Charlotte Penny with CAROUSAL (NZL) during the cross country for the FEI Under-25 Eventing World Championship Millstreet at Millstreet. Millstreet, Ireland. 25 July 2026 ©Irish Horse Board/Pam Cunningham
Charlotte Penny comes away from the FEI U25 World Eventing Championships on a high and chomping at the bit to do more.
She and Carousal – Rosie to her mates – finished in 23rd place with 83.7 penalty points in a very competitive field which was headed home by pre-event favourite Calvin Bockmann (GER) aboard Altair de la Cense on 40. Second was Brit Cerys Macaulay on Kananaskis on 45.3 and third Olivia Dutton (USA) aboard Jewelent on 48.2.
Thirty of the original 40 strong field completed the championships with Great Britain wing the team gold. The Mike Etherington-Smith designed cross country was tough, with no one coming home clear and inside time. The showjumping also proved challenging with just three combinations adding nothing to their tallies.
Charlotte and Carousal scored 35.7 penalty points in their dressage, added jump and time in the cross country, and had a single rail and .8 time in the final test for a final score of 83.7.
“Overall I am really proud to end our weekend on such a positive note,” said Charlotte. “We finished on a real high. Rosie jumped a great round (in the showjumping). I am super happy with how she jumped and how rideable she was, especially after such a huge effort yesterday. This was her first 4* three days so I wasn’t sure how she would feel, given it was a really hilly course yesterday as well.”
However, Rosie didn’t disappoint. Charlotte said Clarke Johnstone’s input had been invaluable. “I felt a huge improvement in the jumping which is exciting for the future. We are super lucky to have his support,” she said.
“The atmosphere in the main arena was amazing and it was a real honour to represent New Zealand there. The experience we have both gained from being under that sort of pressure and riding those courses – it was absolutely incredible. We have both learnt so much and I am so inspired to keep trying to ride at these top events because I absolutely loved it. I had the best time.”
Millstreet had put on a wonderful event. “It was stunning in all the arenas and the course yesterday too – it was perfect. They made it feel very special for us and I really want to acknowledge all the work that was put in to do that.”
Charlotte said she was heading home with “lots of learns” and a lot to look forward to with her “very cool pony”.
By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison