International Dressage at Hickstead May 2026
International Dressage at Hickstead 2026 – Sponsoring Best Turned Out and Why This Show Matters
Equine Bitting Solutions is proud to sponsor the Best Turned Out award at the Chart Stables International Dressage Festival at Hickstead, taking place 11 to 17 May 2026. This is one of the most exciting events in the British dressage calendar this year, and for me it is particularly special because of the people behind it.
The show has been independently organised and led by Team GB Grand Prix dressage rider Daniel Watson, working alongside his partner Craig Messenger and their team at Aster Events. Daniel and Craig are long standing friends and colleagues of mine, and I have been fortunate enough to work alongside them for many years – delivering bitting talks at their camps and clinics, and supporting their clients with bit fitting. To see them bring international dressage back to Hickstead, a rider-led project independently organised and funded, is genuinely impressive and I could not be more proud to be part of it.
I will be present for the full duration of the Masters classes and very much looking forward to meeting as many riders, owners and grooms as possible. Come and find me – I am always happy to talk horses and bits!
About the Show
The Chart Stables International Dressage Festival at Hickstead brings together CDI and CPEDI international dressage, Premier League competition, young horse classes, national level classes and the hugely popular Dressage Masters series. Spectator entry and parking are free of charge, making this a brilliant day out whether you are competing or simply enjoying the sport.
Hickstead is one of the most iconic equestrian venues in the world, and the return of top level dressage to the All England Showground is something the whole dressage community has been looking forward to. Demand has been exceptional, with many classes filling up well in advance.
Celebrating the Best Turned Out Award
Equine Bitting Solutions is delighted to be sponsoring the Best Turned Out award in the Masters classes. Turnout reflects care, pride and real horsemanship, and at a venue like Hickstead it matters. I am very much looking forward to recognising the riders and grooms who go that extra mile to present their horses beautifully.
Dressage, Bitting and Welfare
Dressage is under the spotlight right now when it comes to bitting and welfare, and rightly so. The conversation around how horses are ridden, how they carry themselves and what role the bit plays in that picture has never been more important.
At this level, bitting is not just about control. It is about communication, comfort and clarity. A horse that is truly happy in their bit will work through their back, carry themselves in self carriage and show genuine relaxation in the contact. A horse that is not will tell you – through tension, resistance, evasions or simply a lack of expression.
Watching top level dressage horses go is one of the best ways to see the difference. It is something I am always looking at – how the horse carries the bit, how they respond to the contact, whether the bitting is helping or hindering the picture.
If you have questions about your horse’s bitting, whether you are competing at Hickstead or watching from the stands, come and find me. I am always happy to chat!
Need Help With Your Horse’s Bitting?
Whether you are preparing for a show like Hickstead or simply trying to solve a problem at home, I am here to help.
You might also find these guides useful: Click each one to find out more
- Bits for a Strong Horse – understanding the real cause
- Common Bit Evasions – what they mean and how to help
- Bits for Young Horses – getting the start right
If you are based in Kent or the South East, I offer in-person bit fitting consultations. Wherever you are in the UK, a remote bit fitting consultation gives you expert advice based on your specific horse and situation.
See You at the All England Showground
If you are heading to Hickstead this May, we hope you have a fantastic show and we look forward to seeing some beautifully presented horses and riders in action.
