Championship highlights
Key details
- Qualifying period
- 1 June 2026 to 31 December 2026
- Placings
- Places to 10th
- Gorgeous Rosettes, Sashes and Prizes
Equus Organiser Unaffiliated Dressage Championship
A Grass Roots national championship with a relaxed atmosphere, real championship occasion, and classes from Intro to Novice.
Weekend format
Day One - Saturday 29th May 2027
Warm-up class with scores carried into the championship.
Day Two - Sunday 30th May 2027
Combined scores determine the final average and champion.
Championship update · 19 August 2026
Venue confirmed and qualification criteria announced
Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre will host the Championships on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 May 2027. Stabling will be available, and the final qualification criteria have now been published.
Competition mix
Classes
- Classes from Intro to Novice, with grassroots, Restricted and Open eligibility as published.
- Music classes will feature.
- Novice classes will also be available for affiliated BD members.
In partnership with
Mark Cramb
- We are excited to announce that the weekend will be run in partnership with Mark Cramb Equestrian.
- Mark brings a wealth of competition experience and will help this event feel like a real championship occasion for all competitors!
Mark Cramb Equestrian
Step up to qualify
How to qualify
The final criteria are set out below. Keep every qualifying test sheet safe, as you will need to upload your supporting paperwork when entries open.
Qualifying period
1 June to 31 December 2026
Grassroots
Intro
Intro
4 scores of 62%+
Intro Music
2 scores of 64%+
Scores must be achieved at unaffiliated competitions.
Grassroots
Prelim
Prelim
4 scores of 62%+
Prelim Music
2 scores of 64%+
Scores must be achieved at unaffiliated competitions.
Restricted
Novice Restricted
Novice Restricted
4 scores of 62%+
Novice Restricted Music
2 scores of 64%+
Scores must be achieved at unaffiliated competitions.
Open
Novice Open
Novice Open
4 scores of 65%+
Novice Open Music
2 scores of 65%+
The horse-and-rider combination must not have gained more than 25 points at Elementary level or above.
Grassroots and Restricted eligibility
Intro, Prelim and Novice Restricted classes are not open to British Dressage-registered horses or horses with points. Club Quest members are welcome.
Eligible scores
Qualifying scores may be gained at any dressage competition where a British Dressage test type is ridden and scored as a percentage. Scores from British Eventing, Pony Club and Riding Club competitions that do not use British Dressage test types will not count.
Junior sections
Every class will include a Junior section for competitors aged 16 and under.
Championship atmosphere
What to expect
- Warm-up class on day one with scores carried over.
- Day two scores combine with day one to determine the champion.
- Classes from Intro to Novice, including music and Open sections.
- Grass Roots dressage with a relaxed atmosphere and true championship buzz.
- Demonstration event in the evening of the first day.
- Onsite stabling will be available to book nearer the event.
Frequently asked questions
Championship FAQ
Answers to the main questions about qualifying, eligibility, classes and championship arrangements.
Qualifying scores can be achieved at any suitable venue nationwide in an eligible unaffiliated dressage competition. You do not need to qualify specifically at Kelsall, and there will not be a fixed list of designated qualifying venues.
Qualifying scores may be gained at any dressage competition where a British Dressage test type is ridden and scored as a percentage. Scores from British Eventing, Pony Club and Riding Club competitions that do not use British Dressage test types will not count.
No. There will not be a separate series of championship qualifiers. Competitors can achieve qualifying scores at eligible dressage competitions held during the qualifying period.
No. Competitors will submit their own qualifying test sheets when entering the championship through Equus Organiser.
You will be asked to upload copies of your qualifying dressage test sheets when submitting your championship entry through Equus Organiser. Please keep every qualifying test sheet safe.
We will not begin taking entries until the qualification period closes at the end of December. Entry dates, fees and full instructions will be announced nearer the time.
Entries will be completed online through Equus Organiser, where competitors will also upload their supporting qualification paperwork.
Affiliated British Dressage results cannot be used for the Intro, Prelim or Novice Restricted sections, which require scores from unaffiliated competitions and are not open to British Dressage-registered horses or horses with points.
Competitors aiming for Novice Open should retain their test sheets or official results and must meet the published Open eligibility criteria.
Yes. The intention is to provide genuine grassroots competition while also offering Open sections for British Dressage members and other competitors who do not meet the unaffiliated eligibility criteria.
Intro, Prelim and Novice Restricted classes are not open to British Dressage-registered horses or horses with points.
For Novice Open and Novice Open Music, the horse-and-rider combination must not have gained more than 25 points at Elementary level or above.
A British Dressage member may be eligible for Novice Open or Novice Open Music, provided the horse-and-rider combination has not gained more than 25 points at Elementary level or above. The grassroots and Restricted classes are not open to British Dressage-registered horses or horses with points.
Yes. Previous British Dressage points and competition history will be considered. Novice Open eligibility is assessed against the published limit for the horse-and-rider combination.
Yes, provided the horse and rider combination meets the eligibility requirements for each level entered.
No. Two different riders will not be permitted to ride the same horse in the Intro class.
Elementary classes may be included if the timetable and level of demand allow.
The championships can accommodate approximately 120 tests per day, so the final schedule will depend on the number of entries received.
These classes may be included depending on demand and the available timetable.
The organisers will encourage venues across the country to offer unaffiliated Dressage to Music classes.
Dressage to Music is being included to give more riders the opportunity to experience and enjoy this type of competition. Availability will depend on individual venues choosing to run suitable classes.
We recognise that availability currently varies by area. Equus Organiser and the championship team will work to encourage more venues to offer suitable Dressage to Music classes.
Yes. Overnight and weekend stabling will be available for championship competitors.
Stabling arrangements, prices and booking information will be published nearer the event.
Stabling has been confirmed for championship competitors and will be bookable nearer the event. Spaces will be subject to capacity and the published booking terms.
Competition will take place in the Indoor International Arena.
Yes. Arena walks will be included in the championship arrangements.
Yes. Every class will include a Junior section for competitors aged 16 and under.
No evening fun classes are currently planned, as an evening demonstration is expected to form part of the programme.
Entry fees and stable prices have not yet been confirmed. These will be announced when the full schedule and entry information are published.
Yes. We would be very pleased to hear from anyone interested in volunteering as a writer, scribe or event helper.
Be first to hear more
Register your interest
Tell us where you are aiming to compete and we will keep you updated as this Grass Roots championship develops.