THE SUNSHINE TOUR offers unaffiliated and amateur competitors the chance to qualify to compete at UK’s most famous showground – The All-England Jumping Course at Hickstead. The prestigious 4-day championship show includes dressage, show jumping, showing and eventers challenge championship classes.

The Dressage Championships feature championship classes at Intro, Prelim, Novice and Elementary level, held on Thursday 11th, Friday 12th and Saturday 13th September 2025.

Each horse & rider combination can qualify to compete over 2 levels e.g., Intro & Prelim or Prelim & Novice or Novice & Elementary. There is also the opportunity to enter warm-up classes and book arena familiarisation sessions. Junior riders can aim for their own championship classes or compete in mixed-age classes.

Championship classes are awarded superb rosettes, sashes, championship rugs and sponsored goodies!

Here’s all the essential information …

Restrictions apply to horse and competitor previous winnings and level of competition. To be eligible to qualify and compete, please ensure you comply with the Rules & Restrictions. Details available via the Rules & Restrictions page HERE

Registration

Both the horse and competitor must be registered with the Sunshine Tour in the current year to be eligible to take part in qualifying competitions and compete in the Championships.

Qualifying Criteria

  • Dressage & Show Jumping 1st – 3rd place in an unaffiliated class from 1st January to 31st July, at a registered centre or club. Qualification DOES NOT go down the line. Results must be submitted for verification within one month of qualifying competition (by 4th August for July competitions).

Information about the procedure to register and qualify for the Sunshine Tour Championships HERE

Details on classes eligible for qualification HERE

2025 Dressage Championships Tests

All dressage classes in 2025 will use the new British Dressage tests (except Lead Rein & starters classes). Test sheets can be purchased from British Dressage shop HERE

Dressage Test for Lead Rein and Starters Assisted dressage class:
Starters Dressage Test 1 – Written
Starters Dressage Test 1 – Diagrams

Sunshine Tour Dressage is guided by the British Dressage Rule Book.  You can refer to full BD rule book HERE. You are only required to wear one bridle number.

NB. The BD rulebook will be updated in December 2024 for 2025.

Important note for championship classes – no whips or callers.

We’re very proud to have grown from a little show to a huge championship and be able to offer you a sponsorship package, we offer individual and business sponsorship packages. From just £85 you can have your name in the schedule and enjoy a VIP Pass for 2 people including refreshments in the Dick Saunders pavilion. If you have a business that you’d like to promote, we can help with advertising in the schedules, banners on the showground and Facebook & website links. We have lots of packages available, please see Sponsorship Packages for the options available or ask for a bespoke package to suit your needs.

You may already know all about the Sunshine Tour and the popularity of taking part in a fabulous championship at the famous showground at Hickstead? If you’d like to know more, here’s a bit About the Sunshine Tour.

If you would like to become part of the Sunshine Tour, please get in touch with Rebecca on 07904 898696, email office@sunshinetour.co.uk or message us via Facebook.