News | 1 October 2025
Pony Club Nations Cup of Eventing 2025: History in the Making at Ballindenisk
For generations, The Pony Club has been the start of some of the most exciting equestrian journeys. This September, that spirit of adventure took on a whole new dimension when riders from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland travelled to Ballindenisk, Ireland to compete in the very first Pony Club Nations Cup of Eventing.
For many Members, this was the chance of a lifetime: riding on an international stage, representing their country, and competing against top young riders from the Republic of Ireland. With thanks to Akuma Sports, who supplied smart new team kit for the English and Welsh squads, our Home Nation riders looked every bit as professional as they performed.
The Teams
The Nations Cup brought together riders from across The Pony Club community, selected on the strength of their performances at Area Qualifiers, The JCB National Pony Club Championships, and The PC110 Championships at Wellington.
England fielded an experienced Two Star team, plus two One Star squads – Red and White – packed with emerging talent. Wales and Borders arrived with a tight-knit One Star team, while Northern Ireland proudly brought a strong squad of their own.
Between them, they represented Branches, Centres, and regions right across the UK – from the Vale of Aylesbury to Cheshire Hunt South, from Easton Harriers to Silverton. For some, this was their first taste of international team competition. For others, it was a fitting finale to a long Pony Club career.
Day One: Dressage Delivers the Drama
The competition opened with Dressage, and straight away the Home Nations showed they meant business.
In the CNC2*, experience shone through as Pip Taylor (Easton Harriers), riding Urlanmore Friendly, topped the leader board with a polished performance. Close behind was Isabella Moreton (Atherstone), proving that ponies can more than hold their own at this level. Teammates Lottie Warham (South Notts) and Sophie Jackson (Silverton) produced solid tests to leave England just half a penalty behind Ireland going into Cross Country.
Meanwhile, the CNC1* was dominated by England and Wales. The England White Team – Lamorna May (Silverton), Isobel Gardner (Vale of Aylesbury), Lucy Baguley (Grove), Rosie Moreton (Warwickshire), and Pippa Marsh (The Owl House Stables Centre) – all scored inside the top ten, putting them into an early team lead.
But the performance of the day belonged to Henry Davis (Vale of Aylesbury/England Red Team). His test on Rebel Edward earned an extraordinary 16.3, more than nine penalties clear of the rest of the field – a performance that had everyone talking.
Day Two: Cross Country Thrills and Spills
As every eventer knows, Cross Country is where the real excitement begins. Ballindenisk’s bold and flowing course provided a proper test, and our Pony Club members rose to the challenge.
The England White Team continued their dominance, storming round clear and on time to stretch their lead over the field. Individually, Isobel Gardner (Vale of Aylesbury) moved into a podium position after producing a classy round on Faere Adventure.
For the England Red Team, the Davis twins were once again in the spotlight. Henry Davis held his individual lead, while twin brother Theo Davis and teammate Charlotte Hope kept the team in second overall.
The Welsh riders also impressed. Bella Freebody (Cheshire Hunt South) set the standard as pathfinder, storming home clear and inside the time. Together with her sister Athena, plus Mary Goodridge (East Cheshire) and Natasha Grice (East Cheshire), Wales held on to a well-deserved podium spot.
Northern Ireland, as many predicted, came into their own on Cross Country day. Strong rides from Erin McCrea (East Antrim), Cayleigh Erwin (East Antrim), and Lauren McGlennon (North Down) lifted their team up the leader board, putting them within striking distance of the medals.
Day Three: Show Jumping Showdown
The final day brought tension, excitement, and plenty of cheers from the side lines. With medals on the line, every pole mattered.
In the CNC2*, fortunes were mixed for the English squad. A huge well done to Isabella Moreton, who jumped her way onto the individual podium in second place, and to Sophie Jackson, who finished a brilliant fifth and Lottie Warham in seventh. Special mention too for Pip Taylor – rounding off her Pony Club career with grit, determination, and the style we’ve come to expect.
In the CNC1*, it was all about the England White Team. Despite a few tense moments with poles rolling, they held their nerve to claim the team victory. Individually, Rosie Moreton and Expresso III capped off the fairy tale by taking third place, with top-ten finishes for Lucy Baguley and Pippa Marsh.
Wales and Borders showed fantastic consistency across all three phases, finishing as team silver medallists, while Northern Ireland’s late charge was rewarded with a place on the podium in third.
And of course, there was one name on everyone’s lips: Henry Davis. From his jaw-dropping dressage to a gutsy clear Show Jumping, Henry led the CNC1* from start to finish, sealing an unforgettable individual gold.
Beyond the Results
Yet as much as medals matter, what made this event so special was the atmosphere. Riders from different nations cheered one another on, friendships were forged over shared dinners and course walks, and the spirit of Pony Club was alive in every phase.
As Sam York, Chef d’Equipe for England and Wales, reminded the teams: “It’s about the journey, the learning, and the memories you take with you – not just the results on the scoreboard.”
The inaugural Pony Club Nations Cup of Eventing was a true celebration of youth equestrian sport, made possible by the incredible support of Eventing Ireland, The Irish Pony Club, Ballindenisk, Pony Club Area 17, and Akuma Sports.
Looking Ahead
For the riders, this weekend was more than just another competition – it was an experience they’ll never forget. Competing for their nations, meeting new friends, and stepping up to international standards has inspired them all to aim higher.
As the curtain falls on Ballindenisk 2025, one thing is certain: the Pony Club Nations Cup of Eventing is here to stay. And who knows? In years to come, we might just look back on this as the event where future Olympians first represent their nation!
For now, congratulations to every rider who wore their Pony Club badge with pride. You made history.
A huge THANK YOU to all who made this trip happen:
Sam York for being Chef d’Equipe
Patrick Campbell – PCUK Eventing Chairman
Ivan Hatton – CEO of the Irish Pony Club
Fran Rowlatt-McCormick – PCUK
Akuma Sports for providing the Team kit
Sarah Verney and Dave Burton on the PCUK Eventing committee for supporting the Members on the ground
The Eventing Ireland Youth Committee & Ballindenisk International Horse Trials for welcoming us to the event.
