British Open unveils new identity

The British Open Show Jumping Championships (12-15 April) might have moved to the same venue as the Horse of the Year Show (3 – 7 October) but it will still have its own unique identity. Organisers of the British Open will be using the floor space in the Birmingham NEC in an entirely new way. Visitors will be able to browse 4,000 sq m of trade stands in the new indoor shopping forum – a stark contrast to previous years where space at the British Open has been limited.

On arrival, visitors will walk straight into the dazzling shopping area, passing hundreds of top quality stands on their way through to the arena. “The infrastructure requirements of the British Open have grown considerably during the past four years to the point where we were running out of space. We have therefore taken the decision to move the Show to a larger venue allowing us to expand from using one hall in Sheffield to three halls at the NEC. This gives us the opportunity to create a dedicated trade stand hall to help meet demand,” explained Mark Wein, Director of Grandstand Group.

More than 25,000 people are expected to attend the four-day show, which promises to provide the most action-packed programme of equestrian competition and entertainment ever seen at an indoor show. Britain’s top riders will be contesting the prestigious Open Title and arena spectaculars include the UK’s highest goal Arena Polo, the world-famous Jean François Pignon and his white horses and high speed Scurry Driving. The world’s top eventers will be vying for the British Open Indoor Cross Country title and there will also be an exciting Pony Club display, dressage to music and barrel racing.

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

TOPICS