Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials is in discussions with UK Sport about accessing funding to host the FEI Eventing World Championships in 2026.
The Lincolnshire event—one of just seven five-star international horse trials in the world and one of the best-attended sporting fixtures in the UK—has held the World Championships twice before; in 1966 and 1974. It has also hosted six European Championships (1962, 1971, 1977, 1985, 1989, and 1997) and one Young Riders European Championship (1978).
Land Rover Burghley is globally renowned for its stunning setting in the grounds of the historic Burghley House outside Stamford, England, and for the outstanding level of equestrian sport it delivers at its annual autumn event, this year being held Aug. 31—Sept. 3.
Event Director Martyn Johnson said: “Burghley is synonymous with the pinnacle of the sport of eventing. Hosting the FEI World Championships in 2026 would bring huge benefits to Burghley and the local community. It would also focus our longer term vision for the event as we continue to invest in upgrading the permanent infrastructures for athletes and horses to improve further a world-class venue.
“As we experienced with the London 2012 Olympics, the legacy of a British World Championships would not only help our British teams win medals for years to come but also provide inspiration, opportunities and facilities for the next generation of equestrian stars through our associations with the Pony Club and grassroots riders," he added.
The FEI Eventing World Championships is held every four years. In 2022, Britain’s Yasmin Ingham took the individual gold medal in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy, riding Banzai Du Loir. In 2018, Britain won team gold in Tryon, North Carolina, and Britain's Ros Canter won individual gold riding Allstar B. Zara Tindall also won the individual title at the 2006 World Championships in Aachen, Germany, on Toytown.
The bid process for the 2026 FEI Eventing World Championships is open, and will conclude by June.
Oliver Townend, who has never made any secret of his desire for another MARS Badminton Horse Trials victory, is now at the head of the leaderboard at the conclusion of the dressage phase.
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The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is excited to head to Area V this Dec. 11-14 for the 2025 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana! Known for its rich history, world-class jazz, and electrifying Mardi Gras celebrations, New Orleans will set the stage for a lively week of discussion and education on the most important topics in the sport of eventing. Gather your fellow members and meet us to celebrate the last year of success in “The Big Easy!”
The Olympic gold medallists Tom McEwen and JL Dublin lit up the arena at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials with a stunning performance and took the lead after the first day of dressage with the excellent mark of 22.4. They have almost five penalties over second-placed Emily King and Valmy Biats on 27.3.