Every medal-winning partnership begins somewhere. Long before championship podiums and recognition on the sport’s global stage, there is a young horse taking its first steps into the world of elite competition.
For many of Britain’s future dressage stars, that journey begins with the Dressage Future Elite Championship at Horse of the Year Show.
This year, eight horse and rider combinations will take to the Andrews Bowen International Arena, all hoping to follow in the footsteps of previous champions and make their mark at HOYS.
The 2026 combinations are:
- Alexander Harrison-West riding Ventura
- Dannie Morgan riding Fever Tree
- Demi Howard-Cartwright riding Newton Astro Nascente
- Gareth Hughes riding Morricone III
- Jody Haswell riding Valentino
- Laura Tomlinson riding Ostmarks Digal
- Matt Frost riding Lenika
- Michael Eilberg riding EDH Saubermond
Last year’s championship was won by Becky Moody riding Magic Dream JB, with Becky also taking the title in 2022 with her Olympic ride Jagerbomb.
Reflecting on the Dressage Future Elite Championship at HOYS, Becky said:
“HOYS is the first opportunity for horses in the UK to really get to experience that true big indoor show vibe. ‘Bomb’ was one of those horses who thought, ‘Cool! Look at all these fancy people – they’re here to see me!'”
The Dressage Future Elite Championship provides a unique opportunity to see some of the sport’s promising partnerships competing on one of the biggest stages in British equestrian sport.
With eight combinations set to battle it out on Thursday evening, who will be crowned the 2026 Dressage Future Elite Champion?
Horse of the Year Show, taking place from 7–11 October at the NEC Birmingham. Tickets are available now.
ENDS
For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2026, please contact:
Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd.
Tel: 02476 858205
Email: press@hoys.co.uk
Image: 1st Class Images