ADELAIDE IS SET FOR AN EPIC EQUESTRIAN SHOWDOWN AT 2026 OCEANIA CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Adelaide Park Lands will provide the perfect backdrop for the upcoming and prestigious Adelaide Equestrian Festival from 16-19 April which will also play

host to the Oceania Championships.

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival is the only 5-star equestrian event in the Southern

Hemisphere and represents 1 of 7 events of its kind held globally including Badminton

Horse Trials (UK), Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA), Burghley Horse Trials (UK),

Luhmuhlen Horse Trials (GER), MARS Maryland (USA) and Les 5 Etoiles de Pau (FRA).

In a huge win for the State, the Adelaide Equestrian Festival was selected as the Oceania

Championships host for 2026 and 2029. South Australia last hosted the event in 2009.

The Oceania Championships will be contested across two divisions: the CCI3*-L for Under 25

competitors and the CCI4*-S for Senior competitors. This will be the first time the Under 25

division will be hosted at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival.

Greg Rolton of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival said the 2026 Program is set to deliver what

is undoubtably the most expansive offering to date as the Festival continues to up the stakes

as Australia’s premium equine event.

“As the ‘Festival State’ South Australia continues to dial up the action year on year with

access to the very best music, culture, food and sporting events. The Adelaide Equestrian

Festival continues to provide an all-in, family friendly event that not only showcases the

finest Equestrian athletes but also blends hospitality, entertainment and education within

the pristine surrounds of the Adelaide Park Lands.”

“You just don’t get this type of event anywhere in the world – and I can say that, because it’s

true. Horses and Riders performing Dressage, Cross Country and Show Jumping in the heart

of the Adelaide CBD… it is truly one of a kind,” Mr Rolton said.

The world-class CCI5*-L course, designed by renowned Mike Etherington-Smith, is expected

to challenge more than 20 elite riders from across Australia and New Zealand while the

Oceania Championship divisions will see Australians Clayton Fredericks take over the CCI4*-S course design and Mick Pineo the CCI3*-L.

The Festival is incredibly excited to welcome Golden Guitar–winning musician and horseman Tom Curtain, who will perform across three days. Showcasing his talents both on horseback and with a guitar in hand, Tom’s performances invite festivalgoers, young and old, to get involved and be part of the action.

On Saturday afternoon, following the thrill of Cross Country, spectators will be treated to a

full performance of the award-winning Katherine Outback Experience, with special musical

guests joining Tom Curtain in Victoria Park.

There is something for everyone at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival including family picnic

hampers or the choice to pack your bag for the day, interactive free kid’s activities,

informative education learning seminars, ticketed marquee passes for premium catered

experiences, High Tea, live music and more.

Adelaide Equestrian Festival Director Kirsty Withers said the event was the perfect School

Holiday outing. “The Festival is truly accessible for everyone. Thursday 16 April presents a great opportunity for families with free General Admission, while children under five can attend free across all four days. We are incredibly proud to also offer free entry for kids under 12 on our benchmark Cross Country Day, Saturday 18 April — making it a truly budget-friendly option for families wanting to enjoy the outdoors and witness jaw-dropping equestrian action just metres away.”

“Cross Country Day on Saturday never disappoints. This wildly energetic day sees families

and equine enthusiasts spread across the Adelaide Park Lands, enjoying great food and

drink, browsing vibrant pop-up markets and soaking up the unforgettable sights and sounds

of horses galloping past — a thrilling display of both grace and power – and this year a

perfect end to the big day will be watching Tom Curtain perform.”

More than 30,000 spectators are expected at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival with travellers

from the Eastern Seaboard, New Zealand and across the State.

South Australian Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said “South Australia continues to be

recognised as the destination of choice when it comes to hosting elite sporting events, such

as the Oceania Championships in 2026 and 2029.”

“The more than 30,000 spectators expected to attend the Adelaide Equestrian Festival 2026

will experience why South Australia is the nation’s official Best Event State. The program

boasts the highest calibre of equine competition, while offering immersive experiences that

showcase our premium produce and beauty of our green city. I encourage those travelling to

our State to extend their stay and discover the simple pleasures our tourism regions have to

offer, from our wine regions bursting with Australia’s best food and drink to our stunning

coastlines.”

The 2026 Adelaide Equestrian Festival timetable includes:

Thursday 16 April: FREE General Admission. Retail, food, drink, world-class Eventing – it’s all

happening for the first day of Dressage. A great way to explore the event with family and

friends if you’ve never been before – you’ll be sure to come back for more next year!

Friday 17 April: Spectators get a front row seat for the gentle, skilled and 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.

Saturday 18 April: Sponsored by RB Sellars, this event is bound to have your heart racing!

The sights and sounds are horses and their riders gallop across the Park Lands makes for a

highly exhilarating day out! The atmosphere is abuzz with music, markets, hospitality, kids’

activities and more!

Sunday 19 April: This is the last discipline on display – who will take to the podium following

the heart stopping ATCO Show Jumping Day?

The 2026 Adelaide Equestrian Festival is supported by the South Australian Government

through the South Australian Tourism Commission.