In April 2020, and in the interest of legacy, I penned a Wikipedia entry recording the thoughts and notable achievements of myself as Harveywetdog. I admit I was ignorant of the rules concerning self promotion on Wikipedia at the time; consequently my entry was unfortunately, although arguably correctly, deleted and my account expunged from the system. As a result my original words and links were sadly lost but nevertheless here is an attempt at a rewrite. Perhaps when I'm gone someone will be able to enter it onto Wikipedia on my behalf, to serve as a fitting epitaph for the exciting times I spent on the Harveywetdog Project.
Bicton International Horse Trials October 2025 - The Harveywetdog Perspective
Event Press Release -
From 22 – 26 October, the stunning Bicton Arena in Budleigh Salterton, Devon welcomed five days of thrilling eventing competition. More than 320 competitors took part in the season’s grand finale, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Grade One Listed parkland glowing in vibrant autumn colours.
Despite an eventful start to his dressage with a few unplanned rears, Barnie Brotherton (GBR) piloted Naomi Brotherton’s DHI King Nelson to win the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-S on a final score of 35.5. It was a competitive class with just 0.3 points separating the top three, Barnie said, “He jumped well in both phases and was super quick cross country, the only one inside the time. I am very happy with how he has finished the season.”
Max Warburton (GBR) took home the Events Through A Lens CCI2*-L win on Alison Swinburn, John and Chloe Perry’s Brookfield Breaking News. “I am delighted with Brookfield Breaking News - he was the ultimate professional all week. He’s very low mileage and I’m very pleased with the feeling he gave me for the future. Bicton is always a great venue with rolling terrain, so it’s been a great experience for this young horse,” said Max.
Florence Drewitt (GBR) and EG Michealangelo claimed victory in the Succeed Equine CCI2*-S, finishing on an impressive score of 28.1. This marks a remarkable achievement for the pair in only their second two-star outing, made even more notable as they trialled a new bit during the competition. “He did a beautiful test and double clear, it was our first time going for the time and he flew round. It’s my first proper horse coming off ponies so it’s really exciting for the future,” said Florence.
BE Accredited Coach Saskia Rioux, riding her 20-year-old horse Singing Usk, known as Ash at home, claimed victory in the Redpost Equestrian BE100 Open finishing on an impressive score of 29.9. Ash made an impressive comeback this season after overcoming a minor leg fracture earlier in the year to return in top form.
“This was our first experience of the long format, and there was plenty to consider, but he was super. Getting here has been a real team effort, and I’ve focused on listening to what he needs. I know him so well, and when he felt great, I decided to aim for Bicton’s three-day event. The partnership we share brings me so much joy, and my priority is always making sure he’s enjoying himself.”
The pair have been competing together since 2012, with notable successes including winning the National Restricted Novice class at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park in 2019.
Axminster based Jane Rogers and her own 18-year-old Corrieview Merlin Magic gave a faultless performance in the Redpost Equestrian BE100 class winning for the second year in a row on her dressage score, this year finishing on a score of 28.9. Jane said, “I can’t believe it – I’ve done it again! I’m chuffed to bits with Magic, he was a superstar!”
The Mendip Meter Maids team consisting of Alison Stewart, Jonathan Leece, Rosie Moreton and Kathryn Virjee won the BE100 team event, with a total score of 107.6.
Helen du Heaume and Alvescot Extraordinaire win the Redpost Equestrian BE90 Section F on a final score of 27.9 having held onto their lead since the beginning of the competition. “I was so nervous to go in reverse order but as soon as I went into the arena I relaxed, and we found our stride. It has been an amazing day and one I will cherish forever,” said Helen.
West Cornwall based Phoebe Lagor and her 6 year old mare My Quality Girl won the Redpost Equestrian BE90 Section G with a double clear on 28.6. “I’m over the moon, she means so much to me and has been epic all week,” added Phoebe.
Philippa Skelton kept her nerve right until the end with a lovely clear showjumping round with Brian Boru III which helped her secure the final win of the weekend, the Redpost Equestrian BE80. She said, “I am hugely relieved, I’m not great under pressure but he’s an absolute pro and it was so much fun!”
In the BE80 & BE90 team event it was the 50 Shades of Hay consisting of Jane Rogers, Janine Paterson, Nicky Ralph and Imogen Peck with a final score of 99.
Bicton Arena Co-Director Helen West reflected on the venue’s final horse trials of the season, “This is such a fantastic competition that really brings horsemanship to the forefront. It worked brilliantly to use our new site for the steeplechase, and I’m very grateful to Bicton College for allowing us access to that space. We’ve finished the weekend with lots of happy riders and horses, which is always our goal. A huge army of volunteers made this long-format event possible, and we’re incredibly thankful to them for giving up their weekend, as well as to the entire Bicton team and officials who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all happen.”
Thanks goes to Bicton College for use of the parkland and to Tack Room Distillery, Redpost Equestrian, Wyvern Equestrian, Halley Floral Design, Darts Farm, Events Through A Lens, Symonds & Sampson, Succeed Equine, Horsehage, The Golden Paste Company, Horslyx and Woof Wear who provided special prizes to our various winners.
The Harveywetdog Perspective
For my final equestrian outing of 2025 I traversed Devon West to East, cutting around Dartmoor via the A30 to arrive at Exeter and then onto Bicton Arena. The weather, notably the tail end of Storm Benjamin was a little bit against me but I managed to attend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to capture a cross section of International and National competition.
My arrangement with the event was that I would only post a maximum of 30 seconds per rider, per discipline. I'm not sure what the basis of this requirement was and I'm not sure if it was driven by the broadcast company, CMH, or by the event themselves. Either way as these days I have to treat each event as if it's my last I did not question the arrangement but tried to ignore it, although I did find it was cramping my style at times and I think this shows in the videos.
There are some instances where I may have inadvertently made the mistake of exceeding the 30 second rule for which I apologise (if it's good enough for Rachel Reeves it's good enough for me).
Friday I concentrated on the two 2 Star cross countries, making a better job of the short competition although I was quite surprised by the number of combinations that were lost in the "influential" show jumping phase. Saturday I hoped to capture 2 Star long show jumping and BE100 cross country but the times clashed so in the end it was just the BE100 competitions (plus time for an extremely tasty coffee and home made flapjack).
We had some unexpected rain on Saturday which stopped me videoing for a little while, I was definitely out of practice getting the rain cover on the camera.
Sunday was BE100 trot up and show jumping followed by the prize giving. Well done to my old "neighbour" Saskia Davies and the 20 year old Singing Usk on taking the Open title.
I asked Helen West how she explained the popularity of the full three day event format, noting that there were never numbers like this at Aldon back in the day. Helen admitted she didn't really have an answer but clearly wasn't complaining!
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