The 2026 Taw River Equestrian 
Featuring the Grand Solstice Jump Challenge at Downe Farm and Fun Dressage and Low-key Jumping at Codden

Get ready for our brand-new ten-show series — The Taw River Equestrian Grand Solstice Jump Challenge — designed to reward dedication, 

celebrate progress, and crown our inaugural 2026 champions!

 

This exciting challenge is split into two five-show series, but you choose your own path:

  • Enter one event, several, or all ten!
  • Mix and match between the Summer and Winter Solstice Series — it’s entirely up to you.
  • No extra entry fees — just your usual class fees for each event.

 

2026 Event Dates for Downe Farm (some dates may change)

Summer Solstice Series 

January 11th, February 15th, March 8th, April 19th, and May 24th.

Winter Solstice Series 

June 21st, July 26th, September 27th, October 18th, and November 15th.

 

Your points from both the Summer and Winter Solstice Series are combined to determine your overall standing in the Grand Solstice Challenge.

 

We are also hosting the flowing  qualifiers - Cricklands, Hartpury and the Sunshine Tour. 

 

For Codden event dates scroll down 

The Grand Solstice Jump Challenge 
For Codden Shows scroll down 

Classes & Sponsors

All ten shows feature the following classes: 

Please note that “Poles on the Ground” and “Raised on End” classes may be dropped if there is insufficient uptake.

 

NEW: We also welcome in-hand horses and ponies of any age to compete in any of the first three classes.  

  1. Poles on the Ground - Sponsored by Heritage Cob and Lime
  2. Raised on End - Sponsored by Heritage Cob and Lime
  3. X Poles - Sponsored by Heritage Cob and Lime
  4. 50cm - Sponsored by Heritage Cob and Lime
  5. 60cm - Sponsored by Pawsonalised pet portraits - Capturing paw-sonality with every portrait
  6. 70cm – Sponsored by Torch Equine Vets — Independent vets, dedicated care
  7. 80cm – Sponsored by Gatehouse Trailer Bar — and Aylestone Property Maintenance
  8. 90cm - Sponsored by Helen Tompkins Veterinary Physiotherapy
  9. 1.00m – Sponsored by Heritage Cob and Lime

Codden Fun Shows

Dressage and Low key Jumping

Relaxed, supportive events

Dressage from intro/walk trot and  jumping from poles up to 70cm

These are aimed at confidence-building and enjoyment, rather than pressure — a welcoming space to learn, practise and have fun.

 

All the below are welcome to attend and enjoy our events at Codden

  •  Lead Rein
  •  In-hand (walk & trot only dressage and jumping from class 1 to 3 – any age horse or pony)
  •  Bitless & Treeless
  •  Normal Ridden
  •  In-Ring Help
  •  Extra time available for riders with additional or special needs
  • Friendly, supportive and inclusive for all

 

Event dates

March 15th - April 26th - May 17th - July 12th - August 9th - September 20th - October 25th - November 22nd - December 20th

 

Dressage classes; We will have different tests at each event. Full schedule on FB or HM

Jumping classes;

  1. Poles on the ground
  2. Raised one end
  3. X poles 
  4. 2nd hole 
  5. 3rd hole approx. 50cm
  6. 4th/5th hole approx. 60cm
  7. 6th/7th hole Max 75cm

As Codden is a smaller venue, warm-up facilities include a warm-up arena in the top car park and a small surfaced area outside the main indoor arena.

For dressage, we will allow an additional four minutes before the bell goes to give riders extra time to warm up.

For the jumping, each rider will be given an additional two minutes before the bell goes for extra warm-up time in the indoor arena. A designated warm-up jump will be available and clearly marked. One person will be permitted in the arena to assist you during this time. This warm-up period is limited to two minutes, as additional warm-up facilities are available on site.

 

Also upcoming Demo Talks & educational sessions

Feb 28th

March 20th - looking for 3 volunteer riders

May 2nd - looking for 1 or 2 volunteer riders

 


 

Official Acceptance of Rules and entry fees for ALL EVENTS RAN BY TAW RIVER. By submitting an entry for any class within the Taw River Equestrian Grand Solstice Challenge, competitors and their representatives confirm that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by all the Show's Official Rules and Regulations, Terms and Conditions, and Specific Class Rules.

Official Rules, Regulations, and Refund Policy

1. Rules & Regulations

1.1 Liability and Indemnity

Downe Farm and Taw River Equine Events, nor any of their officers, servants, or agents shall in any way be liable for any accident, injury, damage, or loss or for anything that may happen (from any cause or circumstance whatsoever) to exhibitors, competitors, or members of the general public or their servants, agents, or anyone and any animal on the showground. This includes, but is not limited to, any loss, claim, matter, circumstance, or event whatsoever in connection with or arising out of, or attributable to, the show or any journey to or from the show.

All individuals are responsible for ensuring that, as owners, lessees, agents, or riders, they take adequate precautions to ensure that other members of the public are not put at any risk of injury while competing or preparing to compete in any competition.

1.2 Compliance and Organiser's Rights

  1. All exhibitors and competitors are required to read these Rules & Regulations carefully in addition to the special conditions applicable to the various classes.
  2. Entries will only be accepted and competitors allowed to compete on the clear understanding that they agree to comply with and be bound by these Rules & Regulations.
  3. The show organisers, Downe Farm/Taw River, reserve the right to cancel, add to, or amend any of the competitions as they may see fit.
  4. The show organisers reserve the right to remove any vehicle or chattels which are obstructing any access to or on the showground. This action may be taken even if the item is locked, secured, unattended, and braked, and the organisers will not be liable for any resulting injury, loss, or damage.

1.3 Misconduct and Removal

  1. The show organiser will appoint two Chief Stewards to deal with all acts of misconduct on the showground.
  2. The landowner reserves the right to remove any individual from the premises for any reason that they deem appropriate.

 

2. Refund Policy (2026 Events)

All refund requests must adhere to the following policy. Failure to follow the specified procedure will result in the request not being processed.

2.1 Refund Request Procedure

  • Submission: Refunds must be requested by emailing teamtawriver@aol.com. Please ensure the rider's name is clearly included in the email.
  • Response Time: Please allow up to 7 days for the organising team to respond to your refund request.

2.2 Standard Refund and Transfer Rule

  • A rider may request either a full refund of entries or a transfer to a future event date only if the request is submitted before the official closing deadline (Thursday, 8:00 PM).

2.3 Event Cancellation or Postponement

Should an event be cancelled (due to insufficient numbers) or postponed (due to weather or other area warnings):

  • If the event is cancelled completely: All entries will be refunded in full (100%).
  • If the event is postponed and a new date is confirmed: All entries will be automatically carried over to the new date. If any rider wishes for a refund instead of the transfer, they must contact us at teamtawriver@aol.com to request one.

2.4 Exceptions

  • Injury/Illness: Should any horse or rider be unable to compete due to injury or illness, a full refund on cancelled classes will be given, subject to confirmation by a Veterinary Surgeon or Doctor.

 

 

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