As 2025 draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what has been an incredible year at Bicton Arena and share a glimpse of what’s ahead.
A Landmark May International
It was fantastic to welcome so many of you to our May International, which for the first time hosted the British FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ leg. This was a huge milestone for Bicton and a privilege to be part of such a prestigious series. With the exciting changes to the Nations Cup format, we’re already looking forward to hosting this leg again in 2026.
And that’s not all – next May we’ll also be hosting a Pony 2* class, which means a 1.05m track will be in play! We’re excited to welcome this addition, and with the Junior Championships alongside, it’s shaping up to be a true festival of youth.
Save the date: 28–31 May 2026. Tickets go on sale in January – sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know!
Striving for Excellence
Our commitment to making Bicton one of the best equestrian venues in the country remains at the heart of everything we do. From meticulous ground preparation to upgrading facilities to the highest standard, every improvement is made with riders, horses, and spectators in mind. We want every visit to Bicton to be a world-class experience. We are constantly reinvesting in our cross-country course, so expect plenty of exciting new fences at the May International Horse Trials in 2026. Andrew will be kept busy this winter building these additions, while we also invest in the latest frangible technology. Adrian Ditcham will be creating an impressive array of MIM fences to ensure safety and innovation remain at the forefront of our designs.
Personal Highlights
On a personal level, this year has been an incredible journey. I’ve had the privilege of travelling internationally to design cross-country courses, including the Stable View Horse Trials in the US and the FEI Asian Championships in Pattaya, Thailand, where we transformed the polo field at the Thai Polo Club into a championship venue.
Closer to home, I was thrilled to serve as Assistant Course Designer at the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship at Blenheim Palace in September. My Co-Director, Andrew Fell, also played a key role as Sector Steward. It was an unforgettable experience to be part of such a prestigious event with all eyes on the Championship.
These opportunities have allowed me to make new connections and bring fresh inspiration back to Devon, ensuring Bicton continues to evolve and innovate.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Our 2026 calendar is packed with events designed to cater for every level and discipline – there truly is something for everyone at Bicton Arena. From grassroots opportunities to top-level competitions, we remain committed to nurturing talent and supporting the next generation of riders. Bicton is a place where ambition and community come together, and we can’t wait to share another exciting year with you.
Key Dates for your Diary:
(28 – 31 May) International Horse Trials (including the FEI Eventing Nations Cup)
(12 – 14 June) British Show Jumping Show
(2 – 5 July) British Show Jumping second round show
(16 – 19 July) British Dressage Regional Championships
(31 July – 2 Aug) British Dressage PetPlan Area Festival
(8 – 9 Aug) British Eventing Regional Championships
(21 – 23 Aug) British Show Jumping Show
(26 – 30 Aug) Mini & Regional Pony Club Championships
(22 – 25 Oct) International Horse Trials and 3-day long format
Thank You
None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, our dedicated Bicton Arena team, and our amazing family of volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Your passion and commitment make everything we do possible.
Wishing You a Wonderful Festive Season
As we wrap up 2025, I’d like to wish all our riders, owners, supporters, and volunteers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for being part of the Bicton journey – we can’t wait to welcome you back in 2026 for another exciting season!
