Price freeze for Hickstead entries

Entries are now open for one of the most anticipated horse shows in the British calendar, the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting (17-21 June).

As the ongoing current high cost of living is affecting horse owners across the UK, the Directors of Hickstead made the decision to freeze competitor entry costs at last year’s prices.

“In light of the ongoing global energy crisis and the rising costs to all areas of our operations, we want to reassure our customers that we are doing everything possible to absorb these increases internally,” said Director Edward Bunn. “Our priority is to maintain accessibility to our events and minimise the financial impact on those who attend and support us.”

While Hickstead is immediately associated with international showjumping, the Al Shira’aa Derby Meeting offers competition to all levels of riders, from tiny children as young as three all the way up to top level professionals. “We are expecting around 2,500 horses to take part in this show, and only a few hundred of these will be competing in the International Arena in the feature classes,” added Edward. “The great majority of competitors take part in classes in the outer rings, many of whom are amateur riders.”

A large number of riders will stay on site during Hickstead’s shows, with many staying in the living compartment of their horseboxes and competing across several days. Electric hook up points are normally available to hire for those staying on the showground, however this year the booking process will not open until nearer the shows.

“Due to the continued uncertainty surrounding fuel and energy prices, hook-up will not be released for sale when entries open. Instead, it will become available a few weeks prior to each event, once we have greater clarity on associated costs and fuel availability,” explained Edward.

The five-day Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting gets underway on Wednesday 17 June, when competition takes place in the outer rings only. The show opens to the public from Thursday onwards, with the Stoner Jewellers Vase and the ClipMyHorse.TV Derby Tankard forming the first international classes to take place in the main arena.

Riders have to qualify for the Al Shira’aa Derby in Friday’s Agria Derby Trial, which is always a useful indication of form, while on Saturday the fastest horses in the country will compete for honours in the British Speed Derby, which has a new-look course for 2026 following the removal of the Irish Bank. The show reaches its conclusion on Sunday 21 June with the €120,000 Al Shira’aa Derby itself, one of the best-known showjumping classes in the world.

In the national rings, there are classes from 90cm upwards, as well as the Hickstead Mini Challenge, which is open to children under 10. There are a number of showing classes held throughout the week, with many forming the final qualifiers for the Agria Royal International Horse Show in July.

Competitor entries should be made online before Monday 18 May, after which a late entry fee will apply