Summer Horse Shows UK 2025: Top Events You Can Still Enter

Horse shows UK 2025 offer an exciting calendar of prestigious events that you can still register for across the country. From the world’s oldest horse show to elite five-star competitions, there’s something for every equestrian enthusiast to participate in.

The summer season is particularly packed with notable equestrian events UK. You can look forward to the Royal Windsor Horse Show from 15-18 May featuring multiple disciplines including showing, dressage and show jumping.

Furthermore, the Great Yorkshire Show from 8-10 July provides a family-friendly atmosphere alongside competitive classes. Additionally, the Royal International Horse Show, scheduled for 28 July to 2 August, boasts a rich heritage as the oldest horse show in the world, whilst the Badminton Horse Trials in May represents one of only seven annual Five Star eventing competitions worldwide.

Whether you’re interested in dressage shows, eventing trials or show jumping competitions, this guide will help you identify which summer horse competitions still have openings and how you can secure your place before registration deadlines close.

Beginner-Friendly Summer Horse Shows in the UK

For newcomers to competitive riding, several accessible horse shows UK 2025 offer the perfect starting point for your competition journey.

The SEIB Trailblazers Championships stands out as an exceptional opportunity for amateur riders. Unlike many elite competitions, Trailblazers is the only UK organisation offering free horse and rider registration, allowing competitors to participate in any of four disciplines at their preferred level.

This championship culminates in a spectacular week-long event at Addington Equestrian in Buckinghamshire. What makes Trailblazers ideal for beginners is its focus on grassroots riders, providing them with a championship atmosphere without intimidating entry requirements.

Equifest represents another excellent option, scheduled for August 6-9, 2025, at Arena UK in Lincolnshire. This festival has grown into one of the UK’s largest competing events since its founding in 2008.

Notably, you don’t need to qualify to participate in over 600 open classes—simply meet the class criteria and enter. First-time competitors will appreciate the comprehensive facilities including on-site camping, showers, toilets, and catering options.

“A competitor rides their dressage test then they do a round of show jumping. Any faults in the show jumping section are deducted from their dressage score to provide a final score.” — Kelvin Bywater, Organiser of Trailblazers Championships

 

The Great Yorkshire Show, running July 8-11, 2025, offers a family-friendly introduction to horse competitions. Located in Harrogate, this four-day agricultural show combines equestrian classes with countryside celebrations. The event welcomes beginner riders across various disciplines including showing and showjumping.

Moreover, the Royal Highland Show provides an accessible entry point with equine competitions now open for registration. This event features clear guidance for newcomers, including mandatory equine flu vaccination requirements and stable booking procedures.

When planning your first summer competition, consider these beginner-friendly events that combine supportive atmospheres with the excitement of championship venues. Each offers different qualification requirements, so check entry details well in advance of registration deadlines.

Top Summer Horse Shows in the UK Date and Location—2025

 

 

Top-Level Competitions Still Open for Entry

If you’re aiming to compete at an elite level this summer, several prestigious horse shows UK 2025 are still accepting entries. These top-tier events offer the chance to test your skills against world-class competitors.

The Bolesworth International, running from 27 June to 6 July in Chester, represents a significant opportunity with both CSI3* and CSI4* competitions across two weeks. For the first time, this event will feature seven Longines Ranking classes, alongside the prestigious Al Shira’aa CSI 4* Grand Prix with a remarkable £100,000 prize fund. Entries are now open, with amateur packages available that include classes from the 1.05m level.

Meanwhile, the iconic Hickstead Derby Meeting takes place 19-22 June in West Sussex. Subsequently, the Agria Royal International Horse Show runs from 22-27 July at the same venue, featuring the Agria Nations Cup, the JCL Insurance Brokers Queen Elizabeth II Cup, and the Al Shira’aa King George V Gold Cup.

For showing enthusiasts, this event represents the pinnacle of the outdoor season, with entries opening on 12 May and closing on 2 June for showing classes and 9 June for jumping.

The British Show jumping National Championships run from 5-10 August at Stoneleigh Park. This free-to-spectate event showcases the best of British showjumping across six days and three arenas. Senior classes take place during the first three days, followed by junior competitions.

Finally, the Longines Global Champions Tour of London returns to Royal Hospital Chelsea from 8-10 August. This prestigious event comes at a critical stage in the 2024 season when the ranking battle will be at full throttle. Early bird tickets are currently available, offering the best rates for spectators.

Each of these events offers different registration requirements and deadlines, hence check individual websites for the most current information on entries.

Planning Your Summer Competition Season

Successful participation in horse shows UK 2025 requires strategic planning well ahead of competition dates. Early preparation is essential as many prestigious events have specific pre-registration requirements that you’ll need to address promptly.

For those eyeing the Rising Star qualifiers in 2025, the British Show Horse Association now requires all combinations to pre-register before undertaking any qualifiers.

This process costs just £5 per horse and rider (and owner, if different), which is later deducted from the full £30 membership fee upon qualification. This system allows the BSHA to verify eligibility criteria beforehand and communicate directly with participants about qualification information.

To streamline your entry process, consider utilising dedicated online platforms. My Riding Life serves as a comprehensive entry system used by equestrian centres nationwide, offering 24/7 access to your entries across all disciplines. Alternatively, Horse Shows Online provides entry options via their website, email, or Facebook messages, with entries for some events closing as early as 31st May.

Regarding transportation logistics, professional services like EHB International can manage your competitive travel needs. They offer various options, including 9-stall transporters with dedicated driver and attendant teams, along with services for ferry crossings, stabling arrangements, and necessary paperwork.

Whilst planning your competition calendar, factor in stabling requirements at venues. Facilities such as Chard Equestrian offer 64 luxury barn stables plus 28 permanent stables, which must be booked through Horse Monkey. Similarly, Sparsholt College provides stabling for up to 66 horses alongside Olympic-standard arenas.

Remember to check venue-specific entry deadlines. The Agria Royal International Horse Show, for example, opens entries on 12th May with showing entries closing on 2nd June and jumping entries by 9th June. Creating a detailed timeline of registration deadlines will ensure you don’t miss opportunities to compete at your preferred venues.

Conclusion

The 2025 summer horse show season across the UK offers remarkable opportunities for equestrians at all levels. From the grassroots atmosphere of Trailblazers Championships to the prestigious Longines Global Champions Tour, countless options await your participation. Certainly, beginner-friendly events provide perfect starting points with minimal qualification requirements, while elite competitions deliver the thrill of world-class arenas and substantial prize funds.

Planning effectively remains crucial for success at any competitive level. Therefore, mark your calendar with key registration deadlines, particularly noting pre-qualification requirements that many shows now implement. Additionally, consider practical aspects such as transportation logistics and stabling arrangements well in advance, as these facilities often book quickly during peak season.

Whether you dream of competing at the historic Royal Windsor Horse Show or aim to test your skills at Bolesworth International, the summer of 2025 promises exceptional equestrian experiences. Above all, remember that thorough preparation will significantly enhance your competitive journey. The perfect summer competition awaits – all that remains is securing your entry before deadlines close and embarking on what could be your most successful season yet.

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