(Photo: Stefano Grasso/LGCT)
The past week in the equestrian world delivered high-stakes drama, emotional wins, and heartwarming moments across showjumping, dressage, eventing, and the ever-evolving sport horse sales scene. Pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee and settle in for our long-form look at the headlines behind the headlines, drawn from the May 6th episode of the Horses & Coffee Weekly podcast.
Showjumping: Comebacks and Close Calls
We kick off in Shanghai, where Scott Brash marked a major milestone with his first LGCT Grand Prix victory since 2019. Riding Hello Chadora Lady, Brash bested a 16-rider jump-off with a blazing time of 43.94 seconds, narrowly edging out Belgium’s Gilles Thomas. The win signals a powerful resurgence for the British veteran and injects energy into an already electric Longines Global Champions Tour season.
In France, the inaugural 5* at Fontainebleau saw Yuri Mansur (BRA) and Miss Blue-Saint Blue Farm clinch a photo-finish victory. With less than 0.2 seconds separating the top three, this Grand Prix showed off the precision, boldness, and razor-thin margins that define elite showjumping.
Meanwhile, at the Kentucky CSI5*, Kent Farrington and Greya put on a masterclass in jump-off strategy, going first and laying down an unbeatable round. Farrington’s praise for Greya as the "quintessential modern show jumper" was more than earned, as their speed and accuracy left the field trailing.
Dressage: Scores, Standards, and a Strong Message
In Mannheim, Germany, the CDI4* Grand Prix Special produced a statistical rarity: a tie. Henri Ruoste and Sönke Rothenberger both scored 71.660%, with the nod going to Ruoste by virtue of collective marks. Meanwhile, Dorothee Schneider claimed the Grand Prix win on First Romance, proving the German powerhouse is still very much a force.
Beyond the arena, the FEI’s recent Sports Forum highlighted the discipline’s growing focus on ethics, welfare, and public trust.
Topics included optional double bridles, judging reform, and transparency around training methods. As one panelist said, "we must face these concerns head on, not as conflict but as conversation."
On a brighter note, rising German star Leonie Krull swept the CDI3* at Gössendorf with her home-bred mare All We Need, proving that talent and tenacity are thriving in the next generation.
Eventing: Dominance and Domestic Joy
The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event once again belonged to Michael Jung, who won for the fifth time aboard fischerChipmunk FRH. With a dressage lead and cross-country masterclass, he secured a wire-to-wire victory despite one rail in the final show jumping round.
U.S. Olympian Boyd Martin had a banner weekend, placing second on Commando 3 and notching three finishes in the top seven. British rider Harry Meade delivered a standout performance as well, with Et Hop du Matz finishing on his dressage score—a rare and impressive feat at five-star level.
A more grassroots story added heart to the week: British amateur riders Mary and Oliver Lofthouse will compete against each other at Badminton’s BE100 Grassroots Championships. The husband-and-wife team, starting just minutes apart on cross-country, embody the spirit and community of the sport.
Sport Horse Sales: Movement, Momentum, and Market Mindsets
High-profile sales made headlines again this week, with Tim Gredley selling Imperial HBF to McLain Ward, signaling a strategic transfer of talent ahead of a key Olympic cycle. Meanwhile, dressage star Samhitas was sold to 77-year-old U.S. amateur Jeri Walz, proving that competitive dreams know no age.
Auction houses are feeling the heat, too: the upcoming Goresbridge Sale in Ireland expanded to three days due to overwhelming entries. Demand remains strong across Europe and North America, particularly for talented young horses suitable for juniors and amateurs.
Yet the market isn't without complexity. Pre-purchase exams are becoming more rigorous, sometimes causing deals to falter over minor findings. New EU consumer protections are also shifting liability toward sellers, leading to more cautious structuring of international sales.
As always, we’ll be back next week with more from Badminton, the sales world, and beyond. Until then, stay sharp, stay kind, and keep your coffee warm.
Written by the Bridl editorial team. Inspired by the May 5 episode of the Horses & Coffee Weekly podcast.