A new Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Eventing Championship will take centre stage at Osberton International Horse Trials in May 2026, as BEDE Events unveil a trio of initiatives aimed at increasing opportunity, recognition and reward for former racehorses and regular competitors alike.

Introduced in partnership with Connolly’s Red Mills, the RoR Eventing Championship will run across BE90, BE100 and Novice sections at Aspen Cooling Osberton International (1), 22–24 May 2026. Open to all RoR-registered horses, qualification will take place at early-season British Eventing fixtures nationwide.

Alongside the championship, BEDE Events will also reintroduce Highest Placed RoR awards across their 2026 calendar. For the first time, these results will contribute to a season-long league, with final standings rewarded through end-of-year prizes supported by Foran Equine.

Osberton (1) will also debut BEDE’s Spring Bonus, a new incentive scheme designed to reward commitment from regular BEDE competitors. Open to BE90, BE100 and Novice combinations who have recorded two double clears at BEDE Events between 1 March 2025 and 1 May 2026, the Spring Bonus classes will offer enhanced prize money and substantial prizes in kind.

Stuart Buntine, Director of BEDE Events, said the initiatives reflect a desire to broaden opportunity at major fixtures:

“Osberton has always been about quality sport and atmosphere, and these additions give more riders and horses something meaningful to aim for early in the season.

The RoR Championship brings a real sense of occasion for horses building successful second careers, while the Spring Bonus is about recognising loyalty and consistency from our regular competitors.”

From the RoR perspective, the new championship represents a significant step forward in competitive pathways for former racehorses.

David Catlow, Managing Director of Retraining of Racehorses, commented:

“These initiatives underline the growing strength of the partnership between RoR and BEDE Events. With the support of Connolly’s Red Mills, we’re creating high-profile opportunities that both celebrate performance and reinforce our commitment to long-term horse welfare.”

Connolly’s Red Mills join the programme as principal partner, supporting the championship alongside their wider commitment to equine performance and nutrition.

Jane Davis, Head of Marketing at Connolly’s Red Mills, said:

“The transition from racing to eventing is a journey we strongly believe in supporting. This championship allows us to stand alongside owners, riders and organisers who are helping former racehorses reach their potential in second careers.”

Looking later in the season, Carr & Day & Martin will also support RoR combinations by awarding prizes to the Highest Placed RoR in the Arena Eventing classes at Aspen Cooling Osberton International (2), 1–4 October 2026.

Entries for the RoR Eventing Championship open 13 April 2026, with the ballot scheduled for 28 April.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements (aligned with British Eventing):

• Dressage: 45 penalties or fewer
• Showjumping: up to 16 jumping penalties
• Cross-country: no jumping penalties and a maximum of 30 time penalties