Burghley plans to bid for 2026 world eventing championships

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).

Defender Burghley is globally renowned for its stunning setting in the grounds of the historic Burghley House outside Stamford, and for the outstanding level of equestrian sport it delivers at its annual autumn event - 31 August- 3 September 2023.

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.”

The FEI Eventing World Championships is held every four years. In 2022, Britain’s Yasmin Ingham took the individual gold medal at Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy, riding Banzai Du Loir. In 2018, Britain won team gold at Tryon, USA and Lincolnshire’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. The FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) is the governing body for worldwide horse sport.