Horse News From Around the World Today: 21 October 2026
The latest horse news from around the world today includes the opening of public voting for the 2026 FEI Awards, the retirement of a five-star Grand Prix-winning showjumper and new welfare measures for working horses near Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza.
Elsewhere, leading international riders are preparing for World Cup competition in Washington, while organisers of the London International Horse Show have announced changes to this year’s timetable.
Here are the equestrian stories making headlines on Wednesday 21 October 2026.
Public voting opens for the 2026 FEI Awards
Equestrian fans around the world can now have their say in the 2026 FEI Awards, with public voting officially opening today.
The annual awards recognise outstanding achievements across international equestrian sport, celebrating not only successful athletes but also the grooms, young riders and individuals whose contributions extend beyond the competition arena.
Voting is open across four categories: the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete, Longines FEI Rising Star, Cavalor FEI Best Groom and FEI Inspire Award.
The awards aim to recognise sporting excellence, dedication and initiatives making a positive difference within the equestrian community.
Winners will be honoured at the FEI Awards Gala, presented by Longines, in Jiangyin, China, on 5 December 2026.
The public voting stage provides an opportunity for supporters to recognise individuals and projects they believe deserve international recognition.
Five-star Grand Prix winner Brazyl du Mezel retires from international showjumping
French showjumper François-Xavier Boudant has announced the retirement of Brazyl du Mezel, bringing an end to a successful international partnership spanning seven years.
The 15-year-old gelding, by Haloubet de Gorze, has been retired following a joint decision by his connections, who wanted to conclude his competition career before age-related physical concerns developed into an injury.
Boudant and Brazyl du Mezel enjoyed their most significant victory at the 2023 Dublin Horse Show, where they won the CSIO5* Longines Grand Prix of Ireland.
The pair also represented France in Nations Cup competitions, including appearances at St Gallen, Rotterdam, La Baule, Aachen, Dublin and Calgary.
Their final international appearance came at St Tropez-Gassin in September, where they finished ninth in the CSI3* Grand Prix.
The retirement marks the end of a partnership that helped establish Boudant at the highest level of international showjumping.
New welfare initiative launched for working horses near Egypt’s Pyramids
The arrival of the Longines Global Champions Tour in Cairo has brought renewed attention to the welfare of working horses in the area surrounding the Pyramids of Giza.
The Egyptian Equestrian Federation, working alongside equine welfare charity Brooke and national authorities, has announced an initiative intended to improve veterinary care, health monitoring and working conditions for horses operating in the Pyramids plateau area.
Measures include registration, microchipping, vaccination and free veterinary examinations.
The initiative follows longstanding concerns about the treatment of working horses, donkeys and camels used in tourism around the historic site.
Egyptian international showjumper Sameh El Dahan has welcomed the development, describing it as a positive step towards improving animal welfare.
The Longines Global Champions Tour takes place in Cairo from 22 to 24 October, bringing leading international showjumpers to Egypt.
The longer-term impact of the welfare initiative will depend on how consistently the measures are implemented after the competition has concluded.
Kent Farrington and Shane Sweetnam head Washington World Cup entries
Some of the world’s leading showjumpers are gathering in Washington, United States, for the next stage of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup North American League.
The Washington International Horse Show hosts the third qualifier of the 2026/27 season, with a strong international field preparing to compete.
American rider Kent Farrington, currently ranked second in the world, is among the leading entries alongside Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam, who sits third.
The field also includes McLain Ward, Daniel Bluman, Rodrigo Pessoa, Laura Kraut, Lillie Keenan and Britain’s Jessica Mendoza.
The North American League began in Traverse City, where Switzerland’s Beat Mändli secured victory aboard Qoachella.
New Zealand’s Sharn Wordley subsequently won the second qualifier in Puebla, Mexico, with Brin d’Or de Haute Melen Z.
Following Washington, the series continues in Toronto and Los Angeles before the remaining qualifiers take place in 2027.
London International Horse Show announces changes to December timetable
Organisers of the London International Horse Show have introduced changes to the schedule for this year’s event at Excel London.
The show takes place from 17 to 21 December, bringing together international showjumping, dressage and a programme of festive equestrian entertainment.
The final day will feature one extended afternoon performance rather than the traditional afternoon and evening schedule.
The revised programme represents a change for regular visitors accustomed to the show’s late Monday finish.
Spectators planning to attend the final day are advised to check the updated timetable before making travel arrangements.
The London International Horse Show remains one of Britain’s major indoor equestrian events, attracting leading riders and spectators from across the country and overseas.
What are today’s biggest international horse news stories?
International equestrian news on 21 October includes the opening of voting for the FEI Awards, the retirement of French Grand Prix winner Brazyl du Mezel and new welfare measures for working horses near the Pyramids of Giza.
The Washington International Horse Show is also preparing to host the next FEI Jumping World Cup qualifier, while the London International Horse Show has confirmed changes to its December programme.
Follow our horse news from around the world for the latest international equestrian stories, including showjumping, eventing, dressage, horse welfare, equine health and industry developments.