Bishop Burton College welcomes next generation of equine stars
SHOWCASE: Cross-country at Bishop Burton College
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
Bishop Burton College is welcoming the country’s most talented young equine event riders as it hosts the prestigious Bishop Burton International and British Eventing Festival of Youth.
The five-day event, which starts today, will see riders from across the UK compete at the college’s world-class equestrian facilities, bringing together elite competition, education and industry in one inspiring celebration of the future of British Eventing.
Hosted at Bishop Burton, near Beverley, as the long-term home of the Festival of Youth through to 2031, the event will feature a packed programme of competition, including the Junior National Championships, Pony National Championships, CCI2*-S Junior Championship, Regional BE100 Championship and Regional BE90 Championship.
The championships provide a showcase for the country’s most promising young riders, many of whom are recognised as future stars of the sport.
The event offers competitors the opportunity to perform at an international-standard venue, with spectators able to enjoy competition across dressage, showjumping and cross-country, as well as trade stands throughout the week.
TALENTED: Young riders will compete in showjumping
Lynne Harrison, equine commercial and events coordinator at Bishop Burton, said: “Hosting the Bishop Burton International and British Eventing Festival of Youth reflects everything that Bishop Burton College stands for – excellence, opportunity and a passion for supporting the future of the equestrian industry.
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Britain’s best young riders to our campus for what promises to be an outstanding week of competition. The Festival of Youth has quickly established itself as one of the highlights of the youth eventing calendar, and we’re delighted to provide a venue that enables riders to perform at their very best while welcoming visitors from across the UK to experience everything Bishop Burton has to offer.”
For Bishop Burton students, the event provides an opportunity to gain practical experience by supporting the delivery of a major national sporting event and working alongside experienced equestrian professionals.
Justine Corner, head of equine at the college, said: “The Festival of Youth is a fantastic celebration of young talent and an opportunity for riders to compete against the very best in their age groups.
“We’re proud to host an event that not only showcases exceptional sporting ability but also reflects the strong sense of community, sportsmanship and passion that defines British Eventing.”
For further information and spectator details, visit https://www.bishopburton.ac.uk/festival-of-youth-2026