All the prep work has been done and now New Zealand’s FEI Eventing World Championships U25 representative Charlotte Penny is just amping to get on with the job. She will compete at the inaugural FEI World Championship U25 2026 at Millstreet in Ireland this week. It’s a new initiative from the FEI and aims to bridge the gap between young rider and senior levels and comes with a 20,000 Euro prize purse.

Charlotte Penny (NZL*) and Carousal during the Cross Country for the Horseland CCI4*-S | Oceania Senior Championship. 2026 AUS-Adelaide Equestrian Festival. Victoria Park, Adelaide, Australia. Saturday 18 April 2026. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

Charlotte moved to the UK this year and is based with Kiwi Olympian Clarke Johnstone at Aston Farm in Gloucestershire. To be named for an U25 world championship for New Zealand is a dream come true. “To represent New Zealand alongside some incredibly talented young riders from around the world is such a huge honour,” says Charlotte. “I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity.”

The Olympic Games, World Championships and 5* events have been front of mind since Charlotte learnt to ride. “To be selected for this feels like the first step towards those bigger goals. It is an amazing opportunity to experience what championship competition is all about.”

Charlotte will ride Carousal, an 11-year-old New Zealand Rhinelander who was produced to 3* level by Monica Spencer. She’s had Rosie, as she’s known to her mates, for three-and-a-half years. “She absolutely loves cross country and is always looking for the flags,” says Charlotte. “She is so brave and bold and loves to give her all in every phase. It is such a pleasure to sit on a horse like that.” Charlotte is looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Millstreet, being surrounded by “inspiring” riders and soaking in as much as she can as she continues her journey.

“My goal is to enjoy every moment of it,” says Charlotte. “I want to learn as much as I can and come away feeling inspired to keep working towards all of our future goals. I expect the atmosphere there will be a step up for us compared to anything we have experienced before so it will be a fantastic learning opportunity for us both.” She extended a huge thanks to all who had helped her get this far – parents, mentors, coaches and support teams.

The celebrated Mike Etherington-Smith (GBR) is designing the cross country for the U25 class as well as the 4*-S, 4*-L, 3*-S and 3*-L with James Tarrant (IRL) designing all the showjumping courses.

Clarke Johnstone is the only other Kiwi competing at Millstreet which will see him line up aboard Domasco in the CCI4*-L and with LT Holst Mackintosh and Indigo Blue in the CCI2*-L. Charlotte will also compete Caruso in the CCI3*-S. The riders aren’t the only Kiwis involved either – Helen Christie is president of the ground jury for the 2*-L and also on the 4*-L ground jury. Competition gets underway on Wednesday.

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By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Libby Law/ESNZ