Thousands of visitors flocked to the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex, last weekend for the South of England Agricultural Society’s Autumn Show & Horse Trials. The popular event delivered a packed weekend of top-class equestrian sport, countryside attractions and family entertainment.
The 2026 show marked the 50th anniversary of the South of England International Horse Trials being held at Ardingly. Spectators enjoyed the elegance of dressage, the excitement of showjumping in the main Ardingly ring and the thrills of cross-country, while the ever-popular Pony Club Mounted Games provided plenty of additional excitement.
Visitors had the opportunity to not only try their hand at fly casting, archery and traditional axe throwing, but also watch game cookery, bushcraft and sheep shearing demonstrations, showcasing the knowledge and traditional crafts that remain an important part of country life.
Dog lovers were well catered for with gundog, longdog, and search and rescue dog displays, have-a-go agility and a fun dog show. The terrier racing with Sussex Young Farmers and BASC gundog scurries also gave visitors the chance to put their own dogs through their paces.
The event also celebrated the very best of rural life and the autumn harvest, with impressive horticultural displays featuring vegetables, fruit, flowers and flower arranging, alongside traditional favourites such as vintage tractors and steam engines.
Families found plenty to keep younger visitors entertained, with the Animal Barn providing the opportunity to get up close to cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, while falconry displays, rabbits, a poultry show, donkey rides and a funfair ensured there was something for everyone. Visitors also got to indulge in delicious food and drink, as well as explore fantastic shopping opportunities provided by local and independent traders.
Corrie Ince, Show Director for the South of England Agricultural Society, commented:
“It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the Autumn Show & Horse Trials. Hosting such a well-respected competition in the equestrian community is always a privilege, and we were delighted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the South of England International Horse Trials being held here in Ardingly this year.
“Once again, the show gave us the opportunity to showcase the very best of the countryside, with a fantastic variety of activities and displays for visitors to enjoy. We were delighted with how the weekend went and would like to thank everyone who came along and helped make it such a success.”
Any profits from the weekend will support the Society’s ongoing educational work, from inspiring school children to learn about food production and other countryside industries, to providing grants and bursaries for people training and working in the farming sector and delivering professional development opportunities for farmers and landowners.
The South of England Agricultural Society will now turn its attention to its final show of the year, the Winter Fair, which takes place on 21st and 22nd November. This festive event will offer families the chance to visit Santa’s Grotto, capture memories in a giant snow globe, and have a go at wreath making. Visitors can also enjoy glass blowing, mini golf, and chocolate decorating, while a wide range of stalls offering artisan products, gifts and festive treats will provide plenty of inspiration for Christmas shopping.
Tickets for the Winter Fair 2026 are available now at www.seas.org.uk. Entry is priced at £9.45 for adults and £8.10 for seniors/students, including a 10% online discount available until midnight on 13 November 2026. Children go free, although a suggested donation of £2 is welcomed. Additional charges apply for some activities. Please note that due to the high number of indoor areas, the Winter Fair is not suitable for dogs.