Exciting new dressage classes for 7-year-old and 9 to 11-year-old horses have been added to the programme at London’s FEI World Cup™ qualifying show
In partnership with British Dressage, organisers of the London International Horse Show are delighted to announce a series of new national classes at this December’s Show, which will showcase the rising talent of 7-year-old and 9 to 11-year-old dressage stars.
The addition to the programme completes a bumper year for Dressage at the Show, which will host two days of packed-out dressage action on Thursday 17 and Friday 18 December 2026. Across these two days, the Show’s programme will include not just the iconic two-part FEI Dressage World Cup™ competition (comprising Grand Prix and Freestyle to Music tests), but the four new classes in the London Arena for emerging equine talent, the compelling Dressage Masterclass, a number of dressage-focused sessions in the Talk Horse Live Zone, and exclusive hospitality offers for British Dressage members, including Friday morning’s Dressage Breakfast.
New Classes To Showcase Emerging Talent
levels to international Grand Prix
Two sets of new competitions will take place in the London Arena for 2026. First up, the 7-Year-Old Horse Competition will play out across Thursday and Friday, featuring an invited line-up of combinations. A crucial step in the careers of these future equine stars, the classes give young horses the opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of the UK’s premier dressage event.
A new competition for Grand Prix Horses Of The Future forms the second addition to the London International timetable. Open to an invited list of 9 to 11-year-old horses and their riders, the class is a test for the potential future legends of British dressage. Competitors will perform the FEI Intermediate A Test on the Thursday, and the FEI Intermediate B Test on the Friday, judged as separate competitions. The entries for this class look to be particularly exciting, with entrants likely to be the names dominating the dressage scene during the next Olympic cycle.
Presented by British Dressage, both classes promise to be a fascinating insight into up-and-coming talent in the dressage world and will provide the audience with another thrilling competition to enjoy during their visit.
London, Host Of The UK’s FEI Dressage World Cup™ Qualifier
Competition begins on Thursday with the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Grand Prix, where leading international combinations will perform a test that showcases accuracy, precision and harmony at the highest level of the sport. The excitement continues on Friday with the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Freestyle to Music, a fan-favourite class where riders combine technical excellence with artistic expression in choreographed routines set to music.
Renowned for producing electric atmospheres and unforgettable performances, the London leg of the series consistently attracts some of the sport's biggest stars. Last year’s winners Lottie Fry and Glamourdale stormed to victory in London in 2025, ahead of their stunning second FEI World Championship victory in Aachen this August. However, tough competition from both home and abroad always abounds, with stunning performances from Becky Moody, Isabel Freese, Susan Pape, Charlotte Dujardin, Hans Peter Minderhoud, Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Dinja Van Liere as highlights in recent years.
Learn from the Experts at the Dressage Masterclass
Featuring leading riders and trainers, the session will explore the techniques, principles and attention to detail required to succeed at the highest level of the sport. From developing young horses through to refining Grand Prix movements, the Masterclass promises valuable knowledge, expert commentary and behind-the-scenes access for Dressage enthusiasts of all levels. More information on Richard’s guests will be announced in September.
Packed-Out Live Zone Sessions For Dressage Fans
The Talk Horse Live Zone returns to London International Horse Show 2026, offering visitors the chance to get closer than ever to the sport's top riders and horses in an informal and interactive setting.
Taking place throughout the Show, with feature events across Thursday and Friday, these engaging sessions will feature live demonstrations, training insights, and expert discussion on a range of dressage topics. Providing a unique opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes knowledge from some of the sport's leading personalities, the Talk Horse Live Zone features something for everything from the expert to the enthusiast!
Elsewhere For 2026
And British Dressage Members can start their Friday at London International Horse Show in style with the Dressage Breakfast. Following feedback from last year’s Dressage Brunch, this event will take place in the Equiyd Bar of the London Arena during Friday morning’s dressage competitions. Hosted by a top dressage personality, guests can enjoy pastries and coffee with expert insights, discussion, and exclusive behind-the-scenes insight. Ticket bookings will be open in September.
For tickets and further information, visit www.londonhorseshow.com.