Great Britain Wins The British Leg of The FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ At Bicton

The Bicton International Horse Trials (28-31 May) concluded with an outstanding day of equestrian sport, as Great Britain led throughout the British leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ and finished in pole position with a score of 135.6. The United States placed second on 182.2, more than 46 penalty points behind, while New Zealand followed in third on 199.5.

 

Finding herself in pathfinder position again, Kirsty Chabert partnered Classic VI to help lead the team to victory. She was joined on the team by Tom McEwen aboard Shannondale Arnold and Laura Collett riding Hester and Tom Rowland riding LB Mettaphor.

Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI
ESP Photographic

 

Great Britain Chef d’Équipe Richard Waygood commented: “First and foremost, the organising committee at Bicton did an outstanding job on the ground, so a big thank you to them from all the riders, owners and horses. The course was certainly challenging and exciting throughout. It asked plenty of good questions, and when you speak to the riders, they all feel they really had to work for it, which is great and made for a strong competition.”

 

Kirsty Chabert also claimed the TopSpec CCI4*-S title, edging out Collett on the outstanding London 52 after both riders finished on the same score. Chabert was awarded the title as her cross-country round was closer to the optimum time. She said: “Bicton has been wonderful - we’ve had lovely weather, and the team did an amazing job with the ground, which was hugely appreciated. It was very exciting to be in such close contention with Laura, and I’m delighted to take home the win.”

 

The prize giving’s began earlier in the day with the conclusion of the Project Pony CCIP2*-L class, where Florence Drewitt and Battlestown Delight maintained their lead throughout the competition to finish on a final score of 32.2. “It's really great he came out the way he did today, just feeling amazing and it's so nice to have him on top form. He started off with his best dressage test yet and I think that set him up and was a really great start. He absolutely loved the course yesterday, it was a really testing track and I think he just showed his class, he was incredible and felt amazing,” said Florence.

 

Honours continued to come thick and fast from lunchtime onwards. Stephen Heal claimed victory in the Charles Owen CCI2*-L with his and Mrs Zoe Day’s seven-year-old bay gelding, Semilly B. In the Renaissance Care CCIJ2*-L, Ella Howard led from start to finish aboard Delauney, adding just 0.4 time penalties in the showjumping to her dressage score. Tom McEwen also added to his prize haul, winning the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-S on his dressage score.

 

Jago Jackson held on to his overnight lead in the Succeed CCIY3*-L, adding just 8.4 time penalties across the country with his 10-year-old bay mare, Kinda Brunette. Tom Jackson and Sage Soldier also maintained their overnight lead in the Empire Coachbuilders CCI3*-L.

 

“What an amazing weekend!” said Helen West, Course Designer and Event Director, as the competition concluded at Bicton Arena this afternoon. “Delivering an event of this scale, with so many classes and courses, takes an exceptional team, and we are fortunate to have exactly that at Bicton. The competition this weekend was outstanding, with the cross-country courses presenting strong challenges for both under-21 riders and senior competitors.  Thank you to every single one of them. Thanks also go to all the judges, stewards, volunteers and all those who made it happen - they have been super heroes all weekend!”

 

The 2026 Bicton International Horse Trials draws to a close following a standout weekend of competition, with an impressive 297 horse-and-rider combinations contesting seven classes. The event’s success is a testament not only to the athletes, but also to the invaluable support of owners, families and friends who contributed to the atmosphere throughout.

 

There were special prizes given throughout the sections from the wonderful supporting companies Tackroom Distillery, Redpost Equestrian, Wyvern Equestrian, Darts Farm, Yeti, Equilume, Chatham, Halley Floral Designs, Nyetimber & Sovereign Wines, Darts Farm, Taste of Sidmouth, Clip My Horse, Woof Wear and The Kitchen at Combe.

Prize Winners
ESP Photographic