Unaffiliated Sunshine Tour to expand this year

The ‘Sunshine Tour’ for unaffiliated riders across the south-east of England is set to be bigger than ever this summer.

Shows across the region are to hold dressage, show jumping and showing qualifiers for the championships at Equestrian Centre, Surrey on 26 and 27 September.

And the number of riding centres, pony clubs and riding clubs holding qualifying classes is expected to rise from 30 in 2008 to 45 this year.

Angela Medland, show secretary at Great Bookham, said: “The great thing about the Sunshine Tour is that it’s for unaffiliated riders and their enthusiasm and excitement at making it to the championships is infectious.”

Classes at the championships will cater for all levels with novice dressage and show jumping taking place on 26 September and advanced classes scheduled for 27 September.

The show jumping and dressage classes will cater for riders of novice through to advanced ability and the showing section will include jumping, non-jumping, in-hand and lead-rein classes.

Last year, 300 horses from 11 counties across the south-east qualified for the Championships.

“It was an extremely busy day with lots of competitors and their supporters making a lovely atmosphere,” said Angela.

“The attitude of ‘I don’t mind where I’m placed, I’m just chuffed to be involved’ was voiced many times during the day.”

For more information go to www.gbec.info

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