The cross country course at Adelaide runs directly through the city, making for a very unique rider and spectator experience. Photo by Julie Wilson/FEI.
The Adelaide Equestrian Festival will, from 18 – 21 April 2024, deliver a show-stopping 5-star equestrian event as riders from around the country compete against each other in the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
This prestigious event is the only CCI5* event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and will feature more than 70 equestrian athletes and their impressive horses as they each look to stand-out from the competition in a race to secure a coveted place on the Australian Olympic team and compete on the world stage in Paris this July.
Uniquely located in the heart of the Adelaide CBD, Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi and its surrounding parklands will host the four-day festival showcasing the disciplines of Dressage, Cross Country and Show Jumping.
Greg Rolton of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival said the top-tier, globally recognised event continued to grow in popularity year-on-year. “When you provide an opportunity to see world-class riders take part in eventing that is only witnessed at this level in seven events globally, it doesn’t matter if you’re an equine enthusiast or not – you’ll be drawn into the highly competitive and engaging atmosphere that is the Adelaide Equestrian Festival,” Mr Rolton said. “Last year we welcomed more than 30,000 spectators to the Adelaide CBD parklands and with the family-friendly activations and entertainment offering that we have secured for this year, we anticipate that this number will continue to grow.”
“The incredible skill that these riders have and the raw power and ability of these horses are unmatched. We’re excited to see which riders will be using this event to their advantage in the lead up to the Olympics.”
A free family fun day on Thursday April 18 will see the public invited into the parklands to witness the start of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival with entertainment and interactive activities for all ages.
The 2024 AEF competition timetable includes:
Thursday April 18 – Through the generosity of ResourceCo Thursday is free to attend for all spectators. Watch as the Dressage competition begins, let the kids enjoy school holiday arts and craft activities and free face painting while even your four-legged pooch can have some fun in the parklands OFFICIAL OFFICIAL
Friday April 19 – Pryde’s Easifeed sponsor the Dressage competition. Guests will enjoy entertainment from world-renowned Australian horseman and bush poet, Guy McLean, plus you can opt for a seat in the VIP marquee which includes a sit-down long lunch as you watch the day unfold in front of your eyes
Saturday April 20 – The action and adrenalin of the sponsored RB Sellars Cross Country Day is sure to excite everyone. Enjoy a curated selection of pop-up wine stalls and South Australian hospitality while you witness a team of retired racehorses demonstrate their ability in the Olympic sport of eventing.
Sunday April 21 – The podium places will be decided in the highly anticipated ATCO Show Jumping Day as the final discipline showcased for the festival.
South Australian Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said: “Adelaide’s beautiful Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi and its surrounding parklands will be hot to trot this April, as we welcome back the Adelaide Equestrian Festival.
“More than 30,000 spectators came out last year to experience the five-star equestrian event – the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere – which is only set to grow in 2024 as more than 70 riders compete in the lead up to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics,” Minister Bettison said.
“The elite sporting festival will continue our state’s non-stop event action, cementing South Australia’s reputation as an event destination of choice while injecting valuable dollars into our economy as athletes and spectators stay and play in SA.” Adelaide Equestrian Festival tickets can be purchased at www.adelaideequestrianfestival.com.au.
The competition will also be streamed live on H+C+ (membership or one-time pass required – use code EVENTINGNATION15 to save 15% off an annual memmbership) here.
The CCI5* competition includes a roster of 15 horses and riders; the list can be viewed here. Full entries can be found here.
Adelaide Equestrian Festival: [Website] [Entries] [Live Stream]
