The 2026 Sydney CDI will feature a more intimate and streamlined competition program due to ongoing resurfacing works on Arenas 1 and 2 at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, which may not be completed in time for the event. As a result, the event will operate within the Indoor arena, two outdoor competition arenas, and one to two warm-up arenas, leading to a reduction in the number of competitions offered. The focus will be on the Indoor arena for CDI and CDN Grand Prix competitions, with outdoor arenas hosting the Young Horse Championships and Advanced, Small, and Medium Tour competitions.

Despite the scaled-back format, the event will maintain high standards with an international judging panel featuring top 5 and 4 judges from several countries alongside Australia’s leading judges. Organizers emphasize that the welfare of horses and quality of competition remain priorities, and they encourage riders unable to compete to attend and support the event. The updated schedule is available on the Sydney CDI website.