2026 Agenda

9:35 – 9:45

Welcome to the 2026 National Equine Show

9:45 – 10:30

In Conversation with: Gemma Owen

10:45 – 11:15

Live Pod! Poles, Piaffe & Prosecco brings you: Hot Flushes & Half Passes – Real talk on thriving, not just surviving, as a midlife rider

11:30 – 12:00

Saracen Horse Feeds Special Edition: Coming Very Soon!

12:15 – 13:00

Let’s Learn Farriery! with Sam Dracott

13:00 – 13:45

Return to the West: Why the World’s Falling Back in Love with Dirt and Discipline

14:00 – 14:45

British Horse Society: A Conversation on Road Safety

Focusing on the Dead Slow campaign

15:00 – 16:00

The Inaugural ‘Influencer Games’

Two teams… with only one winner!

Which team will you support?

9:35 – 9:45

Welcome to the 2026 National Equine Show

9:45 – 10:15

Spotlight Session: This Esme

10:30 – 11:00

Live Pod! Poles, Piaffe & Prosecco brings you: Not the Plan. Still the Passion – Katie and Tania talk; setbacks, successes and starting again

11:15 – 11:45

A Conversation on Equestrian Fitness for Every Rider

12:45 – 13:15

Fireside Chat with Equestrian Superstar Khadijah Mellah

13:30 – 14:15

Fireside Chat with Sam Wolfenden

14:30 – 15:30

The Gold Medal Mastermind Live!

In collaboration with the Lucinda Green XC Academy

10:05 – 10:15

Welcome to the 360 Skills Theatre

10:15 – 10:45

Ulcers, Colic & More: Explore the Horse’s Digestive System with Dengie

Join us as to hear more about what happens where in the horse’s digestive tract and our experts will explain more about what causes gastric ulcers and why colic happens. 

You will be amazed at just how much ‘guts’ your horse has when you see our life-size digestive system. 

Our nutritionists will also explain the importance of fibre for not only keeping the digestive system healthy but how it provides energy for exercise too!

11:00 – 11:30

Equestrian Photography Masterclass: How to Take Great Photographs of Your Horse

In this masterclass, Emma will share simple professional techniques you can apply straight away, whether you’re shooting on your mobile or using a DSLR. You’ll discover how your equestrian knowledge gives you a real advantage: from reading your horse’s body language to anticipating key moments that create stronger, more authentic images.

You’ll learn how to choose the perfect locations, work with natural light, and capture your horse at their very best – showcasing their movement, personality, and those special details that make an image truly shine.

11:45 – 12:30

Freddy’s Fall Academy: Back by popular demand!

Join Freddy Steele’s hugely popular fall demos.

Fusing safety with engaging and entertainment delivery, Freddy and his team of friends will demonstrate techniques to minimise consequence in the event of a fall.

As an experienced equestrian performer and horse trainer, Freddy brings a wealth of knowledge and practical advice to promote safe riding practices in entertaining formats.

12:45 – 13:15

Rider Fitness in Focus

Warm Up to Win: The Missing Piece in Your Riding Routine

Helping equestrian riders of all disciplines improve their mobility, flexibility, and postural awareness before they get onboard, with targeted off-horse exercises designed to complement the demands of riding.

13:45 – 14:15

From Fear to Flow (Day 1): Rewiring Your Riding Mindset

In this session, Jenni will explore the unspoken super power that everyone has which transforms confidence, performance, and enjoyment in riding.

Key Points You Will Learn:
– Why fear isn’t the enemy, it’s information.
– The science of fight, flight and freeze in riders.
– How to shift from fear and overthinking to flow and connection.

14:30 – 15:15

Millie Martin: Equine Stress & Positive Reinforcement: Rebuilding Trust from the Inside Out

Discover the science of equine stress, how it affects the body in both the short and long term and explore real case studies on how different training methods shape horses inside and out. Learn practical, positive-reinforcement methods to rebuild confidence, strengthen trust, and support healthier equine partnerships.

10:00 – 10:15

Welcome to the 360 Skills Theatre

10:15 – 10:45

Alternative Disciplines and the Benefits of Cross Discipline Training

With over 20 years of experience in live stunt shows, equestrian displays, film features and TV, the Knights of Middle England are experts across a variety of riding disciplines.

Join the KOME to learn about diversifying your riding experience and the benefits of introducing alternative and cross-disciplining training to your routine.

11:00 – 11:30

Tegan Vincent Cooke: Unlocking potential through equestrian sport

Tegan talks through the journey of her aim to ride at the Paralympics for Jamaica. She reflects on overcoming barriers, forging an identity beyond disability, and why representation in equestrian sport matters.

11:45 – 12:30

Freddy’s Fall Academy: Back by popular demand!

Join Freddy Steele’s hugely popular fall demos.

Fusing safety with engaging and entertainment delivery, Freddy and his team of friends will demonstrate techniques to minimise consequence in the event of a fall.

As an experienced equestrian performer and horse trainer, Freddy brings a wealth of knowledge and practical advice to promote safe riding practices in entertaining formats.

12:45 – 13:30

Ulcers, Colic & More: Explore the Horse’s Digestive System with Dengie

Join us as to hear more about what happens where in the horse’s digestive tract and our experts will explain more about what causes gastric ulcers and why colic happens. 

You will be amazed at just how much ‘guts’ your horse has when you see our life-size digestive system. 

Our nutritionists will also explain the importance of fibre for not only keeping the digestive system healthy but how it provides energy for exercise too!

13:45 – 14:15

From Fear to Flow (Day 2): Rewiring Your Riding Mindset

In this session, Jenni will explore the unspoken super power that everyone has which transforms confidence, performance, and enjoyment in riding.

Key Points You Will Learn:
– Why fear isn’t the enemy, it’s information.
– The science of fight, flight and freeze in riders.
– How to shift from fear and overthinking to flow and connection.

10:15 – 11:15

11:30 – 12:30

12:45 – 1:45

1:50 – 2:45

10:30 – 11:30

12:00 – 1:00

Soon to be announced!

9:15 – 10:15

10:30 – 11:30

11:30 – 12:30

12:45 – 1:45

12:30 – 1:15

1:15 – 2:00

2:15 – 3:15

3:30 – 4:00

10:15 – 10:40

Stuck, Safe, or Striving? Understanding Your Comfort Zone & How to Break Free

Your comfort zone is designed to keep you safe, but it can also keep you stuck. Push too hard, and fear takes over; stay too safe, and progress slows down. As a rider, understanding how to stretch your comfort zone without overwhelming yourself is key to building confidence. As an instructor, recognising when a rider is ready for the next step—or when they need to consolidate—can make all the difference. This session will help both riders and coaches understand the psychology behind the comfort zone and how to expand it in a way that builds real, lasting confidence.

11:20 – 11:45

Riding with Ghosts – How Past Experiences Shape Your Confidence in the Saddle

Every rider carries experiences that shape how they feel in the saddle, often without realizing it. A past fall, a difficult horse, or even a coach’s words can leave lasting imprints that create hesitation, tension, or self-doubt. If you’re a rider, you’ll gain insight into how these experiences might be affecting you now—and how to break free. If you’re a coach, this session will help you spot these hidden influences in your clients, giving you tools to help them overcome past setbacks and ride with confidence in the present.

12:15 – 12:40

Why ‘Tick-Box’ Goal Setting Fails Riders – And What to Do Instead

Traditional goal-setting methods like SMART goals don’t work for riders—because riding isn’t predictable! Unexpected setbacks, fluctuating confidence, and your horse’s needs can make rigid goals feel frustrating and unachievable. If you’re a rider, you’ll learn how to set flexible, adaptable goals that actually keep you motivated and moving forward. If you’re a coach, this session will show you a more effective way to help your riders set meaningful, achievable goals that keep them progressing—without unnecessary pressure or burnout.

12:45 – 13:15

Wasting Energy on the Wrong Battles? Mastering What’s Truly in Your Control

Too many riders stress over things they can’t control—like the weather, the judge’s opinion, or how fresh their horse feels on competition day. But wasting energy on the uncontrollable only adds frustration and anxiety. As a rider, learning to focus on what is in your control will help you feel calmer and more in charge. As an instructor, helping clients shift their mindset away from external frustrations can drastically improve their confidence and performance. This session will teach you how to develop this essential skill—for yourself and for those you coach.

14:30 – 14:55

Riding Under Pressure – How to Handle Stress & Still Perform at Your Best

Pressure can either make or break a performance, and how you handle it determines your success. Stress affects both body and mind in the saddle, often showing up as tension, overthinking, or even freezing at critical moments. If you’re a rider, you’ll learn practical techniques to stay calm, focused, and in control when it matters most. If you’re a coach, you’ll gain a better understanding of how pressure affects your riders and how you can help them manage stress to perform at their best—whether in training, competition, or everyday riding.

10:15 – 10:40

Riding Under Pressure – How to Handle Stress & Still Perform at Your Best

Pressure can either make or break a performance, and how you handle it determines your success. Stress affects both body and mind in the saddle, often showing up as tension, overthinking, or even freezing at critical moments. If you’re a rider, you’ll learn practical techniques to stay calm, focused, and in control when it matters most. If you’re a coach, you’ll gain a better understanding of how pressure affects your riders and how you can help them manage stress to perform at their best—whether in training, competition, or everyday riding.

11:15 – 11:40

Why ‘Tick-Box’ Goal Setting Fails Riders – And What to Do Instead

Traditional goal-setting methods like SMART goals don’t work for riders—because riding isn’t predictable! Unexpected setbacks, fluctuating confidence, and your horse’s needs can make rigid goals feel frustrating and unachievable. If you’re a rider, you’ll learn how to set flexible, adaptable goals that actually keep you motivated and moving forward. If you’re a coach, this session will show you a more effective way to help your riders set meaningful, achievable goals that keep them progressing—without unnecessary pressure or burnout.

12:30 – 12:50

Fear Doesn’t Care About Your Level – But Here’s How to Take Back Control

Fear doesn’t disappear just because you’re experienced—it just evolves. For riders, it might show up as hesitation in transitions, competition nerves, or avoiding certain situations altogether. For instructors, it can be harder to spot, as riders often disguise fear with excuses, tension, or frustration. In this session, you’ll learn how fear affects both riders and their horses, plus practical tools to manage it—whether for yourself or to better support your clients.

13:00 – 13:25

Stuck, Safe, or Striving? Understanding Your Comfort Zone & How to Break Free

Your comfort zone is designed to keep you safe, but it can also keep you stuck. Push too hard, and fear takes over; stay too safe, and progress slows down. As a rider, understanding how to stretch your comfort zone without overwhelming yourself is key to building confidence. As an instructor, recognising when a rider is ready for the next step—or when they need to consolidate—can make all the difference. This session will help both riders and coaches understand the psychology behind the comfort zone and how to expand it in a way that builds real, lasting confidence.

14:30 – 14:55

Wasting Energy on the Wrong Battles? Mastering What’s Truly in Your Control

Too many riders stress over things they can’t control—like the weather, the judge’s opinion, or how fresh their horse feels on competition day. But wasting energy on the uncontrollable only adds frustration and anxiety. As a rider, learning to focus on what is in your control will help you feel calmer and more in charge. As an instructor, helping clients shift their mindset away from external frustrations can drastically improve their confidence and performance. This session will teach you how to develop this essential skill—for yourself and for those you coach.