The British Eventing FEI Calendar (2026 – 2031) and the 2026 National Fixtures calendar have been published with many favourites, some additions and date changes for the coming season.
“Every single date is part of a much bigger picture,” explains Rosie Williams, CEO of British Eventing. “It’s not just about putting events in a diary, it's about mapping out qualification pathways for riders from BE80 all the way through to 5*, and aligning them with international calendars, Olympic cycles, and performance plans.”
The British Eventing press release points out that providing the right events at the right time, and with the right ground, is a critical factor, adding that course design, time of year and ground conditions can significantly influence performance. This places substantial responsibility on organisers, who must deliver safe, consistent, high-quality sport.
That responsibility is matched by increasing financial and logistical pressures, hosting a BE event costs thousands of pounds often with no guaranteed profit. Venues on tenanted land face additional constraints, including limited long-term planning and restricted opportunities to host multiple fixtures.
Preparation time is another important factor. Setting up an International horse trials, especially in historic or heritage settings, can require exclusive access to land for more than two weeks, creating complex trade-offs for landowners balancing events with other income streams.
Safety infrastructure adds further complexity. Frangible technology, mandatory equipment standards and the teams required to maintain and replace safety elements are essential but resource intensive. “It’s one of the reasons we need the right team on the ground and enough resources to keep the event flowing safely and efficiently,” Rosie notes.
With rising costs, land-use pressures and logistical challenges, calendar design requires strategic thinking and close partnership with organisers. “The future of our sport depends on it,” Rosie says. “Working with venues collaboratively and sustainably is more important than ever.”
2026–2031 British FEI Fixtures
(Dates listed refer to 2026; all subject to contract.)
3rd–5th April — Thoresby Park
17th–19th April — Burnham Market
25th–26th April — Kelsall Hill
7th–10th May — Badminton
16th–17th May — Belsay
22nd–24th May — Osberton (1)
27th–31st May — Bicton Arena (1)
11th–14th June — Bramham
24th–28th June — Alnwick Ford
10th–12th July — Aston-Le-Walls
30th July–2nd August — Burgham
31st July–2nd August — Bishop Burton & Festival of Youth
13th–16th August — Hartpury
20th–23rd August — Frickley Park
27th–30th August — Scone Palace
28th–31st August — Wellington
3rd–6th September — Burghley
10th–13th September — Cornbury House
17th–20th September — Blenheim Palace
26th–27th September — South of England
1st–4th October — Osberton (2)
7th October — Little Downham
23rd–25th October — Bicton Arena (2)
2026 National Fixtures list – key changes
Following consultation with organisers, venues and the Fixtures Panel, the 2026 national calendar includes new classes, venue adjustments and a small number of cancellations. These changes aim to ensure a balanced, sustainable and opportunity-rich season for members across the UK.
Entry fees for 2026 will be confirmed once final event schedules are agreed, with organisers now able to set fees according to the costs of event provision. Early-bird pricing will help to encourage prompt entries, supporting both organisers and riders alike.
New or returning classes and fixtures
Pontispool returns to the calendar with BE80–100 and running Novice classes on the Monday restoring an important South West venue.
Waverton House comes into the calendar as an exciting new venue
Belsay has been awarded the Chatsworth FEI fixture.
Lincoln will add a BE90 class, increasing early-season opportunities.
Littleton Manor will run a second fixture date to boost regional capacity.
South of Scotland will introduce an Intermediate class to support progression in the region.
Bradwell will add an Intermediate class
Osberton International adds a BE90 and CCI1*P for ponies, strengthening both grassroots and youth pathways.
Kelsall Hill International will introduce a CCI2*P for Ponies
Bicton International adds a CCI3*S following the loss of Nunney International.
Aston Le Walls International will incorporate a CCI2*S for the same reason.
Venue changes & temporary adjustments
Breckenbrough returns to its traditional calendar slot.
Tetworth Hall will add an Intermediate class to their Spring fixture.
Kirriemuir moves earlier in the calendar to help balance the distribution of Scottish fixtures.
Penrith (1) also moves earlier
Bovington shifts to an earlier week to streamline the South West schedule.
Badminton returns to its usual week after two years running later.
Mendip Plains moves slightly later to improve area flow.
Little Downham (1) extends its fixture to offset the loss of its June and July dates.
Kingston Maurward moves into the former Launceston slot, maintaining South West provision.
Penrith (2) moves significantly earlier to improve the northern mid-season spread.
Dauntsey will add Monday cross-country to offer riders from Burgham an opportunity to run at Novice and Intermediate.
Blindley Heath Regional Championships moves earlier for 2026 only due to organisational pressures.
Howick (2) moves later to support regional balance.
Little Downham International shifts forward to avoid a clash with Boekelo CCI4*L (NED).
Cancellations and one-year breaks
Horseheath will be coming out of the calendar.
Munstead (1) takes a planned break, with Tweseldown stepping in for one year only.
Calmsden is also taking a farming break.
Launceston leaves the calendar due to sale of the venue with its slot taken by Kingston Maurward.
Catton Park International has been cancelled and will not be replaced.
Bishop Burton (2) will not run in 2026.
British Eventing advise that their website is currently updating fixtures on the calendar – in the meantime you can view the 2026 British Eventing calendar in PDF format here
