Changeable weather did nothing to dampen spirits at the NAF Five Star Hartpury Festival of Dressage, held at Hartpury University and College from 2-7 July 2024. The event saw several eye-catching performances from staff, students and alumni, as well as Paris-bound Olympians and Paralympians putting in final preparations in front of eagle-eyed selectors. A total of 553 dressage tests were ridden during the week-long show.
Former Hartpury College student Lewis Carrier captivated the crowd during Saturday’s gala evening performance with a rousing Spielberg-inspired musical masterpiece. A former member of the Hartpury Equine Academy, Lewis has trained with Anna Ross and Carl Hester, and looked every inch the professional as his horse Diego V danced to a close-margin second place (72.180%) in the NAF CDI3* Superflex Grand Prix Freestyle behind fellow British rider Kimberley Siddorn and Dutch Class (72.565%).
For much of Sunday afternoon, it looked like Olivia Oakeley (former Hartpury College A-level student and Equine Academy member) was heading for an outstanding victory in the Baileys Horse Feeds CDI1* Freestyle to Music, after posting a score of 72.98%. She held the lead right through the afternoon until Sara-Jane Lanning, the final competitor of the day, went ahead with a score of 73.955% to take the win.
Reflecting on her performance, Olivia said: “I’m so pleased with Full House 11. It’s the first time we’ve managed to get through the test without making a mistake. Sara-Jane is a master of the freestyle, so I was half-expecting it. Obviously, it’s gutting to be beaten by the last (rider) to go.
“He’s improved through the week. We’ve changed a few things and some things worked while others didn’t, but by the third day we got there. I’m over the moon with him, I couldn’t have asked for any more of him today.”
When asked about her time at Hartpury College, she added: "The facilities are amazing, and I loved my time as a student where I was supported to with my riding and competing whilst studying my A-levels. Every time I come back something else has been improved. It is an incredible place and very horse friendly."
BA (Hons) Equine Business Management student and current member of the Hartpury Equine Academy, Jessica McKenna, joined her fellow Irish para dressage riders to contest the CPEDI3* competition with Davidoff 188 earlier in the week. The Equine Academy provides talented dressage riders, show jumpers and eventers with an opportunity to receive training and support while they complete their academic qualification.
Following her first dressage test, Jessica paid tribute to the support she receives as a member of the academy: “The academy helps with all aspects of preparation, not just the riding. Having the support and being able to call on everyone is great.”
Despite Ireland’s dominance last year, British riders took the top spot in every para dressage class except for the Individual competition in which Ireland’s Michael Murphy and Cleverboy came out on top.
Jessica Hickey, a BSc (Hons) Equestrian Sports Science student, was another Hartpury Equine Academy member to pay tribute to the support it provides. After her ride in the Intermediate II with Eagle Nouvelle, she said: “The academy is very helpful with the support and training onsite, and they also have great coaches. It’s a real privilege to be a part of, and the whole community is nice to be with.”
Megan Long, an equine lecturer at Hartpury University also joined in the fun, partnering Barcelona in the Advanced Medium 98 (62.281%).
Becky Moody, who has been named as part of the four-strong British squad for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, put in several notable performances starting with a win with Jack Diamond in the Stubben Intermediate II (71.324%). After her ride, she praised the facilities at Hartpury University and Hartpury College: “Hartpury is one of the premier venues in the country with super stables, amazing arenas and great surfaces. The staff are really lovely, and everyone is always super helpful.”
These sentiments were shared by Zara Murad, who made history on Friday (5 July) by representing Iraq at the country’s first-ever international dressage competition. She partnered the imposing Allegro, a 17.3hh chestnut Irish draught gelding, in the Hazlewoods CDI1* Prix St-Georges.
Speaking after her test, Zara said: “I love Hartpury and am so excited to make my international debut here. When we started talking about international competitions, I put Hartpury in the calendar right away. The arenas and surfaces are amazing. I used to attend the Festival of Dressage as a spectator so riding here is a dream come true. We felt so welcome, coming through the gates and seeing the Iraqi flag flying – it’s so heartwarming.
“The Iraqi federation has been incredible and so supportive and only have one thing on their mind – the Olympics and are trying to do whatever they can to help me get there.”
Rosie Scott-Ward, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Hartpury University said it was an ‘honour’ for the institution to be chosen as the venue for Zara to make her international debut.
She added: “It’s been another outstanding NAF Five Star Hartpury Festival of Dressage and I want to pay tribute to the staff, students and alumni that have put in some superb performances. It’s great to see current and former members of the Equine Academy competing at such a high level, particularly here on home turf."
Phillip Cheetham, Equine Director at Hartpury University and Hartpury College added: “I want to say a huge thank you to NAF and all our valued sponsors who help us to host high-quality competitions like this. I want to thank the many volunteers and officials who’ve once again worked tirelessly to support horses and riders to perform at their best, and we wish all those combinations heading to Paris later in the summer the very best of luck.”
Hartpury University and Hartpury College’s summer of equestrian sport continues with the NAF Five Star Hartpury Showjumping Spectacular from 18-21 July, followed by the NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials incorporating the British Eventing National Championships from 6-11 August.
