London – May 7th, 2025 – Horse & Country, the esteemed equestrian sports network, has unveiled the upcoming sixth installment of its popular reality show, All Star Academy. This season, the show will be filmed at the esteemed Hartpury Equine center, situated within the picturesque Hartpury University and Hartpury College campus in Gloucestershire. Adding to the excitement, premium equestrian brand Blackfort Equestrian will be the title sponsor for the 2025 series, coinciding with their fifth anniversary.
Blackfort Equestrian All Star Academy will showcase eight aspiring riders vying for the prestigious title of All Star Champion. In a first for the show, applications are open to contestants from the Republic of Ireland and mainland Europe, reflecting the network’s expanding international audience. Auditions are set to commence on May 12th, running through to June 16th. To streamline the process, Horse & Country has partnered with the online entry system, Horse Monkey, allowing hopefuls to submit audition videos directly through the platform.
Returning to host the Blackfort Equestrian All Star Academy are internet sensation Megan Elphick and H&C favorite Charlie Hutton. The duo will be supported by a lineup of celebrity riding talent guiding contestants through a series of challenges aimed at testing their skills, bravery, and the bond with their horses. Additionally, former contestant Tina Wallace, known as Life on the Left Rein, will provide backstage coverage and insights, while renowned dressage trainer Pammy Hutton will maintain order and discipline.
Anticipation is mounting for the audition video call, to be announced soon on H&C’s social media platforms. Prospective contestants are encouraged to start preparing their pitches early. Successful applicants will be introduced to the world during a live launch on social media in early September, with the series premiering on H&C’s streaming service, H&C+, later in the autumn.
Jonathan Rippon, H&C’s Director of Content, expressed his enthusiasm for reviving this iconic series in collaboration with Blackfort Equestrian. He teased viewers with promises of new and exhilarating challenges that will deliver the competitive edge and entertainment synonymous with the show.
Founder Molly Kaye of Blackfort Equestrian shared her excitement about joining the All Star Academy in 2025, coinciding with their milestone fifth year in business. Emphasizing the brand’s ethos of celebrating everyday equestrian experiences, Kaye highlighted the shared values with the All Star Academy. To mark the sponsorship and anniversary, a 15% flash discount was offered on their website for 24 hours as a token of appreciation to their loyal customers.
Equine Director Phillip Cheetham from Hartpury University and Hartpury College expressed their delight in hosting the All Stars Academy, emphasizing their commitment to lifelong learning and enhancing horsemanship. The partnership aligns with their dedication to improving equestrian skills for the benefit of horses, whether in competitive riding or nurturing relationships with these remarkable animals.
Produced by Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes’ company, Harkaway Media, the Blackfort Equestrian All Star Academy promises to deliver another captivating season for equestrian enthusiasts. To catch the action, viewers are encouraged to sign up for H&C+ membership, with affordable annual and monthly payment options available.
With its global reach and diverse programming, Horse & Country continues to cater to the passionate equestrian community worldwide. Through its live coverage, training shows, documentaries, and entertainment offerings, the network remains a premier destination for equestrian enthusiasts seeking top-notch content.
Blackfort Equestrian, recognized for its modern and performance-driven equestrian apparel, has garnered a loyal following for its stylish and functional designs. Named after Molly Kaye’s horse, Blackfort Boss, the brand’s focus on quality and performance has resonated with amateur and professional riders alike, establishing a strong presence in the UK and beyond.