Dog leg lines are frequently used by showjumping course builders and they can be challenging to ride correctly.

Here’s some helpful pointers from Irish international showjumper, David Simpson (pictured), who trained and produced young horses for Shane Breen for seven years, won the Queen’s Cup at Hickstead in 2016 and the Olympia Puissance in 2014.

1. The key to any dog leg is to break it down into two straight lines i.e you would break a seven stride distance into three and four — three strides moving away from the first fence on the line and then four strides until take off for the second fence in the line.

2. Stay centre to centre of each fence. A course builder designs the line to be jumped best from centre to centre, so follow this rule and it will give you the best chance of clearing both obstacles.

3. Entry to the dog leg is important. Don’t be worrying about the line until you have jumped the jump into the line. The dog leg is designed to distract you into making a mistake on the way in.

4. The jump at the end of the dog leg is equally as important. This will determine how you ride the line. For example, to a double of verticals you would always try to add a stride to create more balance, whereas if you’re riding to an oxer you would be keen to not add and have more impulsion.

5. Know your horse’s strengths — no two horses are the same (some have a long stride, others short, some are naturally quick, others will struggle with the time allowed). So when you make your plan to ride a dog leg, consider the horse you are on and adapt accordingly.

Now you’ve got that advice in mind, take a look at these showjumping competitions available to enter where you can showcase what you’ve learnt…

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 21 March

Venue: Forest Edge Arena, Swaffham

Details: “This show features a range of classes from clear round and 50cm to 1.05m.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 21 March

Venue: Moulton College, Northampton

Details: “This event features a range of classes from 50cm up to 90cm.”

Enter now

British Showjumping

Date: 22 March

Venue: Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester

Details: “This event features a range of classes from a clear round and British Novice up to a 1.30m open.”

Enter now

Weekday morning unaffiliated jumping

Date: 24 March

Venue: Tumpy Green Equestrian Centre, Cam

Details: “This event offers classes ranging from 40cm to 1m.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 28 March

Venue: Cobham Manor Equestrian Centre, Maidstone

Details: “This unaffiliated show has classes from 50cm up to 1m, plus a 40cm clear round.”

Enter now

Open Showjumping

Date: 4 April

Venue: Inchcoonans Competition & Livery Yard, Errol

Details: “This show has classes from 45cm up to 1.05m, with Trailblazers qualifiers plus clear rounds at 35cm and 1.10m.”

Enter now

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Do you seem to find yourself more often than not, taking off too early or perhaps getting too close to a fence?

Here’s some helpful pointers from Irish international showjumper, David Simpson (pictured), who trained and produced young horses for Shane Breen for seven years, won the Queen’s Cup at Hickstead in 2016 and the Olympia Puissance in 2014.

• The most important thing is a good canter — if you don’t have this, it makes it harder to achieve a good distance and then a good jump
• You must have control in the canter from the turn — you need to be able to adjust the canter easily either shortening or extending the stride, which comes from a plenty of flatwork practice
• A relaxed horse and rider is key — a lot of riders get nervous about achieving the perfect distance and pass this feeling on to the horse, leading to an erratic canter and making it harder to execute.
• Always look early on to where you are going — your eye will naturally put you roughly at a good distance so trust what you are looking at.
• Ride a correct corner, which should be as close to a right angle as possible — if you cut this, you will end up closer than you planned from the turn and likewise if you overshoot the turn you will end up further away or being forced to add in an extra stride.
• Be confident in what you are doing. Remember a horse’s stride is only four yards long, so even if you are the worst possible distance you are only two yards away from the perfect one. Normally you turn with a maximum of 16 yards from the take-off, so even if your flatwork isn’t strong, it should be possible to add or remove those two yards.

A useful exercise to try

David says: “A good simple exercise to help with this is to set up two poles on the ground 24 yards apart, which should be a slightly forward five strides. Come through this on both reins twice on five strides, then come round on each rein on six strides. Count in your head and be strict with yourself. This will teach your horse how to be adjustable and train yourself as a rider to trust your natural eye and be confident in what you see.”

Now you’ve got that advice in mind, take a look at these showjumping competitions available to enter where you can showcase seeing the perfect stride…

Nervous & novice unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 7 March

Venue: Milton Equestrian Centre, Worksop

Details: “This event has classes ranging between 35cm and 95cm with junior and senior sections.”

Enter now

British Showjumping

Date: 7-8 March

Venue: Muirmill Equestrian Centre, Kilmarnock

Details: “This show features a range of classes from 90cm to 1.30m.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 8 March

Venue: Fenland Equestrian Centre, Wisbech

Details: “This event has classes from 40cm up to 1.10m.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 14 March

Venue: Rein and Shine Equestrian Centre, near Swindon

Details: “This show has classes ranging from 30-35cm up to 1m.”

Enter now

British Showjumping

Date: 18 March

Venue: Keysoe, Bedford

Details: “This event has classes from 90cm up to 1.40m.”

Enter now

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Ahead of the start of the season this weekend, if you are going eventing, you will need to ride across country at a certain speed in order to achieve the optimum time. But how do you do it? How can you ensure you and your horse are travelling neither too slow nor too fast?

Here’s some helpful pointers from New Zealand international event rider, Jesse Campbell (pictured), who has several four- and five-star completions to his name:

1. Keep a good rhythm, being smooth on your approaches and riding tight lines is the foundation of achieving the time cross-country.

2. Walking your course effectively is key. Make sure you know where the more intense areas are, so you know whether you need to look to make up time elsewhere on the course.

3. Always know the optimum speed (metres per minute, mpm) of the level of competition you are doing — this will tell you the speed you should be aiming for.

4. Where you can, make sure you wheel the course and take note of where your minute markers are.

5. Wearing a stopwatch can be a helpful tool, but you need to know the rhythm you need to be in first. With our working pupils we practice wearing a watch at home and getting an idea of the pace they need to be at over a set distance.

6. Having good feel and interfering with your horse as little as possible fundamentally allows for the correct balance and rhythm when tackling a cross-country course. If you can achieve this within the correct pace, these are all the key ingredients for getting within the optimum time.

Now you’ve got that advice in mind, take a look at these eventing competitions available to enter where you can put this advice into practice…

One-day event

Date: 22 March

Venue: Tumpy Green Equestrian Centre, Cam

Details: “This event starts at 20-30cm and goes up to a maximum height of 85cm.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated and NSEA one-day event

Date: 5 April

Venue: Moreton Equestrian Centre, Dorchester

Details: “This competition has classes from 60cm to 80cm.”

Enter now

One-day event

Date: 12 April

Venue: Foresterseat Cross Country, Perth

Details: “This event has classes ranging from 50cm to 1.10m with qualifiers for the Connemara Eventing series too.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated one-day event

Date: 10 May

Venue: Forgadenny, Perth

Details: “This open Pony Club event has classes from 80-85cm to 1.10-1.15m.”

Enter now

One-day event

Date: 14 June

Venue: Gloucester Lodge Farm, Blyth

Details: “This open event features classes ranging from 60cm up to 90cm with a hunter trial too.”

Enter now

Mini one-day event

Date: 28 June

Venue: Rein and Shine Equestrian Centre, Wiltshire

Details: “This event has classes ranging between 60cm up to 90cm.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated one-day event

Date: 2 August

Venue: Urchinwood Manor Riding and Event Centre, Bristol

Details: “This event features classes from 50cm to 90cm.”

Enter now

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Creating and maintaining a good walk in a dressage test is sometimes easier said than done. Five-star event rider Georgie Strang has some helpful advice on how to achieve a good, relaxed but active walk. Then, don’t miss our selection of competitions for you to showcase what you’ve learnt…

1. Practise — It is important a horse learns to stretch and relax in walk at home first — even out hacking you want to teach them to take the rein forward and down, so when you get into a competition environment they are used to the feeling.

2. Leg — Keep your leg on — if your horse jogs, do not take the leg off as they can learn to use this as an evasion.

3. Relax — Stay relaxed and soft. Try to move your hips with the movement of the horse.

4. Take it steady — Ease out the rein gradually so the horse doesn’t suddenly feel insecure. When collecting the reins back up, make sure you also do this steadily.

5. Encourage — Practice at home by using your voice and giving your horse a pat and scratch on the neck.

6. Variety — When training, vary the movement after you have collected the rein, so you horse doesn’t always anticipate walk to trot or canter, and they wait on your aids.

Now you’ve got that advice in mind, take a look at these events and competitions available to enter where you can show off what you’ve learnt…

Unaffiliated fun dressage

Date: 22 February

Venue: High Plains Equestrian Centre, Riding Mill

Details: “This evening competition has classes from intro to novice. Entries are resticted in each class so everyone will win a rosette.”

Enter now

British Dressage including affiliated dressage to music

Date: 22 February

Venue: Cobham Manor Equestrian Centre, Maidstone

Details: “This affiliated competition has classes ranging between prelim and elementary with an unaffiliated pick your own long arena class too.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 23 February

Venue: Centyfield Eventing & Dressage Academy, Exeter

Details: “This competition has classes ranging between intro and elementary.”

Enter now

S

Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 23 February

Venue: Fenland Equestrian Centre, Wisbech

Details: “This unaffiliated competition features classes ranging between intro and elementary.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated evening dressage

Date: 25 February

Venue: Moulton College Equestrian Centre, Northampton

Details: “This competition has classes ranging between intro and novice.”

Enter now

British Dressage

Date: 26 February

Venue: Alnwick Ford Equestrian, Morpeth

Details: “This affiliated competition has classes ranging between prelim and inter II.”

Enter now

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

Here’s some great advice on how to ride a perfect square halt on your horse or pony from five-star event rider Coral Keen

1. When you first start introducing halts, it is important to remember that the most vital part within this movement is for the horse to stand still and be submissive. Initially you do not want to be making too many adjustments trying to make the halt square, as this can lead to the horse fidgeting within the halt and it becomes an issue. Once they are happy and immobile in the halt, then think about the squareness.

2. When you start training halts it is fine for them to be a bit progressive. Start with walk to halt first and then move on to trot, halt, reducing the walk steps gradually. Don’t expect it to be too direct. Allowing your horse time in the movement initially will also help them to develop the feeling of positioning themselves into a square halt.

3. The quality of the walk or trot before you halt is vital. Your horse needs to be active, so when you collect and prepare for halt they do not drop off behind the leg. You need to keep the impulsion and the hind leg working underneath your horse as this then helps their hind quarters to be square and not trialling behind. Remember, as with any downward transition, it is a forward movement and you need to ride forward into the halt.

4. Straightness is key. Practise riding squares instead of circles to test your straightness. Also ride halt transitions on the square after a turn. The turn will help position the hind leg in the correct place to ask for a square halt.

5. Your balance and position as a rider will contribute towards a good halt. The aid for halt would be to step into the heel, sit really nice and tall and deep in the saddle and let everything go down through your stirrups, remembering to look up and ahead and not down.

6. Once your horse is ready for adjustments within the halt, use your leg for whichever leg your horse is trialling behind. So, if it is the left side hind, use your left leg and if it is the right side, use your right leg. Correct the horse by making them take one small step. Try to keep hold of the rein, use the leg on that side and make them stand square. When the horse reacts to this, even if it is not the perfect halt, praise them for a positive response. The horse will then start to learn that when he comes into the halt, he needs to move his legs and position himself to be square.

Now you’ve got that advice in mind, take a look at these dressage competitions available to enter where you can show off what you’ve learnt…

British Dressage

Date: 15 February

Venue: Alnwick Ford Equestrian, Morpeth

Details: “This affiliated competition features classes from prelim to inter I.”

Enter now

Affiliated and unaffiliated dressage

Date: 15 February

Venue: Ladyleys, Oldmeldrum

Details: “This unaffiliated and British Dressage show includes classes ranging from intro to advanced medium, with freestyle to music classes too.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 16 February

Venue: Mullacott Event Centre, Ilfracombe

Details: “This unaffiliated competition features classes ranging between into and elementary.”

Enter now

Mid-week dressage

Date: 18 February

Venue: Reaseheath College, Nantwich

Details: “This unaffiliated show, starting at 5pm, has classes from intro to elementary.”

Enter now

Evening dressage

Date: 21 February

Venue: Urchinwood Manor Equestrian Centre, Bristol

Details: “This unaffiliated show has classes from intro to elementary.”

Enter now

British Dressage

Date: 22 February

Venue: Highfield Equestrian at Howe, Cupar

Details: “This affiliated competition includes classes from intro up to medium with a range of qualifiers and freestyle to music classes too.”

Enter now

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

Are you looking to be ultra-competitive while out showjumping? Here, Kirstie Leightley (pictured), an international showjumper who is based with top rider Guy Williams in France, shares her top tips on how to be unbeatable in a jump-off…

1. Know your horse — Not all horses are the same, in fact, far from it. When considering your lines and distances in a jump-off you must do so with your horse in mind. Some horses are easy to open up and lengthen on a wider line, whereas others have a shorter stride so can take the tighter lines but may need to add a stride to a distance. If you get the chance, watch competitors before you jump — try watching a horse that rides in a similar way to yours so that you can mirror and perfect their round.

2. Rhythm — Often riders make the mistake of stepping up the pace in the jump-off and then slow down when making tight turns, before pushing on again and so on. This way of riding actually slows you up in the long term. Ring craft is key and something that develops through experience and learning from the masters of our sport. When you watch the fastest riders in the world, they set off at a pace they can maintain; keeping smooth and looking effortless.

3. Know your plan — This is key before you enter the ring. Once you’ve jumped the initial round, you need to study the jump-off plan carefully. Guy always takes me into the ring to go through the plan so that we can look at the lines and see the distances we take. When we do this, we are always bearing in mind whether we’re turning up to a wide oxer that needs room, or to a vertical with a tighter line needed to set up the next fence. Decisions you make about your routes should be determined from how your initial round rode.

4. Control — Jump-offs are designed to test this — roll backs and options to take strides out mean you need to be in control and in harmony with your horse. Although you will be riding at an increased pace, you need to be able to adjust this dependent on the type of fence. In the ring you wouldn’t want to ride to a plank the same as you ride an oxer. While keeping it smooth you must respect each fence and adjust to them all, keeping in perfect balance to give your horse the best chance of jumping it. Training at home is essential, using the same aids you want to use in the ring.

5. Build for the future — Often as a young rider you can get carried away with always wanting to win. While winning is the ultimate goal, sometimes you have to consider which classes will suit your horse and whether the horse is going in the ring to build experience for the future. Top riders will plan their year and competitions to suit the horse. Many will take the first day as training to increase their chances of performing at their best for the class their horse is aimed at. Sometimes the right decision can be not to compete in a jump-off — if it doesn’t benefit the horse’s jumping then it can be wise to save them for another day.

Now you’ve got that advice in mind, take a look at these showjumping competitions available to enter where you can show off what you’ve learnt…

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 9 February

Venue: Mullacott Event Centre, Ilfracombe

Details: “This unaffiliated competition features classes from cross poles up to 1m and also incorporates a range of qualifiers and an accumulator class too.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 9 February

Venue: Moulton College Equestrian Centre, Northampton

Details: “This unaffiliated competition has classes ranging between 50cm and 90cm.”

Enter now

British Showjumping

Date: 9 February

Venue: Alnwick Ford Equestrian, Morpeth

Details: “This affiliated competition features classes ranging between 1.15m up to 1.30m, with Highland Show qualifiers too.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 15 February

Venue: Highfield Equestrian at Howe, Cupar

Details: “This unaffiliated competition has classes from cross-pole clear round and 45cm up to 1.05m.”

Enter now

British Showjumping

Date: 15 February

Venue: Dorset Showground, Gillingham

Details: “This affiliated competition includes classes from clear round and 80cm up to 1.25m.”

Enter now

British Showjumping

Date: 23 February

Venue: Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester

Details: “This affiliated competition has classes from clear round and British Novice up to 1.30m.”

Enter now

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

Here’s some helpful pointers from five-star international event rider, Kate Honey, about how you can school your horse effectively even if you don’t have access to an all-weather arena

Not having an arena can seem like a daunting prospect in terms of schooling work. However, with a bit of time and imagination you can create lots of different options which in turn will make your horse use to a variety of situations.

1. Road work — if you horse is safe to hack out on the roads, you can look to incorporate some simple schooling exercises into this once they are warmed up. Such as doing lengthening and shortening in your walk and trot work. This can work especially well if you have a good hill to really engage the hind quarters. However, always remember to be wary of your surroundings and to respect other road users.

2. Hacking — in Lambourn we are lucky to have some great off-road hacking and with all the horses I will practice movements like transitions, leg yield, shoulder-in and centre lines as well as giving them some downtime to relax. We find it really beneficial to give the horses variety in their schooling work, so when we get to an event they have learnt to focus in all situations, not just in the arena. This can also link to your jumping. If on your hacking routes there are little logs or even ditches it can really benefit some horses (perhaps if they have gone a bit behind the leg) to do something different, if the ground permits.

3. Local gallops — if there are any local gallops or canter tracks nearby, remember these don’t have to be used just for fast work. They can be a great alternative good ground option to school your horse on, as long as they are available and your horse will settle.

4. Clinic and lessons — use not having an arena as an excuse to book on for some clinics or lessons. This will be good to get your horse out and about to different places and it is always beneficial to have another pair of eyes on the ground.

5. Weather permitting — when the weather and ground permits, we put up a make-shift arena in a paddock. It is essential for our eventers to get some practice schooling on grass and to work in an area without arena sides.

Now you’ve got that advice in mind, take a look at these competitions available to enter where you can put this advice into practice…

Unaffiliated fun dressage

Date: 25 January

Venue: High Plains Equestrian Centre, Riding Mill

Details: “This event has classes ranging from intro to novice. Classes are restricted so that everyone will win a rosette.”

Enter now

British Showjumping

Date: 25 January

Venue: Keysoe, Bedfordshire

Details: “This affiliated competition has a range of classes from British Novice/90cm up to 1.40m.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 26 January

Venue: Moreton Equestrian Centre, Dorchester

Details: “This competition has classes from 50cm up to 1.15-1.20m with pony and horse sections.”

Enter now

Arena eventing

Date: 26 January

Venue: Todburn Equestrian Centre, Morpeth

Details: “This event features classes from 55cm up to 90cm with British Eventing dressage tests.”

Enter now

British Dressage

Date: 1 February

Venue: Reaseheath College, Nantwich

Details: “This affiliated competition has a range of classes from prelim to prix st georges.”

Enter now

Ridden and in-hand showing show

Date: 2 February

Venue: Holmside Hall Equestrian, Durham

Details: “This unaffiliated show has a range of classes from tack and turnout for children aged 10 and under to Equifest qualifiers for more seasoned competitors.”

Enter now

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

With the 2019 eventing season now all but a distant memory, if you want to get an upper hand on your performance in 2020, you need to start working on it well in advance.

Here’s some helpful pointers on how you can best prepare over the off-season months from New Zealand international event rider, Jesse Campbell (pictured), who has several four- and five-star completions to his name:

1. Make a plan. Work back from your main goal, for example a CCI2-L*, and plan your events and gallops accordingly.

2. Gently build your horse’s fitness using a variety of surfaces when hacking. This helps condition the horse’s body for the upcoming season.

3. If you’re training a new skill (rein back, flying changes etc), then work on this as early as you can so that it is established by the time you need to execute it in competition.

4. Get some lessons. Training with professionals in the winter will not only help improve you, but your trainer will also get to know you and your horse better during this time.

5. Go to some dressage and show jumping competitions. This will help horses relax and as a rider you can try new things without it being the pressure of a British Eventing event.

Now you’ve got that advice in mind, take a look at these pre-eventing season competitions available to enter where you can put this advice into practice…

Arena eventing clinic

Date: 11 January

Venue: Downe Farm Event Centre, Devon

Details: “This clinic is perfect for either first-timers or those preparing for the eventing season ahead. Group sessions are available over heights ranging between 70am and 1m+.”

Enter now

Arena eventing

Date: 11 January

Venue: Beaver Hall, Leek

Details: “This involves a showjumping course followed by a timed cross-country section. The winner will be the horse with the least penalty score, closest to the optimum time. Heights range from 30/45cm with no back rails up to 90/95cm”

Enter now

Introduction to cross-country

Date: 11 January

Venue: Cottingham Equestrian Centre, Cottingham

Details: “Held in our indoor arena, we have a lovely range of working hunter style fences from 50cm upwards. This clinic is specifically centred around riders new to cross-country, and nervous and novice combinations. It is also perfect for green or young horses. Sessions will be help in groups of three riders in one hour slots.”

Enter now

Jeanette Brakewell cross-country clinic

Date: 12 January

Venue: Field House, Staffordshire

Details: “This clinic is one not to miss with the prolific five-star and Championship event rider.”

Enter now

Arena event training

Date: 18 January

Venue: Greenfields of Avondale, Scotland

Details: “This training is offered to either individuals or groups over poles and portable cross-country fences. Suitable for all levels.”

Enter now

Winter one-day event

Date: 26 January

Venue: Tumpy Green Equestrian, Cam

Details: “This event, run on an all-weather surface, offers class from 20-30cm (may be assisted) up to 85cm.”

Enter now

Pre-season three-phase speedy event and combined training

Date: 23 February

Venue: Quainton Stud, Buckinghamshire

Details: “Get ahead of the game this event season with this all-new two-phase (showjumping and cross-country), three-phase (dressage, showjumping and cross-country) and combined training (dressage and showjumping). Dressage and showjumping on all-weather surfaces, with cross-country on well-maintained, great draining grass land with all-weather take-off and landings, including ditches, steps, mounds and a water complex. For the two-phase and three-phase competitions the cross-country course will consist of a minimum of 10 fences.”

Enter now

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Here’s some great advice on how to encourage your horse to be more uphill in his way of going from grand prix dressage rider and trainer Kate Cowell (pictured)

What does ‘uphill’ mean?

The six scales of training are rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness and lastly collection. The beginning of collection is where the rider can influence the horse’s balance, enabling more weight to be taken into the hindquarters, which in effect lightens the forehand making the horse more ‘uphill’.

Young horses will initially carry the rider’s weight on their shoulders and through the scales of training and consequent muscle development over time, it transforms a ‘green’ ride to a more advanced, athletic ride where the horse is able to lower and engage its hindlegs. The horse will be more enjoyable to ride as he will have more self-carriage, and this will positively influence aspects such as your horse having less reliance on the rider’s hands. The manipulation of balance also makes the horse more elastic and supple which develops the paces.

What exercises can help?

Development of the half halt — this is the coordination of seat, leg and hands. Transitions in and out of the pace, and within the pace can develop the half halt. With training, the half halt should become almost invisible.

With a young horse, a transition into halt or lengthened canter into working canter begins as the first stepping stone to collection.

In a more advanced horse, the level of collection can be seen in piaffe or canter pirouettes.

Lateral work — this encourages engagement of the hindlegs and consequently improved balance. Basic lateral work can begin with leg yielding, particularly down the long side with shoulders on the wall and quarters-in. This can develop into shoulder-in, travers, renvers, half pass.

For the horse to develop a more uphill tendency, the rider needs to be well balanced with good core stability and elasticity with independent seat, legs and hands and all tension-free.

Now you’ve got that advice in mind, take a look at these dressage competitions available to enter where you can show off what you’ve learnt…

Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 4 January

Venue: Oaklands College, St Alban’s

Details: “This competition features classes from walk and trot to elementary, plus a pick your own section.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 4 January

Venue: Reaseheath College, Nantwich

Details: “This unaffiliated competition has classes from intro to elementary.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated weekday morning dressage

Date: 8 January

Venue: Tumpy Green Equestrian Centre, Cam

Details: “This competition has classes ranging from intro to elementary.”

Enter now

British Dressage

Date: 9 January

Venue: Filed House, Staffordshire

Details: “This affiliated show has classes from prelim to advanced medium.”

Enter now

Winter dressage series

Date: 12 January

Venue: Leamside Equestrian, Houghton Le Spring

Details: “This competition features unaffiliated classes from intro up to medium.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 12 January

Venue: Inchcoonans Competition & Livery Yard, Errol

Details: “This competition includes classes from intro up to advanced medium.”

Enter now

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

It can often mean make or break in a showjumping class, but the question is: how do you win a jump-off?

Here’s some helpful pointers from Irish international showjumper, David Simpson, who trained and produced young horses for Shane Breen for seven years, won the Queen’s Cup at Hickstead in 2016 and the Olympia Puissance in 2014.

1. On average a horse’s stride takes half a second, so always make a plan that takes the shortest route. This may sound obvious but sometimes it looks faster to gallop a longer distance, but if this means going two strides wider on the next line, you will be adding a second onto your time.

2. Keep it smooth — smooth is always faster.

3. Know your horse’s weaknesses and strengths, this will help you figure out which part of the course will be better suited for you to go faster.

4. Always start in a good rhythm — there is always half a second to be saved between going through the start and taking off for the first fence.

5. Know your competition. People can surprise you, but if you judge how your competitors normally go in a jump off, it can save you from taking unnecessary risks.

6. Finally, and in my opinion key for your horse and ensuring consistent results, make a plan for the best round your horse can do and execute it. You might not win every time, but it will mean your horse will still be on top form the next day. It is much better to be consistently in the top placings than to ride frantically for the win and spend the next five rounds bringing your horse back jumping nicely.

Now you’ve got that advice in mind, take a look at these showjumping competitions available to enter where you can go for that winning jump-off round…

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 28 December

Venue: Cobham Manor Equestrian Centre, Maidstone

Details: “This event features a range of classes from 60cm-1m with a range of clear round heights on offer too.”

Enter now

British Showjumping

Date: 4 January

Venue: Keysoe, Bedford

Details: “This affiliated show has classes from 90cm up to a 1.30m open.”

Enter now

Winter showjumping

Date: 5 January

Venue: Alnwick Ford Equestrian, Morpeth

Details: “This unaffiliated show has classes from 50cm to 1.20m.”

Enter now

Winter showjumping

Date: 11 January

Venue: Inchcoonans Competition & Livery Yard, Errol

Details: “This show features a clear round at 35cm plus classes ranging between 45cm and 1.10m with a range some Trailblazers qualifiers.”

Enter now

British Showjumping

Date: 11-12 January

Venue: Onley Grounds Equestrian Complex, Rugby

Details: “This event offers classes ranging from 85cm up to 1.30m.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 11 January

Venue: Moulton College Equestrian Centre, Northampton

Details: “This show fhas classes ranging from 50cm up to 90cm.”

Enter now

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

Competing is nerve-wracking enough without your horse deciding every marker and fleck of arena is utterly terrifying. So here are some great pointers from five-star eventer Kate Honey (pictured) to help you tackle spookiness with your horse in the arena…

1. Get your horse used to working with other horses around.

2. Create scenarios at home, such as putting out flower pots or have music playing in the background — whatever you think your horse will react to and let them get used to it at home.

3. Work on different surfaces. If your tests are mostly on grass don’t do all your training on a pristine surface.

4. Make sure you do plenty of schooling at different venues before competing so they can get used to seeing lots of different things.

5. When you are at a competition, give yourself plenty of time in the warm up, so there is no rush and your horse can settle. Doing lots of transitions can help to make sure the horse is really listening.

6. Some horses benefit from being worked before a test, then being put away and then when you get back on them immediately before, they have a shorter warm up. Or you could hand walk them round a venue to get used to the atmosphere. Work out what brings out the best in your horse.

7. Try to actually ride the test and not just survive it. If you make a mistake remember it is only one movement — stay positive for the rest of the test.

Now you’ve got that advice in mind, take a look at these dressage competitions available to enter where you can put this into practice…

British Dressage

Date: 14 December

Venue: Forest Edge Arena, Swaffham

Details: “This competition has a large range of classes from prelim to advanced medium.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 14 December

Venue: Cholderton Equestrian Centre, Salisbury

Details: “This competition has classes from intro to novice with a pick your own section too for any short or long British Dressage test. This competition also includes points towards the Retraining of Racehorses league.”

Enter now

Christmas jumper dressage

Date: 15 December

Venue: Cottingham Equestrian Centre, Cottingham

Details: “This competition has intro to elementary classes with a Christmas drill ride to music too. There will be a prize for the best Christmas outfit.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated mid-week dressage

Date: 16 December

Venue: Reaseheath College, Nantwich

Details: “This competition includes classes from intro to elementary.”

Enter now

Christmas jumper dressage

Date: 21 December

Venue: Beaver Hall, Leek

Details: “This unaffiliated competition features classes from intro to medium. Make sure you come in your Christmas jumper too — there will be mince pies and mulled wine for all riders and their helpers.”

Enter now

British Dressage and Team Quest

Date: 28 December

Venue: Holmside Hall Equestrian, Durham

Details: “This affiliated competition has classes ranging between intro and novice with a variety of sections.”

Enter now

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

You’ve worked tirelessly at home on improving technique or refining skills in your favourite discipline but you want more. Here’s some tips on how to get the most from your training session and make them count from top young dressage rider Joanna Thurman-Baker.

Joanna (pictured), is part of the World Class programme and competes a variety of horses to international level, which includes two rides given to her by Carl Hester, who also helps her train. In 2017 Joanna was part of the British team at the young rider European championships riding Highcliffe Apollo, with whom she competed up to grand prix.

So what’s her advice?

1. Go into the session with a clear mind. Forget about work troubles or that you forgot to put the washing out. Now is the time to focus on your horse.

2. Have an action plan of what you are going to work on. You don’t have to stick to the plan, but at least if you have one, you can attempt to follow and progress yourself and the horse.

3. Work with mirrors if possible. These are invaluable as it’s like you are your own trainer. Alternatively, film a few sessions weekly. Then watch and learn.

4. If working with a trainer, be open to trying new things. Sometimes the answer lies outside the box.

5. Be brave! Push yourself out of your comfort zone and really see how much you can do. Remember you are allowed to make mistakes — that’s what the home training is for.

6. If you’re practising for a dressage test, don’t go mad going through it 100 times. Your horse could get too used to the test and start taking over and anticipating the movements. Spice things up and add in a few of your own movements to keep things fresh.

7. Don’t work your horse for longer than 45 minutes. For most, it won’t benefit them in the long run.

Now you’ve got that advice in mind, take a look at these dressage competitions available to enter where you can show off what you’ve learnt…

Fun Christmas dressage show

Date: 7 December

Venue: Speedgate Farm, Longfield

Details: “This unaffiliated dressage competition features classes ranging between intro and novice.”

Enter now

British Dressage

Date: 7 December

Venue: Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre, near Bridgwater

Details: “This competition has classes from prelim to advanced medium with qualifiers too.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 8 December

Venue: Leamside Equestrian, Houghton Le Spring

Details: “This unaffiliated competition features classes ranging between intro and medium.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 8 December

Venue: Inchcoonans Competition & Livery Yard, Errol

Details: “This unaffiliated competition features classes ranging between intro and advanced medium.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated evening dressage

Date: 10 December

Venue: Moulton College, Northampton

Details: “Classes range between intro and novice.”

Enter now

British Dressage

Date: 14 December

Venue: Forest Edge Arena, Swaffham

Details: “This competition has classes range from prelim to advanced medium.”

Enter now

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

With showjumping competitions now starting to move their shows indoors, it’s time to prepare yourselves for the change in scenery, from the spacious outdoors to the tighter confines of an indoor arena.

Here, top showjumper Louise Pavitt, who competes up to five-star level and also has pony and junior European medals to her name, shares her advice on how to give you and your horse the best possible chance of succeeding on the indoor jumping circuit.

1. When jumping indoors you will have a higher frequency of short related distances i.e. more three or four stride combinations compared to outdoors being seven or eight. The tip is to build these distances at home to help familiarise yourself and your horse with them.

2. When indoors, space will be tighter and you will be jumping into the wall and the corners. You can still practise this in your outdoor school though — position the jumps near the edge of the arena and close together so your horse learns to focus on the jump and not what’s behind it.

3. Most people don’t have the luxury of their own indoor school, but it is important to practise in one. I would suggest hiring one before an important event to get the feel of it.

4. At indoor shows there is often a more intense atmosphere with music, banners and crowds. We at DLS Showjumping [Louise’s business with fellow showjumper David Simpson] try to replicate this at home. For example we play the radio loudly and put banners and signs all around to prepare the horse for this situation.

5. Make sure you use all corners — there will be less room to take a wide turn, so you need to utilise the space you have been given. When walking the course, make sure you see all the areas where you can use the space if you need to.

Now you’ve got that advice in mind, take a look at these showjumping competitions available to enter where you can show off what you’ve learnt…

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 22 September

Venue: Forest Edge Arena, Swaffham

Details: “This unaffiliated show features classes ranging between 30cm and 1m.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 22 September

Venue: Kingston Maurward College,

Details: “This unaffiliated competition has classes from 55cm up to 95cm with junior and senior sections and trailblazers qualifiers.”

Enter now

Oktoberfest

Date: 3-6 October

Venue: Onley Grounds Equestrian Complex, Rugby

Details: “This affiliated competition features classes ranging between 75cm and 1.30m.”

Enter now

Winter unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 5 October

Venue: Inchcoonans Competition & Livery Yard

Details: “This unaffiliated competition has classes for juniors and seniors ranging from a 35cm clear round up to 1.05m and a 1.10m clear round.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 13 October

Venue: Crockstead Equestrian Centre, Halland

Details: “This unaffiliated competition for horses and ponies has a huge range of classes between clear round and 40cm cross poles and 80cm.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 20 October

Venue: Moulton Equestrian Centre, Moulton

Details: “This competition includes classes from 50cm up to 90cm.”

Enter now

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

The final countdown is on to the late May Bank Holiday weekend (25-27 May 2019) and we think there’s no better way to spend it than surrounded by horses.

If this sounds like you, take a look at this range of competitions, events and shows you can head to as a spectator this weekend.

Horse & Hound Festival of Eventing

Date: 25-27 May

Venue: Keysoe, Bedford

Details: Ideally situated in a central location, the annual Horse & Hound Festival of Eventing is a great day out for all of the family. Keysoe offers great facilities to horses, riders and spectators alike, with a lovely café, great viewing areas and much more. This event boasts four classes from 70cm up to 1m, with the dressage taking place on Saturday, cross-country on Sunday and the nail-biting final showjumping phase on Monday. There is no entry charge for spectators, so come down and experience the fun and friendly atmosphere for yourself.

Find out more

Surrey County Show

Date: 27 May

Venue: Stoke Park, Guildford

Details: This county show has something for every member of the family to enjoy, from show horses and ponies, to livestock, food, top showjumping and even a motorcycle stunt team display.

Find out more

May Spectacular showjumping show

Date: 23-26 May

Venue: Bicton Arena, Devon

Details: This bumper four-day showjumping show, featuring a huge range of classes from young horses up to 1.40m. Food is served all day and the bar is open from 11am.

Find out more

Committee Cup Polo

Date: 24 and 26 May

Venue: Guards Polo Club, Windsor

Details: The Committee Cup is a popular, 8-goal tournament and spectators can expect to see some consistently good polo from players and their ponies throughout the competition.

Find out more

Premier League dressage

Date: 24-27 May

Venue: Somerford Park Farm, Cheshire

Details: This high-level dressage competition will include top competitors such as Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester. Classes range from advanced medium, ponies, young horses up to grand prix.

Find out more

Point-to-point

Date: 25 May

Venue: Dingley, Market Harborough

Details: This point-to-point provides a great day out for all the family, boasting seven exciting races with amazing viewing, tradestands, a bar and lots of fun things to do. Gates open at 11am, with the first race at 2pm.

Find out more

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Houghton International Horse Trials

Date: 23-26 May

Venue: Houghton, Norfolk

Details: This international horse trials features some of the world’s top event riders and has classes from two-star up to four-star, plus lots of great tradestands too.

Find out more

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

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

Here’s some helpful pointers from five-star international event rider, Kate Honey (pictured), about how you can make the most of a cross-country schooling session in an arena

With the recent lack of rain, creating cross-country questions in an arena can be a great solution for practising on good going. To get the most out of your session, remember to work with the arena you have and at the level your horse is comfortable at. I will try to always have someone on the ground to help me, so we can build up obstacles as required.

1. Incorporate gear changes into your warm-up

This is a really easy thing to practice in an arena and something you always need out on a cross-country course. Use the long side to open up your canter and then bring the canter back before the corner, so you are in balance when you turn.

2. Use a more forward rhythm

When warming up over fences, replicate a cross-country warm-up where you would be jumping out of a more forward rhythm.

3. Build up confidence

Depending on the level of your horse, remember to always introduce questions in a straightforward way so they are not over-faced. For example, if practising a skinny obstacle, you can start with poles on either side to make the question more obvious and then take these guide rails away or make the fence narrower as and when you are ready.

4. Create cross-country questions

For example, a rail-ditch-rail combination can be created by using two uprights and a water tray in the middle. This is also a good time to practice your ‘coffin’ canter. If this is a new question for your horse, remember you can start with one element and then add in more.

5. Be creative

You can create brush fences with garden cuttings and use barrels to make different obstacles.

6. Link obstacles together

A good way to finish off the session is to link the different fences together. Remembering to come off both reins and practising effective turns. This is also a good time to use your different cross-country canters. For example, you could you could create a coffin canter and then take the brush fence on a more forward rhythm.

Now you’ve got that advice in mind, take a look at these eventing competitions available to enter where you can put this advice into practice…

Indoor eventer trial

Date: 27 April

Venue: Forest Edge Arena, Swaffham

Details: “This competition has classes from clear round and 50cm to 1m.”

Enter now

One-day event

Date: 27 April

Venue: Brechin Castle Showground, Scotland

Details: “Brechin Castle Equestrian Centre Ltd is hosting its first one day event with classes ranging from 45cm to 90cm.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated one-day event

Date: 6 May

Venue: Taunton District Riding Club, Pontispool

Details: “This event is open to everyone with classes ranging between 70 and 90cm.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated one-day event

Date: 19 May

Venue: Tenantry Farm, Fordingbridge

Details: “This event is open to everyone and features 80, 90 and 100cm classes.”

Enter now

H&H Festival of Eventing: unaffiliated three-day event

Date: 25-27 May

Venue: Keysoe, Bedfordshire

Details: “This competition is an absolute must for anyone keen on eventing. There are classes to suit all, from 70cm up to 1m with some fabulous prizes on offer.”

Enter now

Arena eventing

Date: 9 June

Venue: Bramham International Horse Trials, Wetherby

Details: “This competition on the Sunday afternoon of this international horse trials has two classes; 90cm and 1m.”

Enter now

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

Here’s some great advice on how to ride your horse in a long and low outline from grand prix dressage rider and trainer Kate Cowell

What is long and low?

Fundamentally it is stretching your horse over his top line in walk, trot or canter.

When done correctly your horse should feel like a rainbow from his tail to his ears. His hocks push and engage underneath his body, bringing his back up and stretching forward and down in his neck into a soft, elastic contact. It should be a voluntary offer from the horse whereas ‘round and deep’ is where the rider actually dictates where they place the horse’s neck.

Why practise it?

This is a great way to make your horse relax and breathe! It can really develop their way of going if practised correctly. It is also fantastic for warming up your horse’s top line muscles before you close him up and work towards more collection. Mid-session it can aid the horse’s relaxation mentally and physically, and at the end of the session to cool down, preventing lactic acid build up and post training stiffness. Ultimately as a rider you should be able to ride your horse in different outlines to keep him adjustable, athletic and comfortable.

Does it suit every type of horse?

Yes, every horse should be allowed to stretch in their work towards the contact. It’s particularly useful for horses that hold themselves tight. Every horse is different so in a horse that is built downhill, the stretch may need to be more controlled. If the horse is super fresh it may be suitable to wait until you are into your training session before using it.

How do I know if I’ve cracked it?

It can take some practise to achieve initially as most horses will lose their balance, stiffen in their neck and back and speed up. You’ve achieved it when the horse will seek your soft elastic contact down and forward without losing his rhythm, balance or straightness on turns, circles and straight lines. Your horse’s steps should become more elastic, looser and more elevated with a freer shoulder. You can then develop this into your collected work.

Now you’ve got that advice in mind, take a look at these dressage competitions available to enter where you can show off what you’ve learnt…

British Dressage

Date: 12 December

Venue: Alnwick Ford Equestrian, Morpeth

Details: “This competition features classes from prelim to prix st georges and inter I, with a range of qualifiers.”

Enter now

Evening unaffiliated dressage

Date: 13 December

Venue: Grove Farm Equestrian, near Steventon

Details: “This unaffiliated competition features classes ranging between into and elementary.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated evening dressage

Date: 14 December

Venue: Hill House Equestrian, Market Rasen

Details: “This competition allows you to pick from a range of tests between intro and elementary.”

Enter now

Quest dressage

Date: 15 December

Venue: Moulton College Equestrian Centre, Northampton

Details: “This Team and My Quest competition has classes from into to novice.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 15 December

Venue: Tumpy Green Equestrian Centre, Cam

Details: “Classes from intro to elementary.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 16 December

Venue: Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester

Details: “This competition includes classes from intro up to advanced medium.”

Enter now

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

The time between leaving the dressage warm up and entering the arena shouldn’t be wasted. Four-star event rider Georgie Strang (pictured) has some helpful advice on how to impress the judges before they start marking you. Then, don’t miss our selection of competitions for you to showcase what you’ve learnt…

1. Smile — show the judge that you are relaxed and confident. Looking happy while you’re riding your horse is something all judges love to see.

2. First impressions are vital — show off your horse’s best movements to catch the judge’s eye. You don’t have to just trot round the arena in a straight line add in some flexion and circles to show your horse off.

3. If you need to make any corrections at this stage it is always better to try and do this at a point where you are less obvious to the judge — you want to look as though you are ready for your test following a great warm up.

4. Anticipate that your horse might get tense when you leave the warm up arena. Have a plan for how to deal with this — using transitions is a great way to keep them focussed and relaxed. Your horse can feel when you are tense so try not to overthink it yourself. Leave everything from the warm up behind and focus on enjoying yourself.

5. Give your horse a pat to reassure them that you are in this together and to also show the judges you are not hanging on for dear life!

Now you’ve got that advice in mind, take a look at these events and competitions available to enter where you can show off what you’ve learnt…

Fun Halloween dressage show

Date: 3 November

Venue: Speedgate Farm, Longfield

Details: “This show features classes between intro and novice.”

Enter now

Saturday morning dressage

Date: 3 November

Venue: Beaver Hall, Leek

Details: “This unaffiliated competition has classes from intro to medium. You can enter any two tests for £20.”

Enter now

British Dressage and unaffiliated dressage

Date: 4 November

Venue: Witham Villa Equestrian Centre, Leicester

Details: “This show has one affiliated class, which is a winter qualifier at prelim level. There are also two unaffiliated prelim tests to choose from with senior and junior sections.”

Enter now

British Dressage

Date: 6 November

Venue: Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre, near Bridgwater

Details: “This event offers classes ranging from prelim to prix st georges with qualifiers too.”

Enter now

Wednesday morning unaffiliated dressage

Date: 7 November

Venue: Tumpy Green Equestrian Centre, Cam

Details: “There are classes from intro to elementary. All tests can be called and this competition has a relaxed atmosphere with a relaxed dress code.”

Enter now

Evening dressage

Date: 8 November

Venue: Grove Farm Equestrian, near Steventon

Details: “This unaffiliated competition has classes ranging between intro and elementary.”

Enter now

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

If you want to show off or practice your showjumping skills take a look at these competitions and clear round training shows you need to enter

Senior British Showjumping

Date: 16 June

Venue: Keysoe, Bedfordshire

Details: “This show features classes from clear round and British Novice up to 1.30m.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated summer showjumping series

Date: 16 June

Venue: Buryhill Competition Centre, near Swindon

Details: “This competition has an all-day clear round plus classes ranging from 1ft-1ft6 up to 3ft3 with sunshine tour, Cricklands and Trailblazer qualifiers. There is a £12 cash prize available to the winner of each class if there are more than six entries.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 17 June

Venue: Forest Edge Arena, Swaffham

Details: “This event has a cross poles clear round and then classes ranging from 40cm up to 1.10m.”

Enter now

Power X show

Date: 17 June

Venue: Inchcoonans Competition & Livery Yard, Errol

Details: “This event offers classes ranging in height from 30cm poles on the ground and cross poles up to 95cm. Each class has an optimum time in which rounds must be completed in with corresponding faults awarded.”

Enter now

Stride into Monday

Date: 18 June

Venue: Mare and Foal Sanctuary, Coombe Park

Details: “This weekly jump day features a course of showjumps which can be jumped between 8am and 8pm. It is £15 per horse for 45 minutes.”

Enter now

Clear round showjumping

Date: 21 June

Venue: Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester

Details: “This clear round happens between 5.30pm and 8pm in an indoor arena. Starting at 2ft, the course gradually goes up in height to 3ft and above after 7.30pm.”

Enter now

British Showjumping

Date: 24 June

Venue: Holmside Hall Equestrian, Durham

Details: “This show features classes from clear round and 80cm up to 1.30m.”

Enter now

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

If you are hankering after a summer of eventing, why not take a look at these horse trials competitions you need to enter

Scottish one-day event

Date: 2 June

Venue: Greenfields of Avondale

Details: “This one-day event offers four class heights over between 60cm and 1m. There is limited stabling on-site too.”

Enter now

Eventathon

Date: 3 June

Venue: Atherstone & District Riding Club field, Nuneaton

Details: “This is a fun event with no dressage. There is just one round of jumping consisting of eight showjumps and then straight out onto a shortened cross-country course. Classes range between 55-60cm and 80cm with junior and senior sections. Rosettes are awarded to sixth and there is a great selection of prizes up for grabs too, including rugs and sashes.”

Enter now

Horse trials in Devon

Date: 10 June

Venue: Bicton Arena, Exeter

Details: “This horse trials, run by Sid and Otter Valley Riding Club, is open to riding club members and non-members alike with junior, senior and open sections available. Heights of classes on offer range between 80cm and 110cm+.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated one-day event

Date: 17 June

Venue: Gloucester Lodge Farm, Blyth

Details: “This event offers classes ranging in height from 60cm to 90cm. There is also a hunter trial which has pairs sections.”

Enter now

One-day event in Hampshire

Date: 17 June

Venue: Tenantry Farm, Fordingbridge

Details: “This one-day event organised by Wilton Hunt Pony Club has classes ranging between 80cm and 1m and is open to both Pony Club members and non-members.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated one-day event

Date: 23 June

Venue: Tumpy Green Equestrian Centre, Cam

Details: “This is an open event, where a warm welcome awaits you. This competition is suitable for all ages of rider, with classes ranging from mini lead-rein and mini adults where the jumping is set at a height of 20-30cm with no back rails in the showjumping, up to 85cm with junior and senior sections.”

Enter now

One-day event on the Welsh border

Date: 21 July

Venue: Chepstow Racecourse, Chepstow

Details: “This event, hosted by the Curre Hunt Pony Club, incorporates the PC area 10 qualifiers and open classes, from 80cm to 110cm. It is run over the Chepstow BE course with trade stands and refreshments available with vet and farrier on site.”

Enter now

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With another Bank Holiday weekend looming, why not take a look at these competitions and fun days out you need to enter

Three-day jumping show

Date: 26-28 May

Venue: Weston Lawns Equitation, near Coventry

Details: “This packed three-day show includes a huge range of classes from clear round and 80cm up to 1.30m, and also features some fun classes such as six bar and take your own line. There is a restaurant available, open until late and hook up available.”

Enter now

Express eventing

Date: 27 May

Venue: Diamond Equestrian, Leicester

Details: “This is a fun, low key and relaxed event for all to enjoy. It features a dressage test then a quick change of tack and onto the showjumping, which the cross-country immediately follows. There are four classes ranging between 1ft6-2ft up to2ft6-3ft. There is also the option to not do dressage and just jump which will be run as a clear round. Rosettes to sixth place and goodies for winners .”

Enter now

Book a slot showjumping

Date: 28 May

Venue: Moreton Equestrian Centre, Dorchester

Details: “A full showjumping course will be available for hire in the 60m x 45m sand/fibre outdoor arena from 9am-7pm. It can be hired for half an hour for one horse but you are very welcome to book two slots together to make up to an hour.”

Enter now

Affordable showing

Date: 28 May

Venue: Beaver Hall, Leek

Details: “This show is open to everyone and if you enter two classes, you get another two for free. There are lots of qualifiers on offer too.”

Enter now

Bank Holiday showjumping

Date: 28 May

Venue: Runningwell Equestrian, Chelmsford

Details: “Classes from cross poles and 50cm up to 90cm with sunshine tour qualifiers.”

Enter now

Hunter trial

Date: 28 May

Venue: Mullacott Event Centre, Illfracombe

Details: “This event features classes with heights ranging between 60cm and 90cm with pairs options at 70cm and 80cm.”

Enter now

British Dressage and unaffiliated dressage

Date: 28 May

Venue: Witham Villa Equestrian Centre, Leicester

Details: “This show features affiliated and unaffiliated classes ranging between prelim and medium with senior and junior sections and some qualifiers.”

Enter now

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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

If you want to kill two birds with one stone, why not take a look at these combined training competitions you need to enter

Eventers’ combined training

Date: 22 May

Venue: Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre, near Bridgwater

Details: “Classes available with BE90 and BE100 dressage tests, plus a pick your own test option with showjumping ranging from 70cm to over 1m.”

Enter now

Evening dressage and combined training

Date: 23 May

Venue: Rectory Farm Arena, Cirencester

Details: “A show offering combined training classes with BE dressage tests and showjumping from 90cm to 1m starting from around 4pm. Plaiting is not expected and additional clear rounds will be available for horses already entered into the competition.”

Enter now

Combined training

Date: 26 May

Venue: Tumpy Green Equestrian Centre, Cam

Details: “This show is a relaxed and friendly competition open to all ages with a range of classes available to enter from intro dressage with 30cm showjumping (with no back poles) to a novice dressage test with 90cm jumping. Rosettes awarded to sixth place with a trophy going to the winner of each class.”

Enter now

Combined training

Date: 28 May

Venue: Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester

Details: “This is a show packed full with a huge range of classes from intro dressage tests with 50cm showjumping to elementary with 1m showjumping. There is also a just dressage option.”

Enter now

Combined training

Date: 9 June

Venue: Felbridge Showground, East Grinstead

Details: “Classes from 80cm showjumping with BE90 dressage up to intermediate dressage with 1.20m showjumping. There is also the option to buy extra jumping rounds if you wish to do so.”

Enter now

Dressage and combined training

Date: 16 June

Venue: True Fate Equestrian Centre, Doncaster

Details: “There are a range of classes available to enter from intro dressage with 65cm jumping up to novice dressage with 95cm jumping.”

Enter now

Dressage and combined training

Date: 23 June

Venue: Moreton Equestrian Centre, Dorchester

Details: “This competition features classes from intro dressage with 45cm showjumping up to novice dressage with 90cm jumping.”

Enter now

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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

If you’re looking for a fun day out to enjoy with your horse or pony, don’t miss this great selection of shows you need to enter

Horse & dog show

Date: 19 May

Venue: Ridgeway Stables, Swindon

Details: “This is a multi-discipline horse show featuring showjumping, working hunter, ridden and in-hand showing and dressage classes, plus all day clear round. All classes are open to side saddle riders and we are affiliated to The Side Saddle Association for three classes. Our Veteran showing classes are also VHPRC Championship qualifiers. There is food and drink available for purchase and a variety of trade stands.”

Enter now

In-hand and ridden show

Date: 20 May

Venue: Grey Fern Park Equestrian Centre, Peterborough

Details: “A show offering plenty of classes including fun ones and some qualifiers.”

Enter now

BSPS Area 13B Championship Show

Date: 20 May

Venue: Chard Equestrian, Chard

Details: “This show is open to everyone with a huge range of classes available to enter with a variety of qualifiers, including some for the Royal International Horse Show.”

Enter now

In-hand show

Date: 27 May

Venue: Capricorn Equestrian Centre, Eynsford

Details: “This show has a range of classes and the offer of an entry fee of just £25 for three classes. Rosettes are offered to sixth place.”

Enter now

East Anglia Horse Show

Date: 27 May

Venue: Emneth Showground, Wisbech

Details: “This is a show packed full with a huge range of classes and qualifiers. Rosettes will be awarded to sixth place in all classes with the chance to ride in a supreme championship.”

Enter now

Affordable showing

Date: 28 May

Venue: Beaver Hall, Leek

Details: “There are a range of classes available to enter with the offer of if you enter two classes, you get your third entry for free.”

Enter now

Annual show

Date: 3 June

Venue: Doncaster Equine College Annual Show, Northern Racing College

Details: “The Doncaster Equine College Annual Show is an event suitable for the whole family, set in the centre of round gallop, on excellent sandy ground. There are five showing rings with classes to suit all types and abilities and at the end of the day there will be a supreme in-hand and supreme ridden championship with the opportunity to win big prize money. There is prize money for all the classes, as well as beautiful rosettes and championship sashes. Several classes are qualifiers for society championships. There is also a showjumping ring with a total prize pot available of £54 per class, with £25 for first prize. As well as classes for horses there is a dog show with classes suitable for dogs of all types, no matter their size, age or breeding. A range of trade stands will also be available to fulfil all of your shopping needs, as well as food and drink stalls. Alongside all of this, we have got a farriery competition taking place, where the best farriers in the area will be pitting themselves, forge against forge, to see who comes out on top.”

Enter now

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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

If you’re looking for something to do with your horse or pony next Bank Holiday Monday (7 May), don’t miss this great selection you need to enter

Hunter trials

Date: 7 May

Venue: Atherstone & District Riding Club field, Nuneanton

Details: “70 and 80cm classes available with pairs, junior and senior sections. There will be rosettes to sixth place and a trophy to each winner with some classes holding qualifiers for the national hunter trials series championships.”

Enter now

Affiliated dressage

Date: 7 May

Venue: Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester

Details: “Classes from prelim to prix st georges with freestyle sections for most levels.”

Enter now

Affordable showing

Date: 7 May

Venue: Beaver Hall, Leek

Details: “This show is open to everyone with a range of classes available to enter with a variety of qualifiers. Plus, if you enter two classes, you get two further class entries free.”

Enter now

Eventer challenge

Date: 7 May

Venue: Runningwell Equestrian Centre, Chelmsford

Details: “This show has a clear round plus classes ranging between 60cm and 90cm with Sunshine Tour qualifiers and a cafe which is open all day.”

Enter now

May Day showing show

Date: 7 May

Venue: World Horse Welfare Glenda Spooner Farm, Somerton

Details: “This is a show packed full with a huge range of classes and qualifiers suitable for novice and professionals alike.”

Enter now

Cross-country clinic

Date: 7 May

Venue: Gloucester Lodge Farm, Blyth

Details: “This clinic offers riders a chance to cross-country school around either 60cm, 75cm or 90cm.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 7 May

Venue: Rectory Farm Arena, Cirencester

Details: “This competition has a clear round plus classes starting from 65-70cm up to 110cm if number allow. All classes will be run as a single phase competition in Rectory Farm’s large 80x50m arena with rosettes to sixth place.”

Enter now

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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

If you want to get ahead with your horse or pony, take a look at these training opportunities you need to sign up to

In-board training

Date: 7 May

Venue: Hill House Equestrian, Market Rasen

Details: “Book your slot to practise in white dressage boards in a 20x40m arena, from 9am to 7.30pm.”

Enter now

Cross-country clinic

Date: 7 May

Venue: Mosswood, Alford

Details: “Make the most of this opportunity to school over cross-country fences with instructor Kirsty Blackmore.”

Enter now

Polework, cavaletti and gridwork

Date: 10 May

Venue: Linfield Farm, Methven

Details: “Train with Julie Spiers, a BHSAI APC registered instructor, who enjoys teaching riders of all levels and ages; beginners, happy hackers, dressage riders, showjumping enthusiasts and eventers. She teaches at Pony Club and riding club on a regular basis, as well as holding flatwork, polework and jump clinics. Her focus is on having fun, helping riders to gain confidence and improve their skills, and to build partnerships between the horse and rider.”

Enter now

Cross-country and grass showjumping clinic

Date: 12 May

Venue: Heath Farm, Godalming

Details: “This cross-country schooling session with Sam Jennings is to prepare for the upcoming season, combined with grass showjumping if you would like to do both. We will be running Wobbleberry specific groups — please state on entering if you have a friend or two (or three) that you’d like to be paired up with. Jumps start from 65cm for Wobbleberries, progressing up to the 80cm course if you wish. We will also run sessions for non-Wobbleberries wanting to school over the 80/90/100cm courses with all abilities/level of experience catered for.”

Enter now

Equine gym

Date: 13 May

Venue: World Horse Welfare Glenda Spooner Farm, Somerton

Details: “This is a polework and gymnastic exercise clinic run by Alice Darby a veterinary physiotherapist BHSAI. Alice provides an interesting insight from a veterinary physiotherapist’s point of view and has a unique way of looking at a horse and rider partnership. These sessions focus on understanding your horse’s movement, looking at common problems and giving you some inspiration for exercises you can take home to improve your horse’s strength and suppleness. There are different exercises and core themes each month, exercises are not overwhelming and can be adapted to all horse and rider combinations. Alice has a background in teaching with a friendly, fun and inclusive approach and this clinic is suitable for anyone wanting to understand and improve their horse’s way of going.”

Enter now

Dressage clinic

Date: 14 May

Venue: Mullacott Event Centre, Illfracombe

Details: “There are individual and group lessons available with John Chubb, a dressage instructor and rider who competes to BD Inter I level.”

Enter now

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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

If you want to show off your horse or pony’s moves, take a look at these affiliated and unaffiliated dressage competitions you need to enter

British Dressage

Date: 21 April

Venue: Highfield Equestrian at Howe, Cupar

Details: “Affiliated classes from prelim to elementary which also include a selection of qualifiers.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated fun dressage

Date: 21 March

Venue: High Plains Equestrian Centre, Northumberland

Details: “There are intro, prelim and novice classes available to enter with hot and cold refreshments on offer.”

Enter now

British Dressage and unaffiliated dressage

Date: 22 April

Venue: Witham Villa Equestrian Centre, Leicester

Details: “Prelim and novice classes available with junior and senior sections and affiliated or affiliated options. Affiliated classes hold some summer and winter qualifiers.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 22 April

Venue: Forest Edge Arena, Swaffham

Details: “This competition offers classes from intro to elementary including Trailblazers second rounds.”

Enter now

Team Quest and My Quest

Date: 22 April

Venue: Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester

Details: “Classes from intro to novice with My Quest, My Quest under-21, Team Quest and Team Quest under-21 sections.”

Enter now

Come as you are evening dressage

Date: 26 April

Venue: Capricorn Equestrian Centre, Kent

Details: “Would you like to compete under more informal conditions? Our ‘come as you are’ dressage evenings are a chance for you to compete on a weekday and competition wear is not necessary. These events are designed to encourage everyone to compete. All classes are open to all with rosettes to sixth place. Classes available range from intro to medium.”

Enter now

British Dressage

Date: 27 April

Venue: Sheepgate Equestrian, Boston

Details: “Classes from prelim to inter I and freestyle prix st georges with a range of qualifiers including The Sheepgate Tack & Togs Championships 2018 and The Hickstead Masters League Finals 2018. Classes will run simultaneously on all-weather surfaces. There is also arena free time before each show day allowing competitors full use of all the competition arenas”

Enter now

British Dressage and unaffiliated dressage

Date: 29 April

Venue: Inchcoonans Competition & Livery Yard, Errol

Details: “Classes from intro to elementary with affiliated and unaffiliated options. Some affiliated classes hold qualifiers.”

Enter now

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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

If you are a massive showing fan or fancy just giving it a go, take a look at these competitions you need to enter…

BSPS show

Date: 15 April

Venue: Stretcholt Equestrian Centre, Bridgwater

Details: “This is a show with a diverse selection of classes including Royal International Horse Show qualifiers.”

Enter now

Easter show

Date: 15 April

Venue: Moulton College Equestrian Centre, Northampton

Details: “This is a fun, unaffiliated Easter-themed show with in-hand and ridden classes from youngstock to veteran and best decorated mane and tail to best Easter dog. Rosettes are awarded to those placed first to sixth with Easter eggs to every winner. Easter fancy dress is encouraged!”

Enter now

Working hunter show

Date: 21 April

Venue: Inchcoonans Competition & Livery Yard, Errol

Details: “Class one is 40cm with the remaining classes ranging between 50cm and 1m with a 1.05-1.10m training class too. For classes two to seven you will be required to complete a round of jumping and a small showing show which is to include a walk, trot and canter on both reins with an extended canter on one rein. 80% of the fences will be built to maximum height as indicated by the class unless otherwise stated. A maximum of 60% can be awarded for the jumping section — credit will be given for even rhythm with a good free flowing stride, good approach, even arc and clean straight landing for jumping, with 20% for the rider’s show and 20% for overall impression. Conformation will not be taken into account, but marks will be awarded for the condition of the horse or pony and suitability of turnout for a working hunter competition, and the judge will not ride any horse or pony. Rosettes up to sixth place will be awarded, dependant on the number of entries within the class.”

Enter now

Affordable showing show

Date: 22 April

Venue: Beaver Hall, Leek

Details: “This competition features a range of classes with the option to enter two classes and get two more free.”

Enter now

Spring show

Date: 22 April

Venue: Willow Banks EC, Claxby

Details: “This show is open to all and has a massive range of classes, including showjumping, working hunter, in-hand and ridden options.”

Enter now

Annual spring horse & dog show

Date: 22 April

Venue: Tumpy Green Equestrian Centre, Cam

Details: “This fun show features ridden and in-hand showing, novelty classes, showjumping, clear round, dressage, gymkhana games, fancy dress and a dog show. There are rosettes for those placed first to sixth and a trophy to the winner of each class.”

Enter now

Area 14 summer show

Date: 28 April

Venue: East Byshee Cross-country Course, Surrey

Details: “This is a show packed full with a range of classes including qualifiers for the Royal International Horse Show,

BSPS Summer Championships; NPS Summer Championships; Senior Showing & Dressage Society Championship Show and the following Championships at the North of England Show — The ‘Colosso Family’ Supreme Mini Pony Championship; The Michaela Wood Supreme Ridden Pony Championship; The ‘Torne Valley’ Supreme Ridden Mountain and Moorland Championship; The ‘Top Spec’ Supreme Pretty Polly Ridden Championship and The ‘Colosso Family’ Supreme Ridden Part Bred & Anglo Arab Championship.”

Enter now

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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

As the weather still hasn’t perked up, check out these competitions you need to enter that don’t involve getting muddy…

Arena eventing

Date: 7 April

Venue: Mullacott Event Centre, Ilfracombe

Details: “This competition involves a showjumping course in an indoor arena followed by some cross-country fences in a large outdoor arena. Rosettes to 10th place.”

Enter now

Nervous dressage

Date: 8 April

Venue: Ladyleys, Oldmeldrum

Details: “Warm up in either indoor school for 20 minutes then ride a dressage test of your choice without having to leave the arena.”

Enter now

Working hunter and ridden showing show

Date: 8 April

Venue: Sands Farm Equestrian Centre, Horsham

Details: “A range of classes from 2ft working hunter to ridden cob. This show is open to all and is all in an indoor arena, including warm-up.”

Enter now

Late afternoon and evening dressage

Date: 10 April

Venue: Todburn Equestrian Centre, Morpeth

Details: “This competition features unaffiliated classes from intro to elementary.”

Enter now

Eventer challenge

Date: 12 April

Venue: Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester

Details: “This competition has classes ranging from 70cm to 1.05m in height. Each class features a course of 8-9 showjumps followed by up to 10 simulated cross-country fences.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated evening showjumping

Date: 12 April

Venue: Leamside Equestrian, Houghton Le Spring

Details: “This competition has a clear round followed by classes ranging in height from 50cm to 1m. This is open to all ages and abilities with prize money up for grabs in each class. Refreshments available.”

Enter now

British Dressage

Date: 14 April

Venue: Stretcholt Equestrian Centre, Bridgwater

Details: “This is an affiliated dressage competition featuring classes from prelim to advanced medium, with tests ridden indoors on a gel-track surface. Some of these classes also include summer qualifiers.”

Enter now

British Showjumping

Date: 14 April

Venue: Keysoe, Bedfordshire

Details: “Classes from clear round and British Novice up to 1.40m open.”

Enter now

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

With the Easter weekend fast-approaching, be sure you don’t miss out on anything with your horse or pony. Check out these competitions you would be mad to miss out on this weekend…

Unaffiliated combined training and dressage

Date: 30 March

Venue: Moreton Equestrian Centre, Dorchester

Details: “There are dressage tests from intro to novice with showjumping heights from 45cm to 90cm. Refreshments available and all competition takes place in outdoor arenas.”

Enter now

Good Friday showjumping

Date: 30 March

Venue: Beaver Hall, Leek

Details: “Enter two classes and get two extra entries for free. There will be an Easter egg presented to the winner of each class. This show is open to everyone.”

Enter now

Hunter trial and team chase

Date: 30 March

Venue: Gloucester Lodge Farm, Blyth

Details: “Classes from 60 to 90cm with pairs, individual and team chase options.”

Enter now

One-day event

Date: 31 March

Venue: Foresterseat Cross-country, Perth

Details: “This event will have classes from 50cm to 1.10m with some junior and senior sections. The whole competition will be run on grass and catering will be present.”

Enter now

Stressless dressage

Date: 31 March

Venue: Epworth Equestrian, Doncaster

Details: “This unaffiliated show has dressage tests from intro to elementary .”

Enter now

Combo jump agility fun

Date: 1 April

Venue: Cobham Manor Events, Maidstone

Details: “This is a fun show with classes from bottom hole/cross pole lead-rein jumping to 50cm with a 30cm pairs class too. This is a super-fun event with a combination of five agility obstacles to include trotting poles and a ‘stand and wait’ box, plus five tiny jumps with no fillers.”

Enter now

JumpCross

Date: 1 April

Venue: Codham Park Equestrian, Braintree

Details: “This is a competition which involves knock-down fences in a cross-country course environment. Classes range from 40-50cm cross poles for horses and ponies to 80-95cm. The smaller heights have an optional water splash and shortened course of around 15 jumping efforts.”

Enter now

Showing show

Date: 2 April

Venue: Newton Rigg Equestrian, Penrith

Details: “This is show has something for everyone and every type of horse or pony, including Retraining of Racehorse classes and a range of qualifiers.”

Enter now

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

If you want to get the edge over fellow competitors or are just looking to boost your confidence, take a look at this selection of showjumping clinics you need to enter

Gymnastic pole and gridwork clinic

Date: 31 March

Venue: Farleigh Court Equestrian Centre, Warlingham

Details: “This clinic with Hannah Shea-Simonds BHSII, UKCC British Eventing Coach, will be held in a new outdoor arena within Farleigh Court Equestrian Centre. The Farleigh Cabin provides a space to sit and relax before or after your session with a cup of tea of coffee and riders will be in groups of no more than four riders. Non-jumpers can also be catered for.”

Enter now

Jumping clinic with Robert Smith

Date: 31 March

Venue: Capricorn Equestrian Centre, Eynsford

Details: “This clinic will consist of 45 minute sessions and can be either individual or shared with all abilities catered for.”

Enter now

Showjumping clinic

Date: 3 April

Venue: Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre, near Bridgwater

Details: “This will be run in an arena with approximately 20 cross-country fences and rustic jumps with heights ranging from 60cm to 90cm. This promises to be lots of fun for everyone.”

Enter now

Hunter trial in Suffolk

Date: 15 April

Venue: Diamond Equestrian, Leicester

Details: “Graham Savory is a BHS intermediate instructor and stable manager and also a BS level 2 course designer who has worked in the industry for 30 years, including lecturing at equine colleges and training students for BHS exams. He has competed in showjumping, horse trials, team chasing and dressage. With this background he is able to bring an immense amount of knowledge, experience and understanding to these jumping clinics which can be in groups, private or semi-private.”

Enter now

Performance jumping clinic

Date: 4 April

Venue: Darknoll Farm, Blandford Forum

Details: “Improve your performance in the showjumping ring with event rider Jo Rimmer’s expert guidance through jumping exercises to jumping courses. These clinics run on a Wednesday evening and are aimed at those confidently jumping a minimum of 75cm up to 100cm+. Open to members and non-members.”

Enter now

Jumping clinic

Date: 9 April

Venue: Beaver Hall, Leek

Details: “This is a clinic with Vicky Bentley, who is on the British Horse Society register of instructors. She also has her UKCC Level 2, and is working towards Level 3. Vicky has 17 years of coaching experience and has trained with top riders. She has been BE eventing for eight years with a number of top 10 placings and she also trains horses for other people. Vicky coaches riders of all levels and abilities and these lessons are great for new combinations, starting young horses or just for building your confidence. All ages and levels are catered for and lessons can be in groups, pairs or private.”

Enter now

Visit equo.co.uk for full competition and training listings

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With spring finally here, hopefully we have seen the back of the winter weather. Hunter trials are synonymous with this time of year, so to celebrate, take a look at this selection you can enter throughout the UK

Spring hunter trial

Date: 25 March

Venue: Simms Hill, Doncaster

Details: “This hunter trial is being run by Epworth and District Riding Club and is open to horses, ponies and non-members. Heights range from 65cm to 95cm with pairs classes at each height.”

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Good Friday hunter trial

Date: 30 March

Venue: Gloucester Lodge Farm, Blyth

Details: “This competition is open to all with heights set at 60cm, 75cm and 90cm. There are individual, pairs and team chase classes.”

Enter now

Arena hunter trial

Date: 2 April

Venue: Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre, near Bridgwater

Details: “This will be run in an arena with approximately 20 cross-country fences and rustic jumps with heights ranging from 60cm to 90cm. This promises to be lots of fun for everyone.”

Enter now

Hunter trial in Suffolk

Date: 15 April

Venue: Poplar Park Equestrian Centre, Woodbridge

Details: “Hosted by Easton Harriers Pony Club, this hunter trial is open to Pony Club member and non-members alike. Classes range from 80cm to 1m with pairs and individual sections.”

Enter now

Hunter trial in the Midlands

Date: 22 April

Venue: Atherstone and District Riding Club field, Nuneanton

Details: “Classes included are set at 70cm and 80cm with junior, senior, individual and pairs sections. There are qualifiers for the national hunter trial series championships and rosettes are on offer for those placed in the top six.”

Enter now

Hunter trial

Date: 22 April

Venue: Castle Farm Livery & Cross-country, Wotton-under-Edge

Details: “This is an event for all ages and abilities, including lead-rein and pairs classes. Heights range from 45cm to 90cm with rosettes to sixth and a trophy to each winner. There is also a 60cm class which doesn’t include a ditch on course.”

Enter now

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If you want to improve your skills as a rider, take a look at these clinics, training days and demos you need to enter or buy tickets for

Perfecting your seat

Date: 17 March

Venue: Speedgate Farm, Longfield

Details: “Mariana Broucher is a BHS accredited coach and she has over 20 years of experience teaching riders of all ages and abilities internationally. These sessions are designed to help the everyday rider improve communication with their horse and their position and seat to help the rider correctly apply the aids. Every rider will receive a video analysis of their position.”

Enter now

Dressage or showjumping

Date: 17 March

Venue: Greenfields of Avondale, Strathaven

Details: “Take advantage of a 45 minute individual lesson, or one hour shared session with Yvonne MacFarlane with options for flatwork or showjumping training.”

Enter now

Cross-country schooling

Date: 18 March

Venue: Bonfleur Corss-Country course, Linton

Details: “Train with international event rider, Sam Jennings. Groups are made up from no more than four people with heights ranging from 50cm to 1m.”

Enter now

Dressage to music

Date: 23 March

Venue: Stretcholt Equestrian Centre, Bridgwater

Details: “This evening with Gaynor Colbourn kicks off at 7pm and you will see her playing perfectly matched music live to horses of all levels from novice to advanced. This will be a fun and inspiring evening, showcasing Gaynor and her work with horses and riders of all levels. A cafe will be available for light refreshments.”

Enter now

Adult two-day dressage academy

Date: 24-25 March

Venue: Twyford Mill Equestrian, Buckingham

Details: “Our two-day intensive dressage academy is suitable for all levels from intro to advanced and is aimed at anyone wanting to develop their skills and improve their scores in the dressage arena. Coaching will be undertaken by grand prix dressage rider and BD regional coach Tom Graham. Tom is exceptionally well-known and respected and as well as an impressive competitive record he also is a UKCC level 4 coach. His enthusiastic and encouraging teaching methods bring out the best in both horse and rider, no matter what their experience levels. Our academy is held in the superb newly refurbished facilities at Twyford Mill Equestrian, which boasts an indoor arena and gallops plus a water treadmill. The training camp includes two paired and individual coaching sessions each day in the indoor arena, overnight onsite stabling for your horse in permanent boxes including bedding, facilities to relax in between sessions, the option to watch other lessons to continue your education, quality home cooked meals and cakes, onsite space for your horsebox or caravan and the opportunity to meet like-minded people.”

Enter now

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If you want to show off your horse or pony’s moves, take a look at these affiliated and unaffiliated dressage competitions you need to enter

British Dressage

Date: 10 March

Venue: Bishop Burton College, Beverley

Details: “Affiliated classes from prelim to novice which also include summer qualifiers.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 10 March

Venue: Speedgate Farm, Longfield

Details: “There are intro and prelim classes available to enter with hot and cold refreshments on offer. These classes also hold 2018 sunshine tour qualifiers.”

Enter now

British Dressage and unaffiliated DUK

Date: 11 March

Venue: Todburn Equestrian Centre, Morpeth

Details: “Classes from intro to medium with affiliated and unaffiliated options. The affiliated classes also hold winter qualifiers.”

Enter now

Quest Club

Date: 11 March

Venue: Hill House Equestrian, Market Rasen

Details: “This competition offers classes from intro to novice with Team Quest and My Quest sections, plus under-21 sections too.”

Enter now

Dressage evening

Date: 15 March

Venue: Highfield Equestrian at Howe, Cupar

Details: “Classes from clear round, where you and your horse or pony can experience the competition arena prior to the judge arriving, and intro to elementary. This is an informal competition, so you can come in normal riding clothes and your horse doesn’t need to be plaited either. Rosettes to sixth place.”

Enter now

British Dressage

Date: 17 March

Venue: Stilebridge Barn Dressage, Marden

Details: “Prelim and novice affiliated classes on offer.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 17 March

Venue: Tidworth Garrison Saddle Club, Tidworth

Details: “Classes from intro to novice with refreshments available. The warm-up will be in an indoor arena and the competition itself will be on an outdoor arena.”

Enter now

unaffiliated indoor dressage

Date: 18 March

Venue: Centyfield Eventing & Dressage Academy, Exeter

Details: “Classes from intro to elementary with restricted and open sections. Drinks and refreshments available in a friendly, fun and supportive environment, with rosettes to sixth place no matter how many people are entered into each class.”

Enter now

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If you fancy going showjumping with your horse or pony, make sure you don’t miss out on these competitions that you can enter right now

Senior British Showjumping

Date: 24 February

Venue: Forest Edge Arena, Swaffham

Details: “Classes from clear round and 85cm to 1.10m with a range of qualifiers.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping including British Showjumping Club

Date: 24 February

Venue: Milton Equestrian Centre, Worksop

Details: “Classes from 70cm to 1m with pony, horse, junior and senior sections. This show is for British Showjumping members and non-members with rosettes and prize money. There will also be no double combinations in the courses.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 25 February

Venue: Beaver Hall, Leek

Details: “This showjumping competition has heights ranging from cross poles and 45cm to 95cm. If you enter two classes, you get another two class entries for free.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 25 February

Venue: Oakridge Stables Academy of Horse Riding, Ferndown

Details: “Classes from clear round and poles and crosses to 80cm. This competition will be held on an outdoor all-weather arena with all classes running as two phase.”

Enter now

British Showjumping

Date: 28 February

Venue: Chard Equestrian, Somerset

Details: “This senior show has classes from British novice to 1.30m open.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated evening showjumping

Date: 2 March

Venue: Field House, Staffordshire

Details: “Classes from cross poles where assistance (but no lead reins) will be allowed in the arena, with clear round rosettes on offer. Classes then move to 40-50cm where assistance (but no lead reins) will also be allowed and this course won’t feature any back rails or fillers with clear round rosettes, up to 80cm. Classes will be split into junior and senior sections, with prize money available if there are over six starters.”

Enter now

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To help prepare you for the fast-approaching eventing season, here’s a few training opportunities you would be mad to miss out on

Pre-season cross-country clinic

Date: 11 February

Venue: Heath Farm, Godalming

Details: “This is a cross-country schooling session with eventer Sam Jennings to prepare for the upcoming season. We will be running Wobbleberry specific groups too with jumps starting from 65cm progressing up to the 80cm course for those of you who would like to prepare for events in the early part of 2018. We will also run sessions for non Wobbleberries wanting to school over 80/90/100cm courses. All abilities and levels of experience catered for.”

Enter now

Jeanette Brakewell clinic

Date: 11 February

Venue: Field House, Staffordshire

Details: “This wonderful clinic with multi- eventing medallist, Jeanette Brakewell, will be run in our arena eventing ring and will focus on pre-season event training with a mixture of showjumps and cross-country obstacles, including water, steps, ditch and skinnies.”

Enter now

Alicia Hawker clinic

Date: 15 February

Venue: Buryhill Competition Centre, Swindon

Details: “This is a showjumping clinic with Alicia Hawker, a four-star eventer who trains with Mark Todd. She can coach at all levels and is very enthusiastic about her training.”

Enter now

Pre-season cross-country training

Date: 16 February

Venue: Bucklebury Equestrian, Reading

Details: “This is a confidence building cross-country schooling session to prepare for the upcoming season with international event rider, Wendy Schaeffer. Wendy has heaps of experience, winning team gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics for Australia, and more recently was 12th at Badminton in 2014, along with many more achievements. Having trained with many of the sport’s best coaches worldwide, Wendy has been coaching extensively globally. This clinic is for 80cm or 90cm. At Bucklebury Equestrian, the fences are all sympathetic and inviting, as well as offering some more tricky combinations. All abilities and levels of experience are catered for. Perfect for getting both horse and riders eyes in for the year ahead.”

Enter now

Pre-season camp

Date: 16-18 February

Venue: Somerford Park Farm, Congelton

Details: “This is a three-day camp with plenty of lessons, tailored to suit your needs doing dressage, cross-country and showjumping. Stabling and bedding is included in the price and breakfast, lunch and evening meals provided.”

Enter now

Cross-country schooling

Date: 18 February

Venue: Epworth Equestrian, Doncaster

Details: “This is a cross-country clinic with Julia Hardy, a BHS accredited coach and someone who has had many years competing at advanced and three-star eventing and 1.35m level showjumping. The training will be held over Epworth Equestrians new schooling/speed training course. This course includes, ditches, skinnies, angled combinations, corners as well as having a start box and minute markers. This is a great opportunity to get established for the event season ahead. We will be running groups at 70cm, 80cm, 90cm and 100cm. Groups will be a maximum of 5 riders and each session will be 90 minutes.”

Enter now

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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

If you are looking for some dressage competitions to take your horse or pony to, here are just a few you need to check out

Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 4 February

Venue: The Diamond Centre, Carshalton

Details: “Classes from intro to medium with this competition acting as a qualifier for the Chipstead Riding Club dressage championships in March. All tests will be in the indoor arena.”

Enter now

Quest Club

Date: 4 February

Venue: Netherton Equestrian Centre, Perth

Details: “Classes from intro with lead-rein option, up to advanced medium with veteran qualifiers for My and Team Quest. This competition also counts towards Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) regional points.”

Enter now

Winter dressage series

Date: 4 February

Venue: Leamside Equestrian, Houghton Le Spring

Details: “There are a range of unaffiliated classes on offer from intro to medium with classes split into junior, senior and para sections. All first and second placed horses with the required score will qualify for our winter championship show in April.”

Enter now

British Dressage

Date: 10 February

Venue: Cobham Manor Equestrian Centre, Maidstone

Details: “Classes from medium to prix st georges with freestyle classes too. All of the tests available are summer championship qualifiers.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 10 February

Venue: Field House, Staffordshire

Details: “Classes from introductory to elementary, which are also include Trailblazers qualifiers. There is also a Pony Club Dengie dressage qualifier.”

Enter now

Smart casual dressage

Date: 10 February

Venue: Beaver Hall, Leek

Details: “Classes from introductory to medium with a green horse (six years and under) prelim class too. These also include Trailblazers and Cricklands qualifiers.”

Enter now

British Dressage

Date: 11 February

Venue: Badgworth Arena Equestrian Centre, Axbridge

Details: “Classes from prelim to elementary with summer qualifiers.”

Enter now

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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

If you are looking for showjumping competitions to take your horse or pony to, here are just a few you need to check out

British Showjumping

Date: 28 January

Venue: Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester

Details: “Classes from 80cm to 1.05m and a FMBs Therapy Systems Star Championship qualifier, plus amateur championship qualifiers.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 28 January

Venue: Felbridge Showground, East Grinstead

Details: “Classes from 40cm, which comprises a course of just cross poles, 60cm with no spreads included in the course and then up to 90cm. There is prize money on offer and rosettes for those placed first to fifth, plus rosettes will be awarded to those who jump a double clear too.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 28 January

Venue: Netherton Equestrian Centre, Perth

Details: “There are a huge range of classes on offer from trot poles clear round and cross poles as the first class up to 1m. There is also the option to jump bigger than 1m at the end of the day, but this will be treated as a clear round.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated evening showjumping

Date: 1 February

Venue: Leamside Equestrian, Houghton Le Spring

Details: “Classes from clear round and 60cm to 1m. Gates open at 6pm, with the clear round running until 7pm before the classes start. Refreshments available.”

Enter now

Friday evening unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 2 February

Venue: Field House, Staffordshire

Details: “Classes from cross poles and 40-50cm where assistance is allowed in the arena, but no lead-reins are allowed — rosettes will be awarded for clear rounds that are not placed in these classes. There is then a 50-60cm class with no back rails or fillers included in the course. Classes go up to 80cm. Prize money will be available if there are enough starters.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated afternoon showjumping

Date: 3 February

Venue: Beaver Hall, Leek

Details: “Classes from 45cm and cross poles where lead-rein assistance is permitted, all the way up to 95cm. Special rosettes will be awarded to sixth place and the results will count towards a points series.”

Enter now

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With entries for early competitions in the 2018 British Eventing season due to open in less than two weeks, take a look at this range of simulated horse trials competitions you need to get involved with

Indoor arena show cross

Date: 21 January

Venue: Northern Racing College, Doncaster

Details: “Classes from 70-75cm to 1-1.05m with a mixture of showjumps and cross-country fences. Each class will have junior and senior sections with separate prize money and rosettes.”

Enter now

Oliver Townend clinic

Date: 21 January

Venue: Alnwick Ford Equestrian, Morpeth

Details: “This is your chance to train with winning four-star event rider, Oliver Townend. You will be in a maximum group of four people.”

Enter now

Arena horse trials

Date: 28 January

Venue: Keysoe, Bedfordshire

Details: “Classes from 70cm to 1m with one-day event option, including dressage, or eventer trial, which doesn’t include the dressage phase. The dressage and dressage warm up will be on an all weather arena, with short arena BE (British Eventing) tests. There will then be a minimum of half an hour for a tack change before the jumping phases. The jumping phases will consist a BE equivalent single phase showjumping track indoors, followed immediately in outdoor arena by a short course of portable cross-country fences. This will typically be five fences below the maximum height followed by five at the maximum, with a water splash. Fences will be laid out to allow a reasonable pace, and to have some feel of being cross-country not working hunter. There will be no cross-country time penalties, with the fastest time being used to divide equality of place, however dangerous riding will incur elimination.”

Enter now

Arena Eventing

Date: 28 January

Venue: Todburn Equestrian Centre, Morpeth

Details: “Classes from 60cm to 95cm. This is a really useful way to practice all three phases of eventing in a competitive format. All three phases will be on a surface, with individual times for competitors. You will ride a dressage test, then move immediately onto the showjumping and simulated cross-country course. We will allow competitors to ride their test in jumping equipment and boots. This class is designed as a great warm up for the eventing season, and is part of a points series with the winners receiving some fantastic prizes.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated eventers’ challenge

Date: 28 January

Venue: Moores Farm Equestrian Centre, Gloucestershire

Details: “Classes from 55cm to 1m with rosettes from first to sixth place. The first section is over showjumps and the second is timed over natural obstacles with approximately 16 fences in total. The natural obstacle sections will have an optimum time. Jumping penalties from both sections will count and the closest competitor to optimum time with fewest jumping penalties will decide placings .”

Enter now

Express one-day event

Date: 3 February

Venue: Epworth Equestrian, Doncaster

Details: “Classes 70cm to 1.10m, the winner will be nearest to the optimum time with a clear round. In the event of a tie the winner will be the one closest to but under the optimum time with a clear round. Rosettes to sixth place.”

Enter now

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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

Happy New Year! It is now time to get 2018 off to a flying start with your horse, so make the most of these competition and training opportunities

Evening unaffiliated dressage

Date: 4 January

Venue: Hill House Equestrian, Market Rasen

Details: “Classes from intro to elementary. Simply book your time slot when you enter. Rosettes to sixth place in each class.”

Enter now

Affiliated dressage

Date: 5 January

Venue: Moreton Equestrian Centre, Dorchester

Details: “Classes from prelim to pick your own prix st george with summer qualifiers. There are two all-weather outdoor sand and fibre arenas and a new 80x65m wax/fibre outdoor arena running up to four tests concurrently. There is ample hard standing parking and on-site catering providing a variety of hot and cold food and drink.”

Enter now

Showjumping day

Date: 5 January

Venue: Witham Villa Equestrian Centre, Leicester

Details: “Showjumping in a friendly environment. Come and spend the day with us — get your horse ready and then have a go at showjumping from 60cm to 70cm and 80+cm. From 8.30am to 3.30pm.”

Enter now

British Showjumping

Date: 6 January

Venue: Alnwick Ford Equestrian, Morpeth

Details: “Classes from British novice to 1.30m with some classes that are pre-enter only.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 6 January

Venue: Beaver Hall, Leek

Details: “Classes from clear round cross pole and 45cm to 1/1.05/1.10m on request. There are also qualifiers for Trailblazers, UK Chasers and Cricklands.”

Enter now

Combined training

Date: 6 January

Venue: Chard Equestrian, Chard

Details: “A great variety of classes on offer from 50cm showjumping with an intro dressage test to novice, elementary and medium dressage tests with 1m showjumping. There is also the option to do dressage only.”

Enter now

Nervous and novice unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 6 January

Venue: Milton Equestrian Centre, Worksop

Details: “A range of classes from 30cm clear round to 95cm, with each class split into junior and senior sections. Rosettes and prize money awarded to each section in each class.”

Enter now

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Merry Christmas everyone! We hope you are enjoying your day, but there is no time to waste — make the most of your time off between now and the New Year with these shows and training opportunities.

Christmas show

Date: 27 December

Venue: Leamside Equestrian, Houghton Le Spring

Details: “There are a huge range of classes available to enter including in-hand and ridden sections, with a variety of qualifiers.”

Enter now

Indoor arena cross-country clinic

Date: 27 December

Venue: Downe Farm Event Centre, Tiverton

Details: “An opportunity to train with Tim Cheffings who is a highly thought of professional four-star event rider. This clinic offers a variety of heights to train over from 70cm to 90cm.”

Enter now

Grid work clinic

Date: 28 December

Venue: Buryhill Competition Centre, near Cirencester

Details: “Take part in this grid work clinic with Alicia Hawker, a four-star eventer who trains and competes her own horses. She can coach at all levels and is very enthusiastic about her training. This event will be grid work only and heights on offer range from 60cm to 1m.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 28 December

Venue: Felbridge Showground, East Grinstead

Details: “There are a range of classes available from walk and trot tests and prelim to elementary with rosettes from first to fifth.”

Enter now

Pony British Showjumping

Date: 28 December

Venue: Keysoe, Bedfordshire

Details: “Classes from clear round and 128cm/138cm springboard handicap to 148cm restricted open.”

Enter now

Christmas holiday showjumping

Date: 28 December

Venue: Beaver Hall, Leek

Details: “A great variety of classes on offer from cross poles and 45cm to 90/95cm.”

Enter now

Festive arena event

Date: 29 December

Venue: Greenfields of Avondale, Strathaven

Details: “The courses at this event are a mixture of showjumps, working hunter fences and portable cross-country fences. Classes range from 50cm to 1m with rosettes to sixth place. There is also a prize for the best fancy dress rider and best fancy dress horse. This competition will be run between indoor and outdoor arenas which are both on an all-weather surface.”

Enter now

Christmas New Year show

Date: 30 December

Venue: Jenky Farm, Shadoxhurst

Details: “A huge range of classes available from cross pole showjumping to lead-rein and ridden showing classes. Plus, enter three classes and get a discount price.”

Enter now

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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

Make the most of Christmas with your horse with these great shows you would be mad to miss out on over the next week

Christmas holiday showjumping

Date: 21 December

Venue: Beaver Hall, Leek

Details: “Classes from cross poles and 45cm to 95cm with higher fences available on request afterwards. There is also an offer available to each rider where if you enter two classes, you get two more for free.”

Enter now

Christmas indoor driving fun event

Date: 23 December

Venue: Anvil Park Stud, Norwich

Details: “Indoor carriage driving Christmas fun event. Classes include long reining agility (open to driving and non-driving horse/pony/donkey), driven agility and the club’s take your own line cones competition followed by a fun Christmas cones class (special Christmas rosettes in this class). The cafe will be open and there will be special prizes for the best young driver, heavy horse, donkey, and single and multiple turnouts with a combined age of over 100 years. £20 M&S voucher for the best Christmas fancy dress. This is a friendly competition, and all ages and abilities welcome.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated eventers’ challenge

Date: 22 December

Venue: Moreton Equestrian Centre, Dorchester

Details: “Classes from 75cm to 1m with the warm-up on an outdoor arena. The first class starts at 9am and refreshments will be available.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 23 December

Venue: Highfield Equestrian at Howe, Cupar

Details: “An opportunity to escape from the Christmas festivities — come along to our dressage competition which includes classes from intro to elementary.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping and BS Club

Date: 23 December

Venue: Milton Equestrian Centre, Worksop

Details: “Classes from 70cm to 1m with senior, junior, pony and horse sections. Prizes will be awarded at a ratio of one prize for every five starters. Rosettes to sixth place. There will be no double combinations in the courses. Horse and pony sections will be judged separately.”

Enter now

Christmas unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 17 December

Venue: Lime Kiln Farm Equestrian Centre, Fakenham

Details: “A great variety of classes on offer from a 60cm speed class and a horse and hound relay to a pairs relay, puissance and 95cm open.”

Enter now

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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

Christmas is only just around the corner and these showjumping shows should help put you in the festive mood

Unaffiliated evening showjumping

Date: 14 December

Venue: Leamside Equestrian, Houghton Le Spring

Details: “Gates open at 5pm with a clear round and then classes from 60cm to 1m. The cafe will be open as usual. Don’t forget you can trade your rosette in for a hot drink.”

Enter now

Junior British Showjumping

Date: 16 December

Venue: Alnwick Ford Equestrian, Morpeth

Details: “Pony classes from 70cm open to 1.15m members’ cup.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 16 December

Venue: Felbridge Showground, East Grinstead

Details: “Classes from 40cm cross poles to 90cm with a 60cm class with no spread fences included in the course. Prize money available dependent on entries and rosettes to those placed first to fifth and to those who jump a clear round.”

Enter now

Team and individual showjumping

Date: 16 December

Venue: Highfield Equestrian at Howe, Cupar

Details: “A huge range of classes available from clear round cross poles, which also has a prize for the best Christmas fancy dress costume all the way up to 1.05m. .”

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Christmas unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 17 December

Venue: Lime Kiln Farm Equestrian Centre, Fakenham

Details: “A great variety of classes on offer from a 60cm speed class and a horse and hound relay to a pairs relay, puissance and 95cm open.”

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Christmas holiday showjumping

Date: 21 December

Venue: Beaver Hall, Leek

Details: “Classes from cross poles and 45cm to 95cm with higher fences available on request afterwards. There is also an offer available to each rider where if you enter two classes, you get two more for free.”

Enter now

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With Christmas looming, take a look at this range of clinics and training opportunities you need to make the most of

An evening with the Talland Team

Date: 9 December

Venue: The Talland School of Equitation, Cirencester

Details: “Come and join us for an evening of merriment with dressage to music displays, quadrilles and more. Tickets include mince pie and mulled wine or a soft drink.”

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Dressage clinic

Date: 9 December

Venue: Dorset Showground, Gillingham

Details: “This clinic is with Rowan Chambers, a BHS intermediate instructor and stable manager. She has trained and competed up to grand prix dressage, winning advanced medium and prix st george area festivals. Rowan prides herself that she has learnt, with time and dedication, how to use correct training to get the best our of any horse and rider, whatever the size, breed or natural ability.”

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Polework and gridwork clinic

Date: 9 December

Venue: Adds Farm, Crowborough

Details: “This clinic is taught by Hugo Payne and has 60-80cm gridwork sessions and polework only sessions too.”

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Spooky filler training

Date: 16 December

Venue: Waulkmill Show Centre, Ellen

Details: “Spooky filler training with Rebecca Robb (nee Stephen).”

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Polework and biomechanics training

Date: 17 December

Venue: The Diamond Centre, Carshalton

Details: “This is a great way to improve both your flatwork and jumping. It is at a great venue and there is something for everyone, mounted or dismounted. An informative and fun day.”

Enter now

Coffee morning demonstration

Date: 18 December

Venue: Your Horsemanship, Goudhurst

Details: “These demonstrations with Jason Webb consist of an educational and entertaining practical demonstration which runs for approximately two hours. During his demonstration, Jason will pass on useful ideas and tips to help you reach your goals with your horse and of course he’s happy to chat to you in person. Jason will demonstrate easy to use techniques from his popular online video training website that have helped to make him one of the leading horse trainers in the UK. Jason is renowned for his real life demonstrations and with this in mind, every month he brings out horses to you that he currently has staying with him; from young horses, to problem horses such as spooking or tension affecting them from reaching their true potential.”

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If you are searching for somewhere to show off you and your horse’s dressage skills take a look at this range of competitions you need to enter

British Dressage

Date: 9 December

Venue: Keysoe, Bedfordshire

Details: “Classes from prelim to grand prix with summer qualifiers, children on horses and pony classes too.”

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Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 9 December

Venue: Cobham Manor Equestrian Centre, Maidstone

Details: “Classes from introductory to elementary with some special prizes too, including jiggliest trot and scruffiest pony. All classes are also open to side saddle competitors.”

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Unaffiliated winter dressage

Date: 9 December

Venue: Field House, Staffordshire

Details: “Classes from introductory to elementary with Trailblazers qualifiers, plus a Pony Club Dengie dressage qualifier.”

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Quest dressage

Date: 9 December

Venue: Moulton College Equestrian Centre, Northampton

Details: “Classes from introductory to novice with My Quest and Team Quest options. There is a special offer of two class entries for £25.”

Enter now

British Dressage

Date: 10 December

Venue: Bluegate Hall Farm, near Braintree

Details: “Classes from prelim to elementary with winter qualifiers.”

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Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 10 December

Venue: Centyfield Eventing & Dressage Academy, Exeter

Details: “Classes from intro to elementary with open and restricted sections. There will be rosettes to sixth place no matter how many entries there are in each class. This is also a Christmas fancy dress special show — fancy dress isn’t compulsory but there are prizes in each class to the best costume.”

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Smart casual dressage

Date: 13 December

Venue: Beaver Hall, Leek

Details: “Classes from intro to medium, plus a couple of British Eventing dressage tests to choose from too. There is also a have a go class and a green horse class.”

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Nervous dressage

Date: 17 December

Venue: Ladyleys, Oldmeldrum

Details: “Warm up in either indoor school for 20 minutes then ride a dressage test of your choice without having to leave the arena.”

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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

If you’re searching for some indoor winter showjumping take a look at this range of competitions you need to enter

British Showjumping

Date: 2 December

Venue: Moulton College Equestrian Centre, Northampton

Details: “Classes from 85cm to 1.15m members cup, including amateur qualifiers.”

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Junior British Showjumping

Date: 2 December

Venue: Bishop Burton College, Beverley

Details: “Classes from 75cm to 1.10m open with some winter qualifiers.”

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Nervous and novice unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 2 December

Venue: Milton Equestrian Centre, Worksop

Details: “Classes from 30cm clear round to 95cm with junior and senior sections and some Trailblazer qualifiers.”

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Winter fun mini showjumping

Date: 3 December

Venue: Diamond Equestrian, Leicester

Details: “Classes from cross poles to 2ft9ins, plus choose your height clear round and fancy dress. Rosettes to sixth.”

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Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 3 December

Venue: Felbridge Showground, East Grinstead

Details: “Classes from 40cm to 90cm with prize money on offer and rosettes to fifth, plus rosettes to all double clears.”

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Nervous and novice jumping

Date: 3 December

Venue: Hill House Equestrian, Market Rasen

Details: “Classes from 30cm to 65cm with some clear round rosettes and rosettes to those placed.”

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Unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 3 December

Venue: Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester

Details: “Classes from 60cm to 1m.”

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Evening showjumping

Date: 5 December

Venue: Forest Edge Arena, Swaffham

Details: “Classes from clear round and 65cm to 105cm with Trailblazers qualifiers.”

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Evening clear round showjumping

Date: 7 December

Venue: Keysoe, Bedford

Details: “Heights starting at 60cm and working up to 1m.”

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Jump and go

Date: 9 December

Venue: High Plains Equestrian Centre, Riding Mill

Details: “Classes from 55cm to 85cm. This is a great way to experience winter showjumping without having to wait around hours for different classes.

Competitors warm up in groups of between four and six riders, then jump the first course and jump off if clear, then the course is raised and the same thing happens at the next height. The results are calculated at the end of the day when all groups have finished and rosettes are posted out. These rounds also act as qualifiers for the 2018 UK Riders series.”

Enter now

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Winter is the perfect time to polish up your equestrian skills so take a look at this range of training opportunities on offer

Assisted gridwork

Date: 25 November

Venue: Dorset Showground, Gillingham

Details: “Train with a UKCC Level 2 coach with a maximum of four people per group on an all-weather surface. Perfect for novice horses and riders, confidence building, winter fitness or just trying something different. All levels welcome.”

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Indoor arena cross-country clinic

Date: 2 December

Venue: Darknoll Farm, Blandford Forum

Details: “This clinic will give you the opportunity to practise and gain experience over both arena and simulated cross-country fences within a safe environment. The fences will replicate those you would expect to find on a cross-country course, are of both fixed and variable height starting from 50cm and can be raised up to 95cm. It will include ‘skinnies’, ‘ditches’, ‘water’ and hedges. Moira Bonner is a great instructor, persuading even the most nervous of riders, so if it is a while since you last jumped, or have lost confidence and want to have a go, this is for you.”

Enter now

Polework clinic

Date: 2 December

Venue: Woodruffe Stables, Epsom

Details: “Pole exercises are great for strengthening and as a training aid to improve both flatwork and jumping. This clinic uses a series of exercises to suit each group of horses and riders and gives a new insight into their riding and plenty of ideas to take away with you and work on at home.”

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Arena cross-country clinic

Date: 2 December

Venue: Downe Farm Event Centre, Tiverton

Details: “Train with four-star event rider Tim Cheffings in groups of four with height options varying between 70cm and 90cm.”

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Dressage clinic

Date: 4 December

Venue: Mullacott Event Centre, Ilfracombe

Details: “Individual and group lessons with John Chubb.”

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Your Horsemanship

Date: 7 December

Venue: Godhurst, Surrey

Details: “Jason Webb opens his doors for the afternoon to run “Jason’s Surgery” consisting of a series of one-to-one coaching sessions. Participants booking a time slot with Jason can cover anything from ground to ridden work and overcoming problems during their training session. Exclusive to this Jason’s surgery afternoon is a large reduction on Jason’s usual price. Therefore Jason’s surgery is a great chance to gain some help and benefit from a discount at the same time! Please note Jason is happy to teach at home or to travel to you should you be unable to take advantage of Jason’s surgery afternoon.”

Enter now

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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

As the weather cools down and it becomes less desirable to ride your horse in the elements take a look at this range of indoor competitions you need to enter

Evening unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 17 November

Venue: Hill House Equestrian, Market Rasen

Details: “Classes from clear round and 55cm to 95cm with Trailblazers qualifiers. Rosettes to sixth and prizes in kind.”

Enter now

Gridwork clinic

Date: 18 November

Venue: Chelwood Equestrian, Sussex

Details: “All sessions are designed to be confidence boosting and fun under the instruction of Hugo Payne.”

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Unaffiliated dressage

Date: 18 November

Venue: Moulton College, Northamptonshire

Details: “Classes from introductory to novice with a Dressage UK section in each. Two classes can be entered for £25.”

Enter now

British Showjumping

Date: 19 November

Venue: Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester

Details: “Classes from 80cm to 1.10m.”

Enter now

Mini showjumping

Date: 19 November

Venue: Forest Edge Arena, Swaffham

Details: “Classes from clear round and 30cm to 1m with trophies to the winners, medals to those placed second and third and rosettes to sixth.”

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Show Cross

Date: 19 November

Venue: Northern Racing College, Doncaster

Details: “Classes from 70-75cm to 100-105cm with junior and senior sections which both have separate rosettes and prize money. There will be a minimum of 18 fences and an optimum time.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated evening dressage

Date: 21 November

Venue: Leamside Equestrian, Houghton Le Spring

Details: “Classes from introductory to elementary split into junior, senior and para sections with David Broome qualifiers. A member of Leamside Equestrian staff can be booked to read your dressage test at an extra cost.”

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Evening clear round showjumping

Date: 23 November

Venue: Grove Farm Equestrian, near Steventon

Details: “This clear round runs from 4pm. Any height is available from poles on the ground to top of the wings. £5 per round or £15 with assistance from Mark Smith. Rosettes are on offer for each clear round.”

Enter now

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As the eventing season is now over, there’s no need to despair if you’re already missing it — take a look at this range of simulated eventing competitions you need to enter

Arena eventing

Date: 12 November

Venue: Downe Farm Event Centre, Tiverton

Details: “Classes from 70cm to 90cm which will be held in our 60x 60m outdoor arena and will consist of jumping a set of showjumps, followed by an optimum timed section of arena cross-country. The showjumping section will not be timed but penalties will be given for refusals and poles down. The cross-country section will have penalties for a refusal and will be judged on the combination closest to the optimum time.”

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Hickstead arena horse trials

Date: 12 November

Venue: Hickstead Showground, Haywards Heath

Details: “Classes from 70cm to 100cm. This is an event which comprises of a dressage test and arena eventing course on the surfaced arena of Hickstead. It is a perfect way to continue eventing throughout the winter, or prepare for the upcoming season. Collect points throughout the series for the championship.”

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Arena horse trials

Date: 12 November

Venue: Keysoe, Bedfordshire

Details: “Classes from 70cm to 1m with one-day event option, including dressage, or eventer trial, which doesn’t include the dressage phase. The dressage and dressage warm up will be on an all weather arena, with short arena BE (British Eventing) tests. There will then be a minimum of half an hour for a tack change before the jumping phases. The jumping phases will consist a BE equivalent single phase showjumping track indoors, followed immediately in outdoor arena by a short course of portable cross-country fences. This will typically be five fences below the maximum height followed by five at the maximum, with a water splash. Fences will be laid out to allow a reasonable pace, and to have some feel of being cross-country not working hunter. There will be no cross-country time penalties, with the fastest time being used to divide equality of place, however dangerous riding will incur elimination.”

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Arena event points series

Date: 19 November

Venue: Todburn Equestrian Centre, Morpeth

Details: “Classes from 60cm to 95cm. This is a really useful way to practice all three phases of eventing in a competitive format. All three phases will be on a surface, with individual times for competitors. You will ride a dressage test, then move immediately onto the showjumping and simulated cross-country course. We will allow competitors to ride their test in jumping equipment and boots. This class is designed as a great warm up for the eventing season, and is part of a points series with the winners receiving some fantastic prizes.”

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Indoor arena show cross

Date: 19 November

Venue: Northern Racing College, Doncaster

Details: “Classes from 75cm to 105cm with senior and junior sections, each being awarded rosettes and prize money.”

Enter now

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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

With Halloween just around the corner, take a look at this range of themed competitions you need to enter

Halloween unaffiliated evening showjumping

Date: 26 October

Venue: Leamside Equestrian, Houghton Le Spring

Details: “Classes from clear round and 60cm to 1m. Clear round runs from 6pm for an hour, then the competitive classes begin.”

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Halloween showjumping show

Date: 27 October

Venue: Cerney Equestrian Centre, Gloucestershire

Details: “Classes from poles on the ground to 80cm, plus there’s a puissance and a pairs class. This show will start at 2pm and we want to encourage everyone to have a go.”

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Halloween unaffiliated showjumping

Date: 28 October

Venue: Codham Park Equestrian, Braintree

Details: “Classes from cross poles to 1m with horse and pony sections, plus an accumulator class. Not only that, but there’s also a fancy dress parade for those who want to get into the spirit of Halloween. Fancy dress is optional and there will be prizes to the best fancy dress in each class.”

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Halloween fun show

Date: 28 October

Venue: Stretcholt Equestrian Centre, Bridgwater

Details: “This unaffiliated showing show is open to everyone and there is a huge range of classes to suit all shapes, sizes and abilities. Themed rosettes to sixth place and prizes for best adult costume, and best child’s costume of the day. Halloween costumes are a must! Usual BD (British Dressage) rules apply with the exception of fancy dress costume.”

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Halloween fancy dress ride

Date: 29 October

Venue: Bagmoor, Scunthorpe

Details: “A fun ride organised by Scunthorpe and District Pony Club, which sets off at 2pm.”

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Halloween showjumping

Date: 29 October

Venue: Barleylands Equestrian Centre, Basildon

Details: “Classes from cross poles to 95cm with some Trailblazers qualifiers. There is also a pairs class.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated Halloween showjumping

Date: 29 October

Venue: Beaver Hall, Leek

Details: “Classes from clear round cross poles and 45cm to 1m/1.05mm/1.10m on request. There are prizes in each class for the best Halloween-themed horse or rider.”

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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

With a lot of schools currently on their half term breaks, make the most of your free time and take a look at this range of competitions you need to enter

British Showjumping

Date: 18 October

Venue: Keysoe, Bedfordshire

Details: “Classes from clear round and British Novice to 1.40m open.”

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British Dressage

Date: 19 October

Venue: Field House, Staffordshire

Details: “Classes from prelim to advanced medium with qualifiers, plus pick your own advanced and FEI tests.”

Enter now

Unaffiliated evening showjumping

Date: 19 October

Venue: Leamside Equestrian, Houghton Le Spring

Details: “Classes from clear round and 60cm to 1m. This event tarts at 6pm with the clear round running until 7pm before starting with the first class. Refreshments available.”

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Combined training

Date: 20 October

Venue: Felbridge Showground, East Grinstead

Details: “British Eventing dressage tests, starting with BE90 with showjumping up to 85cm, with classes going up to intermediate with 1.25m showjumping. Extra schooling showjumping rounds can also be purchased.”

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Cross poles and beyond showjumping

Date: 21 October

Venue: Barleylands Equestrian Centre, Basildon

Details: “Classes from 60cm to 95cm — some with Trailblazers qualifiers.”

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Combined training

Date: 21 October

Venue: Chard Equestrian, Chard

Details: “Classes from intro with 50cm showjumping to novice elementary and medium with 1m showjumping. Dressage only classes available too.”

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Fun showjumping

Date: 21 October

Venue: High Plains Equestrian Centre, Riding Mill

Details: “Classes from 45cm to 95cm with junior and senior sections, plus a clear round. A clear round can be booked for the start of each height, simply add a clear round to your basket and state which height in the comments box. Classes from 65cm will count as the 2018 UK Riders first round qualifiers.”

Enter now

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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