World Cup experience and podium success for British riders abroad

British riders continued to make their mark on the international stage last week, with Lewis Carrier producing two competitive performances in a top-class field at the FEI World Cup qualifier in Lyon, while Dubai-based amateur rider Jodi Boyce secured two runner-up finishes at CDI Abu Dhabi.

© Lewis Carrier and Diego V at CDI Lier Feb 2026 | Belgium Dressage Events

Lewis Carrier took to the World Cup stage with his beloved dancing partner Diego V (Spielberg x Welt Hit II) at CDI Lyon, France, where they posted two strong results among some exceptional company. Lewis and Deigo finished tenth in the Grand Prix on a final score of 69.022% in front of judges Raphaël Saleh (E – FRA), Marietta Almasy (H – FRA), Henning Lehrmann (C – GER), Christof Umback (E – LUX) and Sven Günter Rothenberger (B – NED). Belgium’s Justin Verboomen took the win with the sensational stallion Zonik Plus on 79.065%, Germany’s Isabell Werth finished third on Viva Gold OLD on 77.587%, and Belgium’s Larissa Pauluis finished third on Flambeau with 74.630%. Lewis, who often describes Diego as “one in a million”, went on to reflect on their test on social media, posting “It was a real privilege to kick off the World Cup season with Diego at such an amazing show. A solid GP test today with highlights in the piaffe and canter work. A costly loss of concentration in the first halt and walk tour led to us having to work our score back up as the test progressed, but I was really pleased with just shy of 69% and 10th place amongst the best in the world. There was not much splitting the sixth to tenth placings, and some lovely comments from the judges.”

In the Freestyle the following day, Lewis finished 11th with another strong score of 74.705%. Isabell Werth took to the top step of the podium with 87.890%, with Justin Verboomen finishing in second place with 85.810%. Larissa Pauluis once again claimed third place on a final score of 80.530% in front of judges Chrisof Umback (E – LUX), Sven Günter Rothenberger (H – NED), Raphaël Saleh (C – FRA), Henning Lehrmann (M – GER) and Marietta Almasy (B – FRA). Reflecting on his super results from the event, Lewis shared on social media that he was “Super proud of Diego today and every day! A smidge off 75% in the freestyle with some great work. There were a couple technical points we didn’t quite hit to get our complete degree of difficulty, but he’s none the wiser so that’s on me. A pretty clean test and Diego absolutely loved the crowd and atmosphere in the arena! He was all guns blazing out of the first halt which meant the passage work really lifted today.

“To compete alongside the very best combinations in the world is pretty incredible. We’re still striving to get better with each competition and to really achieve the marks I believe we can. It’s so cool to be able to compete in front of thousands of people to such fun Equidance music, aboard a horse who truly is one in a million. Thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters for making big trips like this possible!”

Over in the Middle East, Dubai-based British rider Jodi Boyce completed her third ever international event in the CDIAm at the Al Bahiya Equestrian Club in Abu Shabi. The CDI-Am classes provide an opportunity for non-industry earning amateur riders to gain international experience against their own at select shows; with the test levels differing depending on the tour level – bronze through to Diamond.

Jodi built on her experience from her first international competition earlier in the year, scoring 65.561% in the Junior Team competition, besting her previous score and leaving her second place. Jodi then went on to score 65.561% in the Junior Individual competition in front of judges Irina Maknami (H – PLE), Yuri Romanov (C – RUS) and Barbara Ardu (B – ITA).

Congratulations go to the riders, and to the grooms, owners and whole team involved as we look forward to the remaining international fixtures of 2026.

Results – top three and British riders

CDI-W Lyon

Thursday 29 October

World Cup Grand Prix

1. Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus, 79.065% (GER)

2. Isabell Werth and Viva Gold OLD, 77.587% (GER)

3. Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau, 74.630% (BEL)

10. Lewis Carrier and Diego V, 68.913% (GBR)

Friday 30 October

World Cup Grand Prix Freestyle to Music

1. Isabell Werth and Viva Gold OLD, 87.890% (GER)

2. Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus, 85.810% (GER)

3. Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau, 80.530% (BEL)

11. Lewis Carrier and Diego V, 74.705% (GBR)

FULL RESULTS

CDI Abu Dhabi

Friday 30 October

Am Junior Team Competition

1. Bianca Schütz and Kavallo, 69.242% (UAE)

2. Jodi Boyce and My Style T-a, 65.561% (GBR)

3. Ahmed Elshafei and Quanto Curo V/h Bloemenhof, 65.303% (EGY)

Sunday 31 October

Am Junior Individual Competition