Chepstow International Carriage Driving Event Continues to Grow

The 2026 Chepstow International Carriage Driving Event once again proved to be a major success, bringing together competitors, officials, supporters and volunteers from across the UK and overseas for a busy and enjoyable weekend of competition at the superb David Broome Event Centre.

One of the event’s primary aims remains to provide British drivers with the opportunity to compete in FEI classes on home soil, giving them the chance to achieve qualifying scores for World Championship selection without the considerable expense, travel time and welfare implications of competing abroad. This year’s figures suggest that the appetite for international carriage driving in the UK continues to grow, with 44 FEI entries competing, representing a 25% increase on the previous year.

The FEI classes welcomed competitors from Great Britain, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, competing across a wide range of classes from Young Driver Championship divisions through to Horse Fours. The international flavour extended beyond the competitors, with judges travelling from Belgium, The Netherlands and the United States to officiate throughout the event.

A further milestone for the event was the continued development of the FEI 2* Young Horse and Young Pony classes. Three combinations competed in these evolving classes, which are designed to provide a valuable stepping stone into FEI competition for five, six and seven-year-old horses and ponies. Judging was overseen by FEI 4* Judge Andrew Counsell, providing competitors with invaluable feedback as they develop future international prospects.

Alongside the FEI competition, 21 British Carriagedriving National competitors benefitted from the opportunity to compete over courses designed by a 4* FEI Course Builder, with British judges overseeing the national competition. Elsewhere on the showground, a further 15 competitors took part in the Gateway competition, ensuring there was activity across all areas of the venue throughout the weekend.

Despite some challenging weather conditions, particularly during the marathon phase, competitors praised the quality of the courses and organisation. The event once again demonstrated the value of offering high-level competition opportunities within the UK while maintaining a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.

Double Success for Izzy Brunner

Among the standout performances of the weekend was that of Isabelle Brunner, who secured victories in two classes.

Driving Brock in the single pony class, Izzy produced the best dressage score of the day with an impressive 40.40 before navigating difficult marathon conditions to maintain her lead.

“Chepstow International last weekend was one to remember,” said Izzy. “All four ponies gave their absolute all in every phase, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the drive of such awesome ponies.”

Reflecting on Brock’s performance, she added: “The marathon was tough in the rain and mud, but he pushed on and listened every step of the way. He has really come on in the marathon recently, and all the winter fitness work is definitely paying off.”

Izzy also enjoyed success with her pair, having only owned the ponies for a few months.

“I had so much fun on the marathon; the boys listened all the way and, although they got tired towards the end, I think the massive grin on my face said it all!” she said.

Taking home two class victories was the perfect reward for a memorable weekend.

“It was one hell of a weekend, taking home two wins in two classes, but it wouldn’t have been possible without my support team behind me, so thank you to everyone who helped me last weekend.”

International Debut Victory for Theo Charnley

Another impressive performance came from young driver Theo Charnley, who secured victory on his first international driving outing with George.

Having already enjoyed success at Windsor and Hopetoun earlier in the season, Theo arrived at Chepstow with confidence but knew the competition would be strong.

“Competing at the FEI Carriage Driving Championship in Chepstow was a hugely proud moment,” he said. “It marked my first time competing internationally with George driving.”

Theo established an early lead during dressage, scoring 48.8 and being placed first by all four international judges.

“Being placed first by all four international judges was a proud moment for me, and it was a great position to be in heading into the rest of the competition.”

Heavy rain created difficult conditions during the marathon, but Theo and George maintained their composure.

“George was fantastic. We drove all our lines, left all the balls up, and we were able to maintain our lead going into the final day.”

The pair then produced the only clear cones round in their section, collecting just 0.22 time penalties and securing the overall title by 8.76 penalties.

The victory was particularly special as it marked a unique achievement for his pony.

“It also means a great deal that George has now become the only RSPCA pony to win at an FEI International Driving Event.”

Looking ahead, Theo now prepares for the prestigious event at Le Pin au Haras in France.

“We know the competition will be strong, but we are heading out with a group of really supportive senior drivers and cannot wait. What an exciting venue to compete at!”

Welfare at the Heart of the Event

Equine welfare remained a central focus throughout the weekend.

The team from Saracen Horse Feeds were on hand across two days, providing horse weighing and body condition scoring services, while also offering practical nutritional advice to competitors. Their support was well received, with best-in-class prizes helping to reward excellent horse management alongside competitive success.

The event also benefitted from the expertise of KM Equine Services, with FEI Permitted Equine Therapist Kat McFarlane kept busy throughout marathon day providing massage treatments to promote recovery before they headed into the cones on Sunday.

Positive feedback from the FEI Veterinary Delegate further reinforced the event’s commitment to maintaining high welfare standards throughout.

This year’s event also faced the challenge of increased cases of Equine Influenza during the build-up period. Organisers would like to commend both FEI and National competitors for their cooperation and compliance with the additional biosecurity measures introduced to ensure the event could proceed safely.

Looking Forward

With growing FEI entry numbers, increasing international participation, expanding young horse classes and continued support from competitors, officials and sponsors, the future of international carriage driving in the UK looks encouraging.

The organisers would like to thank sponsors Paddockhall Holiday Cottages, Karen Scott Barrett and Cath Brockie for their valued support, as well as the Broome family and the team at the David Broome Event Centre for once again providing an outstanding venue for the event.

Chepstow International continues to establish itself as an important fixture on the carriage driving calendar, offering British drivers a genuine international opportunity on home soil while showcasing the very best of the sport.

We are already looking ahead to next year, with the FEI Chepstow International and Cricklands event provisionally scheduled to take place from 9th to 13th June 2027, subject to final confirmation. Following another fantastic year of competition, camaraderie and equine excellence, we look forward to welcoming competitors, supporters and officials back for another memorable event.