Eight horse and rider combinations have been confirmed for the Dressage Future Elite Championship at Horse of the Year Show 2026, with the title to be decided on Thursday 8 October in the Andrews Bowen International Arena.
The class offers an early look at partnerships aiming for the top of the sport. For the horses, it is also a chance to experience the lights, crowd and atmosphere of one of Britain’s biggest indoor equestrian events.
Who is competing in the 2026 Dressage Future Elite Championship?
- Alexander Harrison-West and Ventura
- Dannie Morgan and Fever Tree
- Demi Howard-Cartwright and Newton Astro Nascente
- Gareth Hughes and Morricone III
- Jody Haswell and Valentino
- Laura Tomlinson and Ostmarks Digal
- Matt Frost and Lenika
- Michael Eilberg and EDH Saubermond
The eight combinations will compete on Thursday evening. The current HOYS timetable lists the Dressage Future Elite Championship for 5.55pm, although visitors should check the timetable before travelling in case timings change.
Last year, Becky Moody won the championship with Magic Dream JB. She also took the title in 2022 with Jagerbomb, the horse she later rode at the Olympics.
Moody remembers the impression HOYS made on Jagerbomb:
“HOYS is the first opportunity for horses in the UK to really get to experience that true big indoor show vibe. ‘Bomb’ was one of those horses who thought, ‘Cool! Look at all these fancy people – they’re here to see me!’”
That experience is part of what makes the Future Elite Championship interesting to follow. A polished test matters, but so does watching how a developing partnership responds when it enters a busy championship arena.
Horse of the Year Show runs from 7–11 October 2026 at the NEC Birmingham. Tickets and event information are available from HOYS.
