The Rising Stars of Hartpury CPEDI 2025
The recent Hartpury CPEDI, a key event in the NAF Festival of Dressage held from July 1 to July 3, 2025, has become an impressive showcase of vibrant talent in British Para Dressage. Not only did it feature seasoned competitors, but it also highlighted promising new athletes demonstrating exceptional skill and determination across various grades. The event’s importance in the international arena only adds to its prestige, providing emerging athletes an essential platform to compete on an elite level.
Standout Performers from Hartpury
The competition saw a series of remarkable performances, with one of the event highlights being Nicola Naylor’s hat-trick on Humberto L. She earned a notable Freestyle score of 78.560%, with her second mount, Moulin Rouge, also showing great promise for the future. Another highlight was Sophie Wells, who consistently excelled in Grade 5 events, achieving a Freestyle score of 76.470% aboard LJT Egebjerggards Samoa. Meanwhile, Mari Durward-Akhurst with Athene Lindebjerg and Gabriella Blake with Strong Beau also claimed top honors.
Victories in Various Grades
In Grade 2, team players Georgia Wilson and Lee Pearson shared victories. Pearson, a seasoned competitor, achieved a strong Freestyle score of 77.847%. Meanwhile, Irish competitor Katie Reilly shone in Grade 3 aboard Keystone Dawn Chorus. These achievements emphasize the powerful presence of the British team, evidenced by numerous personal bests and performances that have set optimistic expectations for upcoming international events.
Hartpury: A World-Class Equestrian Venue
Located at Hartpury University and College in Gloucestershire, the Hartpury venue is a world-renowned equestrian centre known for its state-of-the-art facilities. It hosts the NAF Festival of Dressage, which includes CPEDI3* (Para Dressage) and CDI3* competitions, attracting elite riders from around the globe. Hartpury is not solely about competition; it also houses the Margaret Giffen Centre for Rider Performance and an Equine Therapy Centre, making it a focal point for rider training and equine health and rehabilitation.
Promoting Para Dressage
Besides sporting competitions, events like Hartpury CPEDI play a crucial role in promoting Para Dressage within the broader equestrian community. They provide a critical platform for emerging athletes to compete at high levels, gain exposure, and achieve personal milestones. Furthermore, the event’s high-profile status and comprehensive audience engagement draw sponsors and help in growing the sport’s recognition and the visibility of para-athletes.
The Impact of Hartpury CPEDI on Para Dressage
In summary, the 2025 Hartpury CPEDI not only illustrated the strength and skill of British para riders through stunning scores and dynamic competition but also emphasized the event's strategic timing and world-class execution. It serves as a cornerstone in the international para-equestrian calendar ahead of significant global championships, continuing to foster the development of the sport while highlighting elite talent.
For further details, please visit the Hartpury University and College’s official page at Hartpury Festival of Dressage.
