H&C is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the 7th season of our most popular reality series, All Star Academy – this year sponsored by evoke!
The 2026 All Star Academy will take place at the world-class equestrian centre Hartpury Equine, located in the stunning Hartpury University and Hartpury College campus, Gloucestershire.
evoke All Star Academy will feature eight hopeful riders competing for the crown of All Star Champion.
Think you’ve got what it takes to be put through your paces, and crowned our evoke All Star Academy Champion? Check out our FAQs below and get applying!
Applications open 6 May and will close on 9 June 2026!
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How do I apply?
We’re so glad you’re thinking about joining us! Applications are via this form, which will ask you to share a link to a YouTube video. This video will be your audition – we’d like it to include you speaking to camera and show you and your horse in action. Please upload your video to YouTube either as Unlisted or Public (not private) and insert the link when asked on the form. We can’t wait to see you’ve got to show us!
What are you looking for in the application video?
Please make sure to film your audition video in portrait (9×16) – (Please note this is different to previous years)
Videos should be no longer than 90 seconds
Include at least 30 seconds of talking to camera
Remember to tell us WHY you want to attend the evoke All Star Academy Season 7!
This is your chance to shine! Tell us about yourself, your horse, your goals and what you get up to together.
Get inspired with previous auditions here.
What if I’m having problems with the application form?
Please contact the Sprout Social support team and they’ll be able to assist you with your application.
How do you select the series cast?
We’re looking for horse (or pony!) and rider combinations who are competent on the flat as well as jumping both showjumps and cross-country fences, on a surface and on grass. You don’t need to have competed at high level, but to get the most out of the fantastic coaching the series offers contestants, we’d like you to have the aspiration to move up the ranks of the sport, be keen to learn, and up for a laugh! Each audition video will be reviewed by our team, and we’ll be looking to announce – to the world(!) – those who are successful in the beginning of August.
What are the stages of selection? When will candidates hear back from H&C?
Entries are open until 9th June 2026.
We receive hundreds of applications every season, so the team needs a little time to carefully review all applications. We’ll contact our chosen cast members via phone by end of July. The final eight will then be announced via our website, social media and other channels mid August.
Which countries can I apply from?
We welcome applications from anywhere in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and mainland Europe. Successful applicants are responsible for the cost of traveling to and from the filming location.
How will we be contacted if successful?
We’ll look to contact our cast via telephone in July, in the first instance.
Can I enter with more than one horse?
Yes! However, each horse must be your regular ride and we’ll only be accepting one horse/rider combination per household.
Can I apply if I’m under 18?
Sadly not. For insurance purposes, our cast members for this series need to be aged 18 or over. Your time might come in future series – so don’t despair!
Can I apply if I have a loan horse/pony?
Yes, you certainly can! But they must be your regular ride and make sure you have the owner’s permission to take them away for filming, and that you meet the rest of our criteria.
Can I apply if I don’t want to jump with my horse?
Not for this series, we’re afraid! The ideal All Star Champion is an excellent all-rounder – so be prepared to strut your stuff, scale those heights and give it all you’ve got.
Can I apply if I don’t have transport?
You can – however, you’ll still need to be responsible for arranging your own transport to and from Hartpury.
Can I apply if I don’t have social media?
Yes, being social media savvy isn’t a necessity. However, we’ll be announcing key updates, hints, and tips via H&C’s social accounts, so it may be useful to create your own account if successful. We also suggest making your Instagram account a Creator account.
What level of fitness should my horse be to apply?
During filming, you may be required to ride your horse at least once a day. This will include all three disciplines, so they will need to be fit enough to be able to cope with this level of work. As a guide, they should be fit enough to compete at BE80 comfortably.
Does my horse need to be of a certain type, age or size to apply?
As you can see from our previous series, we accept all breeds from Fell ponies to Clydesdales. They must be aged six and over and can’t be smaller than 13’2. They need to be sound, healthy and fit enough to cope with the workload.
Does my horse need to be shod?
We don’t require horses to be shod for the series. However, horse welfare is paramount and if there’s any sign of unsoundness, the horse will be withdrawn from filming. So, please consider whether a barefoot or partially shod horse will be able to cope with the amount of work – or variation in ground – required.
What happens if my horse goes lame?
Of course, life with horses is unpredictable and no one can guarantee soundness. So, unfortunately if a cast member’s horse goes lame in the run up to filming week or during filming, they may need to be withdrawn. However, we would follow veterinary advice where possible.
Where will filming be?
Filming will take place at the world-class equestrian centre Hartpury Equine, located in the stunning Hartpury University and Hartpury College campus, Gloucestershire.
Will accommodation and stabling be provided?
Yes! Horse & Country will provide on-site accommodation and food for all cast members.
Stabling and bedding is provided but horse feed is not included. Hay is available for contestants on site, but contestants are encouraged to bring as much of their own supply as possible – to encourage normal forage intake for their horses. Please note: our equine contestants will be stabled overnight for the duration of filming.
Do I need any specific tack to enter?
No, but you’ll need a well-fitting saddle that’s suitable for both flatwork and jumping, as well as a correctly fitting bridle.