Competing at the Autumn Show & Horse Trials
The Autumn Show & Game Fair and the South of England International Horse Trials are once again joining together, creating one fantastic event that attracts around 18,000 attendees, is back for 2026.
South of England International Horse Trials
A highlight of the show is the prestigious South of England International Horse Trials, celebrating its 50th year at Ardingly. The event attracts leading riders competing in the FEI International CCI 3* and CCI2* classes, alongside British Eventing national classes from BE90 to Intermediate level. The HorseQuest Novice Masters Series will also feature on Sunday. Over two days, spectators can enjoy the excitement of cross-country, the elegance of dressage and the precision of showjumping in the main Ardingly ring, creating a thrilling atmosphere throughout the event.
All showjumping will take place in the impressive Main Ardingly Showground arena, offering a memorable experience for both horse and rider. Dressage will be held in and around the showground’s permanent grass showing arenas, with generous space available in the collecting rings and warm-up areas.
Ground care and event preparation remain a top priority. In dry conditions, all areas will be agrivated, with sand used on take-offs and landings where needed. The main ring and showjumping collecting ring will also be watered.
For competitor FEI and British Eventing schedules, and to enter, please use the link below. Entries open on 24 August.
Horticulture competitions
If you know your apples from your pears or are partial to an onion, then why not take part in the South of England Agricultural Society’s Horticulture Competition? Competitions are open to children and adults and cost £1 per class to enter.
Whether you are an individual or part of a horticultural club, society or group, everyone is welcome to take part.
Click here for Tips for Showing.
If you would like to take part, please email your completed entry form by 21st September to info@seas.org.uk or post it to:
Horticulture Committee Secretary
South of England Agricultural Society
Selsfield Road
Ardingly
West Sussex
RH17 6TL.
In 2024 the National Vegetable Society’s National Championships will also be held at our Autumn Show. If you are an NVS member click here to find out more about entering.
NEW National Vegetable Society
Held regionally each year, the Autumn Show & Horse Trials will be hosting the 2024 National Vegetable Championships, with competitors from all over the UK. Find them in the Abergavenny Building. Click here to find out more.
South of England Honey Show
Bees & Honey are at the Autumn Show! This is a unique opportunity open to associations, their members and individual beekeepers.
- Competition judged by Clare O’Brien, National Honey Show registered judge Hone exhibit preparation ahead of Local, County or the National Honey Show Cash prizes for each class
Trophies awarded to the winner of Class 1, the ‘Bounty from the Hive’ and for ‘Most Points in Classes 2 to 15’.
Why not get together with your fellow members to register entries on behalf of your Association or Division?
For enquiries and information, please email beesandhoneyinfo@gmail.com
Help as a Show Steward for a day on honey sales and information stands – email chief.steward@deodar.org.uk
To sponsor class prizes or for other sponsorship opportunities contact the treasurer via email at chief.steward@deodar.org.uk
Women’s Institute Entries
The WI competition is open to any WI member from West Sussex or East Sussex and is a great opportunity to ‘shop window’ WI skills and talents to the general public. Classes include co-operative cookery, flower arranging, fancy dress costumes and more, this year within the theme of ‘Alice in Wonderland’.Â
The closing date for entries is Friday 1st August. You can view the competition schedule and find information on how to enter using the link below.
Sussex Coast Rabbit Club Show
The Sussex Coast Rabbit Club Show is a popular fixture with a variety of competition categories. To enter the pet classes for rabbits and cavies (guinea pigs) please book your pet in 5 days prior to the show by contacting Sam Turner on 07394 295567 or email sussexcoastrabbitclub@gmail.com. The entry fee is £2 per animal to be paid on arrival, with rosettes for all and another for best adult pet, best child pet, and best pet in show. Please bring water bottles, hay, feed/forage and bedding for the show pen.
NEW! Bench Competition
We are pleased to be adding a new competition to our Autumn Show. This year the competition will require you to build a bench for our Wildflower Garden which is a permanent feature on the showground. The winning bench will be placed in the garden as a new feature.
We are looking for creativity, craftsmanship, attention to detail and overall impression.
The winning bench will then be moved to its permanent location in the Wildflower Garden!
Click the button below to find out more and enter:
Please note that the deadline for entry is the 14 September 2025 and all entries must be delivered to the showground on the 26 September 2025 by 4pm to be included in The Autumn Show 27 & 28 Sept 2025.
Read our reviews
Here are some of the things people are saying about us.
This year was bigger and better than I have experienced in other years. Great mix of content across the stalls and show elements.
Zoe Randall
Good to see the south of England Show back. A great day out, shows, animals, and plenty of stalls.
Dog friendly & some tasty snack / food to be had. Terrific venue.
Peter Langbridge
Easy parking which was free. Entrance price very good. Sellers did not mark prices too high. Huge varieties, from babies, children, adults and a good variety for animals. Cash and card available. A lovely Christmas atmosphere was created.
Julie Fairfowl
A great family day out, lots to see (farm animals, horses and dogs) and buy (plants, clothing and a huge variety of produce).
Carolyn Waters
SofE show great to see it back and they didn’t disappointed 3 fantastic days.
Ian Truman
Great fun! Music from the Casablanca Steps, Shetland Pony Grand National, lots of nice farm beasts. More good shops than last year. A few more plants & poultry would be good.
Clare Salmon
Charity of the Year
Find out more about our current Charity of the Year, East Sussex Farmer’s Benevolent Fund:
