The Adelaide Equestrian Festival kicks off on 18 April with free entry for everyone and special activities to keep the children entertained during the school holidays.

Equestrian fans can watch as the dressage competition begins before taking the children to the Kids Corral, where they can take part in giant lawn games like Jenga, chess and Connect4, have their faces painted for free, practice their ponytail plaiting, watch the whip cracking and even meet Noodles the miniature pony.

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival, which runs until 21 April, is the only 5-star event of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

It will feature more than 70 equestrian athletes and their horses as they each compete to secure a coveted place on the Australian Olympic team and take to the world stage in Paris this July.

Uniquely located in the heart of the Adelaide CBD, Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi and its surrounding parklands will host the four-day festival showcasing the disciplines of dressage, cross country and show jumping.

Adelaide Equestrian Festival spokesman Greg Rolton said the top-tier, globally recognised event continued to grow in popularity year-on-year.

“When you provide an opportunity to see world-class riders take part in eventing that is only witnessed at this level in seven events globally, it doesn’t matter if you’re an equine enthusiast or not – you’ll be drawn into the highly competitive and engaging atmosphere that is the Adelaide Equestrian Festival,” Mr Rolton said.

“Last year we welcomed more than 30,000 spectators to the Adelaide CBD parklands and with the family-friendly activations and entertainment offering that we have secured for this year, we anticipate that this number will continue to grow.

“The incredible skill that these riders have, and the raw power and ability of these horses are unmatched. We’re excited to see which riders will be using this event to their advantage in the lead up to the Olympics.”

The 2024 Adelaide Equestrian Festival competition timetable also includes:

• Friday 19 April – Guests will enjoy entertainment from world-renowned Australian horseman and bush poet Guy McLean, plus you can opt for a seat in the VIP marquee which includes a sit-down long lunch.
• Saturday 20 April – The action and adrenalin of cross-country day is sure to excite everyone. Enjoy a curated selection of pop-up wine stalls and South Australian hospitality while you witness a team of retired racehorses demonstrate their ability in the Olympic sport of eventing.
• Sunday 21 April – The podium places will be decided in the highly anticipated showjumping day as the final discipline showcased for the festival.

For more information and to buy tickets visit Adelaide Equestrian Festival.