The British dressage squad has achieved a notable podium finish at the second leg of the 2026 FEI Nations Cup held in Lier, Belgium, from May 21-24. The team demonstrated consistent and impressive performances, securing strong results against a field of top international competitors. Among the standout individual performances, Susan Pape and Harmony's Guilianta secured third place in the 4* Grand Prix Special with a score of 72.468%. Lewis Carrier, riding Diego V, placed 13th in the Grand Prix with a score of 70.087%, with Carrier noting "The Grand Prix had a lot to like. I feel like the piaffe and changes were his highlight for sure!". Other British riders, including Laura Tomlinson on Full Moon II, also competed, with Tomlinson acknowledging "a fabulous time with the team. Couple of silly mistakes put our score down, but as always, it was a valuable day and a privilege to be on the team".
Equine Flu Restrictions Cast Shadow Over Competitions
Despite the competitive successes, the broader UK equestrian community is navigating a challenging period due to a significant surge in equine influenza (EI) cases. Several sporting bodies have introduced or reinforced stricter biosecurity protocols to mitigate the risk of widespread outbreaks and potential race cancellations. British Dressage, alongside British Eventing and British Showjumping, has issued warnings that horses without proper vaccination will be barred from competition. Competitors are advised to ensure their horses have received booster vaccinations, or to bring forward their annual booster if the last was administered more than six months prior. Tighter passport checks are also being implemented at competition venues. The British Horseracing Authority had previously restricted raceday course admission to horses from licensed training yards only. A regional championship in Hampshire has already been postponed due to the outbreak, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) update reported 70 confirmed EI outbreaks across Great Britain as of May 22, with an additional 19 suspected incidents.
Focus on Future Talent and Broader Equestrian Landscape
Beyond the Nations Cup and health concerns, the UK equestrian scene is also seeing activity in talent development and broader initiatives. British Showjumping has announced its youth teams for upcoming Nations Cup events in Zuidwolde, Netherlands, and Lisbon, Portugal, indicating a continued focus on nurturing emerging talent. Separately, in Germany, an initiative in conjunction with the Aachen World Championships, called “100 School Horses Plus,” is supporting riding schools by funding horses, feed, and equipment, aiming to secure long-term access to equestrian sport. This initiative highlights the global challenges faced by riding schools and efforts being made to address them, a sentiment echoed by Thomas Ungruhe, head of team equestrian development at the German federation, who stated, "Without additional support, 20 to 30% of riding schools will have to close in the next few years."
The FEI Nations Cup in Lier represents a significant achievement for the British dressage riders, demonstrating their skill on the international stage. However, the concurrent heightened vigilance regarding equine influenza underscores the ongoing commitment required from all participants and governing bodies to ensure the health and safety of horses and the continuity of equestrian sport. The coming weeks will be crucial in monitoring the spread of EI and the effectiveness of the implemented preventative measures. The ongoing development of young riders in showjumping also points to a sustained effort in building the future of British equestrianism. The international efforts to support riding schools serve as a reminder of the foundational importance of grassroots equestrianism.