Equestrian, derived from the Latin word equus, meaning “horse,” is a riding discipline that comprises more than 15 different competitive events, including dressage, show jumping, eventing, and vaulting. Other competitive horse events, like horse racing and rodeos, however, are not included in the equestrian category.
While equestrian is most notably featured at the Summer Olympics, there are several prominent annual horse shows held all over the world each year. The following is a look at four of the most prominent events.
1. Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event
In the US, Kentucky is arguably the state most synonymous with horse racing and equestrianism. It hosts the annual Kentucky Derby, one of three horse races that make up the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, and the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event.
Held annually during the last weekend of April at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, the Land Rover event attracts thousands of spectators who come to watch some of the world’s best horses and riders in dressage, show jumping, and cross country, among other events. The Three-Day Event is hosted and organized by Equestrian Events, Inc.
The first World Three-Day Event Championship in Kentucky was held in September 1978 and was considered a major success. Riding his American Thoroughbred Might Tango, Bruce Davidson of Pennsylvania defended his world title in the inaugural event, while Canadian riders claimed gold in the team competition. Davidson had ridden another horse, Irish Cap, for several years until about 10 days before the event in Kentucky. He called the adjustment of taking Might Tango from the farm to competition “like taking him from high school football to the Rose Bowl.”
The Land Rover Three-Day Event has hosted US Selection Trials for the Summer Olympics since 1980. Kentucky also hosts the World’s Championship Horse Show, a highlight of the Kentucky State Fair every August.
2. Badminton Horse Trials
The Badminton Horse Trials is one of the premier equestrian events in the United Kingdom. Launched more than 70 years ago, the five-star competition takes place each year at the Badminton House in South Gloucestershire, England, and is strictly for eventers.
Badminton House has a decorated history that dates back to the early 1600s, when it was purchased by the noble Worcester family, and has since been owned and inhabited by the Dukes of Beaufort. It is now the family home of the 12th Duke of Beaufort, Harry Somerset, who is actively involved in the event. His father, the 11th Duke of Beaufort, finished second at the Badminton Horse Trials in 1959 and is a past president of the event.
Like the Land Rover Three-Day Event, many of the competitors at the Badminton Horse Trials eventually compete in the Olympics. More than 200,000 people attend the event each year, making it the most attended paid sporting competition in the UK.
3. The Devon Horse Show
Although many consider Kentucky the home of equestrianism in the US, the oldest and largest multi-breed horse event in the country takes place each year in Devon, Pennsylvania. The Devon Horse Show, held every year as part of the Devon Country Fair since 1896, attracts some of the world’s best riders and horses as well as thousands of spectators. The competition includes classes such as:
- Hunter/Jumper
- Carriage Driving
- Saddlebred
- Hackney
- Roadster
- Equitation
- Open Pleasure (Saddle Seat, Hunt Seat, and Pleasure Driving)
Since its inception, the Devon Horse Show has donated a portion of its proceeds to the Bryn Mawr Hospital. It has contributed more than $18 million to the hospital and, in 2019, approved a $2 million donation over six years to improve the Behavioral Health Unit.
4. Royal Horse Show
Canada hosts several world-renowned horse events, including the Calgary Stampede and the Royal Horse Show. The Calgary Stampede, known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” attracts more than 1 million spectators each year and awards more than $2 million in prize money through 10 days of rodeo events. It also features barrel racing, steer wrestling, and roping but doesn’t have traditional equestrian events.
The Royal Horse Show, however, is a 10-day equestrian event held each year in Toronto, Ontario, as part of the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair in November. Roughly 1,000 riders and their horses compete in show jumping, equitation, carriage driving, and other events in hopes of earning a portion of the almost $1 million in prize money.
The Royal Winter Agricultural Fair celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022. The world’s largest indoor equestrian event also includes agricultural competitions with awards being given in categories such as small livestock (dairy goat, meat goat, etc.), beef cattle, and dairy cattle. Farmers also compete for awards in agricultural product categories such as cheese, butter, butter tarts, jams and jellies, hot sauce, and pickled vegetables. There’s also a variety of youth events.