Main Arena Entertainment 2026
The Healing Power of the Horse
Supported by Brookfield Equestrian and Chaser Communications
This year our Womble Bond Dickinson International Arena played host to an inspiring Masterclass, generously sponsored by Brookfield Equestrian and Chaser Communications.
The Healing Power of the Horse Masterclass took place at lunchtime on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and featured participants from Stepney Bank Stables in Newcastle, Morpeth Riding for the Disabled Association and KL Therapy Ponies alongside equestrian superstars William Fox-Pitt, Nicola Wilson and Saffron Cresswell. Also taking part was Belsay’s friend and neighbour Jack Thomas Watson, himself a graduate of Stepney Bank Stables.
The Healing Power of the Horse Masterclass was put together to showcase just how much horses and ponies contribute to the mental health and physical wellbeing of the wider community.
It was a special time during the event to reflect on the Healing Power of Horse and we cannot thank our amazing sponsors and charities for getting involved.
To find out more about Stepney Bank Stables and Morpeth Riding for the Disabled Association, head to our dedicated charity page here.
Dachshund Derby (Saturday)
In aid of British Eventing Support Trust
Little legs can make a BIG impact!
This year, our Saturday night entertainment was the highly anticipated and a highlight of the weekend. Competitors, volunteers and anyone with a Dachshund (or even a small dog that resembles one!) took part in the Belsay Dachshund Derby in aid of the British Eventing Support Trust.
The excitement was palpable as competitors took the racing remarkably seriously, resulting in a fiercely contested event and plenty of laughter from spectators. While we have agreed not to comment on Belsay Bob’s performance in his heat, we would like to offer our congratulations to Fern, who was crowned the ultimate champion and earned the title of Supreme Sausage.
The little legs have definitely made an impact, raising over £360 – this pays for six rehab sessions, or four mental health counselling sessions, which is their fastest growing area of need.
A huge thank you goes to our generous sponsors for providing fantastic prizes for the speediest sausages: TRM Pet UK, Grants Family Butchers, Created by the Ridleys, and The Shady Ladies.
Rock Choir (Saturday)
After the Dachshund Derby, we enjoyed a live performance from the fantastic Rock Choir, who brought feel-good tunes to light up the evening. They created a vibrant atmosphere that was perfect for unwinding after a very busy cross country day.