While many sports continue to debate equality, show jumping has quietly been proving for decades that men and women can compete against each other at the very highest level. That will be on full display this weekend as the Longines Global Champions Tour returns to London, bringing many of the world’s leading riders to the Royal Hospital Chelsea between 7th and 9th August.
Rather than separate men’s and women’s competitions, the Longines Global Champions Tour sees riders compete in the same classes, over the same courses and for the same prize money. Success comes down to partnership with the horse, technical precision, decision-making and consistency rather than physical differences.
For women’s sport, that makes equestrian unique.
Among those heading to London are several of the world’s top female riders, including Edwina Tops-Alexander, one of the sport’s most successful riders over the past two decades, Germany’s Sophie Hinners, who continues to establish herself among the world’s elite, Katrin Eckermann, and Dutch rider Sanne Thijssen.
They’ll line up alongside Olympic champions, world champions and championship contenders including Henrik von Eckermann, Christian Ahlmann, Max Kühner, Abdel Said, Ben Maher, Scott Brash and Harry Charles, all chasing valuable points as the 2026 Longines Global Champions Tour season reaches a crucial stage.
British fans will also have the chance to support home rider Jodie Hall McAteer, who continues to establish herself on the international circuit and will compete alongside some of the sport’s biggest names in front of a home crowd.
The headline event comes on Sunday, when riders compete in what organisers say will be the richest Grand Prix ever staged in the UK, raising the stakes as the championship battle intensifies.
For Sporting Her readers, however, the significance of the weekend extends beyond prize money.
As conversations around equality in sport continue, show jumping remains one of the clearest examples that elite competition doesn’t always need to be divided by gender. Women aren’t competing in a separate category—they’re competing for the biggest titles in the sport, against everyone.
Everything You Need to Know About the Longines Global Champions Tour of London
The Longines Global Champions Tour of London takes place from 7th – 9th August at the iconic Royal Hospital Chelsea, with three days of world-class show jumping featuring many of the sport’s biggest names.
Away from the arena, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, rider autograph sessions, family activities, shopping in the GC Store, the Lifestyle Village and premium hospitality, making it one of the standout events of London’s summer sporting calendar.
The weekend culminates on Sunday with the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix, the richest Grand Prix ever held in the UK, where riders will battle not only for a record prize purse but also valuable championship points as the 2026 title race intensifies.
How to Watch
Fans unable to attend in person can still catch all the action. Sunday’s Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix will be streamed live and free on YouTube for the first time, allowing audiences around the world to watch the world’s best riders compete from the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
I’m the founder of Sporting Her, where I get to combine my love for women’s sports with all things media and business.
I’m on a mission to shine a spotlight on incredible athletes and give fans a front-row seat to the action. I also love bringing volunteers into the mix, giving them the chance to gain experience, step closer to their dream jobs, or just have fun doing something they’re passionate about.
When I’m not running things behind the scenes, you’ll find me traveling to games, exploring new places, and soaking up all the sports energy I can.
Whether it’s cheering on my favorite team or creating content, I’m all about growing the visibility of women’s sports and making it a blast for everyone involved!
