Eventing
After nearly six decades, Avenel Horse Trials continues to prove that tradition and evolution can ride hand in hand. One of Australia’s longest-running equestrian events, Avenel celebrated another successful edition this year.
Albury Wodonga International Horse Trials delivered top-class competition across all levels, with Cathryn Herbert and Wimborne Constable winning the CCI4*-S, Christine Bates and Bloomfield Findon taking the CCI3*-S, and Sophia Pratley claiming CCI2*-S honours with Barracuda.
New Zealand’s Tim Price claimed victory at Les Étoiles de Pau in France aboard Jarillo, while Australians Bill Levett and Kevin McNab both completed the event with their CCI5*-L debutants.
Great Britain’s Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro lead heading into the final day at Les Étoiles de Pau, while Australians Bill Levett and Kevin McNab completed Pierre Michelet’s demanding cross-country course with encouraging performances from their five-star debutants.
Australians Kevin McNab and Bill Levett produced strong dressage tests at Les Étoiles de Pau CCI5*-L on Friday, where Britain’s Bubby Upton leads the field with 18-year-old stallion Cannavaro on a score of 25.6.
The 2025 Les Étoiles de Pau got off to a dramatic start on Thursday in France, with severe weather from Storm Benjamin forcing organisers to reschedule the trot-up and first day of dressage. Despite the disruption, all 53 CCI5*L horses were accepted during the evening horse inspection – including the Australian and New Zealand horses – clearing the way for the competition to get underway on Friday, 24 October.
Australasian eventers are set to close out the 2025 European season in style at Les 5 Étoiles de Pau, France’s premier CCI5*, running from October 23-26. With 69 combinations from 11 nations, a €150,000 prize pool, and only seven CCI5* events on the global calendar, Pau promises to deliver a thrilling finale to the season.