Adelaide is hot to trot as world’s best horses and riders set to return

One of only seven events in the world at its level, the Australian International 3 Day Event will return to Adelaide for the first time since pre pandemic – relaunching as the Adelaide Equestrian Festival.

The internationally acclaimed equestrian event returns with the new name, as well as a new program, new Autumn date, and a new 3-year sponsorship agreement with the State Government.

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival will return to the city’s parklands on April 20-23 next year and include a more expansive offering to entice domestic and international audiences.

At the Festival’s core is the Adelaide International FEI5* eventing competition, one of only seven events in the world held at the highest level. It is the only five-star horse trials in the southern hemisphere and an Olympic qualifier for Australian riders.

The South Australian Government, through the South Australian Tourism Commission, has committed to a three-year sponsorship of the event.

In 2019, the event attracted more than 25,000 spectators and delivered $5.2 million in new economic expenditure for the state. More than 56 per cent of spectators visited from interstate.

Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said as one of only seven events across the globe at this level and the only one in the southern hemisphere, the return of this internationally recognised event is a fabulous win for South Australia.

"The reimagined Adelaide Equestrian Festival will bring our city’s parklands to life beyond the traditional March festival season, with family fun, food and wine, interactive demonstrations, and of course–an action-packed Olympic qualifying equestrian competition bringing the world’s best horse and riders to our state," said Ms Bettison.

"Prior to the pandemic, this event contributed more than $5 million to our state and attracted over 25,000 people from locally and overseas. To bring this event back in 2023, 2024 and 2025 will mean more reasons for visitors to keep seeing SA, and further drive the recovery of our visitor economy." 

Adelaide Equestrian Festival Chair, Greg Rolton, said the rebranding to the Adelaide Equestrian Festival seemed a natural progression with the growth of the event over its 25-year history.

"We’re excited to deliver the Adelaide Equestrian Festival in Autumn with a greater focus on South Australia’s amazing local food and wine which appeals to a wide audience and naturally complements our world-class equestrian competition," he said.

"There will be plenty of action for the whole family including equestrian displays and demonstrations, some amazing shopping, and of course pony rides for the kids.

"The State Government through the South Australian Tourism Commission has been a long-term sponsor and supporter, and this new agreement has given us the confidence to re-imagine the Adelaide Equestrian Festival and take it to the next level."