Great Britain to Face Eight Nations at Hickstead as Canada Returns After 44 Years
Eight of the world’s leading showjumping nations have been confirmed for the Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain, taking place on Friday 24 July during the Agria Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead.
Host nation Great Britain will take on a strong field including Belgium, France, Germany and Ireland, alongside a returning Canadian team competing at Hickstead for the first time in 44 years. Brazil also returns to the line-up, while the United Arab Emirates complete the eight-nation field following their team debut at the show last summer.
The UAE impressed on their first appearance in 2025, producing consistent performances throughout the week. Their standout results came in the Al Shira’aa King George V Gold Cup, where Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi finished second, and Abdullah Mohammed Al Marri placed sixth.
British riders will be aiming to regain the Edward, Prince of Wales Trophy after narrowly missing out on victory last year.
“It’s set to be an exciting year with the British team hoping to regain the Edward, Prince of Wales Trophy after winning it in 2023 and 2024 then finishing runners-up to Germany last summer,” said Hickstead Director Lizzie Bunn.
This year’s Nations Cup could also play an important role in preparations for the FEI World Showjumping Championships in Aachen, which take place just over two weeks later.
“Aachen takes place just over two weeks after Hickstead, but both showgrounds feature large open grass arenas, and would suit a similar type of horse, so you might end up with some horses having their last run at Hickstead ahead of the Championships,” Bunn added.
“Other riders may have several top horses to choose from, and a strong performance in the Hickstead Nations Cup would be a confidence boost for any team heading to the Championships.”
With its traditional grass arena and long-standing prestige, Hickstead remains one of the most influential venues on the international circuit, offering both a major team title and a key opportunity to build momentum ahead of championship competition.
The Agria Royal International Horse Show runs from 21 to 26 July, with the Nations Cup taking centre stage on Friday 24 July.
Key Details
- Event: Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain
- Venue: Hickstead, West Sussex
- Date: Friday 24 July 2026
- Show Dates: 21 to 26 July 2026
- Nations: Great Britain, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Canada, Brazil, UAE