Cornbury House Horse Trials adds new Advanced Under-25 class as two-month countdown begins
With less than two months to go until Cornbury House Horse Trials returns (9-13 September), organisers have unveiled a major new addition to this year’s programme, with the launch of a British Eventing Advanced Under-25 class.
The new class marks another milestone in the Oxfordshire event’s rapid rise and will see young riders compete in a spectacular new dressage arena set on the lawn of Cornbury House, home to event founder and president David Howden. The arena will also play a central role when the venue hosts the FEI Eventing World Championships for Under-25s in 2027.
New Advanced class highlights Cornbury’s ambitions
David Howden said the new arena and Advanced class reflect Cornbury’s commitment to developing the next generation of elite event riders.
“We are so excited about this new national Advanced class. The dressage arena in front of the house is just breathtaking. It will give up-and-coming young riders, the Olympians of the future, an incredible atmosphere in which to compete and develop their skills.”
The 2026 event will also feature a newly designed Advanced cross-country course created by course designer Andrew Heffernan, working alongside long-standing designer David Evans.
New-look cross-country course for 2026
Heffernan has introduced significant changes to the cross-country layout, relocating the start area and redesigning the routes to improve both the competition and spectator experience.
He explained that moving the start to a quieter location has allowed organisers to create more exciting fence complexes close to the event hub, giving visitors better opportunities to watch the action.
The addition of the Advanced class is expected to provide a stronger test for riders while enhancing the sporting spectacle for spectators.
National championships and popular classes return
Cornbury House Horse Trials will once again host:
- British Eventing National Young Horse Championships for five-, six- and seven-year-olds
- The Howden Way Under-21 classes
- Pragnell-sponsored CCI3*-S sections
- Premier Equine-supported CCI2*-S classes
- The £50,000 Arena Racing Company (ARC) Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup
More than just world-class eventing
Away from the competition, visitors can expect an expanded programme of food, shopping and entertainment.
New attractions for 2026 include an Artisan Food and Drink Tent showcasing regional producers and the Cornbury Chat Stage, featuring equestrian personalities and local guests.
Returning favourites include:
- The Endless Lunch at Cornbury by Mirabeau
- The Great Cornbury BBQ
- Cornbury Village shopping area
- The “From the Farm” food experience
- Evening entertainment in the Wychwood Inn
- Variety Wood and the Pol Roger Lodge overlooking the cross-country course
Supporting the British Eventing Support Trust
Cornbury House Horse Trials has also confirmed that its official charity partner for 2026 is the British Eventing Support Trust (BEST), with visitors able to donate when purchasing tickets.
The seventh edition of the event takes place from 9 to 13 September 2026, with tickets available now.
