Dean Close Riders Crowned Dressage County Cup Champions

Our Dean Close Foundation riders delivered an exceptional performance at the NSEA National County Cup Dressage, Show Jumping and Eventer Challenge Championships, returning home with an impressive collection of team and individual honours after four days of competition in demanding conditions.

Competing in temperatures exceeding 30°C, our riders demonstrated remarkable resilience, skill and sportsmanship throughout the championships, securing top eight finishes in all team events and achieving a host of individual successes.

The Eventer Challenge Championships provided a particularly stern test. The 80–85cm class saw 37 qualified teams from across the country compete for national honours on a challenging championship track. The step up to the 90–95cm championship proved even more demanding, with many established teams unable to complete the course. Undeterred by the intense heat and pressure of competition, Dean Close Foundation riders rose to the occasion, displaying tremendous courage and determination to achieve an outstanding set of results.

The 1m Eventer Challenge presented a further test of endurance and skill. With the class moved later in the day, soaring temperatures took their toll on both horses and riders. Despite the demanding conditions and the technical nature of the course, Maddie and Rose showed great perseverance and determination, successfully completing the challenging championship track and earning great credit for their efforts.

The championships also produced an outstanding individual achievement for Dean Close Prep School pupil Joe (Year 8), who was crowned the 2026 Bloomfields 70–75cm Eventer Challenge Individual National Champion. Competing against the country's leading young riders, Joe delivered an exceptional performance to secure the national title and add another prestigious accolade to an already highly successful championship for the Dean Close Foundation.

Eventer Challenge Championships

80 - 85cm Eventer Challenge

Team 1: 3^rd place Bronze – Maddie, Fenella, Rose and Joe 

Team 2: 12^th place – Fenella, Lucinda, Popsy and Aoife 

90 - 95cm Eventer Challenge

Team 1: 5th place – Fenella, Aoife, Popsy and Lucinda

Team 2: 6th place – Maddie, Rose, Fenella and Joe

Individual Eventer Challenge Results

Joe (Year 8, Dean Close Prep School) – 1st Place, 2026 Bloomfields 70–75cm Eventer Challenge Individual National Champion!

 

 

 

National County Cup Dressage Finals

Having qualified to represent Gloucestershire at the County Cup Dressage Finals earlier this year, Dean Close Foundation riders travelled to Hickstead to compete against the very best County Champion teams from across the country.

In a truly outstanding achievement, the highlight of the championships came in the Open Team competition, where Dean Close Foundation riders were crowned National County Cup Dressage Champions, securing the Gold Medal and the coveted national title. 

Despite soaring temperatures throughout the event, Fenella, Lucinda, Rose and Maddie delivered a series of exceptional tests, demonstrating skill, composure and determination to claim victory against a highly competitive field.

The team's success was further underlined by remarkable individual performances. Maddie topped her section with an impressive score of 74.2%, while Fenella led hers with an excellent 72.25%, contributing to a memorable championship-winning performance for the Foundation.

Restricted Team Championship

Team: 6th place – Beatrice, Joe, Aoife and Fenella

Open Team Championship

Team: 1st place Gold Dressage County Cup Champions

Individual Dressage Results

Fenella 4th place – Open Individual Prelim County Cup Final

Maddie 4th place – Open Individual Novice County Cup Final

While the results themselves are outstanding, what stood out most throughout the championships was the character shown by every Dean Close rider.

Across four days of competition in blistering heat, the riders not only delivered exceptional performances but also demonstrated the values that underpin sport at Dean Close. They celebrated one another's successes, offered encouragement during setbacks and supported their teammates throughout the event.

Their sportsmanship, resilience and camaraderie were truly remarkable and made the entire Dean Close Foundation community immensely proud.