Timetables – Click here to view
What’s On Overview
The showground boasts six spacious, grass equine rings and an impressive Main Arena.
Over 300 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. Royal Three Counties show are delighted to announce we are holding 62 HOYS qualifiers in 2026, including the NEW VHS Veteran Ridden and a Shire Horse In Hand. This is the most Royal Three Counties has ever had the privilege of hosting. Click here to find out more. Thank you to HOYS for their continued support.
Click here to find out more about the equine classes and demonstrations being held in the Main Arena.
Showing Classes
There are in hand and ridden classes for all levels and types/breeds of horses and ponies.
Every year, exciting new showing classes are introduced, and this year is no exception.
Aside from the new HOYS qualifiers, the other NEW sections for 2026 are:
- TSR Amateur of the Year Classes
- WPCS Silver Medals
- Working Performance Horse/Pony
- Traditional Gypsy Cobs
- Palominos
- Spotted Horse/Pony
- World Breeds
- Novice Ridden Pony
- Show Horse In Hand
- Junior Handler Heavy Horse
- Welsh Part Bred In Hand
Full schedule & entries open 16th February 2026. Find out more in the schedule.
Arena Eventing
The arena eventing classes, held on Sunday, are quickly gaining popularity among event riders as they offer an excellent opportunity to compete on grass. Class heights start at 60m and go up to 90cm. Find out more in the schedule.
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 specialised Cotswold Ring. Get ready for an action-packed schedule featuring British Showjumping classes, including Category 1, Category 2, and a Pony Club class. With jump heights starting at 85cm and soaring to an impressive 1.40m, this event promises a dynamic display of skill, precision, and determination from riders of all levels.
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 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.
Private Driving Championships and Concourse D’elegance Driving
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 on the Sunday afternoon.
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.
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.
Cotswold Corner
The Cotswold Corner returns to the show as a vibrant hub for equine organisations and charities, offering visitors engaging, hands-on experiences. It’s a perfect spot for equestrian enthusiasts to connect and explore! Confirmed features in this area will include:
Harlow Luna White (Sat)
14-year-old British equestrian influencer, YouTuber and competitive rider Harlow, will demonstrate her jumping skills in the Cotswold Arena at 13:00 on Saturday. Harlow will also host a meet and greet with visitors in the Equine Village – SOLD OUT.
Pony Club
Malvern Pony Club and Pony Club HQ will be highlighting the education, horsemanship and practical skills young members develop through riding and horse care. You can also find out more about joining your local club too.
Donkey Breed Society
Meet cute donkeys and learn all about the Donkey Breed Society.
Farriery, Blacksmithing and Wrought Iron Competitions
Watch the sparks fly as horseshoes are fitted and blacksmiths create a range of contemporary and traditional ironwork in fierce competitions and demonstrations, giving you a whole new appreciation of the ancient and highly skilled crafts of farriery and blacksmithing.
The Royal Three Counties Show holds one of the largest competitions in the country and there’s a full programme with competitors from across the UK. See timetable below.
| Friday 12th June | Saturday 13th June | Sunday 14th June | |||
| 09:00 | Cob Shoeing | 08:00 | Restricted Hunter | 08:00 | Pony Shoeing |
| Live Smithing | 09:15 | 3/4th Year Apprentice | 09:15 | 1/2nd Year Apprentice | |
| 14:00 | Open Shoeing | 12:40 | Chain Making | 13:00 | Apprentice Therapeutic |
| 13:20 | Open Hunter | ||||
| 13:30 | Weston’s Bottle Opener | ||||
There are also wrought iron competitions and ironware for sale and an information area.
NEW Interactive Demonstrations
For the first time, the British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association will be bringing an educational area to the show. Features within this will include:
- Interactive shoe removal demonstrations with a Blacksmith Buddy. Show visitors will have the opportunity to get involved themselves and safely try the process first hand. There will also be chaps available so participants can enjoy a more authentic farriery experience.
This activity is designed to be both fun and educational, but it also highlights an important emergency skill for horse owners to understand. - Farriery career information and training guidance.
There will be leaflets and information available from the three farriery training colleges for anyone interested in pursuing a career in farriery or learning more about training pathways into the profession. - A rolling educational video presentation will also be displayed on a television, showcasing various aspects of farriery, the profession, and modern hoof care practices.
