British Showjumping Para Riders Benefit from National Training Centre Camp as the Sport Continues to Grow

British Showjumping's Para Jumping programme continues to go from strength to strength, with riders recently coming together for a successful training camp held at the National Training Centre on 6–7 June. 

The two-day camp provided Para riders with a valuable opportunity to develop their skills both in and out of the saddle, whilst also enjoying the supportive community atmosphere that has become synonymous with Para Showjumping. 

The weekend began with flatwork training sessions led by British Dressage Coach and international rider Hannah Biggs, helping riders refine their partnership and communication with their horses. Riders then progressed to jumping exercises with British Showjumping Coach Sarah Tubbs on the first day before putting their skills into practice over full courses on day two. 

Away from the arena, riders benefitted from a series of educational workshops delivered by industry experts. Equine Nutritionist Jennifer Little from Equinutrition provided a fascinating insight into equine nutrition, with each horse receiving an individual weighbridge assessment followed by discussions around their diet, nutritional requirements and individual needs. 

The camp also welcomed Brad Hill, equine vet and Clinical Assistant Professor in Equine Clinical Practice at Nottingham University, who delivered an informative presentation on equine behaviour and welfare, encouraging riders to further understand the needs of their equine partners. 

As well as the educational and training opportunities, the camp offered valuable time for riders to socialise and share experiences. A group pizza evening on Saturday night gave everyone the chance to catch up, discuss their competition plans for the summer season and strengthen the friendships that make the Para Showjumping community so special. 

Coach Sarah Tubbs said: 

"The training that British Showjumping organises provides a great opportunity for all the riders to get together socially as well as benefitting from a series of linked training sessions and unmounted workshops on a variety of topics. The camps are normally organised to build in training prior to the competition season and prior to the National Championships." 

Para Showjumping continues to offer opportunities for riders of all backgrounds and experiences. Riders encompass those who were born with disabilities as well as those who are adapting to life following injury or illness. 

Para rider Deena Webster explained the unique appeal of the sport: 

"Disability doesn't mean you can't. We do. Differences don't count – it's how you deal with them that makes para showjumping an inclusive, sharing and growing family of riders… bringing together a community who have experienced similar difficulties during life they never expected." 

For Anna Hilton, Para Showjumping provided a route back into the sport she loves. 

"I was about to give up riding after my diagnosis, but I discovered the British Showjumping Para classes and love the sense of community and understanding. I've never had that level of support before and feel like I've found a little family in the sport." 

Rachel Dye echoed those sentiments, describing the opportunity to compete as a Para rider following her accident as: 

"The silver lining to that dark cloud, which has enabled me to continue doing what I love." 

The world of Para Showjumping in the UK received a significant boost this year with the introduction of a revised competition structure and a dedicated calendar of competitions culminating in the British Showjumping National Championships at Stoneleigh and a season-ending finale at the Arena UK Festival in September. 

In 2026, British Showjumping introduced Open Sections to Para competitions alongside the existing graded classes. The new format enables riders to compete within their allocated Grade, where points count towards the Para Equestrian League standings and end-of-season awards, while also allowing them to compete in additional Open Sections at different heights. This provides greater flexibility for riders wishing to gain experience, use classes as warm-ups or step up to bigger tracks. 

Para Showjumping levels currently range from 70cm to 1.00m, and classes are run under Club rules but both club para members and national para members are eligible to compete in these classes.   

The 2026 Para Jumping competition calendar includes: 

• 13–14 June – South View Equestrian Centre, Cheshire 
• 23–26 July – Weston Lawns, Warwickshire 
• 4–9 August – British Showjumping National Championships, Stoneleigh 
• 28–31 August – Weston Lawns, Warwickshire 
• 14–20 September – Arena UK Festival, Lincolnshire 

British Showjumping would like to thank South View Equestrian Centre, Weston Lawns, Arena UK and all the organisers and supporters who continue to provide opportunities for Para riders to compete and develop within the sport. 

As the programme continues to expand, British Showjumping is keen to welcome more riders into the Para Showjumping community. Whether you are an experienced competitor, returning to the sport following illness or injury, or looking to explore competitive opportunities for the first time, Para Showjumping offers an inclusive and supportive environment in which to compete. 

For anyone interested in finding out more about competing as a Para rider, further information can be obtained here. Riders who are not currently graded also have the opportunity to be assessed through British Equestrian grading days taking place this summer. 

British Showjumping welcomes enquiries from anyone interested in becoming involved in Para Showjumping and looks forward to continuing to grow this thriving and supportive section of the sport. 

Image: 1st Class Images