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 17th, Friday 18th and Saturday 19th September 2026.

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

  • 1st – 3rd place in an unaffiliated dressage 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

DRESSAGE TIMETABLE & SCHEDULE

Please read the full schedule & check the timetable before entering!

CHECK THE FACEBOOK PAGE AND JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP. We use our social media to push out updates regularly, both prior to the show and throughout the 4 days of competition at Hickstead in September.


ENTRY INFORMATION & DATES

Entry information available via the Show Information page.

Online Entries available via the Enter page (available August). 

 

START TIMES & DRAWN ORDERS

Times and Start Lists are published on the Show Information page from Tuesday 7th September.  Please note: First classes of the day can start as early as 7.30am and last classes may finish as late at 7.00pm.

2026 Dressage Championships Tests

All dressage classes in 2026 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.

Important note for championship classes – no whips or callers (except Talking Dressage, where callers are permitted, but no whips).

We’re very proud to have grown from a little show to a huge championship and be able to offer sponsorship packages for individuals and businesses. You may already know about the Sunshine Tour, if you’d like to know more, here’s a bit about the Sunshine Tour 2026.

In 2026 the championships will run from Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th September and we’re already gearing up to make this year the best yet. We have lots of packages available, see Sponsorship & Trade page for more information.

To enquire about being part of the continued success of the Sunshine Tour as a sponsor or trade, please contact Cathy at sunshinetourchamps@outlook.com, she will be delighted to discuss options and packages to suit your business needs.