BEDE Events has announced its amateur leagues for the 2026 eventing season, featuring prizes and titles for non-professional riders. The leagues include the returning Eco Voltz and Agria 100 competitions, running from March to October across British Eventing levels. Organizers emphasize the vital role of amateurs in the sport.
Amateur riders, described as "the lifeblood of our sport" by BEDE Events director Stuart Buntine, will have opportunities to compete for various incentives in the 2026 season. The leagues begin at Oasby (1) on 11-12 March and conclude at Osberton International Horse Trials from 30 September to 4 October.
The Eco Voltz league, sponsored by the electric bike company, operates at all British Eventing (BE) levels during BEDE events. Participants can compete at different levels throughout the season, with the overall leader receiving an Eco Voltz bike and sponsorship for 2027.
The Agria 100 League returns for its third year, covering BE100 classes at all BEDE events and leading to the Amateur BE105 at Osberton in October. It offers a £1,500 cash prize pot and a structured minimum eligibility requirement (MER) pathway for the finale. "The league not only offers an end-of-season £1,500 cash prize pot but also provides a structured MER pathway for those looking to compete in the Osberton finale," a BEDE spokesperson stated.
Additional recognition includes UVEX highest-placed amateur rider titles in each section, an overall winner per event, and a season-end champion. Amateurs are defined as individuals who do not receive payment for teaching riding, riding others' horses competitively, or for whom riding is not their primary job or income source. Registration in advance is required for all incentives.
Buntine highlighted the sport's unique appeal: "Amateur riders are the lifeblood of our sport, and it is one of eventing’s strongest USPs that amateurs get to compete against the elite professional rider week in, week out." The BE Baileys Amateur Rider Series also runs at BE100, BE105, novice, and intermediate levels throughout the season.
These initiatives aim to support amateur participation alongside professionals.
