The showground boasts six spacious, grass equine rings and an impressive Main Arena.
Over 290 equine showing and show jumping classes are held at the show and there are over 2,750 entries each year. The carriage driving and heavy horse (Ridden & In Harness) classes are particular highlights for visitors.
Each year, the Royal Three Counties Show hosts prestigious Horse of the Year Show qualifying classes, which means you’ll be watching some of the best horses and ponies in the country compete to gain a spot in on of the UK’s most significant national championships.The Royal Three Counties Show will host 53 HOYS qualifying classes in 2025. Click here to find out more.
Click here to find out more about the equine classes and demonstrations being held in the Main Arena.
NEW Showing Classes for 2025
Every year, exciting new showing classes are introduced, and this year is no exception. The Royal Three Counties Show is proud to present the following new classes for 2025:
Spotted Championship – Spotted ponies & horses can compete in the Coloured Horse & Pony classes on the show Friday this year and the highest placed spotted will go forward to the Spotted Championship.
Unaffiliated In Hand and Amateur Ridden Ex Racehorse (ROR) classes on the show Sunday in the Ledbury Ring at 2.30pm.
Local Amateur Supreme Champion class held Worcester Ring on the show Sunday at 4pm. The highest placed Amateur from Herefordshire, Worcestershire & Gloucestershire from selected classes will be eligible to compete.
Show Pony / Show Hunter Pony In Hand – There will be two separate sets of rosettes in one classes, then two separate champs.
NEW Non Welsh Lead Rein held on show Friday (HOYS qualifier)
Coloured Horse & Pony Classes
Find out more in the schedule.
Arena Eventing
Introduced only last year, the arena eventing classes are quickly gaining popularity among event riders. These classes offer an excellent opportunity to compete on grass, making them a highly recommended feature of the show on Saturday. It’s a perfect chance for riders to test their skills in a more natural setting.
Find out more in the schedule.
Cotswold Corner
Introduced just last year, the Cotswold Corner returns to the show as a vibrant hub for equine organisations and charities, offering visitors engaging, hands-on experiences. As of now, the Pony Club HQ, along with the local Malvern and Worcester Pony Clubs, are confirmed participants for the 2025 event. More attendees are set to be announced, adding to the excitement and variety this feature promises. It’s a perfect spot for equestrian enthusiasts to connect and explore!
Showjumping
The Royal Three Counties Show offers an extensive lineup of British Showjumping Affiliated classes over the three-day event, all taking place in the specialized Cotswold Ring. With jump heights starting at 85cm and reaching an impressive 1.40m, the schedule promises a dynamic showcase of skill and precision for riders of all levels. This year, Saffron Cresswell, a 23yo 4* event rider based in Malvern will be adding commentary to the classes on the Sunday.
This year a fifth show will be joining the Show Jumping Challenge. These include Hanbury Countryside Show, Burwarton Show, Ashby Show, Moreton Show and Royal Three Counties Show. Click here to find out more.
Find out more in the schedule.
Prince Philip Cup Pony Club Mounted Games
A handpicked selection of top Pony Club teams, featuring riders all under the age of 15 from across the nation, participate in exhilarating and fast-paced relay races. These races involve a mix of props like flags, balls, buckets, and bottles, as well as challenging obstacles such as bending poles, designed to enhance both the difficulty and the excitement. Rooted in historic cavalry techniques, this competition is a true test of riding skill and exceptional teamwork.
The heats will take place on Saturday and Sunday, culminating in an action-packed final on Sunday afternoon.
Find out more in the schedule.
Scurry Driving (Saturday and Sunday)
Scurry driving is an unmissable spectacle that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat! In this thrilling event, carriage drivers of all ages expertly guide their two ponies at full gallop through a series of cones arranged in a twisting, challenging course. The competition is fierce, with drivers racing against the clock to achieve the fastest time in small and large breed categories. Adding to the excitement, winners earn a coveted spot at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show.
Find out more in the schedule.
NEW Private Driving Championships and Concourse D’elegance Driving
These exciting new classes for the main arena debut this year and are scheduled for 2pm on Sunday afternoon.
Originating in Paris, Concourse D’Elegance, meaning ‘Competition of Elegance,’ saw aristocrats showcasing their horse-drawn carriages during summer weekends. This tradition now offers a visually stunning and sophisticated spectacle, making it a perfect finale to the weekend’s events.
Find out more in the schedule.
Two And Six Fence Challenges
On Friday, competitors tackle two fences, and on Saturday, they face six fences arranged in a straight line, with each fence increasing in height and difficulty. After each successful round where a competitor clears all fences without fault, the heights are raised for the next round. The challenge continues until a winner emerges, making for a thrilling and edge-of-your-seat competition as the stakes—and the bars—keep climbing.
Find out more in the schedule.
Heavy Horse Competitions
It’s a rare and remarkable sight to witness such a gathering of these magnificent gentle giants. Competing in categories like ridden, turnout, and harnessed agricultural and trade events, these horses are sure to captivate audiences in the Main Arena. Some classes even offer winners the chance to secure a coveted ticket to the Horse of the Year Show.
This year brings an exciting addition with the new Heavy Horse In Hand categories. What was once a single class has now been divided into two: Heavy Horse Mare, Gelding, Filly, and Heavy Horse Stallion/Colt. The event culminates in a championship and the prestigious Clydesdale Society Silver Spoon.
Find out more in the schedule.
Shopping
The Equine Village is the go-to destination for all your equestrian needs. Specialist tack shops are conveniently located here, offering a wide selection of essentials for your horse. You can browse for tack, stock up on supplies, and even try on boots—all in one dedicated space tailored to equestrian enthusiasts. It’s a must-visit spot during the show!
Click here to find out more.
