British Dressage and British Showjumping have announced the cancellation of competitions scheduled within areas affected by the Met Office’s red weather warning for extreme heat, as temperatures are forecast to reach up to 39°C in parts of England this week.
The unprecedented move has been taken to protect the welfare of horses, competitors, officials and venue staff, with both governing bodies placing health and safety ahead of competition during what is expected to be one of the hottest periods of the year.
The Met Office’s red warning is in force from 9am on Wednesday 24 June until 9pm on Thursday 25 June and covers parts of the East and West Midlands, East of England, London and the South East, South West England, and South East Wales. An amber warning remains in place across much of the rest of England and Wales.
British Dressage confirmed that all competitions and training activities due to take place within the red warning area will be cancelled with immediate effect in accordance with Rule 67 of the British Dressage Members’ Handbook, which covers the health and safety of participants.
Members affected by cancellations will be entitled to refunds of their entry fees, while venues may choose to reschedule competitions where possible. Any decisions regarding revised dates will be communicated directly by organisers.
Venues located within amber warning areas will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether competitions and training activities can proceed safely.
The timing is particularly significant for British Dressage competitors, as the affected period falls during the final week of qualification for summer championship opportunities. British Dressage has advised that where competitions are rescheduled, only existing entries will be eligible for transfer, with no late entries accepted.
British Showjumping has also confirmed that all affiliated competitions scheduled within the affected red warning areas will be cancelled during the warning period.
The organisation has urged members to monitor venue announcements closely, noting that some shows due to begin later in the week are already introducing restrictions on arrival times for horses travelling to stabled events.
Horse Welfare Remains the Priority
Extreme heat presents significant welfare challenges for horses, particularly those travelling long distances, competing, exercising intensely or spending extended periods in stabling with limited airflow.
Hot weather increases the risk of dehydration, heat stress and heat exhaustion, while transport and competition can further elevate a horse’s body temperature. Young, elderly and overweight horses, along with those with underlying health conditions, may be particularly vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.
British Showjumping has reminded members that horses should be kept as cool as possible, provided with constant access to clean drinking water and protected from direct sunlight wherever possible.
The decision by both governing bodies reflects a growing focus across equestrian sport on welfare-led decision making, ensuring horses are not placed at unnecessary risk when weather conditions become extreme.
Competitors Urged to Check Before Travelling
Both organisations have stressed that weather warnings remain subject to change and may be expanded or amended at short notice.
Competitors, owners and supporters are therefore being encouraged to monitor official communications from their governing body, event organisers and the Met Office before travelling.
While the cancellations will undoubtedly disappoint many riders hoping to compete, the message from both organisations is clear: when extreme weather poses a threat to horse welfare, safety must come first.
