Pau, France – October 22, 2026 – The prestigious Les Etoiles de Pau, the final five-star event on the 2026 international eventing calendar, has officially commenced in the south of France. Known for its unique blend of top-tier equestrian competition and quirky local charm, the event began today with the crucial first horse inspection, a pivotal moment that determines the eligibility of horse-and-rider combinations to proceed. This year’s edition, held amidst the historic backdrop of the Domaine de Sers, promises a thrilling conclusion to the European eventing season, drawing an elite field from across the globe.
Initial Inspection and Ground Jury Decisions
The morning’s first horse inspection saw 49 of the 50 initially entered horses presented before a distinguished ground jury comprising James Rooney (Ireland), Laure Eslan (France), and Judy Hancock (Great Britain). This panel of highly experienced officials is tasked with ensuring that all equine athletes are fit and sound to compete at the demanding five-star level. The inspection, which took place under uncharacteristically dry skies – a welcome change for an event often plagued by challenging autumnal weather – proceeded with remarkable efficiency and few initial complications.
For the majority of the entries, acceptance was swift and uneventful, a testament to the meticulous care and preparation undertaken by riders and their support teams. However, the tension in the arena palpably increased as the final two combinations were presented. It was at this juncture that both Alexa Gartenberg’s Cooley Kildaire and Julie Wolfert’s SSH Playboy were directed to the holding box, necessitating a closer veterinary assessment. This common procedure allows the veterinary delegate and ground jury to re-evaluate any horse whose initial presentation raised concerns about its soundness.
Heartbreak and Triumph at the Holding Box
The return from the holding box is always a moment of heightened anxiety for competitors and spectators alike, as it dictates the fate of months, if not years, of preparation. On this occasion, only one of the two pairs would receive the coveted green light to continue.
Tragically, the day ended prematurely for American rider Julie Wolfert and her mount, SSH Playboy. Despite a second presentation, the ground jury deemed SSH Playboy unfit to compete, marking a heartbreaking conclusion to what was intended to be Wolfert’s much-anticipated five-star debut. The Kansas-based rider had orchestrated an extraordinary comeback with SSH Playboy, a horse who had defied the odds after sustaining a hairline fracture of the fetlock a couple of years prior. Their journey to Pau was already a story of resilience and dedication, highlighted by their victory at the Rebecca Farms CCI4*-S earlier in the season. For the past ten days, the pair had been immersed in the European equestrian scene, based with French Olympian Astier Nicolas, enjoying the unique experience of hacking through France’s historic villages and along its picturesque beaches. This early finish to a long-awaited trip is undoubtedly a profound disappointment for Wolfert and her team, and the eventing community extends its sympathy, hoping to see them return to this level soon.
In contrast, the holding box delivered a moment of profound relief and triumph for Alexa Gartenberg and Cooley Kildaire. After their re-inspection, the pair received official acceptance, confirming Gartenberg’s entry into her own five-star debut. The emotional weight of the moment was evident, particularly for Gartenberg’s mother, whose tears of joy underscored the immense effort and sacrifices involved in reaching this pinnacle of the sport. Gartenberg, who has been based in the United Kingdom for several seasons, honing her skills under the tutelage of Olympic medalist Kevin McNab, will now prepare to make her mark in the main arena with her dressage test scheduled for Friday. Her acceptance signifies not just a personal milestone but also a testament to her unwavering commitment to the sport.
Pau’s Enduring Charms and Weather Woes
Les Etoiles de Pau is renowned not only for its competitive rigor but also for its distinctive atmosphere, often described as one of the "weirdest and most wonderful events of the year." Beyond the serious competition, the grounds often come alive with quirky spectacles, from performers dressed as 18th-century royals on stilts to jovial individuals in elaborate horse suits. The promise of €3 wine adds to the convivial, almost carnival-like ambiance, creating a truly unique spectator experience that blends high sport with local culture. Even the mention of "enormous rats in the water complex" has become part of the event’s eccentric folklore, contributing to its indelible character.
However, alongside these charms, Pau has earned a reputation for its challenging autumnal weather. The region, situated near the Pyrenees, is susceptible to heavy rainfall in October, a factor that has significantly impacted previous editions. The memory of the 2024 deluge remains fresh in the minds of many, an event that saw substantial portions of the cross-country course submerged under several inches of water, leading to last-minute course modifications and fence removals. The psychological effect of dark clouds rolling in is akin to hearing the opening bars of the Jaws theme song for many competitors and organizers.
This year, the narrative around the weather has been a cautious one. Wednesday brought torrential rain, particularly affecting those travelling from Bordeaux, making driving conditions treacherous. Another significant downpour occurred on Wednesday evening. Yet, the first horse inspection enjoyed dry conditions, offering a glimmer of hope for the rest of the competition. The ability to proceed with Thursday afternoon’s dressage session as planned, without the swift schedule changes necessitated last year due to weather, is a minor victory in itself. The perpetual question remains: "When’s the off-season, again?" – a sentiment reflecting the relentless nature of the eventing calendar, even as the season draws to a close.
A Star-Studded International Field
Beyond the weather, the true draw of this final CCI5* of 2026 is its exceptional field of competitors. In a season where many top-level events have reported smaller-than-usual entry lists, Pau has defied the trend, boasting a well-subscribed and undeniably high-quality line-up. The 49 accepted horse-and-rider combinations represent ten nations, promising a truly international contest for the coveted title.
Leading the charge are two previous Pau winners, both from New Zealand: Jonelle Price, who claimed victory in 2022 with Grappa Nera, and her husband Tim Price, the reigning champion from 2025 with Jarillo. The Price family has made a strong statement this year, with each rider bringing three horses to Pau, collectively representing a significant 12% of the entire field. This formidable presence underscores their intent to keep the trophy within the family for 2026, showcasing their strategic depth and the quality of their stable. Jonelle will also ride Capitaine de Hus Z, while Tim will undoubtedly introduce new talent alongside his previous winner.
The United States contingent, though small, is packed with talent and ambition. Hallie Coon, who secured an impressive fifth place at Luhmühlen earlier this year with Kapriccio, returns to the five-star stage looking to build on that success. Olympian Tiana Coudray brings Cancaras Girl, a pair that famously led day one of dressage at Badminton this spring, demonstrating their potential for top marks in the first phase. Joining them is the intrepid debutant Alexa Gartenberg, whose successful first inspection with Cooley Kildaire marks a significant milestone in her career.
Great Britain, historically a powerhouse in eventing, has sent a formidable contingent to Pau, effectively transforming it into a "satellite British five-star." With 22 of the 50 starters hailing from the UK, British riders constitute a dominant presence and present numerous strong chances for the win. Among them are Emily King and Valmy Biats, who were runners-up at Luhmühlen, showcasing their consistent form at the highest level. 2022 World Champion Yasmin Ingham introduces her debutant Gypsie du Loir, a horse that won the CCI4-S at Bramham this summer, signaling significant potential. Bubby Upton and Its Cooley Time, winners of the CCI4-L at Bramham, return to Pau after a challenging experience twelve months ago, seeking redemption and a strong finish, accompanied by stablemate Cola. Former Pau winner Ros Canter brings young upstart MHS Seventeen into the mix, demonstrating her continued ability to develop top horses. Adding to the British strength, Izzy Taylor makes a powerful return after missing much of the season due to injury, campaigning an impressive three rides, a clear indication of her determination and the depth of her string.
Beyond the dominant British and Kiwi entries, other international stars are poised to challenge for top honors. Switzerland’s Felix Vogg, a two-time five-star winner, is double-horsed, with his Maryland 5* champion Cartania leading his charge, making him a serious contender. France’s hopes are arguably helmed by Benjamin Massie, who presents Figaro Fonroy. This pair previously achieved a top-ten finish at last year’s European Championships, though they were a shock non-finisher when pathfinding for France at this summer’s World Championships. Pau marks the eleven-year-old’s much-anticipated five-star debut, and all eyes will be on their performance.
The Road Ahead: Dressage Kicks Off
The intensity of the competition is set to begin in earnest in just a few hours’ time, with the first dressage session scheduled to commence at 14:30 local time (13:30 BST / 8:30 a.m. EST). This short afternoon session will see 17 horse-and-rider combinations deliver their dressage tests, laying the groundwork for the demanding cross-country and show jumping phases to follow.
The first pair into the arena will be the 2022 champions, Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera, setting a high standard from the outset. The session will conclude with Yasmin Ingham and Gypsie du Loir, who are scheduled to enter the ring at 16:42 local time (15:42 BST / 10:42 a.m. EST). For those following from the United States, the first opportunity to cheer on the Stars and Stripes will be at 16:07 local time (15:07 BST / 10:07 EST) when Hallie Coon and Kapriccio make their way down the centre line.
Spectators and enthusiasts worldwide can follow the action closely. The full start list and live scoring are available on the World Sport Timing website. Additionally, a dedicated live streaming service for Pau is accessible via Okast.tv, offering comprehensive coverage of all three phases. Following today’s initial dressage, Eventing Nation will provide an in-depth analysis and interviews with key performers and decision-makers from day one here in the south of France. The stage is set for an exhilarating week of sport. Allons-y, and Go Eventing!
Les Etoiles de Pau 2026 Resources:
- Official Website: www.event-pau.fr
- Entries & Live Scoring: results.worldsporttiming.com/2026/les-5-etoiles-de-pau
- Live Stream: 5edp.okast.tv
- Eventing Nation Coverage: eventingnation.com/home/competition-coverage/pau
