A championship amateur dressage riders can’t afford to miss
The Midway Championships (27-28 August) is a dressage show with a difference. Here’s what you need to know and why you should get involved.
What is it?
The Midway Championships take place at Hartpury College, Glos, and incorporate a gala evening of dressage to music classes. The show aims to give keen amateurs a platform on which to shine, and which has the feel of a major international event. Open to those riders who don’t own and compete a number of horses at the lower dressage levels, and those who only have one horse to compete at the higher levels, riders will not find themselves up against Olympians, but can expect to experience what they do at a championship — and enviable prize money, too.
Who can enter?
Novice to advanced medium classes are open to any rider who has competed two or fewer horses at any level in BD competitions since 1 June 2016 and who has not competed at a CDI since 1 January 2010.
PSG, intermediare I and the combined intermediare II and grand prix classes are open to riders who have competed any number of horses in BD competitions from prelim to advanced medium but who have only competed a maximum of one horse at PSG or higher levels in BD or FEI competitions since 1 June 2016.
For full rules and eligibility regulations click here
Take part in the gala music evening
In addition to straight classes running from novice to a combined intermediare II and grand prix levels, there is also the Midway Music Championships, which will be held as a gala-style evening on the Saturday night. The good news? Anyone who has entered the standard Midway Championships is eligible at the same level for the music championships.
How do I enter?
With Equo, entering is quick and super-easy. You can also pay for hook-up, stabling and shavings in advance, too.
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Find out more about entering this event here
What do I win?
First prizes start from a whopping £150 per class. Rosettes will be awarded to 10th place. Prizes for the music championship include a turnout pen, sports massage sessions, and a made to measure handmade snaffle bridle and luxury rug.
Where is it?
Hartpury Equestrian Centre, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BE
How do I qualify?
Qualifications must be achieved as a combination to enter at each level with a pre-determined score and a set number of those scores. Classes entered hors concurs, BYRDS, para and freestyle classes cannot be used as qualifying scores). Team Quest and My Quest scores can be used. Scores must be obtained in the period from 1 December 2015 to the closing date of the show.
Full qualification details can be found here
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Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.