A ‘tremendous milestone’ for the sport as team competition returns to top British venue
A Hickstead dressage Nations Cup leg is to return next year
The dressage Nations Cup will return to Hickstead in 2027 for the first time in eight years.
The CDIO3* team competition will run alongside the international and national classes, including the Dressage Masters series, at the Chart Stables International Dressage at Hickstead show (10-16 May 2027).
Aster Events stepped in to bring dressage back to Hickstead this year after the 2025 fixture was cancelled for financial reasons. Dressage legend Carl Hester sang the show’s praises in his latest exclusive H&H column.
Aster Events director Daniel Watson said the vision has always been to establish the show as “one of Europe’s premier dressage events”.
“Welcoming an FEI CDIO3* Nations Cup is a tremendous milestone, not only for Aster Events, but for British dressage as a whole,” he said.
“It will give riders the opportunity to represent their country on home soil, while offering spectators the chance to enjoy world-class international team competition at one of Britain’s most iconic equestrian venues.”
Hickstead has a long history as a dressage venue, as well as its world-renowned showjumping credentials.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Dressage at Hickstead was founded by international rider and trainer Dane Rawlins in 1993. It hosted national classes and an annual CDI, and was also home to the 2003 European Championships. From 2013 to 2019, it also held the British leg of the FEI Nations Cup series.
In 2020, lack of finances led to the end of Dressage at Hickstead in its previous form. It returned the following year and grew from a three-day Premier League show in 2021 to a six-day international fixture in 2024.
A spokesperson for Aster Events thanked all those whose “commitment continues to drive the event’s development”.
“Since assuming responsibility for the event, Aster Events has invested substantially in its growth, attracting leading international combinations, enhancing facilities and hospitality and building strong partnerships,” said the spokesperson.
“Following the success of the 2026 edition, the inclusion of a Nations Cup represents the next step in the event’s evolution.”
To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.