The Blenheim Challenge is a brand-new team competition bringing a fresh, head-to-head dimension to eventing. Taking place within the CCI4*-L at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, 17-20 September 2026, it sees four British under-25 riders competing as the Rising Lions take on four international riders from the USA and Australia competing as the Stars & Stripes.

How it works

Across dressage, cross country and show jumping, riders are randomly paired against an opponent from the other team before each phase. The rider with the better result wins a point for their team, with ties sharing the point. Each team also has two one phase only jokers to play, doubling the points earned by their chosen rider in that phase.

An additional point is awarded at the first trot-up to the team whose horse is judged best turned out, recognising the vital contribution of the grooms behind every combination.

£50,000 prize fund

The Blenheim Challenge brings an additional £50,000 prize fund, with money allocated to riders, grooms, the youth programme(s) of the riders of the winning team and an equestrian charity chosen by the winning team.