The South of England Agricultural Society is delighted to announce that the Autumn Show & Horse Trials will return to the South of England Showground, Ardingly, West Sussex, on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September 2026. Running from 9am to 5pm each day, this much-loved event promises a packed programme of equestrian action, countryside pursuits and family entertainment, making it the perfect autumn day out for visitors of all ages, including their canine companions.
A major highlight of the weekend is the South of England International Horse Trials, which celebrates its 50th year at Ardingly in 2026. The event attracts leading riders competing in the FEI International CCI 3* and CCI2* classes, alongside British Eventing national classes from BE90 to Intermediate level. The HorseQuest Novice Masters Series will also feature on Sunday. Spectators can enjoy the elegance of dressage, the excitement of showjumping in the main Ardingly Ring, and the thrills of cross-country as riders tackle challenging courses around the Showground.
Alongside the horse trials, horsemanship displays will showcase the remarkable partnership between horse and rider. The ever-popular Pony Club Mounted Games will also provide plenty of excitement as riders take on a series of team challenges.
Away from the equine attractions, the Autumn Show offers an exciting programme of countryside sports, demonstrations and interactive activities. Visitors can try their hand at fly casting, archery, and traditional axe throwing; watch expert angling and game cookery demonstrations; or learn more about rural skills through bushcraft workshops and sheep shearing, spinning and weaving displays.
Dog lovers will find plenty to enjoy, with a packed programme featuring gundog, longdog and search & rescue dog displays, have-a-go agility and a fun dog show and BASC gundog scurries, where visitors are welcome to enter their own dogs. There will also be opportunities to meet and learn more about a variety of rare gundog breeds.
The show celebrates the very best of rural life and the autumn harvest, with the popular South of England Honey Show competition entries in honey, beeswax, mead, honey cakes, and more, alongside impressive horticultural entries featuring vegetables, fruit, flowers and flower arranging. Traditional favourites, including vintage tractors, steam engines and heritage vehicles, will also be on display throughout the weekend.
Families will discover plenty to keep younger visitors entertained. The Animal Barn will be home to cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, while falconry displays, rabbits, poultry and a funfair ensure there’s something for every age. Visitors can even try milking Clover, the life-sized model dairy cow, at the Society’s Countryside Hub, which also offers educational activities for little ones on farming and food origins and information on the Society’s work.
Corrie Ince, Show Director for the South of England Agricultural Society, commented:
“We’re delighted to welcome visitors back to the Autumn Show & Horse Trials for 2026. The weekend brings together outstanding equestrian competition, countryside traditions and hands-on family fun, offering something for everyone to enjoy. And we are thrilled to be able to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the South of England Horse Trials being held at the Showground.
“As a charity, the event is also an important way for us to inspire a greater appreciation of agriculture, the countryside and rural life. Every ticket sold helps support our educational programmes, encourages young people to explore careers in the land-based sector, and enables us to provide grants to individuals and organisations working across farming and rural industries in the South East.
“By spending the day with us, visitors are not only enjoying a fantastic event, they are also helping us invest in the future of countryside industries.”
Tickets for the Autumn Show & Horse Trials are available from www.seas.org.uk and cost £14.40 for adults and £12.60 for senior citizens/students (inclusive of a 10% advance discount until 18th September 2026). Children under 16 go free (suggested donation of £2). Dogs are welcome. |
