If you love horses, riding, showing or jumping or you’re simply after a memorable day out. The UK’s equestrian calendar has something for everyone. From iconic international competitions to family-friendly shows, here’s your guide to the top events in 2026. (Dates are correct at time of writing but subject to change. Always check official event sites before booking tickets.)

1. Royal Windsor Horse Show

📅 Date: 14–17 May 2026
📍 Location: Windsor Great Park, Berkshire
This prestigious show is one of the UK’s equestrian highlights, set against the spectacular backdrop of Windsor Castle’s private grounds. Expect elite showjumping, dressage, carriage driving and thrilling displays alongside a huge shopping village and fun family attractions.

2. Badminton Horse Trials

📅 Date: 7–10 May 2026
📍 Location: Badminton Estate, South Gloucestershire

A five-star eventing classic, Badminton brings together dressage, cross-country and showjumping at the highest level. It’s also a great place to soak up countryside atmosphere and watch world-class riders in action.

3. Hickstead International Dressage Festival

📅 Date: 11–17 May 2026
📍 Location: All England Jumping Course, Hickstead, West Sussex

International calibre dressage returns to this iconic venue with CDI and CPEDI classes, Premier League competition, young horse and national‑level classes. A great choice for dressage fans.

4. Defender Bramham International Horse Trials

📅 Date: 11–14 June 2026
📍 Location: Bramham Park, Yorkshire

Bramham is a favourite early-summer fixture for eventing fans, showing a mix of CCI4* competition, arena eventing and overflow classes. The scenic estate and broad programme make this a brilliant event to explore across the weekend.

5. Bolesworth International

📅Date: 26–29 June & 2–5 July 2026 (two weekends)
📍Location: Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire

This popular summer showjumping event runs across two weekends and features top-class CSI3* and CSI4* jumping, festival-style shopping, food vendors and family entertainment.

6. The Great Yorkshire Show

📅Date: 14–17 July 2026
📍Location: Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

While technically an agricultural show, the Great Yorkshire Show features a wide range of equestrian‑related competitions. From ridden hunters, working hunters and show jumping in the Top Spec White Rose Ring to heavy horse, pony and hunter classes throughout the four days. It’s one of England’s largest countryside and livestock events, making it a brilliant addition for horse lovers and families planning a summer outing.

7. Equifest

📅 Date: 5–8 August 2026
📍 Location: Arena UK, Lincolnshire

One of the UK’s largest showing championships, Equifest offers classes for horses and ponies of all ages and levels, plus trade stands, attractions and fun for all the family.

8. Defender Burghley Horse Trials

📅Date: 3–6 September 2026
📍 Location: Burghley House, Lincolnshire

A marquee eventing week, Burghley’s CCI5* competition draws top riders globally. Cross-country day, in particular, is a must-see for eventing enthusiasts.

9. Horse of the Year Show (HOYS)

📅 Date: 7–11 October 2026
📍Location: NEC, Birmingham

HOYS is the UK’s biggest indoor equestrian show, boasting championship finals, showjumping, showing and the famous Puissance wall. It’s a brilliant late-season highlight for riders and spectators alike.

10. London International Horse Show

📅Date: December 2026 (Dates TBC)
📍 Location: ExCeL, London

A festive indoor showcase of FEI-level jumping, dressage and driving, bringing elite equestrian sport to London during the winter. Dates are typically confirmed in late summer/early autumn, so keep an eye on the official listings.

Special Mentions

Cheltenham Festival

📅 Date:10–13 March 2026
📍 Location: Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire
While primarily a jump racing festival, Cheltenham is a highlight of the British equestrian calendar. Famous for thrilling races and top-class jockeys, it’s worth noting for anyone who loves horses and wants a lively spring outing.

British Dressage Premier League & High‑Profile Shows

  • Addington Equestrian — 24–26 April
  • Vale View Equestrian, Leicestershire — 26 Feb – 1 Mar
  • Wellington Riding, Hampshire — 2–5 June
  • Hartpury University & Hartpury College — 1–5 July
  • Bury Farm Equestrian Village — 21–22 Aug
  • Aintree International — 14–18 Oct

These events are great for dressage fans and competitors, covering top‑tier competition across the country.

British Riding Clubs (BRC) Championships

  • Horslyx Winter Show Jumping Championships — 28–29 March
  • SEIB Winter Dressage Championships — 24–26 April
  • Topspec Arena Eventing Championships — 29–31 May
  • SEIB Horse Trials Championships — 1–2 August
  • NAF Five Star National Championships — 5–6 September

These are established club‑level championship events that showcase serious competition and a great sense of community in grassroots riding circles.