Calendar of International Events at Hickstead this Year Revealed

Hickstead, England – March 19, 2026 – Hickstead – The All England Jumping Course has announced the dates of international events as well as national-level competitions during the upcoming season at its historic showgrounds.

The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting June 18-21, 2026

One of the standout showjumping classes in the global equestrian calendar takes place on Sunday 21 June – the Al Shira’aa Derby at Hickstead. It is the grand finale of the four-day Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting, which features international and national showjumping classes alongside showing championships, scurry driving, and a whole host of family entertainment.

The Hickstead Derby first took place in 1961, and the course has barely changed in the years since, with iconic fences such as the Devil’s Dyke, the Open Water and the Derby Bank still remaining as much as a challenge as ever. Last year, Robert Whitaker and Gentlemen VD Veldhof took the title, with Robert becoming the fourth member of the Whitaker family to lift the Boomerang Trophy.

Other showjumping highlights during this fixture include the Agria Derby Trial and the ClipMyHorse.TV Hickstead Master’s Trophy, which are both World Ranking classes, while the fast and furious British Speed Derby takes place on Saturday afternoon. In the showing classes, riders will be aiming to pick up the final qualifying tickets for July’s Agria Royal International Horse Show, while the country’s finest ex-racehorses will compete for honours in the Tattersalls RoR Open Ridden Show Horse Championship.

Visitors to Hickstead can enjoy browsing the large shopping village, sampling some delicious street food and soaking up the atmosphere at the funfair. This show offers free admission for children under 15 (excludes Sunday), with everyone receiving free General Admission entry on Thursday 18 June and Friday 19 June. For those wanting a little luxury, various hospitality packages are available. Book now at www.hickstead.co.uk.

The Agria Royal International Horse ShowJuly 21-26, 2026

The Agria Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead is not just one of the mainstays of the Sussex social season, it is also one of the most historic and prestigious equestrian events in the world.

The sport’s best horses and riders will come forward for the Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain, a competition where teams of four riders from eight leading showjumping nations will contest the honours for the Edward, Prince of Wales Cup. Last year Germany took the title, denying hosts Great Britain the chance of making it a hat-trick – find out who will be victorious in this year’s class on Friday 24 July.

In the Al Shira’aa King George V Gold Cup, which takes place on the Sunday afternoon, the Brits have enjoyed a spectacular run of success. Robert Whitaker and Vermento won last year’s class, regaining the trophy they first won in 2023, while European team gold medallists Donald Whitaker and Millfield Colette took the title in 2024. 

The Agria Royal International Horse Show also features popular classes such as the Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge on Thursday, which showcases the country’s top event riders, while the leading national talents compete for honours in Saturday’s JCL Insurance Brokers Queen Elizabeth II Cup. Hickstead’s July fixture is regarded as the peak of the summer showing season, with horses and ponies being campaigned all over the country in order to secure one of the qualifying tickets to compete at the show.

Aside from watching thousands of horses and ponies in action, there is plenty to entertain at Hickstead. On ‘Style Saturday’, the best dressed guests will be in with a chance of winning a number of amazing prizes, including luxury spa breaks and meals at top restaurants. The Village Green area is the social hub of the show, with a vast array of shops and street food stalls, a funfair and live entertainment. A range of bars, restaurants and hospitality options are available to suit all budgets. Tickets start from £20 with advance discounts and concessions available; including free admission to all under-15s throughout the show – head to www.hickstead.co.uk for more information.

The Hurst National Schools Jumping Championships, Friday 26 June
This annual competition for Junior and Senior schools has taken place at Hickstead every summer since 1964. Plenty of top riders gained their first experience of the International Arena while competing at these championships. Admission is free to spectators.

The Al Shira’aa British Young Horse Championships, 13-16 August
Hickstead will attract the country’s best young equine talents for the Al Shira’aa British Young Horse Championships. See the sport’s future stars in action as riders compete for their share of the £80,000 prize fund, with qualification for the World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Lanaken in Belgium up for grabs. Admission and parking are free.

The All England September Tour, 2-6 September & 9-13 September
The final show of the Hickstead season is the two week All England September Tour, featuring national showjumping classes from 90cm classes up to a £9,000 1.40m Grand Prix. This tour showcases young horse talent and provides professional and amateur riders with the chance to qualify for their respective finals in the International Arena. Spectator admission is free.

Source: Press Release from Hickstead Press Office for Hickstead – The All England Jumping Club

Photos: © AEJC – Hickstead / Boots & Hooves Photography / Elli Birch

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