GFS Saddles 8/9 Year Old at Agria Blenheim Palace International cross country videos
While the First Horse Inspection and Opening Ceremony were taking place for the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship at Blenheim Palace on Wednesday, competitors in this week’s GFS Saddles 8/9 Year Old class were settling into their surrounds, ready for dressage on Thursday.
The European Championship may well be the focus of this week but the 8/9 Year Old class that runs each year at Blenheim is one of the most prestigious in the country, showcasing future equine stars, with past alumni including Laura Collett’s London 52, competing in the Championship this week, Ros Canter’s Lordships Graffalo and Oliver Townend’s Ballaghmor Class.
One to watch this week include Katie Magee and Cushlas Indigo, current British Intermediate Champions, Gemma Stevens’ Chilli Morning IV, the first cloned horse to win the Seven-Year-Old WBFSH FEI World Young Horse Championship at Le Lion d’Angers last year and Izzy Taylor with Barrington Alice, another Le Lion winner as a six-year-old in 2023.
Australia and New Zealand have several entries with Australia’s Sammi Birch riding Parkfield Artie Blou Kevin McNab riding the in-form Faro Imp and Wilfred Lancer, Bella English on board Cil Dara Bombay S and Sarah Clark riding Casallia S.
New Zealand has Tim Price, Samantha Lissington and Caroline Powell in the mix; Tim will bring forward three young horses in Garcon, Gloire De Marchenval and The Highlander, Sam also has three in Lucas Stone, Malibu TS and Quantas R and Caroline rides Tik Tok.
An Eventful Life is filming all combinations on cross country at the 2025 Agria FEI Eventing European Championships and Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials on Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st September – find out more about ordering your full cross country videos here.
In the meantime, enjoy watching last year's 8/9 Year Old winner, Padraig McCarthy riding MGH Zabaione!
