Horse News From Around the World Today: 29 October 2026

Five British showjumpers begin their international campaign at Vejer de la Frontera today, ahead of Friday’s Nations Cup competition, while Lewis Carrier prepares to represent Great Britain in the opening Grand Prix of the FEI Dressage World Cup at Lyon.

Back in Britain, more than 700 horse-and-rider combinations are expected at the D&H Associated Championships, where native ponies, draught horses and other breeds have opportunities to compete for national titles.

Meanwhile, British Equestrian is encouraging everyone working in the equestrian industry to contribute to an important national study before Saturday’s deadline.

Find out more in our horse news from around the world today below.

Great Britain names five-rider team for Vejer Nations Cup in Spain

Great Britain will field a five-rider squad at the CSIO3* Nations Cup in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain, with competition beginning today, Thursday 29 October.

The team, selected by British Showjumping, brings together established international riders and developing partnerships, with chef d’équipe Di Lampard overseeing the British challenge.

Millie Allen, from Stockton-on-Tees, is entered aboard Quickly D VH Ijzerenlindehof, a ten-year-old chestnut mare owned by Karel Cox Horses BV.

Suffolk’s Tim Gredley will partner another ten-year-old mare, Vuitton of Picobello Z, while Surrey rider Max Routledge has been selected with nine-year-old stallion Me The Rebel R.T.

Completing the squad are Georgia Tame, riding eight-year-old Lucky Chance Z, and Chloe Winchester, who has been nominated with either Chancellor Z or Casacenta Petra PS, both eight-year-olds.

The Nations Cup takes place tomorrow, Friday 30 October, with the Grand Prix scheduled for Sunday 1 November.

For several of the British combinations, the competition offers an opportunity to gain further team experience at international level. The relatively young ages of several nominated horses also make their performances particularly interesting as they progress towards more demanding competitions.

The Nations Cup is an important part of Britain’s international showjumping programme, providing riders with experience of competing under team conditions rather than solely for individual results.

Lewis Carrier faces World Cup test as international dressage begins at Lyon

Britain’s Lewis Carrier begins his FEI Dressage World Cup campaign at Longines Equita Lyon today, partnering Diego V against a strong international field.

The CDI-W Grand Prix takes place on Thursday 29 October, with the Grand Prix Freestyle following on Friday.

Carrier faces established championship combinations, including Belgium’s Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus, who won last year’s Lyon World Cup qualifier.

Germany’s Isabell Werth is another major contender, bringing considerable experience from Olympic Games, World Championships and World Cup Finals.

For Carrier and Diego V, Lyon represents an opportunity to compete against some of Europe’s strongest Grand Prix partnerships while pursuing qualification points for the 2027 FEI Dressage World Cup Final.

The Grand Prix carries €15,000 in prize money, while Friday’s freestyle offers €50,000.

Although the financial rewards are significant, the World Cup points are particularly important. Riders must build competitive results across the qualifying season to secure a place at the Final.

Lyon is the second Western European League qualifier of the 2026/27 season, following Herning earlier this month.

British riders have enjoyed success at the French venue in recent years. Becky Moody and Jagerbomb finished second in both the Grand Prix and Freestyle in 2025, providing an encouraging precedent for Britain’s latest representative.

More than 700 combinations celebrate breed diversity at British Dressage championships

The D&H Associated Championships are under way at Addington Equestrian in Buckinghamshire, bringing together more than 700 horse-and-rider combinations across six days of competition.

Running from 28 October to 2 November, the championships offer an opportunity for horses and ponies of different breeds, sizes and types to compete for national titles.

Unlike many major dressage championships, where warmbloods dominate the higher levels, the Associated Championships celebrate the versatility of breeds that may be less frequently seen in championship arenas.

British native ponies, traditional Gypsy Cobs, draught horses, Arabs, coloured horses and veteran horses are among those represented.

Classes range from Introductory to Prix St Georges, with categories also recognising veteran riders, members of the armed forces and competitors riding side saddle.

The championships attracted substantial interest in 2025, and this year’s competition marks a new chapter with a move to Addington and the introduction of Dodson & Horrell as title sponsor.

For riders competing on native breeds or less conventional dressage horses, the championships provide a valuable opportunity to demonstrate their horses’ training, athleticism and versatility.

A Cleveland Bay, Connemara or traditional cob may have very different conformation and movement from a purpose-bred dressage warmblood, but each can demonstrate correct training and improvement within its capabilities.

The event also highlights the opportunities available to riders who want to progress in dressage without necessarily owning an expensive specialist competition horse.

British Dressage has confirmed that live scoring and championship updates will be available throughout the competition.

Equestrian professionals urged to contribute to national workforce study before Saturday

A major study examining the future of Britain’s equestrian workforce is approaching an important deadline, with surveys for paid workers and volunteers closing on Saturday 31 October.

The project, commissioned by British Equestrian and delivered by Hartpury University, aims to build a clearer picture of the people working across the UK equestrian sector.

From grooms and yard managers to coaches, freelance professionals, veterinary support staff and volunteers, the research will examine the challenges facing those whose work supports horse ownership and equestrian sport.

Recruitment, staff retention, training opportunities, career progression and workplace wellbeing are among the areas being investigated.

For many equestrian businesses, finding and retaining experienced staff has become increasingly challenging. The industry also relies heavily on volunteers, particularly at competitions, riding clubs and grassroots events.

However, understanding the scale of these challenges requires reliable information about the people involved.

The study will help establish a national evidence base that can inform future training programmes, qualifications and support for employers and workers.

Responses are anonymous, and separate surveys are available for people whose primary involvement is paid employment and those who mainly volunteer.

The findings are expected to contribute to a longer-term workforce development plan for the British equestrian industry.

Anyone involved in the sector can find further information and access the surveys through British Equestrian’s official workforce research announcement.

The closing date is Saturday 31 October 2026.