Equestrian Sites Information and Resources

Organisations and online resources dedicated to promoting and improving equestrian sports and horse riding.

There are a great many organisations with equestrian websites dedicated to equestrian sports and to the horse or equine pursuits.

We’ve included below just a few of these with live links to their equestrian websites. Each site opens in a new window and hopefully is stuffed full of the information you are looking for.

We have no affiliation with these equestrian websites nor do we benefit in any way from adding them here.

General Society & Membership – Equestrian Websites

British Horse Society – The British Horse Society was founded in 1947 with the amalgamation of two organisations – the Institute of the Horse and Pony Club, and the National Horse Association of Great Britain. The BHS is a registered charity – number 210504 – and its activities are overseen by the Charity Commissioners. The Patron of the Society is Her Majesty The Queen.
British Horseball Association – Horseball pits four players, who can be of either sex and any age over 8, against each other. They compete in halves of 10 minutes each on a pitch that is no more than 70 metres by 30 metres. The size of the horseball pitch means that players are always in close contact, much as in the forward play in rugby, and ensures that the game is played in short, exciting bursts. The aim of the game is to win the ball, make a minimum of three consecutive passes of the ball between at least three team-members, and to shoot it through a hoop 1 metre in diameter and 3.5 metres off the ground.
British Veterinary Association – The British Veterinary Association represents the veterinary profession and helps members fulfil their professional roles. It is the national representative body for the veterinary profession with over 11,000 members and promotes and supports the interests of its members, and the animals under their care.
Endurance GB – Endurance GB The Competitive Long Distance Horse Riding Society for England and Wales. "Our mission is to promote and enhance the sport of Endurance (Competitive Long Distance) Riding within the United Kingdom, by providing competition, training and development opportunities that will appeal to all levels of rider from beginner to world class winner".
Equine Grass Sickness Fund – The Equine Grass Sickness Fund is a registered charity dedicated to supporting and advancing research into grass sickness and further improving the treatment of chronic cases. Grass Sickness, a devastating disease first seen in horses in Angus, Scotland around 1907, remains one of the great unsolved mysteries, and consequently one of the most feared by horse owners.
The Arab Horse Society – The Arab Horse Society is the United Kingdom breed authority for the registration, promotion and welfare of the Arab horse. Founded in 1918, the Society is a registered charity and promotes the breeding and importation of Pure Bred Arabian horses and to encourage the wider use of Arab blood in light horse and pony breeding. The Society publishes Pure Bred Arab and Anglo Arab Stud Books and maintains a register for Part Bred Arabs. It also operates a Premium Scheme to promote the use of Arab blood in performance horses.
The Association of British Riding Schools – The ABRS has Britain’s longest established riding school approval scheme (since 1954). It is the only organisation solely representing professional riding school proprietors and is thus ideally placed to assist and guide young people seeking careers with horses. It has a wide ranging examination and testing system which enables teenagers to build up worthwhile gradings and certificates in preparation for leaving school and taking up full time training.
The British Equine Veterinary Association – BEVA is an association for veterinary surgeons who are interested in horses. Membership offers a range of benefits. BEVA holds meetings at which the latest information on equine matters is presented.
The British Horse Driving Society – Whatever your interest – pleasure driving or competing, singles, pairs or multiples – The British Driving Society is here to help and encourage you. Local Area Commissioners are on hand to give you guidance. Whether you are a beginner or need to brush up on your technique, the British Driving Society has a panel of qualified instructors.
The British Horse Driving Trials Association – Anyone who is interested in carriage driving, particularly if they wish to compete, should consider joining the British Horse Driving Trials Association. Among many membership benefits are – Members’ Personal Liability insurance cover, eligibility to drive or groom at National driving trials, information packed yearbook, BHDTA clinics with the country’s top driving experts and help, advice and information from the BHDTA driving committees.
The Pony Club – The Pony Club in an international voluntary youth organisation for those interested in ponies and riding. It is the largest association of riders in the world. It is represented in no less than 14 countries and has a membership exceeding 110,000.
The Shire Horse Society – A comprehensive listing of SOCIETY SHOWS AND EVENTS including affiliated Society Shows around the country. A HERITAGE section to learn about the history of the Shire Horse, with details of the development of the breed and its role in modern day society. Complete BREED STANDARD of points for stallions, mares and geldings. Helpful REGISTRATION GUIDE for breeders and owners with sections on DNA sampling and a full listing of fees
UK Chasers & Riders – From very small beginnings in 1987 when UK Chasers was first dreamt up around a farmhouse kitchen table it has grown into a bigger and more diverse organisation than anyone could have imagined! UK Chasers – gives access to 40 (and growing) farm based off road riding and schooling courses. Over 140 miles of maintained grass tracks with over 1000 properly built optional jumps. UK Riders – gives you eligibility to Enter The Challenge, an annual national competition series in dressage and show jumping for unafiliated riders culminating in the prestigious National Final, which is held in the centre of the country during the Autumn.
The Side Saddle Association – In 1974, Janet Macdonald and Valerie Francis wrote a letter to “Horse & Hound” hoping to gather a band of like-minded enthusiasts to keep alive a dying art. From this, the “Side Saddle Association” was born and over the years has become respected throughout the UK and abroad, evolving into the Association we know today, with over 1200 members, including Junior and Overseas members.

Equestrian Eventing Websites …

Badminton Horse Trials – is one of the toughest and most exciting equestrian events – the pinnacle of the world’s 3-Day-Event calendar. As the name suggests horses and riders complete the competition over 3 days, each day consisting of a different discipline or phase. Horses and riders must complete a dressage test demonstrating Obedience, Discipline, Accuracy and Elegance. They need to be fit and athletic to complete a 4 mile cross country ride jumping several solid man-made and natural obstacles within a set time. Finally they must complete a course of show-jumps designed to test their agility and accuracy at speed.
Blair Castle International Horse Trails – the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. The castle enjoys one of Scotland’s finest settings in the heart of Highland Perthshire. The three-day event provides a comprehensive test of all round ability for horse and rider. The sport was originally developed as a military event, drawing on the requirements for an Officer’s charger – steadiness on parade, the ability to cross the country at speed in battle and the fitness needed to carry on with duties the following day. The modern sport has evolved from these original requirements to the three modern-day disciplines that we see today – dressage, cross country and show jumping. In order to succeed at International level, riders and their horses must be highly skilled in all three disciplines.
Blenheim Horse Trials – The Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is one of the world’s premier three star three day events. Set in the magnificent grounds of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, and with the Palace as the backdrop for the main arena activities, the horse trial offers a fantastic opportunity to see some of the world’s finest event riders and horses compete against one another in a truly spectacular location.
British Eventing – Governing body for the sport of Eventing (combining Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross-Country) in Great Britain. Eventing is made up of three phases, usually undertaken in one day. At the lowest level (Intro) you will be expected to complete a simple dressage test lasting about five minutes, involving basic walk, trot and canter movements. Next is show jumping, comprising 8 – 10 fences up to 0.90m, then the cross-country course with 15 – 20 fences up to 0.90m in height. There are five levels and you would probably start with Intro or Pre-Novice (PN) and then progress to Novice (N), then Intermediate(I) and possibly Advanced (A).
Burghley Horse Trials – It was in 1961 that the Marquess of Exeter, on hearing that the autumn three-day event at Harewood could no longer be held, invited the British Horse Society to transfer the event to his estate. In its second year, 1962, Burghley ran the F.E.I.’s European Championship and this was the beginning of a remarkable record. No other international horse trials site has staged as many Championships, a record ten in all including the first World Championship in 1966.
Gatcombe Park – Hosting The Festival of British Eventing – a unique event that incorporates the British Championships of the three levels of Eventing – Novice, Intermediate & Advanced (also known as the British Open Championships).
Weston Park Horse Trials – Situated on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border, the House was built in 1671 and has been the ancestral home of the Earls of Bradford. Today the House and Park is a Charitable Foundation, the family collections of porcelains, antique furniture and portraits are available for all to enjoy. The ongoing restoration and maintenance is financed by events such as the international horse trials.

Dressage Riding & Showjumping websites.

British Dressage – the official website of British Dressage. Many people are unaware that you don’t need to be a British Dressage (BD) member to enter the open section of preliminary classes at affiliated dressage competitions.
British Equestrian Trade Association – BETA is a world-renowned trade association of professional companies. Set up to serve the best interests of the equestrian industry, the individual rider and its members.Since 1979, BETA has launched many initiatives, to the benefit of all in the equestrian world. Some of these include: Encouraging professionalism throughout the trade -Establishing safety standards – Providing training courses and information leaflets – Commissioning in-depth research – The promotion of riding
British Equestrian Federation – the recognised governing body of horse sports in the UK. Through its sixteen members the BEF represents and works to promote the interests of the 4.2 million riders and carriage drivers in Britain, under its mission statement ‘More people, more horses, more places, more medals’.
British Show Jumping Association – In 1923 the British Show Jumping Association was formed with its first President Lord Lonsdale. Lt Colonel Charles (Taffy) Walwyn was appointed Chairman and held the position for 15 years, was President from 1945-1956, and was then made Honorary Vice President. The appointed secretary was Phil Blackmore (who was later to become a course builder and designed the courses for the Victory Show at the White City in 1945). There were 197 Members of the Association recorded. In 1924 the BSJA membership increased to 277 Members. 1925 – The BSJA officially recognised as a company and incorporated in to the companies act.
Hickstead – Hickstead is synonomous with showjumping. As host to the British Grand Prix and the only Samsung Super League with FEI Competition in the British Isles, it is the home of British showjumping. Founded in 1961 by Douglas Bunn, Hickstead has come to represent more than just showjumping however, and as it approaches its 50th birthday is equally as renowned for polo, showing, dressage, driving and even eventing!
Horse of the Year Show – Before Captain Tony Collings came up with the idea for Horse of the Year Show there was no special event to mark the end of the equestrian season – he believed that there was a need for a climax, a culmination of the year, a champion of Champions show. Indeed there was, for his idea was picked up by the then Chairmen of the British Show Jumping Association and British Horse Society Colonel Mike Ansell and Colonel VDS Williams.
Olympia Horse Show – In 1907, the First Royal International Horse Show took place in The Grand Hall Olympia. Lord Lonsdale was the driving force behind the show in 1907. In 2000 Lorenzo – ’The Flying Frenchman’, returned to the famous Great Hall. The same year that the Kings Troop, ‘Jumped the Gun’, the Shetlands took the arena by storm and every time the Dog Agility started they were greeted with the chant…Who Let the Dogs Out?
UK Polo Crosse Association – What is Polocrosse? As the name implies, it is a combination of polo and lacrosse. It is played outside, on a field, on horseback. Each rider uses a stick to which is attached a racquet head with a loose, thread net, in which the ball is carried. The ball is made of sponge rubber and is approximately 4" across. The objective is to score goals by throwing the ball between your opponent’s goal posts.

Horse Racing – Equestrian Websites

British Horseracing Board (BHB) – the official website of the British Horseracing Authority, containing a wide range of information on British racecourses, horseracing tickets, major events, promotions, competitions, betting, race results, ratings, going reports, non-runners, racehorse ownership, breeding, careers in racing, sponsorship, news, media resources, the Orders and Rules of Racing and much more.
British Racing School – The British Racing School was established in 1983. It is owned by a Charitable Trust and therefore any income generated is re-invested back into the School. The original aim of the School was to provide purpose built facilities to promote and encourage young people who had the potential to ride as professional jockeys. Since then, the School has developed and flourished to its current position as the Centre of Excellence for training in the racing industry, providing a whole range of different courses and training.
Cheltenham Racecourse – National Hunt: Left-handed oval course with the last 4 furlongs uphill all the way. Fences are generally fair but the open ditches are wider than usual
Injured Jockeys Fund – The IJF has long been blessed in its voluntary work force – as indeed it has in the calibre of the Trustees, which over the years have included Lester Piggott’s wife Susan, Bob McCreery, Dick Saunders (the oldest man to ride a Grand National winner), John Winter (Fred’s trainer brother) and former Royal jockey Bill Smith, while the current Trustees include, amongst others, Brough Scott (who has done a sterling 25 years), Peter Scudamore and Jack Berry.
National Horse Racing Museum – Welcome to the story of the people and horses involved in racing from its Royal origins to Lester Piggott, Frankie Dettori and other modern heroes. Highlights include: the head of Persimmon, a great Royal Derby winner in 1896; a special display about Fred Archer, the late Victorian jockey who committed suicide, which features the pistol he used to take his life; and the colourful jackets of ‘Prince Monolulu’, the 1950’s tipster.
National Trainers Federation – The National Trainers Federation (NTF) is the professional body for licensed racehorse trainers in the UK, 94% of whom are members. It promotes their interests through representation in racings political corridors of power and by providing a range of services and publications.
Racing Post – The online home of the horse racing bible. Although the vast majority of the site is free some aspects are subject to a charge e.g. pdf reports, book purchases and Racing UK video streams. These are clearly marked and require that you confirm you to register and confirm your intention to make a purchase prior to your betting account being debited.
The Jockey Club – Founded over 250 years ago, the Jockey Club remains at the heart of British racing. The Club was founded around 1750 by a group of gentlemen brought together by their shared passion for and commitment to horseracing. Initially meeting at the ‘Star and Garter’ in Pall Mall in London, the Club soon relocated to Newmarket, and before long moved to the site of the current Jockey Club Rooms in the High Street.
The Jockeys Room – The AtoZ of horse racing jockeys. From Asmussen to Velazquez, you can find Biographies, Photos, Stats, News, Links, Jockeys’ Birthdays, Photo Galleries, Voting Panels, Jockeys’ Classification and UK Racecourse Maps amongst the content of this site.
Weatherbys Online – Weatherbys provides British Horseracing with its central administration, acts as its bank and maintains the founding Thoroughbred breed register. But there is much more to it, and the website outlines the full range of services.

Point to Point – Equestrian Websites

Irish Point to Point – The home of Irish Point to Point. As steeplechasing become more popular during the 1800’s many hunts organised their own race meetings. The Ward Union raced at Fairyhouse and the Kildare Hunt at Punchestown, both places are steeped in history, the Meath venue continues to host The Irish Grand National, and the Kildare course is famous the world over for the La Touche Cup and the Ladies Cup over the Banks course.
Jumping for Fun – Comprehensive point to point website with plenty of information. Menu system is a little haphazard but a popular point to point site nonetheless.
Pointing Yorkshire – Point to Point site that covers the Yorkshire area. All races are run over three miles and a minimum of eighteen fences. Races for four/five year olds are run over two miles – four furlongs at some meetings. In Yorkshire we have the THE GRIMTHORPE CUP run over four miles and one furlong. Courses are layed out in parks and over farm land. No racecourse is used in Yorkshire. All meetings have at least six races.

Polo – Equestrian Websites …

Ascot Park – Ascot Park Polo Club, set in 120 acres of magnificent rural countryside near Windsor and Ascot, is conveniently located only 40 minutes from London, and 15 minutes from Heathrow Airport. Established in 1976, Ascot Park is the largest Polo Training Academy in the world, teaching over 2,500 people to play each year using only HPA accredited instructors.
Cirencester Park – The Oldest Polo Club In The UK, Founded In 1894. The club is set amid 3,000 acres of parkland and woodland on one of England’s most beautiful estates. Our number 1 ground is the famous Ivy Lodge ground, often said to be "the best all weather ground in England". We also have a further three grounds in the Park and two at Aston Down. All the match grounds are boarded and have Display Clocks
Cowdray Park – With a long and illustrious history, Cowdray Park is recognized worldwide as the Home of British Polo. Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within Viscount Cowdray’s 16,500 acre estate in West Sussex, the game of polo has been played at Cowdray for close on a century – the first competitive tournaments being recorded in 1910. By the 1920s a whole series of competitions with dedicated cups and trophies was firmly established, although the sport in the UK was to all but die out during the Second World War.
Hurlingham – The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) is the governing body of polo in the UK, Ireland and many other countries throughout the world. As such, it is responsible for the regulations and rules under which the game is played. This includes the handicapping of any one playing in the U.K. or Ireland. The object of the HPA is to further the interests of polo generally and support by all possible means the common interests of its affiliated clubs and associations.

Bloodstock & Sales – Equestrian websites.

Aga Khan Stud – Colonel Hall-Walker, (later Lord Wavertree), a Liverpool businessman who had established his stud at Tully in County Kildare, bred the winners of seven English Classics and, by gifting his bloodstock during World War I, provided the genesis for two National Studs. Yet his greatest contribution to upgrading the thoroughbred was to introduce at the turn of the century a young Indian Prince, the late Aga Khan III, to English racing.
Bloodhorse.com – A directory site with horse racing breeding news and lots and lost of ads
Coolmore Stud – The Magnier family have been offering Ireland’s and the world’s most discerning breeders access to Champions for generations, employing quite a few of the world’s finest natural horseman in Ireland, the US and Australia.
Arqana Deauville Sales – an auction house specialising in sales of horses, both thoroughbreds and trotters, and of paintings and fine art. ARQANA was formed in August 2006 by a group of shareholders active in these fields and it combines all of the activities of the old sales companies Goffs France and the Agence Francaise de Vente de Pur Sang. The shareholders include H.H. The Aga Khan, an owner and breeder whose family have a long history of involvement in racing and breeding, several of France’s leading breeders, as well as ARTCURIAL, France’s leading specialist Art auction house.
Doncaster Bloodstock Sales – Doncaster Bloodstock Sales Ltd (DBS) is a registered Thoroughbred Auction House, selling over 3,500 Racehorses a year. The day to day running of the Auction House takes place from the company offices in Hawick, in the Scottish Borders, whilst we run ten sales a year from the new state-of-the-art Sales Complex in Doncaster and one further Sale in The Centaur building at Cheltenham Racecourse.
European Bloodstock News – brings you all the daily bloodstock and racing news from around the world in a concise, easy-to-read format. It is available within hours of the day’s racing ending in Europe and is a vital tool for anyone who has a professional interest in the breeding industry. As such, it is highly recommended by the British Thoroughbred Breeders Association.
Goffs Ireland – Goffs bloodstock sales is an Irish equestrian auction house dealing in high end sales, including The Million – It is no coincidence that Goffs sold the highest priced yearling in Europe in 2006 at €2 million, while the average price grew 17% However the true measure of the sale’s success is this: Since the introduction of the Goffs Million in 2005, average sales have increased by 34% and turnover 173%.
Juddmonte Farms – The Juddmonte Farms Group consists of three properties in the USA and six properties in England and Ireland. Juddmonte is one of the leading breeders in the world and have to date bred 68 individual Group/Grade winners. Juddmonte Farms race all their homebred progeny in Khalid Abdullah’s colours (green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves). These colours have been carried by some notable horses over the past 24 years.
Keeneland USA – Keeneland is unique in that it is both a Thoroughbred racetrack and an auction company. Founded as a model racetrack, they seek to continually improve Thoroughbred racing while at the same time preserve its finest traditions. That philosophy has guided them for more than 70 years. International equestrians gather annually for their spring and fall race meetings, which offer world-class racing in one of sports’ most beautiful settings.
National Stud – The National Stud is the showcase for British Thoroughbred breeding. It comprises over 500 acres of prime pastureland on the edge of Newmarket, headquarters of racing in the UK. Its facilities include accommodation for eight stallions and up to 200 mares in nine separate yards
Tattersalls Sales – Europe’s Largest Bloodstock Auctioneers and the world’s oldest, dating back to 1766. From Park Paddocks in Newmarket, Tattersalls offers more than 5,000 thoroughbreds each year. The nine different sales include market leaders in every category and feature some of the finest thoroughbreds to be found anywhere in the world.
Thoroughbred Breeders Association – The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association is a registered charity, which was formed in May 1917 and is the only official body representing Thoroughbred Breeders in Great Britain. The TBA has always been actively involved in the broad range of issues affecting its members, all of which have a critical bearing on the health and wealth of British Thoroughbred breeding
Thoroughbred Times – The Thoroughbred Times Co. Inc. publishes THOROUGHBRED TIMES, a weekly news magazine based in Lexington, Kentucky, written for those involved in Thoroughbred racing and breeding, plus for racing fans. THOROUGHBRED TIMES publishes the annual Stallion Directory, which is mailed to all subscribers to the weekly magazine the first week of December.