Izzy Taylor to Compete at Pau Horse Trials in October
The British rider returns to major international competition following a leg injury earlier this year.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Equestrian
After suffering a broken leg in March 2026, equestrian Izzy Taylor is set to compete at the Pau Horse Trials. The event is scheduled to take place from October 22 to October 25, 2026.
Why it matters
The appearance marks a significant return for Taylor to the five-star level, demonstrating her recovery progress while balancing the demands of high-level competition and ongoing physical rehabilitation.
Taylor recently competed with 5 horses at Little Downham, where she also secured a victory in the CCI4*-S section E. Her mount Barrington Alice previously won the six-year-old final at the 2023 World Championships.
The players
Izzy Taylor
She is a professional British equestrian who specializes in three-day eventing at the international level.
Barrington Alice
This horse is a top-level eventing mount that notably won the six-year-old final at the 2023 World Championships.
SBH Big Wall
This horse is an experienced eventing competitor currently campaigned by Izzy Taylor at the CCI4* level.
The details
Taylor regained her eligibility for the Pau Horse Trials by participating in recent events at Little Downham, where she also placed fifth with Barrington Alice and third with SBH Big Wall. She successfully returned to competition on July 4, 2026, after taking a three-month break following a schooling fall.
Timeline
March 2026: Izzy Taylor broke her leg in a schooling fall.
July 4, 2026: Izzy Taylor returned to professional competition.
October 7, 2026: Izzy Taylor won at Little Downham.
October 22-25, 2026: Pau Horse Trials competition.
Season Trajectory
Taylor's entry into the Pau Horse Trials reintegrates her into the highest level of the global eventing circuit after her mid-season absence. This appearance is pivotal for her standing in the international rankings heading into the winter training phase.
Taylor's performance at Pau will serve as a key metric for her recovery's efficacy under competitive pressure. Her ability to manage multiple horses at the CCI4* level recently suggests she has returned to full form for the upcoming five-star challenges.
The takeaway
Taylor demonstrates that consistency remains possible despite significant physical setbacks when paired with rigorous, phased rehabilitation. Her return highlights the importance of strategic competition management when preparing for elite horse trials.
Further reading
For more on upcoming major international events, see the latest coverage in Equestrian.
