The countdown is on to one of the highlights of the British eventing calendar as the NAF Hartpury International Celebration of Eventing and British Eventing National Championships returns from 11–16 August, bringing together Olympic medallists, World Champions, established internationals and the sport’s rising stars for six days of top-class competition.
This year’s event will see the prestigious British Open Championship contested within the international NAF CCI4-S*, adding even greater significance to an already stellar field and cementing Hartpury’s place as one of the late summer fixtures on the eventing calendar. An enhanced £2,500 British Open winner’s prize on top of the CCI4*-S purse, means eligible combinations will be chasing up to £5,000 and one of the most coveted one-day titles on British soil.
Returning to defend the title is Katie Magee, who claimed the 2025 British Open Championship with Treworra and will be looking to retain her crown against a strong line-up.
There’s an impressive array of British talent on offer including former World Champions Yasmin Ingham (Gypsie Du Loir, Kinda Corvette, and Goliath Du Loir) and Zara Tindall (Class Affair and Classicals Euro Star), as well as a flurry of five-star pairings including Piggy March (MCS Maverick) and Emily King (Valmy Biats). Other combinations to keep an eye on throughout the British Open Championship will be Sarah Bullimore (Corimiro), Bubby Upton (Auckland 7, Light Up E, and K), and Tom Jackson (Hawk Eye and United 36).
In the wider CCI4*S competition, the international contingent is also strong with New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Sweden, Japan, USA, Canada and the Netherlands all represented.
Combinations to watch out for include New Zealand’s Caroline Powell (High Time V and Tik Tok), fellow Kiwi Jesse Campbell (Speedwell and Cooley Lafitte), Australia’s Kevin McNab (Faro Imp), Ireland’s Susie Berry (Clever Trick, John The Bull), and Sweden’s Therese Viklund (Hardi D’Eole).
The NAF CCI4*S & British Open Championship is once again likely to provide ideal preparation for the Defender Burghley Horse Trials and other big autumn international events, as it has done in previous years.
Hartpury’s other international classes have attracted good entries across the board. The NAF CCI3-L* features an exciting mix of experienced international riders and emerging combinations looking to make their mark, while the NAF CCI2-L* provides an important stepping stone for the next generation of event horses and riders.
Alongside the international competition, the Gloucestershire venue will also host the British Eventing National Championships, with the Hartpury University and College British Intermediate Championship, Fairfax Saddles Novice and Novice Restricted Championships bringing together hundreds of combinations from across the country. From experienced professionals to talented amateurs, riders will compete for coveted national titles against a backdrop of a celebratory championship atmosphere and sense of occasion.
The competition will start with the final qualifying opportunity for 4 and 5-year-old horses aiming for the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Championship next month. The action officially gets underway on Tuesday 11 August.
Despite another dry summer, competitors can once again expect the excellent footing that has become synonymous with Hartpury. The organising team has undertaken extensive and meticulous ground preparation around the Eric Winter-designed cross country course (built by Jump1).
Hartpury has built a reputation for producing consistently high-quality ground whatever the weather, and that commitment has remained a key priority in the lead-up to this year’s event. The venue is now well accustomed to preparing ground during a dry summer and has even teamed up with its on-site Digital Innovation Farm to ensure the best preparation.
Speaking ahead of the event, Eric said: “Hartpury has always prided itself on being the ideal stepping stone to the major autumn events. The undulating terrain, bold fences and championship-style questions make it a fair and challenging test for all levels. We’re looking forward to presenting courses that are both educational and competitive.”
While the competition promises thrilling sporting action, the NAF Hartpury International Celebration of Eventing also offers a fantastic day out for spectators of all ages. Visitors can enjoy world-class dressage, showjumping and cross-country alongside a bustling shopping village packed with equestrian and country lifestyle retailers, delicious food and drink, children’s entertainment (at the Little Acorn’s Play Area) and a welcoming atmosphere.
The social highlights will include Friday night’s Party at the House for riders, owners, grooms, sponsors, volunteers and officials, as well as a Saturday evening Party on the Bank at the International Arena.
Whether you’re a lifelong eventing fan or discovering the sport for the first time, Hartpury offers the perfect opportunity to experience elite equestrian competition up close. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic, explore the beautiful Gloucestershire parkland and enjoy a full day of entertainment, with plenty to see and do away from the competition arenas.
With championship titles on the line, international stars in action and hundreds of Britain’s best horse-and-rider combinations competing throughout the week, the 2026 NAF Hartpury International Celebration of Eventing promises to deliver six unforgettable days of sport.
For event information, tickets and the full timetable, visit the Hartpury website.
