Photo courtesy of Parlàre PR.
The Adelaide Equestrian Festival is set to return from May 1-4, 2025 with more than 70 elite equestrian athletes and their horses taking to the arena and cross country course for a truly spectacular, family-friendly event.
As the only 5* equestrian event in the Southern Hemisphere and the only horse trials held in the heart of a major city anywhere in the world, this prestigious event delivers a vibrant, action-packed four-day showcase of disciplines including dressage, cross country and show jumping.
Greg Rolton of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival said the event was always a delight for spectators and equine enthusiasts. This year will mark the 25th year of the festival taking place in South Australia. This world class festival attracts a significant influx of interstate and international visitors alongside South Australians looking to witness the very finest athleticism and horsemanship.
“We welcomed more than 30,000 spectators to Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi in 2024 and we anticipate this number to grow as the sport of eventing continues to gain momentum following a successful performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics,” Mr. Rolton said. “While the LA 2028 Olympics and 2032 home soil Brisbane Olympics may seem like a long way away, it is at this point that our experienced and rising Australian equestrian athletes are already in training and preparing in order to be considered for the Australian team.”
“It’s not often that you can find a sporting event that caters to everyone. We’re incredibly proud to showcase the very best equestrian athletes from around the country while ensuring that even the youngest attendees are entertained with live music, kids’ activations and a newly expanded family-friendly food and beverage offering,” Mr. Rolton continued.
The only eventing competition set in a city center. Photo via Adelaide Equestrian Festival Facebook.
The 2025 Adelaide Equestrian Festival timetable includes:
Thursday May 1: Through the generosity of ResourceCo, Thursday is free to attend for all spectators. With an array of food and beverage vendors on site, a dedicated marketplace for all your retail needs and the first day of the dressage competition – you’ll be sure to have a relaxing day in the Adelaide Park Lands. A great one for anyone with young children looking for an exciting day out!
Friday May 2: Friday sees spectators experiencing a graceful but highly competitive display of dressage thanks to Pryde’s Easifeed. Soak in all the action from the iconic Victoria Grand Stand and enjoy the picturesque park lands. Plus, you can start your weekend right with free entry for spectators from 3pm.
Saturday May 3: They’re on the move for cross country during this action-packed day that sprawls across the Adelaide Park Lands. Sponsored by RB Sellars, this event is bound to have your heart racing! Finish the day with live music from the Happy Leonards at 4pm at Victoria Park.
Sunday May 4: This is your chance to see who will take to the podium following the exhilarating ATCO Show Jumping Day – the final discipline showcased for the festival.
South Australian Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said there is nothing like the Adelaide Equestrian Festival anywhere else in the world. “Elite equestrian athletes and spectators from all over will experience the only 5-star equestrian event in the southern hemisphere right in the heart of our boutique city,” she said.
“I am proud to support the Adelaide Equestrian Festival, which showcases why South Australia is a leading events destination, while bringing tens of thousands of visitors to our city to help boost visitation for our local businesses.”
Tickets and more information can be found here. This event will be livestreamed on H&C+ here.
EN is thrilled to be collaborating with Atalya Boytner this year for our first time ever covering this special 5*! Stay tuned for more coming your way soon, including a preview of the entry list.
