The Ultimate Guide to the UK’s Major Equestrian Events
Are you looking to plan your ultimate equestrian events calendar? The UK is home to some of the most prestigious equine competitions in the world.
Whether you are a lifelong equestrian fan or just love the social atmosphere of a day at the races, we take you through the must attend fixtures that define the British equestrian season.
Cheltenham Gold Cup
As one of the biggest highlights of the National Hunt racing calendar, the Cheltenham Gold Cup is an iconic event not to be missed.
Taking place on the final day of the famous Cheltenham Festival, this Grade One steeplechase tests the ultimate stamina of both horse and jockey. Run over three miles with 22 demanding fences, it is thrilling to see who will join the history books alongside past champions.
For horse racing enthusiasts, the Cheltenham Festival remains the crown jewel of the spring racing season.
Qatar Goodwood Festival (Glorious Goodwood)
When it comes to the summer flat racing season, the world-famous Qatar Goodwood Festival, affectionately known as "Glorious Goodwood", is a spectacular highlight.
This five day summer festival attracts the very best equine athletes from across the globe, offering an equestrian event like no other. Whether you are studying the form to place your bets or attending for the vibrant social scene and best dressed competitions, this is a cornerstone of UK equestrian fashion and sport.
Randox Grand National
This is the big one! Easily the most anticipated UK horse racing event of the year, the Grand National is a historic annual race and a true sporting spectacle.
Held at the iconic Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, this grueling steeplechase is watched by a global audience of over 500 million people.
Known as one of the longest and most challenging horse races in Britain and Ireland, it is the one day of the year where even those who rarely bet on horse racing will eagerly pick a favourite.
Badminton International Horse Trials
The major equestrian event for the best of the best, Badminton. It is the ultimate showcase of equine versatility and partnership.
As one of the few elite 5 star equestrian events in the world, Badminton attracts only the highest ranked horses and riders to compete across three rigorous disciplines: dressage, cross country, and showjumping.
Held annually at the stunning Badminton House estate in Gloucestershire, the ultimate champion is the dynamic horse and rider duo that finishes with the lowest penalty score.
London International Horse Show (Formerly Olympia)
London International Horse Show is a festive favourite among horse lovers and a wonderful way to celebrate the winter equestrian season.
Traditionally running in the days just prior to Christmas, this indoor spectacle brings together world class competitors for FEI World Cup showjumping, dressage, and driving, alongside spectacular equine displays.
If you want to experience the magic of this premier indoor equestrian event, be sure to secure your tickets early in the spring, as they sell out rapidly.
The Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting
Held in the heart of West Sussex during the summer, The Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting is one of the most historic and popular fixtures on the British showjumping calendar.
First held in 1961, the event is famous for its uniquely challenging showjumping course, which includes the daunting 10ft 6in descent of the Hickstead Derby Bank and one of the widest water jumps in the world. Attracting the country’s top showjumpers, it is widely regarded as a thrilling test of bravery for both horse and rider.
Cowdray Gold Cup
Attracting international polo enthusiasts, the Cowdray Gold Cup is widely recognised as one of the premier polo tournaments in Europe. For fans of the sport, this is the pinnacle of the UK polo season.
Hosted within the beautiful South Downs National Park over a multi week period, the tournament features fast paced action with several cups and trophies up for grabs. It draws thousands of spectators to the prestigious Cowdray Park Polo Club grounds in Midhurst, West Sussex, to watch international polo stars in action.
The Queen’s Cup at Guards Polo Club, Windsor
The Queen’s Cup at Guards Polo Club is one of the top five polo tournaments in the world and attracts some of the biggest names to compete. Ranked as one of the top five polo tournaments globally, The Queen’s Cup attracts the biggest names in the sport and a highly glamorous crowd.
Queen Elizabeth II first donated the cup to the club in 1960, and the prestigious tournament is played annually during the summer season at the elite Guards Polo Club in Windsor. Offering world class high goal polo and a quintessential British summer day out, this is a sporting event you won't want to miss.