THE SUNSHINE TOUR CHAMPIONSHIPS provides unaffiliated and amateur riders the opportunity to compete at one of the UK’s most renowned showgrounds, The All-England Jumping Course at Hickstead. This four-day championship event includes dressage, show jumping, showing and eventers challenge classes, taking place from 17th to 20th September 2026.
Click here for a list of the upcoming 
qualifiers at WDHC.
What is the ?
For newcomers:
The Sunshine Tour is a national championship series designed specifically for novice, amateur and unaffiliated riders. It offers a friendly pathway to compete at one of Britain’s most iconic equestrian venues – The All England Jumping Course at Hickstead – without needing to be affiliated to national governing bodies like British Dressage or British Showjumping.
Throughout the year, you can compete at registered qualifying venues (riding centres, clubs and shows across the UK) in four disciplines: dressage, show jumping, showing, and eventers challenge. When you achieve qualifying results, you earn the opportunity to compete at the Championships held at Hickstead in September.
The competition is open to both juniors and seniors, making it an achievable goal for riders at all stages of their equestrian journey. You’ll need to register both yourself and your horse annually (registration opens in December), then compete at qualifying venues to earn your place at the Championships.
For regular competitors:
The 2026 Championships will be held from 17th to 20th September at Hickstead. Registration for horse and competitor opened in December 2025, with the open qualification period currently running (for Arena Eventing and Showing until 31st December 2025). Remember that qualifying results must be submitted by 31st January 2026 for verification.
The Sunshine Tour continues to offer the same great opportunity to compete at Britain’s premier showground, with qualifying classes available at registered centres and clubs throughout the year. Check the website for the current list of registered venues and specific qualification requirements for your chosen discipline.
Whether you’re aiming for your first qualification or returning for another Championships experience, the Sunshine Tour provides an accessible and supportive competition structure leading to a memorable event at Hickstead.
Your path to Hickstead begins here…
All WDHC events that are Sunshine Tour qualifiers will be clearly marked as such on the Events Page with this logo :
You can also Click here for a list of ONLY qualifiers at WDHC.
The PDF to the right will show you the qualifying classes and any notes or restrictions.
Click here to download a copy
Dressage Qualifier
Qualifying Criteria: 1st – 3rd place in an unaffiliated dressage class from 1st January to 31st July, at a registered centre or club. Pre-registration of horse & competitor is required.
Results must be submitted ONLINE for verification within one month of the qualifying competition (or by 7th
August for July qualifications)
Showjumping Qualifier
Qualifying Criteria: 1st – 3rd place in an unaffiliated show jumping class from 1st January to 31st July, at a
registered centre or club. Pre-registration for horse & competitor
required. Results must be submitted ONLINE for verification within one month of qualifying competition (or by
7th August for July qualifications)
EVENTERS CHALLENGE QUALIFIER
Qualifying Criteria: Combined show jumping and cross country unaffiliated class. 1st – 4th place gained from 1st
November to 31st December at any venue, from 1st January to 31st July at a registered centre or club. Pre-registration for horse & competitor required. Results must be
submitted ONLINE for verification within one month of qualifying competition (by 31st January for November &
December competitions, by 7th August for July competitions).
SHOWING QUALIFIER
Qualifying Criteria: Class and show must be OPEN TO ALL and not require a membership or pre-qualification. 1st
– 4th place gained from 1st November to 31st December at any venue, from 1st January to 31st July at a registered
centre or club. Pre-registration for horse & competitor required.
Results must be submitted ONLINE for verification within one month of qualifying competition (by 31st January
for November & December competitions, by 7th August for July competitions)