British Eventing Discovers Journalism (£10 at a Time)

What they actually introduce is a paid registration system for journalists, photographers, and content creators, because nothing says “supporting independent media” quite like an admin fee.

© Horzing Around

British Eventing has announced updated media policies for the 2026 season, framed as a way to support growth, safeguard welfare, and create consistency across events.

On paper, it all sounds sensible. In practice, it raises a familiar question: when did covering sport become something you have to pay to be allowed to do?

From January 2026, anyone attending British Eventing fixtures in a professional or commercial media capacity must register with BE in advance. Journalists, photographers, videographers, and content creators are all included.

The cost?

£10 per person, per season, plus proof of insurance, compliance with multiple policies, and an Associate Membership login.

Event organisers will still manage accreditation, but only for media already approved by British Eventing and listed on its central register.

British Eventing says the aim is to standardise behaviour, protect horse and rider welfare, and ensure content creation supports the sport and its commercial partners.

The policies also introduce clearer guidance on content creators, social media conduct, and broadcast protocols, including filming around falls and welfare incidents.

None of this is unusual on its own. What is notable is the direction of travel.

Media is no longer treated as an independent observer of the sport, but as a regulated participant, one that must be registered, monitored, and aligned with official narratives before being allowed through the gate.

It’s a small fee, a modest process, and a perfectly reasonable justification. And yet, taken together with similar moves across equestrian sport, it signals something bigger.

Access is being professionalised. Independence is being redefined. And journalism, once again, is quietly being folded into the system it’s supposed to scrutinise.

All for the good of the sport, of course.