New RoR eventing initiatives announced for 2026, supported by Connolly’s Red Mills, Foran Equine and Carr & Day & Martin
Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is pleased to announce the launch of a series of exciting new eventing initiatives for the 2026 season, designed to further recognise and reward the performance of former racehorses competing within British Eventing.
The 2026 RoR eventing programme will be supported by Connolly’s Red Mills and their portfolio brands, building upon RoR’s existing partnership with BEDE Events. The series will incorporate opportunities throughout the season, the highlight being a brand-new RoR Eventing Championship at the Aspen Cooling Osberton International Horse Trials (1).
The inaugural Connolly’s Red Mills RoR Eventing Championships will be held at the Aspen Cooling Osberton International Horse Trials (1) 22 - 24 May 2026. Championships will be contested at BE90, BE100 and Novice levels, with winners at each level receiving a cash prize and championship rug. Prizes will also be awarded to second and third placed combinations in each class. To qualify, horse and rider combinations will need to achieve a minimum of two MERs* at any standard British Eventing competition between 1st March 2025 and 26th April 2026.
In addition to the Championship, RoR owners will see a welcome return of the Highest Placed RoR awards across all BEDE Events. In a new development for 2026, the awards will be formatted into a season long league with end of year prizes supported by Foran Equine.
At Aspen Cooling Osberton International (2) 1– 4 October 2026, prizes will be awarded to the highest placed RoR in both the 80cm and 90cm arena eventing classes, supported by Carr & Day & Martin.
This new programme reflects RoR’s continued commitment to showcasing the success of former racehorses in all disciplines, while providing meaningful incentives for owners and riders competing within the sport.
David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR said: “We are delighted to launch this series of initiatives supported by Connolly’s Red Mills building upon our partnership with BEDE Events. This new programme is hugely exciting, and we are extremely grateful to Connolly’s Red Mills and to BEDE Events for their commitment to enhancing opportunities for retired racehorses and to our mission to safeguard their welfare.”
Jane Davis, Head of Marketing at Connolly’s Red Mills said: “We’re proud to partner with Retraining of Racehorses for 2026. This partnership means a great deal to us as a company, as we share a genuine passion for supporting retired racehorses beyond their racing careers. The transition from racing to a second career is a transformative journey, and with the right nutrition, training, and support, former racehorses can thrive. We look forward to helping more former racehorses flourish in eventing, and to supporting the owners and riders who champion their journeys.”
BEDE Events Director Stuart Buntine commented: “We’ve supported RoR for a number of seasons and are very much looking forward to adding some Championship vibes to Osberton (1) and providing a great experience for these horses in their second careers.”
Further details on eligibility, registration and prize structures will be released in due course.
* MER criteria, aligned with that of British Eventing:
- Dressage: no more than 45 penalties
- Show Jumping: no more than 16 jumping penalties
- Cross-Country: zero jumping penalties, and no more than 30 time penalties
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Notes for editors
For more information, please contact Becci Thompson, Marketing & Fundraising Executive, [email protected]
About Retraining of Racehorses
Established in 2000, Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all former racehorses through various preventative measures, including:
- Setting industry standards for retraining former racehorses.
- Providing training and education to owners to build lifelong partnerships with their retired racehorses.
- Promoting the versatility of these horses in various equestrian activities and facilitating their participation in competitions.
- Maintaining a robust tracking system for former racehorses through RoR membership.
RoR also extends support to former racehorses in times of need through its welfare work.
Find out more about our work, please visit www.ror.org.uk
About Connolly’s RED MILLS, Foran Equine & Carr & Day & Martin
Connolly’s RED MILLS is a global leader in equine nutrition, trusted by horse owners, trainers, and riders across all disciplines and levels. A fifth generation family business, RED MILLS develops premium feeds and supplements designed to support optimal health, performance, and wellbeing in horses worldwide. As part of the Connolly’s RED MILLS Group, Foran Equine and Carr & Day & Martin complement this mission through specialist expertise in equine supplementation and horse care.
Foran Equine is internationally recognised for its advanced range of veterinary-led supplements, developed in collaboration with leading nutritionists and research. Its products are designed to support the health and performance of horses in training, competition, and everyday life. Carr & Day & Martin, the world’s oldest name in horse care, brings over 260 years of heritage and craftsmanship to the grooming, leathercare, and horse care sectors. Renowned for quality, innovation, and tradition, the brand remains a trusted choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Together, Connolly’s RED MILLS, Foran Equine, and Carr & Day & Martin share a unified commitment to excellence, innovation, and the welfare of the horse, delivering trusted solutions that Nourish, Support, Care.
About BEDE Events
BEDE Events pride themselves at being at the forefront of eventing innovation.
- Oasby (1) 11 – 12 March 2026
- The Eventing Spring Carnival – Thoresby Park 3 – 5 April 2026
- Oasby (2) 25 – 26 April 2026
- Aspen Cooling Osberton International (1) 22 – 24 May 2026
- Aspen Cooling Solihull (1) 30 – 31 May 2026
- BCA 13 – 14 June 2026
- Aspen Cooling Solihull (2) 29 – 30 August 2026
- Aspen Cooling Osberton International (2) 1 – 4 October 2026
- Oasby (3) 17 – 18 October 2026
Press & PR – Sarah Skillin – [email protected] or 07944750513