New Blenheim Challenge Team Competition Launches at Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

Written By Amy Marshall

Rising Lions and Stars & Stripes go head-to-head at Blenheim Palace.

A new team competition, The Blenheim Challenge, will make its debut at this week's Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, 17-20 September, bringing a new international team element to the CCI4*-L.

The Rising Lions, a team of under-25 riders who compete for Great Britain, will take on Stars & Stripes, a team of riders who compete for the United States and Australia.

Rising Lions: Great Britain

  • Jess Rimmer, riding The Spice Merchant

  • Josh Levett, riding Huberthus AC

  • Isabelle Cook, riding Cymoon “F” Z

  • Barnie Brotherton, riding DHI King Nelson

The Rising Lions team will be supported by Team Mentor Tom McEwen and Coach Tina Cook, alongside the wider squad of Elizabeth Barratt, Finn Healy and Beatrice Montgomerie. Elizabeth and Finn represented the Rising Lions at the 2026 Kentucky 4* earlier this year. 

Stars & Stripes: United States & Australia

  • Grace Taylor, riding Bandito van Polderzicht

  • Tommy Greengard, riding That’s Me Z

  • Oliver Barrett, riding Sandhills Biar

  • Olivia Dutton, riding Jewelent

The Stars & Stripes team will be managed by seven-time Olympian Phillip Dutton, the newly appointed United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Eventing Development Program Advisor, a role which sees Phillip support the USEF Eventing Pathway, including the Development and Development 25 programs.

The Blenheim Challenge runs alongside the CCI4*-L, taking inspiration from golf's Ryder Cup, with riders drawn into individual head-to-head contests before each phase, resulting in four rider v rider matches in each phase. The rider achieving the better result in that individual match will earn a point for their team, with drawn matches meaning half a point for each team.

A new draw will take place before each phase, meaning opponents can change throughout. Each team has two one phase only Jokers to play, with a rider carrying a Joker in a phase doubling any points they win in that phase.

An additional point will be awarded at the first trot-up for the best-turned-out horse, recognising the contribution of the grooms behind each team.

The team with the highest overall points total at the end of the CCI4*-L will win The Blenheim Challenge, with a £50,000 prize fund shared between riders and grooms, alongside donations to the youth programme of the national governing body/bodies of the riders of the winning team and an equestrian charity chosen by the winning team.

The first Blenheim Challenge draw takes place on Wednesday afternoon, when the opening pairings will be revealed.

Live results will be available via Eventing Scores, with the competition broadcast live on Horse & Country TV. The Rising Lions initiative has partnered with EquiRatings to provide additional statistics, analysis and stories around the head-to-head contests and the teams' progress throughout the week.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Rising Lions

Rising Lions is an initiative supporting the next generation of eventing talent, creating opportunities for emerging riders to gain experience on some of the sport's biggest stages. Through exposure to high-level competition, Rising Lions supports riders as they build experience, confidence and skills and take the next steps in their careers.


Website: www.risinglions.co.uk
Instagram: @gbrisinglions

Amy Marshall