Millstreet’s Green Glens Arena and Drishane Castle awarded the world’s first U25 Eventing World Championship
Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is delighted to announce that the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) has officially awarded the 2026 FEI Eventing World Championship (Under 25) to Millstreet International Horse Trials at Green Glens Arena & Drishane Castle, Co. Cork.
This will be the first ever FEI World Championship for the U25 category in eventing, marking a major milestone in the development of the sport and providing a critical progression point from youth to senior high-performance levels.
Horse Sport Ireland proudly supported Millstreet’s bid, recognising the strategic alignment between this new championship and Ireland’s developing performance pathways. Millstreet’s extensive record in hosting FEI European Championships (Pony, Junior, Young Rider), Nations Cup competitions, and Olympic qualification fixtures strongly contributed to Ireland’s successful bid.
Áine Power, Director of Sport & Games, FEI, said:
“The new FEI Eventing World Championship U25 will be an important step in Eventing athletes’ development, bridging the gap between the youth and senior Championships. Millstreet is the ideal venue for the inaugural edition and we know that Athletes and Horses will have a world class experience there.”
Avalon Everett, Chief Operations Officer & General Counsel, Horse Sport Ireland, said:
“We are incredibly proud that Ireland, and Millstreet has been chosen to host the inaugural U25 World Eventing Championships. This is more than a competition; it is a landmark moment for the sport and reflects Ireland’s commitment to strengthening the high-performance pathway. Hosting a world championship on home soil gives our athletes, owners, breeders and coaches a unique opportunity to showcase Irish excellence on a global stage.”
Emma Hickey, Eventing Director, Millstreet International Horse Trials, said:
“We are truly honoured that Ireland has been chosen to host the FEI Eventing World Championships U25 in 2026. It is a privilege for us to play a part in bringing this prestigious event to Ireland, a country with such a deep-rooted equestrian tradition. Hosting the championships in Millstreet provides a wonderful opportunity to bring together athletes, horses, and supporters from around the world in celebration of the sport we are so passionate about.
We are grateful for the continued support of Horse Sport Ireland, all of our loyal sponsors, and the wider eventing community. Their enthusiasm and encouragement over the years have been central to the success of our events, and the many messages of goodwill we received during our bid for this championship were truly heartening.
Having previously hosted youth championships, we understand the importance of providing a platform for emerging talent and are committed to delivering an event that reflects the skill, dedication, and spirit of the next generation of riders. We look forward to showcasing Ireland’s passion for eventing, its warm hospitality, and the collaborative effort of everyone involved in making this championship a memorable and inspiring occasion for all.”
Horse Sport Ireland will work with Millstreet, Sport Ireland and the Department of Culture, communications, and sport to deliver a world-class championship that showcases Ireland’s equestrian excellence, exceptional horses and owners, and its rich tradition of developing young talent.