RECORD numbers were welcomed by Hartpury University and Hartpury College for this year’s NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials and British Championships.

The event took place from Tuesday, August 5 to Sunday August 10, which saw record spectator numbers and the highest online engagement in the event’s history.

An Eventful Life filmed every rider’s cross-country round, while Horse & Country provided live streaming of the showjumping and cross-country action.

Hartpury hosted the British Eventing National Championships alongside three international classes brimming with World, European and Olympic medallists. Riders competed for a string of prestigious titles, including the Hartpury University and College British Open Championship.

Jade Hanlon, a third year Hartpury University student said: "Volunteering is a brilliant way to get up close to the action in a way that you don’t get to spectating. There are many fantastic opportunities to speak to grooms and the stewards to learn more about preparation for an international event like this.

“The event has a good collaborative atmosphere amongst the volunteers. It is also a great way to catch up with friends on the circuit and meet new people."

The event also saw an alumni reunion while the VIP marquee offered guests an experience of top-level eventing with views from outside Hartpury House.

Weeks of careful preparation, strategic irrigation, and expert turf management ensured that the ground was both safe and fair for every horse and rider. Competitors and officials praised the consistency of the footing, which stood up to six days of intense action.

Among the many sporting highlights, Durham-based Katie Magee enjoyed a standout week, claiming both the Hartpury University and College British Open Championship with Treworra and the Jump1 British Intermediate Championship aboard Cushlas Indigo.

Ireland’s Austin O’Connor won the Fairfax Saddles British Novice Championship, whilst Michael Jackson took the Retraining of Racehorses Open Novice Championship aboard the former Sir Michael Stoute-trained Bhodi. The Fairfax Saddles British Restricted Novice Championship went to Emily Kemp.

Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, who are the reigning Badminton champions, delivered a masterclass to win the NAF Magic CCI4*-S, while China’s Alex Hua Tian took top honours in the NAF Superflex CCI3*L and Great Britain’s Bubby Upton won the NAF Metazone CCI2*L.

Phillip Cheetham, Event Director, said: “This year’s horse trials have been nothing short of incredible, not only because of the outstanding sporting performances, but because of the atmosphere our spectators, volunteers, and wider Hartpury community helped create.

“The record-breaking engagement, both here on site and online, shows how much the event means to people. We’re proud to showcase world-class equestrian sport right here in Gloucestershire.”

Hartpury University said the 2025 NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials and British Championships has set a new benchmark for future years, and they are now looking for a sponsor for the British Open Championship 2026, to raise the prize money for competitors in that class.

Any business or individual interested in sponsoring the British Open can get in touch with them via email on [email protected]