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Your Guide to the Ex-Racehorse Championship

  • Posted: 8 April 2026

Bay horse with a rider trotting away from the camera in a dressage arenaAt Dressage Anywhere, we believe the transition from the track to the dressage arena is a journey that deserves more than just a scoresheet. It deserves a place in the spotlight!

The Ex-Racehorse Championship is designed to reward the long game - tracking your horse's progress as you further develop your partnership. Previously run as a league, we have stepped things up for 2026; it is no longer just about points, but about qualifying for a Championship. It isn't about one lucky test; it's about the grit it takes to retrain and improve your personal best together.

How it Works (The Short Version)

This series is specifically for our thoroughbred stars who are starting their second careers. If you are competing in our monthly Ex-Racehorse classes, you are already on the road to the final.

Who is eligible? Any ex-racehorse and rider combination.

Which classes count? Monthly Ex-Racehorse Competition classes (Introductory to Medium levels).

The Goal: Achieve three scores of 60% or above at the same level.

The Timeline: Qualification runs from 1 January to 31 August.

The Championship: The Championship show runs online in October, with the schedule available to enter in September.

The Qualification Path: Consistency is Key

To make things crystal clear, you aren't fighting for a spot on a leaderboard all year. Instead, you are aiming for consistency. Once you hit that magic number of three scores over 60% at your chosen level, you've punched your ticket to the Championships. We will start notifying qualified combinations online over the summer.

Tips for Success

Check the Rules: Ensure you are familiar with the standard Dressage Anywhere Rules and the specific Ex-Racehorse eligibility to keep your entries valid.

Review Your Scoresheets: Don’t throw away those marks; review the judge's feedback to see how your horse is adapting to the 'flatwork' life.

Don't Forget the Deadline: Qualification closes on 31 August. Make sure you have your three scores logged before the cut-off!