Something a little different: 6 events you really need to check out
If you want to try something different with your horse or pony, take a look at this range of competitions and training opportunities on offer
Jump Xpress
Date: 19 August
Venue: Longlands Livery, Alvechurch
Details: “An exciting jumping competition comprising of eight showjumps, followed by a style fence, followed by a course of natural fences around the show field. Rosettes to sixth and rosette for highest placed junior in each class. Classes include 50-60cm, 65-75cm and pairs.”
Horse and rider pamper day
Date: 19 August
Venue: Lady Luck Equestrian, Insch
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Details: “Bring your horse along and enjoy the relaxing experience that is Lady Luck Equestrian. While Tara Forrest works her magic on your horse, Claire from Omnia Health will assess and treat you in a warm and delightfully scented room.”
Senior training day
Date: 21 August
Venue: Beaver Hall, Leek
Details: “Everyone is welcome into our very friendly relaxed atmosphere. Designed for all abilities, from absolute beginners, riders just wanting to improve or just for confidence building. A programme will be worked out to suit your ability and needs. Activities can include flatwork, pole and grid work, improving rhythm, balance, dressage test riding, or anything else you’d like to practice. The aim is to provide you and your horse with a day of intensive training while giving you the opportunity to meet other riders with the same passion.”
Dressage training
Date: 22 August
Venue: Capricorn Equestrian Centre, Dartford
Details: “Would you like to try and improve your dressage score or have a chance to practice a dressage test under more informal conditions? Our dressage training days are a chance for you to ride a test in front of a judge, then have 20 minutes to work on and discuss your test before re-riding it. These sessions allow you to have 30 minutes in total. You will receive your before and after scored test sheets. The score with the largest increase will be the winner. These are informal training days and so competition wear is not necessary.”
Polework clinic
Date: 26 August
Venue: Speedgate Farm, Longfield
Details: “Specialising in dressage and flatwork, Julia Buckle offers teaching for all ages from novice to advanced. She is kind and sympathetic in her approach, making her a popular choice for riders and horses that are lacking in confidence or experience. These clinics are looking for more suppleness in their flatwork and wanting to learn new exercises to help your horse to become more supple and round. They are also a useful tool for you to learn new exercises to give you more variety to your schooling.”
Charity JumpCross
Date: 27 August
Venue: Aldeby JumpCross, Beccles
Details: “A wide range of classes available from minis over a shortened course to 3ft9 seniors.”
Visit equo.co.uk for full competition and training listings
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
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.