Piggy March and the ex-racehorse Our Old Fella. Photo courtesy of Cornbury Horse Trials.
The FEI’s newest addition to the eventing championship calendar, the Under-25 Eventing World Championship, has officially found its first two homes. Millstreet International Horse Trials in Ireland will debut the CCI4*-S competition in 2026 (July 22-26), and Cornbury House Horse Trials in Oxfordshire, England, has been awarded the 2027 edition, set to run from September 8–12.
This championship was created to address a longstanding gap in the development pathway between the Young Rider level (typically held at CCI3*-L) and Senior international competition (CCI4*-L and above). Initially proposed at a CCI3*-L level, the new championship received robust feedback from several national federations, who advocated for the format to be held at CCI4*-S instead to better prepare riders for the demands of senior teams. Those calls were heeded, and the final format now aligns with the Long format: dressage, cross country, then show jumping.
The eligibility rules for the new U25 Championship sparked considerable discussion during its development, particularly around whether athletes could also compete in other FEI championships in the same year. The original draft would have blocked U25 riders from participating in any other FEI championship that year — an approach many federations felt was too limiting. Following feedback, the final rule was revised to strike a better balance: those entered in the U25 Championship are now permitted to also compete at the Senior Championship level within the same year. They cannot, however, compete in both Pony/Junior/Young Rider Championships and the U25 Worlds in the same year.
Kevin McNab (AUS) and Faro Imp (OL) – winner of the CCI4*-S – Connollys RED MILLS at Millstreet. Photo by Bit-Media.
Millstreet, set in the spectacular Green Glens Arena and featuring sprawling parkland cross country of County Cork, is a venue that last staged a major championship in 2017 when the Duggans hosted the FEI Junior and Young Rider Europeans. Director Thomas Duggan sees the U25 Championship as both a celebration and a proving ground: “It has long been felt that it’s a big step up from Young Riders to a Senior Championship. This new concept, which is open to the world, should provide a valuable experience and an exciting competition for talented under-25 riders.” The venue will also maintain its regular spring fixture, with CCI-S classes running May 28–31, 2026.
In 2027, the world’s top under-25s will head to the meticulously run Cornbury House Horse Trials, which has rapidly built a reputation as one of Britain’s most polished venues for top sport. The event, held at David Howden’s private estate, has placed youth development at the heart of its mission since its inception. Alongside the U25 World Championship, Cornbury 2027 will also feature the British Eventing Young Horse Championships and under-21 divisions, creating a powerful celebration of the sport’s rising stars.
“I am absolutely thrilled that Cornbury House has been awarded the 2027 Under-25 World Championships,” said David in a press release. “So much of what we have created here is about nurturing the next generation—be it young riders or young horses—and this feels like the perfect fit.” He noted Cornbury’s unique combination of world-class competition conditions, hospitality, and support from a growing network of global sponsors, which will also help cover travel expenses for horses coming from emerging eventing nations.
Inclusivity, David noted, was also top of mind for this project, and indicated that financial support will be available to assist riders in making the trip. “We are very keen to promote inclusivity within eventing, symbolized by a great diversity of nations represented without compromising competitive quality,” he said. “With assistance from our global network of sponsors, we aim to assist with travel costs for horses from emerging eventing nations.”
Rosie Williams, chief executive of British Eventing, called the selection “a wonderful recognition of David Howden and his team’s vision and investment in supporting the next generation of eventing talent.” She also highlighted a wider legacy focus: “Alongside the championship, we will deliver an exciting programme designed to promote and train young officials, helping to inspire and equip the future leaders of our sport.”
US Equestrian has also indicated that it will be targeting this event, and it stands as a top opportunity for further development of tomorrow’s Olympic and World Championship riders. Now, which venue in the U.S. would best suit to host this new World Championship?
