top two spots with Giraldo and Farrell respectively. Kathleen Kroencke partnered Flanell to take third place in what proved to be a highly competitive start to the higher-level classes.
The Hartpury Arena hosted a strong field of 23 combinations for the Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I DQ (supported by NAF Superflex), judged by Maria Colliander (FIN), Isobel Wessels (GBR), and Debbie Wardle (GBR). Late in the class, Kate Cowell and the impressive 168cm bay gelding Joolz entered the ring and delivered a performance that clinched the win with 70.637%.
“I’m very happy with him,” Kate commented at the prizegiving. “He can be a bit spooky, so I did the early arena walk this morning and it paid off.”
Jessica McConkey and Wilson Stensvang, winners earlier in the week, placed second with 70.441%, while David Harvey and Diamond Blue, a familiar pair at Hartpury, secured third with 68.971%.
Wrapping up the day indoors was the qualifier for Saturday’s Elite Stallions Young Horse Prix St Georges Championship, a highlight of the Gala Evening. Only one horse per rider may qualify for the final, with spots rolling down if a rider earns multiple qualifications.
The top eight combinations to qualify were:
- Michael Eilberg and EDH Nanouk – 70.000%
- Jody Haswell and Valentinio – 68.235%
- Lucinda Elliott and Mezati – 68.039%
- Michelle Sabga-Aboud and Ruxton Uphoria
- Daniel Bremner and Monet X
- Dannie Morgan and Vive La Reinne VH
- Rob Barker and Rioverdi
- Charlotte Dicker and Catherston Tarantella
Ahead of the CDI competition, all 44 horses presented at the CDI1* and CDI3* horse inspection were passed fit to compete, accepted by the President of the Ground Jury Stephen Clarke, Ground Jury member Eduard De Wolff van Westerrode, and FEI Veterinary Delegate Howard Newitt.
Join us on Saturday night for the Gala Evening, one of the most exciting events in the Festival. Highlights include a special demonstration by Louise Bell, who will be working with horses facing common training challenges — combining education with fun. The evening also features the Elite Stallions Young Horse PSG Final and the much-anticipated NAF Five Star Superflex CDI3 Grand Prix Freestyle to Music.
