From dressage to horse racing, equestrian events are considered some of the most spectacular affairs all over the world. For instance, the Kentucky Derby’s historic moments have made it one of the most anticipated races in America and abroad. But there are plenty of other meets that equestrians, bettors, spectators, and, of course, fashionistas can look forward to — our calendars are booked all year long.
Get ready to mark yours, too, for here are the world’s biggest equestrian events to get excited about this year:
Image credit: Kathy Cline Photography
The Winter Equestrian Festival (January – March)
The largest running hunter/jumper “A-Circuit” series in the United States comes to Wellington, Florida for a three-month circuit of world-class competition attracting all levels of competitors from beginner riders to Olympic Gold Medalists. Held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, “WEF” sees over 6,000 horses that compete over the 12 weeks in 10 competition rings and over $8 million in prize money. On Saturday Nights, over 10,000 fans come to watch the best horses and riders in the world compete under the lights.
Dubai World Cup (March 28)
In the United Arab Emirates, the Dubai World Cup Carnival is already on its last leg. The 7th of March, or Super Saturday, marks the prep for the culminating event on the 28th, known as the world’s ‘richest day in racing’. Indeed, the Dubai Racing Club notes that its nine group races are worth 30 million USD in prize money. The last race alone accounts for one-third of the pot at 10 million USD, making it truly one of the most exhilarating horse races.
The Devon Horse Show (May 21-May 31)
The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse show in the United States with a longstanding tradition of attracting the highest level of quality riders and horses from around the world. Devon is more than just an equestrian event, it’s a family tradition for many dating back to the late 1800s. With the help of over 2,000 volunteers, The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair benefits the Bryn Mawr Hospital and has made over $15 million in donations to date. The fairgrounds are filled with boutique shopping, unique food, an art gallery, and an expansive Midway featuring a Ferris wheel, carousel, and games for children of all ages.
CHIO Aachen (May 29-June 7)
Fans of show jumping, dressage, eventing, four-in-hand driving, and vaulting competitions will be delighted to attend the Concours Hippique International Officiel (CHIO) in Aachen, Germany. Horses Daily highlights why it’s been nicknamed the ‘Wimbledon of equestrian sport’, as it boasts tradition and an atmosphere that is unmatched anywhere else. On top of that, only the world’s best participate in it, with over 350,000 visitors in attendance. Last year, the best of the best competed closely, with the USA’s Kent Farrington taking home the gold in the Rolex Grand Prix.
Royal Ascot (June 16-20)
(Image credit: Ascot Racecourse Facebook)
Every year in June, the Ascot Racecourse comes alive with Britain’s highly anticipated race meeting, the Royal Ascot. Today, A feature on Ascot by Gala Bingo describes it as ‘the most famous five days of racing in the world’, as well as the perfect excuse to dress up. The meticulous Royal Ascot dress code stipulates everything from strap width to skirt length, and it’s the only event where the fashion in the sidelines is just as important as the action in the turf. True enough, the name lives up to its promise as it is even attended by the Queen of England and other royals, which is why it’s only right to put on one’s fanciest attire.
World’s Championship Horse Show (August 22-29)
Kentuckians have it lucky, because aside from the Derby, they also have the World’s Championship Horse Show in their home field. This prestigious eight-day event showcases some of the most elaborate exhibitions and exciting competitions in several divisions. From its humble beginnings in 1902 when the prize was a sterling silver trophy, the Kentucky State Fair highlight now has over 1 million USD in stakes. Last year, there were over 2,000 American Saddlebreds, Hackney ponies and horses, and Standardbred Horses on the roster.
Melbourne Cup (November 3)
Since 1861, Australians have been racing Thoroughbred horses in the Melbourne Cup. It is beloved by the locals as the ‘race that stops the nation’, and for a little over three minutes, it truly feels like the only event that matters. And that’s not surprising, given that the coveted trophy alone is worth 250,000 AUD (164,000 USD). Meanwhile, the total prize pool reaches 8 million AUD (5.25 million USD).
This list of the world’s biggest equestrian events barely scratches the surface of how many wonderful affairs are held in the world of horse riding. Getting the chance to attend any of these big events is truly a privilege — and a wonderful opportunity to don your best equestrian fashion.
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships (November 6 & 7)
With just two days, 14 races, and over $35 million in prize money, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships is known as ‘The Super Bowl’ in horseracing. Beginning with Future Stars Friday, the Breeders’ Cup kicks off with five juvenile races featuring horse racing’s brightest rising stars. Championship Saturday is one of the richest days in racing with over $26 million in purses awarded over 9 races, with the main event of the $7 Million Breeders’ Cup Classic. This year, the race is held at Keeneland racetrack in Lexington, Kentucky
