Opportunities to compete at the Royal International

Competitor entries are now open for one of the biggest shows in the equestrian calendar – the Agria Royal International Horse Show.

The official show of The British Horse Society, the Royal International is one of the most historic equestrian events in the world, having first taken place in 1907.

This year’s show is set to attract around 3,500 horses and ponies across the six days of the show. Some of the world’s top showjumpers will be contesting feature classes like Sunday’s Al Shira’aa King George V Gold Cup and the Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain, the team competition that takes place on the Friday. The international classes are open to the squads of five riders representing each of the invited eight nations competing in the Nations Cup, while Britain – as host nation – is allowed to field additional riders according to their position on the world ranking list.

Many of the showing championships at this fixture require qualification in advance, and the show is seen as the pinnacle of the outdoor season, with riders competing all over the country in order to pick up a qualifying ticket. The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting (18-21 June) provides a final opportunity for showing competitors to qualify for the RIHS.

National jumping classes start at 90cm in height and are open to all members of British Showjumping – Hickstead membership needs to be purchased for anyone riding in more than two classes at the fixture.

Other opportunities to take part in this show include the Hickstead Mini Challenge, with showjumping classes ranging from cross-poles to 60cm, which are open to riders aged 10 and under only. There is also the BHS-sponsored British Riding Clubs Team Jumping Championship on the final day of the show, where teams of three riders compete at either 75cm, 85cm or 95cm level.

Early bird entries offering a discount are open now, with showing entries closing on 1 June and showjumping closing on 8 June. Late entries for jumping will be accepted after this date where available.

To enter, click here. 

To visit the Box Office, click here.