The All England Jumping Course, Hickstead, was the dream and brain child of just one man... Douglas Bunn. In 1960, as a showjumper himself, Douglas understood the pressing need for facilities in Britain that could match those found abroad in Europe and the United States. Thus Douglas, the Master of Hickstead as he is now fondly known, purchased Hickstead Place and the surrounding land, intending 'to put on the best show jumping possible at a venue superior to anything found elsewhere in the world.'

Few would argue that Douglas has not achieved what he set out to do all those years ago and in 2005, The All England Jumping Course celebrated its 45th anniversary as the home of international show jumping in Great Britain. Over the years, a small rural field in the heart of West Sussex has been transformed into one of the world's leading arenas, recently described by American showjumping Chef D'Equipe George Morris as a "magic carpet".

Over the winter of 2006, the quality of the famous arena has been improved even further by the installation of a new £50,000 drainage system.

Almost every great show jumper, horse and rider, since 1960 has competed at Hickstead, and we have hosted:

In 1971, Hickstead became the host of the Official Showjumping Event of Great Britain, the British Nations Cup and Grand Prix Meeting, now incorporated into the Longines Royal International Show. Since 2003, Hickstead has hosted the Samsung Super League with FEI Competition (Great Britain), which sees the top eight countries in the world compete for the greatest inter-nation showjumping prize.

Over the years the Showground has expanded. Today there are six arenas, permanent seating for over 5,000 spectators, 26 corporate hospitality suites and conferencing and ball facilities for up to 250. In 1996, dressage facilities were also introduced and as further proof of Hickstead's unfaltering pursuit of excellence, the European Dressage Championships were awarded only 8 years later. Now it is the turn of polo to receive the Hickstead treatment, and in 2006 we opened the All England Polo Club.

The club already has over 65 members in its inaugural year, and this year our home team reached the semi finals of the National Arena Polo 12 Goal Championships. As we approach our 50th anniversary we are delighted to offer top class equestrian sport over 3 disciplines, and look forward to at least another 50 years of continuing to bring our members the very best!