NAF Five Star Hartpury International Horse Trials cross country videos
The big event this month will be the NAF Five Star Hartpury International Horse Trials & British Eventing Championships, 6th – 10th August 2025, and it is shaping up to be a cracker with an exceptional field of international and British talent ready to descend on Hartpury University and Hartpury College in Gloucestershire.
The event gets underway on Tuesday 5 August, with the final opportunity to qualify for the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Finals (4 and 5-year-olds) at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials and the full eventing action starts on Wednesday with the first horse inspections and CCI2*-L dressage.
The CCI4*-S dressage gets underway on Thursday, two days of cross country will take place on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th August and of course An Eventful Life will be filming all competitors on cross country both days!
Despite a dry spring and start to summer in Gloucestershire, targeted watering has been taking place on the cross country course to ensure optimal going. Hear from Deputy Vice-Chancellor Rosie Scott-Ward and Jump1’s Dominic Moore, as they discuss this year’s efforts to ensure the best footing possible in this video
Check out the full daily schedule for all classes
Star studded entries
Entries are still open so we’ll bring you more info just before the event starts next week but the list is already brimming with top names in the NAF Five Star Magic CCI4*S and British Open Championship.
Ros Canter brings forward her superstar Lordships Graffalo, sure to be a crowd favourite following their victories at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials (2023 and 2025), and the Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2024. New Zealand Olympians Tim Price and Jonelle Price are notably represented with eye-catching rides including Tim’s 2024 Nations Cup partner Global Quest.
Zara Tindall, a former World and European Champion, returns to the field with Showtime, as does Harry Meade, who presents two strong challenges in Et Hop du Matz and Annaghmore Valoner, both competitive at the international level.
Gemma Stevens lines up with a trio of exciting mounts including Chilli King (2nd at Thoresby Park CCI4*S this spring) and Cooley Park Muze (winner of the CCI3*L at Millstreet in May), while rising star Bubby Upton brings forward Magic Roundabout IV and defending champion Cola III.
International podium contenders include Clarke Johnstone (NZL) with Sparky Lad and Rocket Man, and Padraig McCarthy (IRL), fielding MGH Mr Messack and MGH Zabaione—both part of his growing elite string.
Olympic team member Lauren Nicholson (USA) brings depth with Landmark’s Jungle Gold and Larcot Z, while established names like Austin O’Connor, Piggy March, and Willa Newton add to a line-up brimming with 5* credentials and future stars. Piggy rides Halo, a winner of Belsay’s inaugural CCI4*S as well as the 2023 Bramham winner and former ride of Pippa Funnell, MCS Maverick.
British Open Championship
In the Hartpury University and College British Open Championship, proven five-star horses, Olympians and emerging stars will vie for one of the sport’s most coveted titles.
Tim Price aims to defend his title with Vitali, no doubt in preparation for another powerful autumn campaign like 2024, when the pair finished as runners-up at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials. He’ll also ride Happy Boy, further strengthening New Zealand’s chances of Open glory. His wife, Jonelle Price, the 2018 Badminton champion, brings forward Grappa Nera and Chilli’s Midnight Star, both sharp and consistent at the top level.
Ireland’s Olympic medallist Austin O’Connor, fresh from a standout season, returns with his 5* winner Colorado Blue, who placed third at Badminton and delivered strong form for the Irish team at championship level.
Zara Tindall competes aboard Class Affair, a sometimes-quirky horse with plenty of talent and experience, while Oliver Townend, a former World No.1 and multiple 5* winner, brings forward the Kentucky 2024 winner Cooley Rosalent.
Fun for all the family
It isn’t just about eventing with trade stands offering shopping, plenty of places to eat and drink and a Family Fun Zone, new for 2025, will keep kids entertained and help to make a visit to the Hartpury Horse Trials a great day out for all the family. The fun includes a hobby horse competition, dog agility, face painting, Mini Landers Ride-Along, sports activities and inflatables. Whilst admission to the horse trials gives attendees access to the Family Fun Zone, a £5 wristband is required for the inflatables.
Ticket Information
Tuesday 5th – Friday 8th August: Free entry
Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th August:
o £25 from 28th July
o Children 12 & under go free (must be accompanied)
o Car parking: £5 per car
Super Saturday VIP: £135 – includes full admission, programme, and exclusive hospitality at Hartpury House with premier views of the cross-country
