School’s out! 7 competitions you need to check out this half-term
If you want to make the most of the February half-term, take a look at this great selection of competitions on offer to suit a wide range of abilities.
British Showjumping
Date: 15 February
Venue: Hill House Equestrian, Market Rasen
Details: “Classes from 70cm clear round to 1.30m open.”
Arena cross-country training
Date: 16 February
Venue: Laughton Manor, Sleaford
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Details: “We will split the day into different heights,so you go as high as you feel confident or try a bit higher with training from Sarah Raw. The training is part of the fee, which will be £15 for three rounds, which can be taken at one height or split over three different heights. The day will be split into three classes with class one being fences of 40-50cm, 60-70cm and 80-90cm. Each class will run for a maximum of two hours. You may enter as many times as you like. Normal cross-country safety equipment must be worn.”
Clear round showjumping
Date: 16 February
Venue: Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester
Details: “From 5pm-7.30pm with heights ranging from 2′ to 3′ and above for £4 per round.”
Valentine showing show
Date: 16 February
Venue: Keysoe, Bedfordshire
Details: “A huge range of classes available including unaffiliated open classes, BSPS/P(UK) qualifiers and P(UK) Dalkeith young riders classes (Royal International Horse Show qualifier). There are goody bags and sashes on offer, with all rings on a surface and a restaurant on site.”
Unaffiliated combined training
Date: 17 February
Venue: Moreton Equestrian Centre, Dorchester
Details: “Classes from intro dressage test with 45cm showjumping to novice dressage with 90cm showjumping with plenty of options in between.”
Showjump schooling at Hickstead
Date: 17 February
Venue: Hickstead Showground, Haywards Heath
Details: “Book your 60-minute schooling session in ring four at Hickstead Showground.”
Evening dressage
Date: 17 February
Venue: Mullacott Event Centre, Illfracombe
Details: “Classes from intro to elementary in fully lit all-weather arenas.”
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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.