Behind The Barn: 4* vs 5* Explained

April 21, 2026

What’s the difference between riding in the 4* vs. 5*?


On paper, it may seem like just one more star, but it’s a whole lot more than that! In this episode of Behind The Barn, the riders break down the difference! Watch the episode below. 

 

This episode is brought to you by Stressless Horse Supplement.


August 28, 2026
Great Britain’s David Doel has steadily established himself as one of eventing’s most consistent competitors at the five-star level, building an impressive international record highlighted by podium finishes on both sides of the Atlantic. Doel’s eventing career began with the Avon Vale Pony Club, where he regularly competed on teams at the championship level. He went on to progress through the Junior and Young Rider ranks, earning team gold, silver and bronze medals, as well as an individual bronze. In 2014, he stepped onto the senior international stage with his Nations Cup debut and was awarded the Goldman Cup as the best Under-21 rider of the season. Doel made his five-star debut at Pau in 2018 and has remained a regular competitor at the level ever since. Much of that success has come alongside his longtime partner, Galileo Nieuwmoed . The pair made their Badminton Horse Trials debut in 2022, finishing sixth, before adding a fourth-place finish at Pau later that year. Since then, Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed have continued to prove their consistency at the highest level, finishing inside the top ten at every five-star event they have completed together.
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