As the British eventing season gets underway, anticipation is building for one of the summer’s most popular fixtures, with tickets for Burgham International Horse Trials (29 July–2 August 2026) now on sale at early-bird prices starting from just £2 for adults and £1 for children.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2026, Burgham is set in the rolling Northumbrian countryside and continues to attract a strong and competitive field of leading horses and riders. Alongside elite combinations, the event also welcomes grassroots competitors, offering a rare opportunity to compete at the same venue as some of the sport’s biggest names.

Adding further excitement, Burgham will host the final leg of the Northumberland Challenge, linking the three key international events at Belsay, Alnwick Ford and Burgham. Sponsored by Matfen Hall, An Eventful Life and NIS Group Ltd, the challenge offers a £5,000 bonus to any rider who wins the CCI4*-S or CCI3*-S classes at all three events, with £4,000 awarded for a clean sweep of the CCI2*-S.

A fresh feel is promised for 2026, with a redesigned cross-country track for the feature CCI4*-S class. Dutch Olympian Andrew Heffernan has been appointed as course designer for this level and will work alongside David Evans, who continues to shape Burgham’s CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S and national tracks. Evans’ bold yet educational courses have been central to the event’s continued popularity among riders and owners.

Beyond the international and national eventing classes, the schedule includes Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse qualifiers for four- and five-year-olds, a Thoroughbred and ex-racehorse show, and unaffiliated showjumping.

Off the field, Burgham maintains its reputation as a family-friendly event, with the return of its popular dog show, a wide selection of tradestands and locally sourced food and drink. The event offers spectators the chance to enjoy top-level sport in a relaxed and accessible setting.

Event Director Craig Anderson said: “Burgham’s hallmark is that it gives spectators the opportunity to watch top-class equestrian sport in a uniquely friendly, relaxed setting, and we are really excited to show everyone the changes to the cross-country course and layout this year. It is an apt way to celebrate our 15th anniversary.

“We are also delighted that the Etal and Alnwick branches of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) will be our supported charities this year – there is no worthier cause for any event to work with and we look forward to their presence on site.”

Tickets and further information are available via the official Burgham International Horse Trials website.

Feature image: Tom McEwen JL Dublin xc Burgham 2025 1st Class Images