EquiRatings Eventing Podcast

Nicole is joined by Catherine Austen from Cornbury House International for a look at a week that feels like an important one for the event's future. The brand-new Advanced Under 25 class brings together an international field as Cornbury starts learning, testing and preparing ahead of hosting the FEI Eventing World Championships for Under 25s in 2027. And they'll face a new challenge, with the courses reversed for the first time and a brand-new Advanced track ready to be tested. There's plenty happening beyond the U25s too. The British Eventing Young Horse Championships bring some of the country's best five, six and seven-year-olds together, the £45,000 Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup returns, and there are seriously good horses and riders to follow right across the sections. Highlights Cornbury's first step towards the 2027 U25 World Championships The international names to watch in the Advanced U25 A brand-new Advanced cross-country track Five, six and seven-year-olds chasing national titles £45,000 on the line for the Thoroughbreds The combinations to follow across a packed week Guest Catherine Austen – on site at Cornbury with the inside track on the competition, the horses and what's ahead.

Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight are your 2026 Defender Burghley champions, and they did it in some style. Nicole, Diarm and Ali are back to debrief a brilliant weekend of sport, from Gemma's record-breaking performance and Katie Magee's superb second place to the stories, surprises and standout performances across the leaderboard. Plus, the HPRs land mid-recording, giving us the first chance to put some numbers around what we just watched. Highlights Gemma and Chilli Knight finishing on their dressage score and joining Burghley's 1% Club Putting that huge winning margin into context How Katie Magee and Treworra climbed from 19th after dressage to second The HPRs are in, and we find out how Gemma's performance stacks up against the other big five-star performances of 2026 Global Quest, Hawk Eye and the combinations who exceeded expectations The moments that completely changed the shape of the competition A very deserved Nicola Wilson appreciation moment Guests Nicole Brown Nicole looks back at the performances, people and stories that made Burghley 2026 one to remember. Diarm Byrne Diarm gets into the numbers and what they tell us about how this year's Burghley was won and lost. Ali Barrett Ali brings the freshly landed HPRs, her standout performances and plenty from a busy week on the ground at Burghley. Katie Magee show: https://open.spotify.com/episode/03oBSF12G8beXOa1ow1DJr Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Saturday at Burghley was everything we thought it might be, and then some. 🎙️ Nicole, D and Ali settle in with a Pimms and an incredible Burghley sunset to unpack a rollercoaster of a cross-country day. Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight are out in front with a rail in hand, Tim Price and Global Quest deliver a hugely emotional round, and Holly Richardson rockets from 28th to third after one of the performances of the day. There's plenty more to unpack, from Caroline Pamukcu proving the Blake doubters wrong to the heartbreak of Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro, plus Andrew Hoy and Derek di Grazia get unexpectedly pulled into the debrief along the way. Highlights Gemma and Chilli Knight take control The incredible Global Quest story Holly Richardson's 25-place climb HSH Blake proves he's a Burghley horse Heartbreak for Sarah and Corimiro Derek's verdict on his cross-country day Who wins Burghley tomorrow? 🎧 Defender Burghley Diaries: Saturday is out now.

We're live from the Media Centre at Defender Burghley! Diarmuid Byrne is joined by Catherine Austen and Ali Barrett to preview the wide open field. From Holly Richardson's speed, to crushes on Will Coleman, and naming Lucy Latta the Pirate Queen, this episode has it all. 🎥 Watch every moment on Burghley TV : exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access all week. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Friday at Burghley and the dressage is done. Nicole is live from the Insights Stage with Sam Watson, Diarm Byrne and EquiRatings analyst Ali Barrett to unpack two days of dressage that didn't quite play out as anyone expected. Nadja Minder and 19-year-old Toblerone are still out in front, the judging has everyone talking and there is everything still to play for. Then the leaders join us. Nadja Minder, Gemma Stevens and Tim Price take their places on the sofa to talk about their horses, their tests and what it feels like to head out of the dressage phase sitting first, second and third at Burghley. There's plenty of cross-country chat too, as they give us the rider's view of Derek di Grazia's track. And to finish, we go straight to the man who built it. Derek di Grazia gives us his take on the course, the ground, that 11 minute 20 second optimum time and just how many combinations he'd like to see beat the clock. Spoiler: he isn't giving much away. Highlights Nadja Minder makes Burghley history The dressage judging debate Sam, D and Ali break down the leaderboard Nadja, Gemma and Tim join us live The riders give their verdict on the cross-country Derek di Grazia has the final word Guests Nadja Minder Burghley dressage leader with Toblerone. Gemma Stevens Sitting second with Chilli Knight after dressage. Tim Price Former Burghley winner and third with Falco. Derek di Grazia Defender Burghley cross-country course designer. 🎥 Watch every moment on Burghley TV : exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access all week. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Thursday at Burghley and the competition is officially underway. 🎙️ The first day of dressage has given us plenty to talk about. The judging is tough, the good scores are being seriously earned and Nadja Minder has thrown down the early marker with her five-star PB. But at Burghley, we all know Thursday is only the beginning of the story. Sam Watson joins us to talk Saturday, why this year's track could flow better and just how many combinations might actually beat that famous Burghley clock. Plus, with Eventing Manager officially locked in, we find out who everyone is backing. We head around the showground too, catching up with Marcus Fairfax Fountaine at Fairfax & Favor before finding Tom McEwen at Equine America, fresh from World Championship gold and with 19-year-old Toledo de Kerser back at Burghley. And we finish with Lucy Jackson, a glass of rosé and a proper Thursday debrief. Who impressed, who could shake things up on Friday and who does Lucy think will be leading heading into Saturday? Highlights Nadja Minder sets the early Burghley standard Sam Watson makes his Saturday time prediction The biggest Eventing Manager picks A trip to Fairfax & Favor Tom McEwen and the return of Toledo de Kerser Lucy Jackson's Thursday dressage debrief Who leads heading into cross country? Guests Sam Watson EquiRatings co-founder, stats man and Burghley competitor. Marcus Fairfax Fountaine Co-founder of Fairfax & Favor. Tom McEwen World Champion and Olympic medallist. Lucy Jackson Five-star rider, commentator and Burghley Insights Stage host. 🎥 Watch every moment on Burghley TV : exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access all week. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

The Burghley Diaries are officially OPEN. 🎙️ It's Wednesday, it's absolutely chucking it down and Nicole is in the middle of it all as Burghley week gets underway. Tilly Berendt joins us fresh from a very soggy course walk to talk through a brilliantly wide-open field, why she's firmly Team Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro, and whether this could be the year the usual Burghley trends get ripped up. Then, THEY MADE IT. 600km from Scone to Burghley, three and a half days on bikes and nearly £18,000 raised. Andrew Ransford and Henry Kinchin join us to talk through the challenge and the slightly alarming suggestion that £35k might get them back on the bikes to Cornbury. There's a quick visit from Lily Meade before Wednesday delivers its first proper bit of Burghley drama: David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed are OUT. Nicole and Annie jump straight back on to work out what that means for the competition and a LOT of Eventing Manager teams. Highlights A soaking wet Tilly reports back from the course Why Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro have Tilly's heart Dark horses and Burghley first-timers 600km DONE for the Scone to Burghley team A glimpse inside Team Meade with Lily David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed withdraw Time to rethink those Burghley predictions and Eventing Manager teams Guests Tilly Berendt Eventing Nation journalist, Burghley expert and, today, very soggy course-walker. Andrew Ransford & Henry Kinchin Fresh from cycling 600km from Scone to Burghley for Riders Minds and the British Eventing Support Trust. Lily Meade Giving us a quick peek inside Team Meade ahead of a huge week for Harry. 🎥 Watch every moment on Burghley TV : exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access all week. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Support the Scone to Burghley Cycle Challenge: https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/17381/scone-to-burghley/

Burghley week is here, and this one feels genuinely wide open. Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro head to Stamford as the Prediction Centre favourites, but there are questions to answer and a long list of combinations ready to challenge them. Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal know exactly how to deliver at Burghley, David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed bring one of the strongest cross-country records in the field, while Tom Jackson and United 36, Tim Price and Falco and plenty more come into the week with a very real chance. Nicole, Diarm, Spike and Annie dig into the numbers and the form, make the case for the combinations they think could win and look at where this year's competition could be decided. With the Burghley terrain, an incredibly tough cross-country time and no obvious standout at the top of the market, there is a lot to unpack before the first horse enters the arena. Highlights Why this could be one of the most open Burghleys in years The questions facing favourite Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro Why Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal could have a huge opportunity The case for David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed Why Tom Jackson and United 36 are serious contenders The speed and stamina needed to make the Burghley time Could a horse starting in the 30s finally win? Podium predictions and dark horses from the team 🎥 Watch every moment on Burghley TV : exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access all week. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

We're going behind the scenes at Burghley Media Day with two riders who could have a very big week ahead of them. Sarah Bullimore and Tom Jackson sit down to talk all things Burghley, from what makes a true Burghley horse and tackling that famous cross-country test, to the final few weeks of preparation before five-star. Plus, Sarah talks about the very special Corimiro, while Tom looks ahead with two exciting chances in United 36 and Hawk Eye. And we catch up with Andrew Ransford, Henry Kinchin, Thomas March and Alastair Wilson midway through their 600km Scone to Burghley Cycle Challenge, raising money for the British Eventing Support Trust and Riders Minds. Highlights What actually makes a great Burghley horse Why heart, stamina and a horse that truly wants the job matter so much Sarah's journey with homebred Corimiro and why he means so much to her The pressure of heading to Burghley as a Prediction Centre favourite Tom's expectations for exciting ten-year-old United 36 Why there could still be a big five-star result to come from Hawk Eye How experience changes the way riders tackle Burghley's terrain What the final weeks of five-star preparation look like An update from the Scone to Burghley Cycle Challenge as the team passes the halfway point Guests Sarah Bullimore – British five-star event rider and European individual bronze medallist, heading to Burghley with exciting homebred Corimiro. Tom Jackson – British five-star event rider and former Burghley runner-up, returning this year with United 36 and Hawk Eye. Go behind the scenes as Burghley week gets underway and hear from some of the people making their way to one of the biggest weeks of the year. Support the Scone to Burghley Cycle Challenge: https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/17381/scone-to-burghley/

A rare occurrence on the Eventing Podcast... Diarm gets to open the show! With Nicole handing over the reins, Diarm is joined by Catherine Austen to look back on a brilliant weekend at Scone Palace International. From the atmosphere and old-fashioned eventing feel to some seriously exciting performances across the levels, there's plenty to unpack. Gemma Stevens delivered under pressure with Cooley Park Muze, Piggy March and Cooley Anything You Like made a big statement in the four-star long, and some of the sport's biggest names filled the leaderboards. Highlights Why Scone already feels like such a special event What changed from year one to year two Gemma Stevens and Cooley Park Muze delivering under pressure Why Cooley Park Muze looks like a very exciting horse for the future Piggy March's impressive win with Cooley Anything You Like Why Piggy is so good at getting the best out of a horse The huge depth of talent across the levels Why the riders coming back to Scone says so much about the event Guests Diarm Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder and Eventing Podcast host, bringing the numbers, analysis and plenty of opinions on the sport. Catherine Austen – Eventing journalist and commentator, bringing her expert eye and all the stories from behind the scenes at Scone.

It's been a busy few weeks for British Eventing, and Rosie Williams joins Nicole to look back at the World Championships in Aachen, the first U25 World Championships and the British Championships at Hartpury. We also hear from Dickie Waygood on what was, in his words, one of the toughest championships he has ever done, and Laura Collett reflects on team gold, individual bronze and a build-up to Aachen that wasn't quite as straightforward as the result might suggest. Plus, with Olympic qualification secured, what does that change for the British team between now and LA 2028? Highlights Why Aachen was one of the toughest championships Dickie Waygood has experienced The team decisions behind a seriously technical cross-country day Laura Collett on a difficult run into Aachen and getting herself back on track What makes London 52 different when he knows it's a big occasion Rosie's take on Britain's World Championship performance What the first U25 World Championships can do for the next generation How Olympic qualification changes the next two years for the British team Rosie answers your questions on the event calendar, Burghley and more Guests Rosie Williams – CEO of British Eventing Dickie Waygood – British Eventing Performance Manager Laura Collett – Olympic and World Championship gold medallist Heading to Burghley? The British Equestrian Team Foundation is bringing together two of eventing's biggest names for a special breakfast conversation with Lucinda Green. Come join for stories, insight and plenty of conversation from two generations of top-level eventing, all while supporting the work of the BETF. Places are limited, so book your ticket and join them at Burghley: BETF Breakfast with Eventing Legend Lucinda Green This episode is brought to you by Zebra Products, the UK and Ireland's leading distributor of premium equestrian brands including Sprenger and Veredus, and title partner of the British Eventing Podcast for 2026. Find out more at: zebraproducts.co.uk

It's Scone week! Nicole and Diarm are looking ahead to a brilliant few days in Scotland, with huge fields, exciting young horses and some seriously good combinations lining up across the CCI4*-S and CCI4*-L. Can Cooley Park Muze get the better of the hugely experienced Valmy Biats? Could this be Piggy March's week with Cooley Anything You Like? Or can Izzy Taylor and SBH Big Wall make their return to the top a winning one? Plus, there are future superstars to keep an eye on, plenty of names flying under the radar and, of course, Nicole and Diarm put their necks on the line with their podium predictions. Highlights: The big names in the CCI4*-S and CCI4*-L Cooley Park Muze, Valmy Biats and a fascinating four-star short The young horses who could have LA 2028 in their future Piggy March and Izzy Taylor head up the four-star long Ones to watch throughout the weekend Nicole and Diarm's podium picks Guests: Nicole Brown is joined by Diarmuid Byrne to preview all the action from Scone. Scone Palace International Horse Trials runs 27–30 August , so make sure you're following the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast to keep up with all the action. And if you haven't already, catch up on our Inside Scone episodes with Lucinda Russell and Event Director Alec Lochore before the competition gets underway.

Two-time Grand National-winning trainer Lucinda Russell joins Nicole ahead of Scone to talk about the two equestrian worlds closest to her heart: racing and eventing. From her own eventing days to building a hugely successful career in racing, Lucinda shares what the two sports can learn from each other, why fitness and ground conditions matter so much, and what makes the Thoroughbred such an extraordinary athlete. Plus, there's advice for anyone retraining an ex-racehorse, memories of the glory days of eventing, and even the possibility of a Lucinda Russell comeback at Scone. Highlights Lucinda's journey from eventing into racing What eventing can learn from the racing world Why fitness, ground and riding forward matter The intelligence and bravery of the Thoroughbred Lucinda's advice for retraining racehorses Why Scone could bring racing and eventing audiences together Could we see Lucinda back eventing? Guest Lucinda Russell is a two-time Grand National-winning trainer whose roots are firmly in eventing. She joins Nicole to share lessons from a life spent producing equine athletes and why eventing remains so close to her heart.

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-6a78ed28-26f8-83ea-ac36-7103c9df06ea-113" data-turn-id-container= "request-6a78ed28-26f8-83ea-ac36-7103c9df06ea-113" data-testid= "conversation-turn-238" data-turn="assistant"> Aachen is behind us and attention turns to Burghley, with a seriously exciting five-star field ready to take on one of the biggest tests in the sport. Nicole and Sam take their first look at the entries, from proven five-star stars to a new generation of horses and riders who look ready to put their names in the history books. With 19 Olympians, two former Burghley winners and much of the Badminton top ten heading to Stamford, there is plenty to unpack. They dive into the Prediction Centre, the remarkable Burghley 1% Club, the combinations catching their eye and just what makes Derek di Grazia's cross-country track such a unique challenge. Plus, Sam is heading there himself with Ballyneety Rocketman. He takes us inside his final preparations, how he gets a horse ready for Burghley's terrain and why this event still feels like the absolute pinnacle. Highlights First reactions to the 2026 Burghley field Who could become the next first-time five-star winner? The Burghley 1% Club Sam's insight into tackling the terrain and making the time The combinations flying under the radar Sam and Ballyneety Rocketman's final preparations Nicole and Sam make their early winner picks Guests Nicole Brown is joined by Sam Watson , who brings both the EquiRatings numbers and a rider's perspective as he prepares to head to Burghley himself. _:empty]:hidden"> 🎥 Watch every moment on Burghley TV : exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access all week. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH are World Champions, completing an extraordinary week in Aachen on a record finishing score of 23.0. At 18 years old, Chipmunk adds World Championship gold to his Olympic title, delivering when the pressure was at its highest. Great Britain take team gold with another formidable championship performance, while the USA secure bronze, Ireland book their ticket to LA and Belgium grab a crucial Olympic qualification spot. Diarmuid, Nicole and Spike break down the performances that decided the medals, the combinations whose stock has risen and the moments that made Aachen 2026 a World Championships to remember. Highlights Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH make history Great Britain take team gold The fight for the individual medals USA secure bronze Ireland and Belgium book their tickets to LA The standout combinations and biggest stories from Aachen Nicole takes us behind the scenes of an unforgettable week Guests Diarmuid Byrne, Nicole Brown and Peter "Spike" Milligan bring the final verdict on Aachen 2026. The Aachen Diaries are powered by brands that know what it takes to keep horses feeling, looking and performing at their best. FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips — Helping support horses' airways when performance matters most. FLAIR Equine Foran Equine — Science-led supplements supporting health, performance and recovery. Foran Equine Carr & Day & Martin — Trusted horse care with more than 250 years of expertise. Carr & Day & Martin Connolly's RED MILLS — Performance nutrition backed by more than a century of expertise. Connolly's RED MILLS Horseware Ireland — More than 40 years of innovation for horses and riders. Horseware Ireland Support the brands supporting the show and relive the Aachen Diaries for all the stories and insight from the 2026 World Championships.

It's done. The medals have been decided and Aachen has its World Champions. Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH delivered when the pressure was at its highest, jumping clear in front of an enormous home crowd to seal an unforgettable individual title. And alongside that German fairytale came British gold, as Team GB handled the weight of expectation to leave Aachen on top of the world. Nicole catches up with Pete Cattell in the stables as the celebrations are still unfolding, reflecting on Ireland's fourth-place finish, the hugely important Olympic qualification secured for LA and a brilliant first World Championships for MGH Zabaione. Then we leave the final word to the World Champions themselves, with Dickie Waygood on the team behind Britain's gold and Michael Jung on the heart-stopping moments of the round that made him World Champion. Highlights Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH seal the World title Team GB celebrate World Championship gold Reaction from the stables as Aachen comes to a close Pete Cattell on Ireland's week and MGH Zabaione Olympic qualification secured for Ireland Dickie Waygood on the team behind British gold Michael Jung relives his championship-winning round Guests Pete Cattell joins Nicole from the Aachen stables, with Dickie Waygood and Michael Jung bringing us reaction straight from the post-medal press conference. The Aachen Diaries are powered by brands that know what it takes to keep horses feeling, looking and performing at their best. FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips — Clinically proven nasal strips designed to support respiratory efficiency and reduce respiratory load during exercise. FLAIR Equine Foran Equine — Science-led supplements supporting equine health, performance and recovery. Foran Equine Carr & Day & Martin — Trusted horse care backed by more than 250 years of expertise. Carr & Day & Martin Connolly's RED MILLS — Performance nutrition backed by more than a century of equine expertise. Connolly's RED MILLS Horseware Ireland — More than 40 years of innovation, built around protecting the connection between horse and rider. Horseware Ireland Support the brands supporting the show and catch up on the Aachen Diaries for all the stories, reaction and insight from an unforgettable World Championships.

What a day of cross country in Aachen. Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH produced one of the rounds of the championship to take the individual lead, finding another gear when it mattered and coming home inside the time. Just behind, Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo made another championship track look effortless, with Laura Collett and Tom McEwen keeping three British combinations firmly in the individual medal hunt. Nicole, Annie and Ali Barrett unpack a cross country day that delivered everything you could want from a World Championship, from the standout rounds and biggest movers to the moments that changed the team competition. They also look ahead to a final day where Jung has no fence in hand and the individual medals are incredibly close. Plus, we head into Riders' Corner with Austin O'Connor and the Irish camp after all five Irish combinations jumped clear, leaving Ireland fourth and within touching distance of a team medal. And Annie brings us reaction straight from the mixed zone, including Ros Canter, Michael Jung, Will Coleman and Ian Cassells after tackling an Aachen track that proved fast, intense and hugely influential. Highlights • Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH take the lead • Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo make it look easy • Britain delivers under pressure • Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 produce a standout round • Will Coleman and Diabolo impress for the USA • Ireland goes five from five clear across country • Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos deliver again • The biggest movers and moments from cross country • Everything to play for on the final day The Aachen Diaries are powered by brands that know what it takes to keep horses feeling, looking and performing at their best. FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips Developed by veterinarians and backed by research, FLAIR Strips support the nasal passages to help horses breathe easier during exercise. Discover FLAIR Foran Equine Scientifically formulated supplements designed to support equine health, performance and recovery, produced to pharmaceutical-grade standards in Ireland. Explore Foran Equine Carr & Day & Martin Caring for horses since 1765, Carr & Day & Martin combines centuries of experience with trusted products across coat, hoof, leather and horse care. Explore Carr & Day & Martin Connolly's RED MILLS More than 100 years of equine nutrition expertise, with feeds developed to support horses from everyday riding to the highest levels of performance. Explore RED MILLS Horseware Ireland Born in Ireland and built around making life better for horses and riders, Horseware has been pushing equestrian innovation forward for more than 40 years. Explore Horseware Ireland Support the brands supporting the show and follow the Aachen Diaries all week for stories, insight and everything happening from the heart of the World Championships.

Dressage is done in Aachen, and after 87 combinations, the World Championship could hardly be better poised heading into cross country. Nicole, Annie and Brayden look back on a brilliant two days of sport, with Julia Krajewski and Uelzener's Nickel taking everyone by surprise to lead on 22.0 ahead of Laura Collett and London 52. There are standout performances from Austin O'Connor and Colorado Blue, Tamie Smith and Lillet 3, and Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos, while the team competition could not be tighter. Great Britain lead Germany by just 0.8 penalties, with France and New Zealand separated by only 0.3 behind them. Then it's all eyes on Saturday. Course designer Giuseppe della Chiesa joins Nicole to take us inside a championship track with almost 80 fences on the ground, multiple routes and very different ways of getting home. He explains where the intensity builds, why riders will need to know every option and why he thinks only around five combinations could make the optimum time. Plus, Annie brings us reaction straight from the mixed zone as the riders reflect on their tests and turn their attention to a course being described as big, technical and seriously influential. Highlights • Julia Krajewski and Uelzener's Nickel take the lead on 22.0 • Laura Collett and London 52 deliver under pressure • Austin O'Connor and Colorado Blue produce their best championship test • Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 impress on their championship debut • Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos put themselves right in contention • Less than a second separates Great Britain and Germany • Giuseppe della Chiesa takes us inside his Aachen cross country course • Why Saturday could turn the leaderboard upside down • Rider reaction ahead of cross country The Aachen Diaries are powered by brands that know what it takes to keep horses feeling, looking and performing at their best. FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips Developed by veterinarians and backed by research, FLAIR Strips support the nasal passages to help horses breathe easier during exercise. Discover FLAIR Foran Equine Scientifically formulated supplements designed to support equine health, performance and recovery, produced to pharmaceutical-grade standards in Ireland. Explore Foran Equine Carr & Day & Martin Caring for horses since 1765, Carr & Day & Martin combines centuries of experience with trusted products across coat, hoof, leather and horse care. Explore Carr & Day & Martin Connolly's RED MILLS More than 100 years of equine nutrition expertise, with feeds developed to support horses from everyday riding to the highest levels of performance. Explore RED MILLS Horseware Ireland Born in Ireland and built around making life better for horses and riders, Horseware has been pushing equestrian innovation forward for more than 40 years. Explore Horseware Ireland Support the brands supporting the show and follow the Aachen Diaries all week for stories, insight and everything happening from the heart of the World Championships.

The first day of eventing dressage is in the books at Aachen and we have our first World Championship scores on the board. Nicole catches up with European Champion and Olympic medallist Tina Cook after a full day watching from the stands. They break down the tests that caught their eye, a strong start for the Kiwis and what we might see when some of the biggest names in the field head down the centre line on Friday. We also hear the story behind Gemma Stevens and Flash Cooley from his owner Pru Dawes. Twenty years after watching the 2006 Aachen World Championships on repeat as an 11-year-old, Pru is back with her own horse representing Great Britain. She talks about the journey that brought them here, her friendship with Gemma and what it means to see a horse she has loved since he was four on this stage. Plus, Annie heads into the mix zone for immediate post-test reaction from riders including Sophia Hill, Phillip Dutton, Sam Lissington, Ian Cassells and Jessica Phoenix, before joining Nicole to look ahead to a huge Friday of dressage. With JL Dublin setting the early standard and fischerChipmunk, London 52 and Lordships Graffalo still to come, just how low could those scores go? Highlights • Tina Cook's take on day one of dressage • A strong opening day for New Zealand • The tests and horses that caught the eye • Pru Dawes on the story behind Flash Cooley • Rider reaction straight from the mix zone • The new championship dressage test and the challenges it created • How low could the scores go on Friday? • fischerChipmunk, London 52 and Lordships Graffalo still to come The Aachen Diaries are powered by brands that know what it takes to keep horses feeling, looking and performing at their best. FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips Developed by veterinarians and backed by research, FLAIR Strips support the nasal passages to help horses breathe easier during exercise. Discover FLAIR Foran Equine Scientifically formulated supplements designed to support equine health, performance and recovery, produced to pharmaceutical-grade standards in Ireland. Explore Foran Equine Carr & Day & Martin Caring for horses since 1765, Carr & Day & Martin combines centuries of experience with trusted products across coat, hoof, leather and horse care. Explore Carr & Day & Martin Connolly's RED MILLS More than 100 years of equine nutrition expertise, with feeds developed to support horses from everyday riding to the very highest levels of performance. Explore RED MILLS Horseware Ireland Born in Ireland and built around making life better for horses and riders, Horseware has been pushing equestrian innovation forward for more than 40 years. Explore Horseware Ireland Support the brands supporting the show and follow the Aachen Diaries all week for stories, insight and everything happening from the heart of the World Championships.

The horses are here, the course has been walked and the World Championships are underway in Aachen. Nicole is joined by owner Pete Cattell from the heart of the action to talk about what it means to have a horse representing Ireland at a championship like this, the strength of the teams lining up and a cross country course that could have a huge say in who leaves Aachen with a medal. We also get a first look at some of the biggest names of the week, with fischerChipmunk, London 52, Lordships Graffalo and JL Dublin all catching the eye. Nicole catches up with Tilly Hughes and Adam Short, the grooms behind two of the championship favourites, to hear how London 52 and JL Dublin have settled in and what life inside the British camp looks like ahead of the competition. Plus, Brayden Lissington takes us inside the New Zealand camp as Sam Lissington prepares to compete as an individual with Lord Seekonig, Eventing Manager teams are being locked in and there are plenty of podium predictions flying around. Highlights • First impressions of the Aachen cross country course • Why time could be so influential on Saturday • The championship favourites looking ready to go • Inside the British camp with Tilly Hughes and Adam Short • Pete Cattell on having MGH Zabaione at a World Championship • Brayden Lissington on Sam and the New Zealand camp • Team and individual podium predictions • The race to become Eventing Manager World Champion Guests Pete Cattell is a longtime event horse owner whose horses have competed at the highest level of the sport. He is at Aachen with MGH Zabaione, ridden by Pádraig McCarthy for Ireland. Tilly Hughes is the groom of Laura Collett's London 52. Adam Short is the groom of Tom McEwen's JL Dublin. Brayden Lissington joins us from inside the New Zealand camp, where Sam Lissington is competing as an individual with Lord Seekonig. The Aachen Diaries are powered by brands that know what it takes to keep horses feeling, looking and performing at their best. FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips Developed by veterinarians and backed by research, FLAIR Strips support the nasal passages to help horses breathe easier during exercise. Discover FLAIR Foran Equine Scientifically formulated supplements designed to support equine health, performance and recovery, produced to pharmaceutical-grade standards in Ireland. Explore Foran Equine Carr & Day & Martin Caring for horses since 1765, Carr & Day & Martin combines centuries of experience with trusted products across coat, hoof, leather and horse care. Explore Carr & Day & Martin Connolly's RED MILLS More than 100 years of equine nutrition expertise, with feeds developed to support horses from everyday riding to the very highest levels of performance. Explore RED MILLS Horseware Ireland Born in Ireland and built around making life better for horses and riders, Horseware has been pushing equestrian innovation forward for more than 40 years. Explore Horseware Ireland Support the brands supporting the show and follow the Aachen Diaries all week for stories, insight and everything happening from the heart of the World Championships.