News
Dressage returns to Hickstead 2026 with NEW Director
- Written By: British Dressage
- Published: Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:36
International dressage is set to make a powerful return to the iconic All England Jumping Course at Hickstead in May 2026, thanks to an independent initiative led and organised by Team GB dressage rider Daniel Watson. Working in collaboration with headline sponsors Chart Stables and his team at Aster Events, Watson has personally secured the venue and is overseeing every aspect of the event’s delivery — from competition scheduling to hospitality and sponsorship.
Watson, known for his dedication to developing elite dressage talent, shared his vision for the event: “This is a rider-led project, independently organised and funded. Running a show at Hickstead will bring international dressage back to a venue that means so much to our sport. With Aster Events, we are building something fresh— an event that celebrates competition, community, and culture. My long term sponsor Chart Stables have agreed to support this event as Title Sponsor, and we are both incredibly excited about this new venture, linking equestrian business with competitive sport. The Aster Events team, in collaboration with the Bunn family, are creating an experience that will go beyond the arena and develop a legacy for years to come.’’
Yolanda Olson, Director of Chart Stables, announced the company’s support for the 2026 Hickstead CDI Dressage, marking its debut as title sponsor of this prestigious event. “As horse owners and keen dressage riders we are delighted to be the title sponsors for the Hickstead CDI dressage in 2026. Chart Stables has been building quality stables since 1994 and we are one of the UK’s largest and trusted manufacturers of equestrian buildings. It’s great news that Hickstead will once more be hosting this prestigious event with their outstanding facilities here in the UK . We wish Daniel and the team all our good wishes for what will showcase the best of International dressage in such a beautiful setting."
The return has already sparked interest across the equestrian world, Team GB rider Becky Moody shared her excitement: ’’ This is such fantastic news! Hickstead is a truly iconic venue, with outstanding facilities and areal international atmosphere - something it is invaluable to have here in the UK to develop ourcurrent and future stars. Now we all need to get behind Dan and his team, to help showcase the very best of international dressage.’’
Spectator entry and parking will be free of charge, with a variety of hospitality packages anda new ‘Friends of Hickstead Dressage’ membership scheme available. Entries for competitors will open in early 2026, with strong interest expected from both national and international riders. "We are delighted to be working with Daniel and his team to be able to bring dressage back toHickstead,” said Lizzie Bunn, Executive Director of Hickstead. “It was a disappointing decision to cancel this year ’s international CDI, and we hope the entire dressage community will rally round to give this fixture their full support, so it will thrive in 2026 and beyond.”
Speaking about the 2026 event, Jason Brautigam, Chief Executive British Dressage commented: “Hickstead is such an iconic venue and a firm favourite with all equestrian competitors, spectators, and suppor ters alike, so we are delighted to have the venue back in our Premier League and CDI schedule for 2026, and hopefully many more years to come. Our thanks go to the Bunn family for their on going support – and to Dan Watson and his team at Aster, who have puta fantastic organising committee together to ensure that this will be a successful and memorableevent for British Dressage members to enjoy.”
Daniel Watson added: "We are investigating the future of our sport, and we are actively seeking sponsors who share our ambition to elevate the sport. This is about holding onto a legacy that was created by the Bunn family and Dane Rawlins."
For more media enquires, interviews, or further information, please contact:
Daniel Watson
info@asterevents.co.uk
+44 (0) 7710747341
