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When is Bramham Horse Trials 2026?
Defender Bramham International Horse Trials is taking place on 11 to 14 June 2026. It always attracts a top-class field of horses and riders. Once again this year there will be just two four-star eventing classes taking place – CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S. The under-25s class that used to run as a separate CCI4*-L class is now being incorporated into the CCI4*-S, with special prizes being given to under-25 riders.
Horse & Hound will be providing online coverage of Bramham, including breaking news and reports on all the action as it unfolds.
Where is Bramham Horse Trials held?
The four-star event at Bramham runs in June every year at the beautiful Bramham Park Estate in West Yorkshire.
Who has won Bramham?
The CCI4*-L is considered an excellent preparation for horses who will soon move up to five-star level, as well as a prestigious title to win in its own right. This class has been running since 1988 and many winners have gone on to achieve great feats in eventing. Previous victors include General Jock in 1993 (Tina Cook), Swizzle In in 1997 (Andrew Hoy), Shear H2O in 1999 (Leslie Law) and Nereo in 2009 (Andrew Nicholson).
William Fox-Pitt holds the record for wins in this class, with six triumphs: on Wallow (2003), Mr Dumbledore (2005), Macchiato (2007), Navigator (2008) and Chilli Morning (2012 and 2013).
Bramham has held a CCI4*-S competition since 2009 and previous winners include Clifton Lush in 2011 (Jock Paget) and Chico Bella P in 2016 (Gemma Tattersall). This class is often used as an unofficial trial for the British senior team for upcoming championships.
The under-25 CCI4*-L, which took place at Bramham from 1997 until 2024, had an illustrious history with many stars of the future coming to prominence here. The section’s past victors include Zara Phillips (Toytown, 2002), Piggy French (Which Way II, 2004), Emily Llewellyn (Pardon Me II, 2009) and Tom McEwen (2013 on Diesel and 2016 on Toledo De Kerser).
Who is the Bramham course-designer?
Andrew Heffernan took over the role of cross-country course-designer at Bramham in 2025 from Ian Stark. This will be his second year in the role and we look forward to seeing how he further develops the track that runs over the undulating West Yorkshire terrain.
Is the BE80 championships at Bramham?
The BE80 championships moved from Bramham to Chillington Park in 2025, after being held at Bramham from 2022 to 2024.
What other competitions are held at Bramham?
Alongside the top-class eventing action, Bramham also hosts other equestrian competition, including affiliated and Pony Club showjumping, mounted games, Burghley Young Event Horse qualifiers, arena eventing and showing classes for hunters and eventing youngstock.
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‘That’s so Weasel!’ Little horse with huge personality caught on camera enjoying cross-country snack
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‘Without the metal in my back, I was never meant to be able to function’: quote of the day from Bramham winner Bubby Upton on the pilates, surgery and drive that have taken her to the top
‘I never lost faith in him’: emotional Bubby Upton keeps her Bramham title after turbulent yearNews
Two title contenders held and one leaves competition at Bramham final trot-upNews
Tom McEwen cements his bid for World Championship selection with Bramham winNews
‘He deserved this – he’s done everything for me’: veteran home-bred superstar helps rider to under-25 national titleNews
‘The track was challenging enough without that curve ball’: Bubby Upton holds Bramham lead despite tack malfunctionNews
Horse sadly suffers ‘fatal cardiovascular catastrophe’ during Bramham cross-countryNews
World Championship hopefuls battle at Bramham – and rider who broke arm six weeks ago leads under-25sNews
‘She carries herself beautifully’: promising mare second after dressage at Bramham for reigning world championNews
Bramham leader Bubby Upton on today’s test, her new cross-country system after recent falls and her latest back surgery
Young stars including a clone lead the way after first day of Bramham dressageNews
‘We’re cementing a partnership’ – Piggy March leads Bramham on horse who won here with Pippa FunnellNews
Alex Bragg hopes a change in training and warm-up will give his Bramham ride Jaeger Master the chance to shine
‘It shouldn’t be a given that riders will go clear when stepping up to four-star’, says Andrew Nicholson
Walk the new-look Bramham cross-country course with our fence by fence photosNews
Three horses held at Bramham trot-up as riders embrace the festival themeNews
