International dressage is back on the schedule

International dressage is set to return to the All England Jumping Course in May 2026, thanks to an independent initiative led and organised by Team GB dressage rider Daniel Watson.

Working in collaboration with his team at Aster Horses, Watson is overseeing every aspect of the event’s delivery, from competition scheduling to hospitality and sponsorship.

The Chart Stables Hickstead International Dressage Festival (11–17 May 2026) will feature CDI and CPEDI classes, alongside Premier League, young horse, national-level competitions and dressage masters.

This marks the first time since 2024 that international dressage will return to Hickstead’s showground, offering British-based riders a world-class platform on home soil.

“This is a rider-led project, independently organised and funded, and I’ve hired Hickstead to bring international dressage back to a venue that means so much to our sport," said Daniel Watson. "With Aster Horses, we are building something fresh — an event that celebrates competition, community, and culture. My team, in collaboration with the Bunn family, are creating an experience that goes beyond the arena."

Daniel's long term sponsor Chart Stables have agreed to support this event as title sponsors. Yolanda Olson, Director of Chart Stables, said: "As horse owners and keen dressage riders we are delighted to be the title sponsors for the Hickstead CDI dressage in 2026. Chart Stables has been building quality stables since 1994 and we are one of the UK’s largest and trusted manufacturers of equestrian buildings. It’s great news that Hickstead will once more be hosting this prestigious event with their outstanding facilities here in the UK. We wish Daniel and the team all our good wishes for what will showcase the best of international dressage in such a beautiful setting."

The return has already sparked interest across the equestrian world. Team GB rider Becky Moody commented: "This is such fantastic news! Hickstead is a truly iconic venue, with outstanding facilities and a real international atmosphere - something it is invaluable to have here in the UK to develop our current and future stars. Now we all need to get behind Dan and his team, to help showcase the very best of international dressage."

Spectator entry and parking will be free of charge, with a variety of hospitality packages and a new ‘Friends of Hickstead Dressage’ membership scheme available. Entries for competitors will open in early 2026, with strong interest expected from both national and international riders.

"We are delighted to be working with Daniel and his team to be able to bring dressage back to Hickstead,” said Hickstead Executive Director, Lizzie Bunn. "It was a disappointing decision to cancel this year’s international CDI, and we hope the entire dressage community will rally round to give this fixture their full support, so it will thrive in 2026 and beyond.” 

For more information about the fixture, click here.