Program specials

Inform, experience and shop is the motto at the EQUITANA equestrian sports fair. Traditionally, the German Equestrian Federation (FN), as the conceptual sponsor and partner of the fair, also provides information at its stand on topics ranging from A for training to Z for breeding. In addition, it presents a varied programme with national trainers, top riders and top instructors. The motto: Learn from the best. They are represented daily in the riding rings with a top-class programme.

Equitana is also the world fair for the diversity of breeds and riding styles. Alongside Icelanders, Quarter Horses, Andalusians, Lusitanos, Friesians, Haflingers and numerous ponies from all corners of the world, however, they look like powerful giants: Julia Zenner's cold-blooded horses. In Essen, they impressively demonstrate what can be moved with just one horsepower. Because these heavyweights are real workhorses.

The future of breeding is the main topic at the World Equestrian Show on Tuesday, 14 March. Renowned stud farms and private stations will show stallions from their strongest side in a show presented by Marstall. In addition to strong-moving warmbloods and typey ponies for sport, cold-blooded horses, gaited horses and other small horse breeds will also impress with their quality.

They are elegant, long-legged and endowed with a natural talent for tölt. Aegidienbergers are the youngest gaited horse breed ever and celebrate their birthday this year. In the meantime, there are about 3000 specimens of the youngest gaited horse breed in Germany and Europe. Their owners especially appreciate their pleasant temperament and their versatility. "They are just as suitable as leisure horses as they are for gaited horse sport, even in the higher classes," says Dr. Stefanie Stöcker. For her birthday, we invite her to the Great Ring on Wednesday, 15 March!

Visitors can see fast-paced manoeuvres and spectacular scenes at the Mounted Games. Courage, precision, athleticism and skill are the focus of these equestrian games - and all at top speed. The teams compete against each other in a direct comparison, similar to a relay race in athletics. At a stretched gallop, the participants must, for example, pick up or place objects, stab a ring with a lance, jump off and on again, or complete a slalom course and then send their team mate on their way. 

The Mounted Games on Saturday, 11 March, are all about speed, courage and precision. The teams compete against each other like in a relay race.

From the very beginning, the Icelandic horses were among the crowd favourites at Equitana. In fast-paced quadrilles, with flag parades, colourful displays and unforgettable performances in the Hop Top Show, the dedicated five-legged horses thrilled the audience. In the Icelandic Horse Village, visitors can even get up close to the compact four-legged horses with their luxuriant manes. Also back this year - the Isi Cup. Here, the pentathletes can be seen not only in shows, but also in a competition of their own.

In the Trainer Pavilion in Hall 6 you can talk to renowned trainers every day and find out about different training concepts.