FEI European Championships 25: Meet the U25 team

As we prepare for the first of the FEI Championships in 2025, meet the four riders heading to Kronberg in Germany to fly the flag at U25 level. 

Annabella Pidgley 

Now based in Denmark, 2024 U25 European Champion Annabella returns to the team with Sarah Pidgley's Vamos Amigos, following her outstanding success last year with Gio.

How does it feel to be selected for this year’s Europeans? 

"It feels amazing! This will be my eighth consecutive Europeans representing GB which is just a dream come true. It’s even more special because we bought Vamos when he was only six years old and so he’s been part of the family for over six years. To be doing a championship together at this level is so special and something we only dreamed of when I tried him for the first time at 13 years old."

Tell us about the relationship between you and your horse? 

"Vamos is very special to me, since moving to Denmark he’s been there through everything and provided that feeling of ‘home’. Our bond is something really special and I love to just spend time and take care of Vamos because he is really the sweetest character. He is a very sensitive horse which makes our bond and the way he trusts me so special because this has taken a long time to build up but I am very happy with our partnership at the moment."

What’s been the highlight of your season or your current partnership? 

"A highlight for us was winning the Grand Special 3* in Herning in March. This was our first big international win at senior level and my first international with Vamos since moving to Denmark and it was such a special moment. To have a new team behind me and to see how all our hard work was paying off was so lovely. To see Vamos winning back on Danish ground but this time for GB was very special."

Who is somebody you look up to and why? 

"I will always look up to and admire my Dad. It has just been 5 years since we lost him and everyday I try to make him proud. Vamos is a very special horse to my family because my dad was alive when we bought him and he chose him for me. That’s very special because he always believed in what Vamos and I could achieve and now to be heading to our first Europeans Championship together at U25 level has some kind of magic about it."

Harrison Ashton 

Now based in Germany, Harrison Ashton makes his debut European Championship appearance following a great first season with Henri Roueste's Million Dreams. Harrison balances horses with social media and modelling, and will be documenting the European Championships journey on his accounts. 

How does it feel to be selected for this year’s Europeans? 

"It honestly feels unbelievable to have been selected to represent my country at this year’s European Championships. I moved to Germany to focus more seriously on my sport and to work towards big goals like this—but I never expected things to happen so soon. Leaving my family and life back home in the UK was a huge sacrifice, but moments like this make it all feel truly worth it.

I still have very little experience when it comes to competing and so does my horse- the Europeans being only her 5th show, so stepping onto the world stage this quickly definitely comes with its pressures. But I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity and ready to give it everything I’ve got."

Tell us about the relationship between you and your horse? 

"The relationship between me and my horse is still very new—I only started riding her at the beginning of this year. She was a green Grand Prix horse and still is, who knew some of the movements, but since then, we’ve been working with the goal of potentially aiming for a team spot for this year.

Millie, as she’s known at home, is a sensitive mare in the best way—she has the biggest heart and really fights for you. Even though she’ll probably be one of the least experienced horses at the Europeans, I’m hoping she can show everyone just how special she is. And if it’s not her year just yet, I truly believe that with more experience and time, she’s going to become a very exciting horse for the future.

She’s a real show horse—she loves the atmosphere, thrives on attention, and always seems to light up at competitions. At home, she’s just as happy hacking through the German countryside or playing in the field with her miniature Shetland friends: Lily, Bacardi, and Eddy. It’s been such a rewarding journey with her so far, and I’m excited to see where it leads."

What’s been the highlight of your season or your current partnership? 

"The highlight of my season this year has to be, first and foremost, getting the ride on such a special horse like Mildred. She’s not the kind of horse every rider gets the chance to ride, let alone compete with, and I genuinely believe she’ll be one of those horses I remember forever when I look back on my career. She’s already made so many dreams come true.

From a results perspective, winning in Aachen with her was an incredibly special moment. Coming from a background that isn’t super wealthy to buy myself a ready made horse for top sport, there were definitely times I doubted whether moments like that were even possible. But that experience proved to me that when you surround yourself with a great team, grab every opportunity you can, and put in the hard work, amazing things can happen."

Who is somebody you look up to and why? 

"I look up to many riders—I really believe there’s something to learn from everyone. Watching different people’s techniques and approaches can teach you so much, and I try to take in as much as I can from those around me.

I was incredibly lucky to train with Carl Hester before I left the UK. Being a Brit myself, I’ve always admired what he’s achieved in his career and how he’s worked his way up through the sport—he’s been a real inspiration to me.

Since moving to Germany, I’ve been just as fortunate to train and ride with (Finnish Olympian) Henri Ruoste, who also owns Millie. I work alongside him and his wife, Senta Kirchhoff, every day, and being in that kind of environment—surrounded by people who consistently produce great horses with such a classical approach —has been invaluable. It’s given me the chance to absorb as much knowledge as possible, both in and out of the saddle."

Lilah Gibbs

23-year-old Lilah is the second of three riders making their FEI Championship debut, and brings forward Dude III to the team, who's been her dancing partner through the youth levels. 

How does it feel to be selected for this year’s Europeans? 

"It is super exciting to have been selected for the Europeans this year. Over the years we have come close on several occasion, so to finally be on the team, especially at U25s, feels like a huge achievement."

Tell us about the relationship between you and your horse? 

"I have had Dude for 11 years so we definitely know each other inside out and have a strong partnership heading into the championships."

What’s been the highlight of your season or your current partnership? 

"It would have to be achieving three top 3 placings at the CDI Lier earlier in the season."

Who is somebody you look up to and why? 

"Working with Sarah Millis, I have seen her dedication and passion for the horses and aspire to emulate her in the arena."

Charlotte Lutener

West Yorkshire-based Charlotte Lutener completes the line-up and makes her first European Championships appearance. Charlotte has been riding since the age of four and is a BDCC Level 2 qualified coach. 

How does it feel to be selected for this year’s Europeans? 

"It feels like a dream come true. Competing at the European Championships is something that I have had my sights on my whole career and we have worked hard to get to this stage, so I feel very proud to have been selected, and grateful to the selectors for this exciting opportunity on the team."

Tell us about the relationship between you and your horse? 

"Flo is the most kind and gentle horse. We have such a special partnership, and have grown together over the last 5 years progressing up to this level. She always tries so hard for me in training and competitions, but aside from this, our favourite pass time is hacking through the fields together - it’s my quiet time to plan ahead and look how far we have come."

What’s been the highlight of your season or your current partnership? 

"Certainly our selection onto the European team, but competing in Aachen for our first CDI abroad was very special. I think the anticipation this season has been quite exciting too, pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone and developing our results."

Who is somebody you look up to and why? 

"I look up to Becky (Moody) my trainer a lot, her dedication and work ethic is second to none, but also her kindness and time she shares with riders whilst achieving her own goals is so admirable. I also take lots of inspiration from many other athletes, I love reading about how they have overcome challenges and what stands them out to become the best."

Photo © Camille Peters / British Dressage (June 2025)