Horse sport is global, but overseas shows, events and series can be mystifying. Here, H&H’s eventing, dressage and showjumping editors identify the most important fixtures in the calendar.
Eventing
ROLEX KENTUCKY, USA
(25-28 APRIL)
A premier four-star held in America, one of the HSBC FEI Classics. This is America’s answer to Badminton — the one at which everyone wants to ride — so watch out for future stars alongside the seasoned team riders.
www.rk3de.org
LE LION D’ANGERS, FRANCE
(17-20 OCTOBER)
The world championships for young event horses. A glamorous French event, and the perfect place to spot future Olympic medallists.
www.mondialdulion.com
LUHMÜHLEN, GERMANY
(13-16 JUNE)
A more relaxed atmosphere than the British four-stars, with better opportunities to get closer to the stars. Check out Continental gear on the tradestands and many Haribo sweets outlets.
www.luhmuehlen.de
Dressage
FRITZENS CDI****, AUSTRIA
(12-14 JULY)
With its quiet atmosphere and spectacular views, this glamorous show run by the Swarovski family is the place to introduce young horses to international competitions.
www.schindlhof.at
FEI WORLD DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR YOUNG HORSES, VERDEN, GERMANY
(7-11 AUGUST)
The world dressage championships for young horses is a hugely prestigious competition with the best young horses in the world on show. It’s a feast for horse lovers and has a buzzy, knowledgable atmosphere.
www.verden-turnier.de
Multi-discipline shows
AACHEN, GERMANY
(21-30 JUNE)
A huge festival of horse sport with various categories including the three Olympic disciplines. Bringing everyone together at such a high level, the atmosphere is electric and it is an event not to be missed.
www.chioaachen.de
WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL/GLOBAL DRESSAGE FESTIVAL, WELLINGTON, FLORIDA
(FOR 12 WEEKS UNTIL 31 MARCH)
Showjumpers and dressage riders from around the world use this as a terrific pre-season warm-up. With a beach nearby, it is the ideal winter escape.
www.equestriansport.com
SPANISH SUNSHINE TOUR, VEJER DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN
(19 FEBRUARY-24 MARCH)
THE DRESSAGE SUNSHINE TOUR
(29 JANUARY-10 FEBRUARY)
The perfect mix of sunshine and horses. Watch riders from all over the world compete as you admire the charming countryside and appreciate the warm sun.
www.sunshinetour.net
ROLEX FEI WORLD CUP FINAL, GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN
(25-28 APRIL)
World-class action taking place over four days for this dressage and showjumping season finale.
www.gothenburghorseshow.com
Showjumping
GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR (TBC)
STARTS IN DOHA, QATAR (27 MARCH) AND ENDS IN ABU DHABI, UAE
(23 NOVEMBER)
Showjumping at its best. Only the top 30 riders in the world are invited to compete at each of the legs, which span three continents and offer some of the richest prizes in equestrianism. If this isn’t an event worth going to, what is?
www.globalchampionstour.com
DUBLIN HORSE SHOW , IRELAND
(7-11 AUGUST)
Any Nations Cup show matters as teams, including GBR, frank their form ahead of championships. Cheap flights, Guinness aplenty, and the arena is just a short bus ride from the city centre.
www.dublinhorseshow.com
EQUITA LYON, FRANCE
(30 OCTOBER-3 NOVEMBER)
This event has a huge venue, and is able to host numerous competitions and display superb hospitality. It’s like an equestrian pop-up town. www.equitalyon.com
To read our full guide to foreign shows, see the bumper show issue of H&H (28 February 2013), which includes the 2013 show directory
