Upton makes her move while Cavaillon retains the lead at Defender Bramham day two

by bramhamadmin | Jun 6, 2025 | Uncategorized

There’s a new name at the top of the Defender CCI4*-L leaderboard after two days of dressage because it’s Bubby Upton who leads the way. Riding the Five Time Syndicate and her own Its Cooley Time, who was eighth here last year in the CCI4*-S section, the Suffolk-based rider powered into the lead with a test packed full of presence and athleticism from the eye-catching grey. In the Defender CCI4*-S the top place is still in French hands in the form of Sebastien Cavaillon, while two new British names join him on the podium.

Defender CCI4*-L

Thursday leaders Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro, owned by Christopher and Susan Gillespie, Brett Bullimore and Bruce Saint, held their place for much of the morning. Three-time Bramham winner Izzy Taylor, riding Jane Timmis’s SBH Big Wall, was certainly one who could threaten the leaders, having arrived at Bramham off the back of a runner-up place at Belsay CCI4*-S last month. Their test started brightly, with the judges regularly finding the seven and eight buttons, and it was looking on song – but could it beat Sarah’s 24.6? The final centreline and halt was pure quality and the judges agreed, awarding an eight and two nines. A smile from Izzy meant it was good from her side and, as the final score appeared as 25.4, it was also good enough to take her into second, just 0.8 of a penalty behind Sarah.

The crowd didn’t have long to wait for the next leaderboard challenge because next to go were Bubby Upton and Its Cooley Time. The charismatic grey is one Bubby highly regards, but his exuberance sometimes gets the better of him. However, having been in the buzzing Bramham arena some twelve months ago, he looked at home. The duo performed in great harmony, with each movement executed with accuracy and great style – it was certainly going to challenge the top placings. As the final halt came, a huge smile erupted and, as Bubby walked out of the arena, she gave the assembled photographers a thumbs up. Then, the score was announced – it was 24.4, giving them the lead by just 0.2 of a penalty.

An obviously delighted Bubby said afterwards: “He’s a horse that’s always had an excess of talent – he is truly incredible. I can only describe him as a freak of nature, so I guess I’ve always hoped he could produce a test like that. For me, it was always my job to do him justice because I let him down a few weeks ago at Belsay and I was furious with myself. He’s an exceptional horse and he’s definitely capable of that and, even better, there’s more to come. He’s the cheekiest of chappies and this year he’s really matured. There were times when I felt ‘will he ever come good?’, but a lot of patience and hard work has really brought the best out in him. He’s forced me to be the better version of myself as a rider and that speaks volumes about him as a horse.”

For the remainder of the day, the challengers came and couldn’t quite break into the top five, so it’s Bubby Upton and Its Cooley Time who hold the advantage on 24.4, with Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro just behind on 24.6. Izzy Taylor and SBH Big Wall complete the podium on 25.4, while the lunchtime leaders on Thursday, Louise Romeike and Caspian 15 for Sweden, lie fourth on 27.4. British rising star Barnie Brotherton completes the top five on 29.4 with DHI King Nelson.

Defender CCI4*-S

In the 91-starter strong Defender CCI4*-S section, French rider Sebastien Cavaillon still holds the top spot from yesterday with Elipso de la Vigne. However, the remainder of the podium was a case of all-change, with two serious British challengers.

Just before noon, Sebastien was joined by compatriot Astier Nicholas on the podium, when he conjured a super 28.0 from Alertamalib’or to knock British Under-25 rider Tom Woodward and Low Moor Lucky down to third.

The first horse after the lunchbreak poised a huge challenge to the top placings, coming in the shape of none other than reigning World Champion Yasmin Ingham with Janette Chinn and The Sue Davies Fund’s Gypsie du Loir.  The duo has had a great spring together, including a win at the CCI3*-S at Thoresby Park and ninth at the CCI4*-S at Bicton a few weeks ago, so a dressage of 27.9 was no huge surprise. However, the Isle of Man rider was thrilled with her nine-year-old mare, who she believes has everything it takes to go to the very top of the sport.

A few combinations later, it was the turn of the horse who won this class two years ago, MCS Maverick, now in the ownership of the Maidwell Mavericks. All eyes were on him and his new jockey, Piggy March, who’d taken over the reins from Pippa Funnell. ‘Eric’ is known for being uber-talented but also quite quirky and, since his arrival at Bramham, he’s not been straightforward for Piggy in their biggest test to date.

However, Piggy learned her trade from the master who is Pippa Funnell, who had expertly produced the bay gelding, so careful management by Piggy and her team meant that he settled and delivered when it mattered most. The test wasn’t mistake-free, but the highlights were impressive and very much outnumbered the blips – all three judges were in tune with their marks, with little between them to end on a 27.5 to go into second place.

“He’s hated doing the arena familarisation and every time he’s come up to the arena, he’s felt quite anxious,” said Piggy honestly. “Last time he was here was the lap of honour when he won with Pip [Pippa Funnell] and I did ring her this morning for help. I did think to myself, ‘is this actually going to happen?’. He’s clearly sensitive, but he’s a beautiful horse and is so light and athletic and has been produced by the best rider in the world. He’s like a Duracell rabbit that goes and goes… he also pulled a shoe this morning, so I did ponder going home.

“I have had his worst in the last 24 hours, but I was really pleased [with his test] and I wasn’t going to let myself let the occasion get to me. Hopefully, we’re getting the right feel and we’re getting it right without it being a big deal,” she explained.

Going into tomorrow’s showjumping phase, less than a pole separates the top 10. It’s Sebastien Cavaillon who sits atop the rankings with Elipso de la Vigne on 26.9, with Piggy French and MCS Maverick hot on their heels, while Yasmin Ingham and Gypsie du Loir complete the top three on 27.9. In fourth is Astier Nicholas, while Tom Woodward is fifth and leading Under-25 National Championship that sits within this section.

Super Saturday

The action gets underway tomorrow at 08:30 with the Defender CCI4*-S showjumping and designer Jason Abbs has set a technical, but flowing, test for the combinations. They follow the Defender CCI4*-L section on the Andy Heffernan-designed cross-country  course, where the first horse out of the start box is at 09:00.

The Top Spec Arena is jam-packed with entertainment all day, with jumping in the form of a B&C qualifier and Pony Club classes, as well as canine action from the Kirkbourne Spaniels. In the afternoon, while cross-country action continues in the Park, the Defender Arena hosts two great jumping classes – the Bramham Classic and the Six Bar.

Of course, there’s also the 140-outlet-strong tradestand village for the shoppers, plus plenty of food outlets courtesy of Fordhall Farms.

You can buy tickets on the gate, but why not get a head-start by booking online before you arrive.

If you can’t join us in person tomorrow, Horse & Country TV will be streaming the eventing action and you can watch live or on-demand with a subscription – there are monthly and annual options and you can cancel at any time.

Follow all the action with times, scores and all the info via the Defender Bramham International Horse Trials app – just download from your preferred app store. You can catch up with on socials too – we’re on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Bullimore and Cavaillon dominate on Defender Bramham day one

by bramhamadmin | Jun 5, 2025 | Uncategorized

It was a day of sunshine, showers and super scores on dressage day one of the Defender Bramham International Horse Trials. In the showcase Defender CCI4*-L section, Sarah Bullimore swooped to take the lead with homebred Corimiro when last to go with a 24.6 and in the CCI4*-S, France’s Sebastien Cavaillon tops the day one podium riding Elipso de la Vigne on 26.9.

Defender CCI4*-L

Double Olympic team gold medallist Tom McEwen set the early pace in the Defender CCI4*-L section with James and Jo Lambert’s Irish-bred Cecelia Cobra, who’s making his long format debut at Bramham. Their scor of 33.4 when fifth to go set the benchmark for others to meet.

The duo held first spot up until the lunchbreak loomed and it was the turn of Surrey rider Tom Jackson with Helen Scott’s Hawk Eye. The tall bay gelding was at home in the Defender arena here at Bramham having been here twice before with former rider Kristina Hall-Jackson and that clearly gave him confidence as the duo pulled out a 32.7 to go top of the roster.

Romeike swoops at the lunchbreak

Tom’s lead was however short lived as the next to go, Swedish rider Louise Romeike, riding Madeleine Brugman, Hinrich Romeike and her own eye-catching grey Caspian 15 spectacularly swept into the lead when last to go before the break.  They were the first combination to post the first sub-30 score of the day with 27.4, with the Ground Jury of Christian Steiner (President), Nikki Herbert and James Rooney all in agreement with less than a percent between their scores.

Bullimore produces a dramatic end to the day

The final session of the day was a repeat performance as Louise could rest easy in the lead until the two penultimate riders came into play. The last but one combination Barnie Brotherton, a new member of the World Class Podium Potential Pathway, with Naomi Brotherton’s DHI King Nelson arrived at Bramham brimming with confidence on the back of their senior team debut at Bicton just a few weeks ago when they were part of the victorious Nations Cup team. That confidence shone with a polished performance in their first attempt at a CCI4*-L with 29.4 to go second behind Louise.

All eyes were then on the final rider of the day, Sarah Bullimore and the next of her homebred chestnut dynasty, Corimiro. With a yard of talent courtesy of her 2015 Senior European Championship partner and now foundation mare Lilly Corinne, ‘Milo’ is the next to follow in his mother’s footsteps and with a podium finish less than a month ago at the Belsay CCI4*-S, Sarah felt he was ready to come to Braham.

The test began brightly with the first halt earning nine, eight and eight from the judges and there was not a single score below seven for the reminder of the test. As it began, the test ended with eight, eight and nine from the judges – a super end and a final score of 24.6 to take a 2.8 penalty lead.

“He was just fabulous!” beamed Sarah of her homebred like a proud parent. “He’s only a nine-year-old and got here yesterday and was a bit ‘hot to trot’ so I thought perhaps he’s going to be a bit wild. To be fair, he loves an atmosphere, he loves crowds when we did the familiarisation yesterday, all he wanted to do was walk along the far side and look at all the trade stands in the crowd.

“He loves it busy and actually almost the busier it is, he’ll relax more. He’s a real active person but then when he knows it’s busy, he’ll go and sleep so he’s yeah, he’s quite cool in an atmosphere. He’s just a dream. I’m so lucky to, you know, jump out of bed and be able to ride him every morning. He is an absolutely pleasure to train and he just, you know, he would be a little bit hot like his mum, but in a good way, he’s got a fantastic brain and he just wants to do the right thing, he’s a pleasure to train,” she said.

With an eye on Saturday’s cross-country test, what does Sarah make of Andy Heffernan’s debut Bramham course?

“I think he’s done a fabulous job. It looks really, really good. He’s not softened and taken away from Bramham, but just in a couple of places made, it slightly kinder than it may have been in in previous years. There are enough questions out there and I think he’s done a fantastic job, and I’m really excited to get out there on Saturday and give it our best shot.”

The excitement in the Bullimore household is double fold as Sarah explained; We’re actually watching monitors at home as well at the moment because we’ve got twin full siblings of Milo due this week, which wasn’t really great planning. I’m hoping with the cooler weather and the showers that they’ll at least cross their legs until we get home on Sunday night, or Monday!”

So, could it be a double champagne celebration for Sarah this week? There’s the small matter of another full day of dressage tomorrow and plenty of jumping to tackle first but what a fairytale Bramham this might be for the Bullimores.

Defender CCI4*-S

It was a busy morning for Tom Jackson as before he played a key role in the Defender CCI4*-L top placings, he was in the arena bright and early with HH Moonwalk, owned by Hambro Sport Horses and a sprightly 32.0 set the bar for the rest to match. Just a few horses later, renowned dressage specialist Alex Hua Tian, a Bramham winner in 2016, lived up to the billing with Kate Willis’s Chicko with a polished performance to score 30.1 and put the Chinese flag at the top of the leaderboard.

Lucky double delivers

Like Alex and Chicko, Tom Woodward and Low Moor Lucky find themselves at Bramham

after their Badminton CCI5* plans didn’t quite go to plan. Tom and ‘Lucky’ did have a dream start to their debut at the iconic Gloucestershire fixture when they found themselves atop the leaderboard after their dressage so hopes were high that they could get their Bramham campaign underway in a similar fashion.

The hope became reality and Tom, a World Class Podium Potential Pathway rider, expertly guided a horse who he’s partnered from Pony Club to five star around the arena to impress the judging panel. The final score of 28.1 was the first to go under 30 with overall percentage scores ranging from 75% to 68.96% and the Gloucestershire rider found him self in familiar territory leading the dressage at a prestigious competition.

Bramham regular Piggy March was the next likely challenger to the lead with Susie Wood’s Cooley Goodwood and while the striking grey showed some great work, their score of 31.5 wasn’t enough to topple Tom but it looked good enough to give them at least a top eight finish.

French flair takes top spot

The final rider to go before the afternoon break was seasoned French rider Sebastien Cavaillon with Elipso de la Vigne, who is by the prolific jumping sire Arko. Sebastien has been to Bramham before and despite not having a happy trip last time, still rates the event as a favorite to prove your horse. The duo was amongst the French team reserves for last summer’s Paris 2024 Olympic Games and have a place at the FEI Eventing European Championships at Blenheim in Oxfordshire this September in their sights.

A superb 26.9 from the Ground Jury of Judy Hancock (President), Tim Downes and Xavier Le Sauce rocketed them into to the lead, relegating Tom and Lucky to second. However, they sit best U25 combination, a national title he’d very much like to take.  Alex is third and Piggy fourth while Tom Jackson completes the top five.

Sebastien commented; “It was a nice test, my horse was a little tense with the people. He’s very good, nice paces and I was very happy with him. We bought him as a five year old and have brought him up the levels from young horses to four star – and he’s won twice at the level.

“I’ve had a first look at the course and it’s, well, very Bramham! It’s big with long gallops which is good. In France we often have courses with many twists but this is better for the horses. It’s a big test with lots of efforts and ups and downs, a good test.”

Friday dressage finale

Our final dressage day gets underway at 09.30 in the morning, with the Defender CCI4*-S resuming first and the Defender CCI4*-L follows at 10:30. In the Top-Spec Arena it’s all eyes on the equine eventing stars of the future with four and five-year-old qualifiers for the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Championships.

You can follow all the action with times, scores and all the info via the Defender Bramham International Horse Trials app – just download from your preferred app store. You can catch up with on socials too – we’re on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Don’t forget, if you’re coming to watch in person, save time at the gate and buy online before you arrive.

Festival flair gets Bramham 2025 off to a flyer!

by bramhamadmin | Jun 4, 2025 | Uncategorized

There was a full-on festival vibe as the 2025 edition of the Defender Bramham International Horse Trials got underway with the first horse inspection for the showpiece Defender CCI4*-L section. With a dress theme of ‘A touch of festival’ – in homage to the Bramham estate also hosting the Leeds Festival every year – some 64 combinations from 10 nations came forward under the Ground Jury of Christian Steiner (AUT and President), Nikki Herbert (GBR) and James Rooney (IRL). All but one passed, with Irish rider Austin O’Connor choosing to withdraw one of his two rides, Ventura Rock, owned by Kate Jarvey, from the holding box.

At Bramham, we’re all about the style and, thanks to generous support from HiHo Silver, we once again recognised the best dressed combinations. The female award went to Daisy Berkeley, while Tom Crisp took the men’s accolade – both riders fully embracing the festival theme. The four-legged athletes also looked resplendent, thanks to the expertise by the grooms, and it was Michael Stenning’s United 36, trotted up by rider Tom Jackson and prepared by groom Chloe Whitelam, who claimed the British Horse Feeds Fibre-Beet Best Turned Out award.

We head into the first day of dressage with 64 combinations, with the roster headed by defending champion Harry Meade, who arrived in Yorkshire to the news he’s now new world number one in the FEI eventing rankings – a first in his illustrious career. Having had a spring season to remember, with four top six finishes across the two five-star events – Lexington and Badminton – Harry comes to Bramham bang in form and in the mood to keep his name on the Defender trophy. His two rides are Abigail Bernard’s Jet Fighter, drawn third to go tomorrow, and Cooley Anything You Like, owned by James Midgeley and Gale Scoulier, who will go on Friday.

Other names to watch in the Defender CCI4*-L include Tom McEwen with James and Jo Lambert’s Cecelia Cobra, Izzy Taylor riding SBH Big Wall for Jane Timmis, Bubby Upton and her own and the Five Time Syndicate’s Its Cooley Time, Zara Tindall and Class Affair, owned by the Gledhill Stud and Gemma Stevens with Chilli King, owned by Chris and Clare Mathias and Christopher and Lisa Stone. All of these riders have stood atop the Bramham podium at events past and will be looking for a repeat.

In the 11-nation strong Defender CCI4*-S, which this year incorporates the British Under-25 Championship, the entry roster is topped by reigning World Champion Yasmin Ingham, who has two horses entered here, both owned by Janette Chinn and The Sue Davies Fund. Goliath du Loir and Gypsie du Loir are both bred by Pierre Gouye, who notably also produced her World Champion partner, Banzai du Loir. Piggy March, a winner here in 2004, brings forward a new ride – none other than 2023 CCI4*-L winning horse under Pippa Funnell, MCS Maverick, owned by the Maidwell Mavericks. International challenge will certainly come from names such Alex Hua Tian (CHN), Sofia Sjoborg (SWE), Astier Nicholas (FRA), Susie Berry (IRL) and Caroline Powell (NZL).

Dressage gets underway in the morning, with the Defender CCI4*-S first up at 09:10 under the presiding Ground Jury of Judy Hancock (GBR and President), Tim Downes (GBR) and Xavier Le Sauce (FRA). The Defender CCI4*-L follows on in the adjacent arena at 10:30. There’s also a full day of showing action in the Top-Spec Arena to add to the first full day of equestrian action at Bramham.

You can follow all the action with times, scores and all the info via the Defender Bramham International Horse Trials app – just download from your preferred app store. You can catch up with on socials too – we’re on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok

If you’re planning on joining us, but haven’t purchased your tickets yet, save time at the gate and buy online before you arrive.

Destination: Bramham

by bramhamadmin | May 19, 2025 | Uncategorized

From 5 – 8 June all roads lead to Yorkshire for the 51st Defender Bramham International Horse Trials and this year’s event is shaping up to be a cracker. The spring sunshine has the iconic park looking stunning, the equestrian entries are flooding in and the final planning is underway so secure your tickets and plan your 2025 Bramham journey.

The showpiece in Bramham’s timetable are the eventing competitions with the Defender CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S which for 2025 includes a dedicated aware for the best under 25 rider. It’s FEI European Championships year and this time, Britain plays host to event at the Agria Blenheim Palace Horse Trials over 18 – 21 September – go well at Bramham and horse and rider combinations from all over Europe could put their names in the frame for selection. The entry roster stands at 140 currently with a star-studded 15 nations represented. Britain’s Olympic team gold medalist Tom McEwen, reigning world champion Yasmin Ingham and last year’s 50th anniversary champion Harry Meade are just a few of the names entered at present.

Bramham is synonymous with delivering stunning cross-country courses adored by riders and spectators alike. This year is the debut for new designer Andrew Heffernan as he takes over the legacy left by Ian Stark. Working closely with course builder and master of the chainsaw David Evans, Andrew is looking to make his mark with a test befitting of the Bramham tradition but with his own stamp.

Eventing may be at the heart of Bramham but there’s a host of other equestrian competitions too. There’s youngstock and hunter showing classes, a Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse qualifier and British Showjumping classes including a Horse of the Year Show qualifier, a six bar, accumulator and the show’s curtain call, the Wetherby Skips Grand Prix. The Saracens Horse Feeds Arena Eventing classes at 100cm, 90cm and new for this year, 80 cm are a huge favorite on Sunday while local Pony Club teams will be in action all weekend with show jumping and mounted games – many a top rider started their journey to the top in The Pony Club so you may see future medalists in action.

Kirkbourne Spaniels join in the action once again for working dog demos in the Defender arena and the team is also going to be holding dog scurry competitions adjacent to the agility arena throughout the event – something for the canine visitors to enjoy as well as their owners.
Everyone loves a spot of shopping and eating and Bramham’s 160 outlet village has something for every taste – culinary and otherwise. Our title sponsors Defender will be in the heart of the village as well as our 2025 charity partners, Equine Pathways UK, locally based in Leeds.

The team offers equine assisted therapy to improve the lives of children and adults with mental and physical disability. Make sure you drop by their stand to learn more about their crucial work, which makes a real difference. On Friday and Saturday, two of their super star ponies will be in attendance to meet and greet you. They’ll be operating a bad drop so if you can park any shopping while you enjoy your day for a small donation. You can also support their raffle or purchase something from their range of merchandise.

Interested in joining us? Save time and money by booking your Bramham tickets in advance – but hurry, prices will rise on 02 June. Admission tickets start at £18 for over 17s and there’s further savings on weekend and season passes. You’ll also need a car park ticket for your vehicle so don’t forget that – there’s a day, weekend and season option. Upgrade yourself to VIP status with Membership tickets which give you access to the arenaside Members’ pavilion with CCTV, coffee shop, bar and snacks – numbers are limited so it’s worth booking ahead with your entry tickets.

For those who like to be at the heart of the action, we also offer a campsite facility for any type of accommodation with shower and toilet facilities – you can book for a season pass or weekend – but hurry, bookings are limited, and the weekend package is nearly sold out!

Event Director Nicholas Pritchard commented; “We’ve had a fantastic spring on the Bramham Estate with the Park looking truly radiant and green. We’ve welcomed Andrew [Heffernan] and David [Evans]for a few visits and the estate staff are working hard to provide the very best for all our visitors. Andrew brings a new perspective, and I think everyone’s going to love his vision.

“The team and I are in final countdown mode with plans well advanced for what we hope will be another memorable chapter in Bramham’s history. The Lane Fox family and Bramham team are looking forward to welcoming competitors, their connections, our army of officials and volunteers, our sponsors and of course our visitors.”

Visit the website www.bramham-horse.co.uk for all the news, lowdown and ticket information. Follow us on, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook as we countdown to the 2025 Defender Bramham Horse Trials!

– ends –

Bramham Media Contact:

Winnie Murphy, Press Officer – winsome22@live.co.uk or 07967 186556.

Media accreditation closes on 25 May so get any last minute applications in – Media – Defender Bramham International Horse Trials.

Passes will be mailed on Tuesday 27 May.