Show Information & FAQs
This page contains lots of helpful information, links to more information and resources for all would-be Sunshine Tour competitors 🙂
The Sunshine Tour Championships
Held at The All England Jumping Course, Hickstead11th–14th September 2025
The Sunshine Tour is a truly special four-day championship for amateur and novice competitors, giving riders from across the UK the unforgettable opportunity to compete at the iconic All England Jumping Course at Hickstead.
What’s It All About?
This inclusive and friendly event features championship classes in:
- Dressage
- Show Jumping
- Showing
- Eventers Challenge
With divisions across Mini, Small, and Grand Tour levels, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re just starting out or stepping up your confidence and experience.
The show runs from Thursday to Sunday with full days of competition. Across up to 10 arenas, the atmosphere is buzzing, the schedule is packed, and the spirit of sportsmanship and celebration is everywhere.
A Little History
The Sunshine Tour began in 2008 as a small grassroots championship held by local show centres in Surrey. Its name reflects the summer season and its original “touring” format. By 2014, it had outgrown its home and in 2015, it found its forever home—Hickstead, the most iconic showground in British equestrian sport.
Today, over 200 show centres host qualifiers, and more than 4,500 riders register each year in the hope of earning their place.
The Championship Experience
Competitors who qualify can take part in warm-up classes, open sections, and training opportunities before stepping into their championship round. Many riders make a weekend of it—camping with friends and family, enjoying the atmosphere, and celebrating their achievements together.
Prizes and Celebration
The Sunshine Tour is known for its generous prizes and sense of occasion:
- Over 2,000 rosettes awarded annually
- Supreme rosettes and sashes for top placings
- Embroidered rugs and jackets for champions
- A ÂŁ6,500+ prize fund shared in our coveted goody bags
- Podium presentations with photos to celebrate that special championship moment
Whether it’s your first championship or a return visit, every competitor is made to feel like a star.
An Event for All
With estimated footfall of over 6,000 visitors, the Sunshine Tour isn’t just a competition—it’s a celebration. Supporters enjoy trade stands, food and drink, and the welcoming Hickstead hospitality. Whether you’re a rider, friend, sponsor or proud parent, it’s a weekend full of memories and milestones.
The information and articles are updated throughout the year.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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.
QUALIFYING & REGISTERINGÂ
To find out all the need-to-know stuff about how to qualify, what the criteria and restrictions are, and how to register a horse and competitor to take part in qualifying competitions, visit the Qualifying & Registration page.
FINDING REGISTERED CENTRES & CLUBS
Visit the Qualifier Centres & Clubs page to find local registered venues and upcoming competition dates.
RULES & RESTRICTIONS
To ensure you are aware of and comply with the Sunshine Tour rules and restrictions, please visit the Rules & Restrictions page.
SHOWGROUND INFORMATION
- Showground Map
- Getting Around the Showground – Journey in Minutes
- Parking & Camping Guidance
- Stabling & Stay Away Shows Guidance
DRESSAGE TESTS for Lead Rein and Starters Assisted dressage class:
Starters Dressage Test 1 – Written
Starters Dressage Test 1 – Diagrams
VACCINATIONS & PASSPORTS
- Vaccination for Equine Influenza is required: Horses/ponies must have up-to-date ANNUAL vaccination or have completed at least TWO initial vaccination injections. In either case, the last injection must not have been given LESS THAN 10 DAYS BEFORE COMPETITION.
- If staying overnight, you must present your passport to Stable Manager when claiming your stable. Day competitors must have passports available for inspection by Security or Stewards in lorry parking area. Not required at ringside unless requested.
TIMETABLES, SCHEDULES & ENTRIES 2025
Timetables and schedules are published on the run-up to the show. The most up-to-date information can always be found via our Facebook Page and Facebook Group. Please read the full schedule & check the timetable before entering!
ENTER
Online entries and printable entry forms will be available on the Enter page, prior tot he show.
- Class Entries Open Online: 10th August
- Class Entries Open Post: 11th August
- Class Entries Close: 13th August
- Stable Bookings Open Online: 10th August
- Stable Bookings Open Post: 11th August
- Stable Bookings Close: TBC
SOCIAL MEDIA