The article provides a comprehensive guide to amateur showing opportunities in 2026, aimed at encouraging riders to participate despite challenging conditions like early darkness and muddy gateways. It highlights a variety of amateur-friendly competitions and championships across the UK, including the SEIB Search For A Star series, Show Teams And Rising Stars (STARS), and The Showing Register’s amateur-only Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) tickets. Other notable events include the British Show Pony Society’s Pretty Polly classes, the British Show Horse Association’s amateur classes and Rising Star events, and the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Amateur Ridden Show Series. Many of these competitions offer pathways to prestigious finals at iconic venues such as HOYS, Your Horse Live, Aintree, Hickstead, and the Royal International Horse Show.

Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of understanding amateur status rules, which vary between societies, before entering shows. It also mentions specialized championships for home-produced horses, veterans, and coloured horses, such as those hosted by the Veteran Horse Society and the British Skewbald and Piebald Association. The piece concludes by noting that many breed and riding societies offer amateur-only classes and finals, providing ample opportunities for riders of all levels to compete and enjoy the showing season. The article is authored by Bethan, Horse & Hound’s showing editor, who brings extensive experience and passion for the sport.