April 5, Adelaide - The 2023 Adelaide Equestrian Festival stage is now being set to showcase Australia’s Eventing superstars in the opening round of the 5-star global equestrian series this month.

 

Held in Adelaide’s East Parklands from April 20-23, the four-day equestrian festival features all three elements of Eventing: Dressage, Cross Country and Show Jumping on the same horse throughout the competition. It is the only Concours Complet International (CCI)* five-star event in Australia, the only event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of only seven events at this level held worldwide.

 

The Adelaide International CCI5* competition attracts the best horses and riders from across the Southern Hemisphere. With the Paris Olympics only a year away, the Australian Olympic selectors will have their eyes on the Australian who will be looking to secure their place on the national team.

 

Adelaide Equestrian Festival Chairman Greg Rolton expects the 2023 event to be the largest on record – with both competitors and patrons, as the event has expanded to include twilight polo, fashion, pop up wine bars and a larger marketplace to showcase pet and equestrian products and services from all over Australia and the world.

 

“In 2023, the Adelaide Equestrian Festival will attract some of the best eventing horse and rider combinations from across the southern hemisphere, and there will also be a full range of activities and displays for spectators to watch and become involved in,” Mr Rolton said.

 

“We are excited to be hosting so many inspiring individuals and horses and are incredibly proud to be able to  showcase their talents in the Adelaide CBD – ours is the only event of this type worldwide held in the heart of a city which makes it so unique and entertaining for everyone.

 

“This year more of us than ever will be able to enjoy the event as the AEF falls in the middle of term one holidays. If you love the sport of polo, you’ll be able to get a taste for it on Friday night. On Saturday’s Horseland Cross Country Day, frock up & watch the horses in the Barrister’s Block Blush Bar and be a part of the Fashions on the Field.  Rymill Coonawarra, K1 Wines & Ruston’s Distillery will also be showcasing their quality South Australian products with pop up bars in Rymill Park.

 

“The 2023 Adelaide event will also have the biggest prize pool in the Southern Hemisphere with more than $175,000 on the table. This festival is going to be unmissable, so make sure to talk to your family & friends and get your tickets now.”

 

South Australian Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Katrine Hildyard said:  

“This event is an exciting, integral part of South Australia’s sporting calendar; it brings so many in our community and visitors to our state together in the heart of our city.

 

“It allows SA’s equestrian fans the opportunity to see the best in their sport right here at home.  It also allows many others to experience the sport up close as they watch the best riders in the world compete.

 

“With the Paris Olympics only a year away, this year’s event will potentially help to shape our Olympic team.  I encourage everyone who loves the sport, wants to see it for the first time or who just loves all that Adelaide has to offer to come along.”

 

South Australian Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison welcomed the return of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival to the city’s parklands and the thousands of eventgoers it will bring. 

 

“April is shaping up to be an exciting time in Adelaide and hosting this internationally recognised event back in our parklands is a wonderful addition to our blockbuster events calendar,” Minister Bettison said.

 

“As one of only seven events around the world at this level and the only one in the southern hemisphere, the Adelaide Equestrian Festival will draw spectators and some of the best competitors to our city. It will be especially exciting this year to watch the Australian riders compete in the Olympic qualifier events, and to enjoy all of the festival action as the event expands in 2023 to offer what our state is so well known for – fantastic festivals which showcase sport, local food and wine, innovation and entertainment.”

 

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival takes place alongside other significant international five-star events, including the Kentucky Three Day Event in the USA in April, Badminton Horse Trials in England in May, Luhmuhlen Horse Trials in Germany in June, Burghley Horse Trials in the UK in September, Pau Horse Trials in France in October, and the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill in the USA.

 

“There is once again a huge selection of tickets on offer to ensure everyone has the best Adelaide Equestrian Festival experience – from General Admission, Grandstand and the Giddy Up Club, to luxury and style in the Peppermint Grove Lounge VIP Marquee – there’s something for everyone,” Mr Rolton concluded.

 

Media Contacts - Sarah Coligan & Bryan Littlely @ Profiler PR
e. sarah@profilerpr.com.au | m. 0404 003 061 / e. bryan@profilerpr.com.au | m. 0419 405 706