Jumping into the New Year: Looking Ahead to 2025 at Bicton Arena with Co-Director Helen West

The arrival of a new year brings with it a renewed sense of opportunity, and as the door closes on 2024 and we look ahead to 2025, there is a lot to be excited about. Reflecting on the past 12 months here at Bicton Arena, it will be remembered by the whole team as a period full of exceptional sporting action, a vibrant sense of community and an enduring passion for the equestrian world.  As we move forward into 2025, we are poised to build on this momentum, facilitating many more unforgettable moments shared between horse and rider.

One of the standout highlights of this year will undoubtedly be the British leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ taking place at our International Horse Trials running from 22 – 25 May. Hosting a prestigious event like this is an enormous privilege and a testament to the whole team’s growing reputation on the international stage. The Nations Cup will see elite horse and rider combinations from across the continent competing in a showcase of skill, teamwork and determination. For spectators, this event will offer a unique opportunity to come and cheer on the national team as they represent Great Britain on home soil.

But that’s just the beginning! Our 2025 calendar is brimming with events that cater to all levels and disciplines, there really is something for everyone here at Bicton Arena. Opportunities such as our unaffiliated series and training fixtures remain at the heart of what we do, nurturing talent and fostering the next generation of riders.

Here are some key dates for your 2025 diaries:

NSEA National & County Showjumping (February 9)

Including Hickstead Elite and The New Windsor Challenge Qualifiers.

May International Horse Trials featuring the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ (May 22-25)

This event will showcase the very pinnacle of eventing. Attracting an array of international competitors, this fixture will also offer spectators the chance to get behind their national teams as the battle for a podium finish ensues.

British Showjumping Stay Away Show (June 13 – 15)

Providing the first opportunity in 2025 to jump on the hallowed turf of the TopSpec Main Arena with classes from 1.20m – 1.40m. Incorporating the British Novice Second Round on the all-weather surface in Western Counties Arena, along with National Team Jumping and fun evening classes with something for everyone.

British Showjumping Mid-Summer Second Round Show (July 3-6)

This will run as a one-week summer tour in 2025, with competitors from across the country chasing those golden Horse of the Year Show tickets in the Senior Newcomers & Senior Foxhunter classes. The Area Trial and 1.40m Grand Prix will also feature at this popular show, along with 4yr old, 5yr old & 6yr old classes for Young Horses providing them with valuable experience.

British Dressage Petplan Area Festival 2025 (July 18-20)

A crucial grassroots championship fixture for Southwest dressage enthusiasts, providing an opportunity to have a taste of the big time at a championship-feel event. This season marks the 25^th year of Petplan’s partnership with British Dressage in delivering the Petplan Area Festivals, so it is set to be even more special to mark this momentous anniversary.

Throughout the summer holidays, Bicton Arena will play host to an array of residential camps, many of which enable local Pony Clubs to gain access to the wonderful facilities that we have here.  August is a busy month with both the British Eventing Grassroots Regional Championships and the Pony Club Mini & Regional Championships. The latter sees over 500 young rider combinations competing in 3 different disciplines over the course of 4 days.

British Dressage Regional Championships (August 8 – 10)

This highly anticipated championship provides the gateway to the British Dressage National Championships with combinations from the Southwest and further afield lining up to contest Silver and Gold qualification classes from Prelim to Intermediate I.

British Showjumping Stay Away Show (August 29 – 31)

With classes ranging from 80cm – 1.40m there will be something for all levels. This show incorporates the Horse of The Year Show Grade C Qualifier.

October International Horse Trials (October 23-26)

The ultimate conclusion to the British Eventing season. We are pleased to share that our renowned long format BE90 and BE100 classes will be returning for 2025 and that we will also be piloting a new long format BE80 section; giving riders of this level a new aim for the end of the season.

As we gear up for the busy year ahead, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who supports us here at Bicton Arena: our sponsors, volunteers, competitors, spectators and of course, our hardworking team! It is your passion and dedication that makes this place so special. Here’s to a fantastic 2025 filled with achievements, memories, and the shared love of horses that unites us all.

Helen West

Co-Director of Bicton Arena