This weekend, Bicton in England will host the opening leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup 2025, with five teams set to compete in this CCIO4* competition (23-25 May).
A stellar list of entries consists of athletes from nations across the globe and includes Olympic medallists and seasoned 5-star athletes, as well as a number of rising stars in the world of Eventing. Many nations use this competition as a means of giving younger athletes more experience of competing on a senior team.
Australia’s all-female team is comprised of:
Catherine Burrell and Crosstown Fintans Last, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare by Silvano and owned by Catherine in conjunction with The Pumbaa Princess Syndicate. Catherine began competing at FEI level with this mare in 2023.
Sarah Clark and Casallia S, a nine-year-old Warmblood x Thoroughbred mare by Casallco (Cassall Ask x Contender) out of Gold Jade (Jade Robbery). Sarah has had this mare for several years; the partnership began when Sarah was still based in Australia, where they competed up to three-star level. Taking the mare overseas, this combination has competed at several events over the last few years – including the 2023 FEI WBFSH Eventing World Championship for Young Horses at Le Lion d’Angers in France. Sarah owns Casallia S in conjunction with Colin, Gill and Linda Clark.
Lissa Green with Igor G, a 12-year-old KWPN stallion owned by Lissa in conjunction with the The Troop. Lissa has had Igor for several years a well, and has partnered with the stallion for all of his FEI career starts to date.
Friday dressage for the Aussies
Competition is underway, with Laura Collett posting the top score (24.8) on day one of the dressage with Dacapo – who is one of four rides for the Olympic team gold medallist here in the CCIO4*S.
The Aussies are riding at the following times on day two (Friday, 23 May):
Sarah Clark and Casallia S: 10.48am local time, 7.48pm AEST
Lissa Green and Igor G: 11.48am local time, 8.48pm AEST
Catherine Burrell and Crosstown Fintans Last: 12.18pm local time, 9.18pm AEST
Strong squad for host nation
The host nation of Great Britain offered Chef d’Equipe Richard Waygood a strong squad of athletes to select from, including double Olympic team gold medallist Laura Collett with her Olympic horse London 52 and British team stalwart Gemma Stevens riding Chilli King. They are joined by Selina Milnes on Cooley Snapchat and Barnie Brotherton riding DHI King, who is making his senior team debut. New Zealand also fields a strong team with two five-star winning athletes- Jonelle Price and Caroline Powell. They are joined by Samantha Lissington and Nick Brooks.
Ireland is another nation to field a three-person team but what they lack in numbers, they make up in experience, with three five-star athletes- Susannah Berry, Georgie Goss and, Padraig McCarthy. The USA have a strong squad to choose from, with several athletes travelling from their homeland to compete. This reinforces the significance of the Nation’s Cup Series to international athletes who wish gain team experience and collect Nations Cup points.
First FEI Nations Cup event for Bicton
Bicton is a perfect venue for spectators and competitors alike. Set in the stunning Devon countryside, it offers spectacular views and makes full use of the rolling parkland terrain. This established venue has staged Eventing competitions since 1977 and runs two annual international events, but this is the first time they have hosted an FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ competition.
Helen West is both the Organiser of Bicton International Horse Trials and the Course Designer of this four-star course:
“It is a real honour to host the [British] leg of the Nations Cup Series, it is the prestige and kudos that comes with that. We stepped in to replace the Burghley 5-star in 2021 and it feels like there is a bit of recognition since. To be awarded this opportunity backs that up and is something we are very excited about,” said West. “We have got a real international flavour, so we are looking forward to hosting a great competition this week.
“Bicton has been running for 48 years and we are very lucky that our hosts, Lord and Lady Clinton are so supportive of equestrian sport, particularly Eventing. It is lovely for them to get this sort of recognition too.”
With the cancellation of Montelibretti (ITA) and Haras de Jardy (FRA), the FEI has allocated six events in total which all take place across Europe. After Bicton, the Series moves to Strzegom in Poland which runs from 18-22 June, with the Final taking place in Boekelo in The Netherlands, from 9-10 October.
Last year 15 nations competed in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ highlighting the depth and strength of athletes many nations now have in this discipline. The final standings saw France finishing on 420 points for overall first place, which was well ahead of Germany on 320 points who finished in second place.
Full entry list here.
FEI press release by Eleanore Kelly – edited by EQ Life
