10 Biggest Horse Shows & Equestrian Events in the World

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It is truly exciting to attend a horse show, whether you are competing or a spectator. You may have the chance to attend some of the major horse shows around the world if you are lucky enough. All the top celebrities who love horses will be there. The prestigious American and international horse shows showcase a wide range of breeds and disciplines. Some of the most elite equestrians and horses participate in the World Equestrian Games. There is something in these shows for everyone, from show jumping to eventing. Read about the largest horse shows in the world here.

Royal Horse Show

The Royal Horse Show is a part of the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair and is a star-studded event. Featuring Olympians and some of the best international riders, the 10-day event is held in Toronto in November each year. The highest level of show jumping there can be seen at the Royal Horse Show, along with carriage driving, hunters, draft horses, equitation, roadster classes, thoroughbreds, Welsh ponies, and cobs. Each year over 300,000 audiences come to behold this amazing spectacle of rare equine breeds and events.

Calgary Stampede

Also known as the greatest outdoor show on earth, the Calgary Stampede brings over a million visitors each and every year. There are lots of different events over the 10-days, including a parade, rodeos, and even chuckwagon racing. The Calgary Stampede takes place in July each year and is known as one of the largest rodeo events in the world, with a whopping $2 million prize fund.

Badminton Horse Trials

The Badminton Horse Trials are an elite eventing competition held at Badminton House in South Gloucestershire, England. The Trials is a world-class event that has been held for over 70 years for the world’s best eventers either in April or May. The event is usually attended by around 200,000 spectators who gather to watch the very best. In the UK, this is one of the most attended sporting events.

The Paris Horse Show 

Situated in the very center of Paris, The Paris Horse Show displays some of the country’s most beautiful horses and riders across a wide range of disciplines. Throughout the 10-day competition, up to 2,000 horses gather together. There is plenty going on with breeders, performing arts, equine, sales, ethology, and health interactions.

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London International Horse Show 

The London International Horse Show is one of the largest horse events in the United Kingdom. It takes place the week before Christmas every year and features a wide variety of disciplines. The event is also known as Olympia.

Land Rover Kentucky 

This event is one of the most prestigious eventing shows in the world, with riders coming from all over. Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, is the site of this elite competition. The top horses and riders from around the world compete on the world’s stages every year, attracting thousands of spectators. Cross country, dressage, and show jumping are tested during the event that takes place late in April each year.

World Equestrian Festival CHIO Aachen 

The World Equestrian Festival CHIO Aachen is located in the quaint city of Aachen in Germany. It is the best a biggest equestrian event on the planet and attracts one of the biggest audiences of these styles of festivals. Many people consider the World Equestrian Festival as the Wimbledon of the sport.

Royal Windsor Horse Show

As the UK’s largest outdoor premier show and held at the stunning Windsor Castle, the Royal Windsor Horse Show is a sight to behold. It first took place in 1943 as a way to raise funds for the World War II effort, the competition has grown in popularity ever since. The Royal Windsor Show is the only event in the UK that shows show jumping, dressage, endurance, showing, and carriage driving. Show Jumping is the highlight of the entire show, with some of the best riders and horses attending this event annually in June.

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Devon Horse Show 

Devon Horse Show, which takes place every June in Devon, Pennsylvania, has been around since 1896. One of the biggest multibreed horse shows in the nation. It is the oldest and largest outdoor show in America. This show takes place in conjunction with a country fair. Over $15 million has been raised so far to benefit the Bryn Mawr Hospital. 

AQHA World Championship Show 

Taking place in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, each year is the 20-day AQHA World Championship Show. Every November, the event sees around 5,000 quarter horses compete against one another from all across the world. There are many different divisions due to this event being one of maybe the largest single-breed championships that take place. The divisions range from both western and English riding. Along with the competition, there is a large trade show over the 3-week period as well as lots of educational interactions.

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