The Adelaide Equestrian Festival has officially launched the first release of tickets for its 2026 event (16-19 April), celebrating an exceptional first day of sales. Ticket purchases surged 68% above last year’s opening day, signalling strong enthusiasm for the upcoming festival.
Among the early favourites is the Premium Access 3-Day Pass, which offers spectators an exclusive experience on Rymill Island at the Bates Rymill Lake on RB Sellars Cross Country Day. Demand for this limited offering has been unprecedented, with fewer than 100 Premium Access 3-Day Passes remaining after just one day of sales.
With six different ticket options priced lower than in 2025, the Festival aims to be more accessible than ever, ensuring fans of all ages and budgets can enjoy the world-class event.
A tailored Festival experience
The 2026 Festival embraces the motto “More Choice. Updated Themes. Better Service.” — a commitment to delivering greater flexibility and a more personalised event experience for spectators. With expanded ticketing options, refreshed event concepts, and enhanced service offerings, the Festival is dedicated to ensuring every visitor can tailor their festival experience like never before.
Positioned immediately after Adelaide’s AFL Gather Round, the Festival aims to attract visitors choosing to extend their stay in South Australia. By encouraging fans to enjoy consecutive major sporting events, the Adelaide Equestrian Festival hopes to further amplify the state’s tourism outcomes and continue showcasing the economic and cultural value of hosting the only urban-based Horse Trials in the world.
“It’s an exciting sign of what 2026 will deliver for athletes, fans and the sport more broadly…”
Chair of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival, Mr Greg Rolton, said the strong opening day results reflect a milestone moment for the event.
“This level of early demand highlights not only the loyalty of our spectators but the growing stature of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival on the international calendar,” Mr Rolton said.
“These achievements strengthen the competitive environment for Australia’s top equestrian combinations, providing them with an elevated platform to perform, develop and be recognised at the highest level. It’s an exciting sign of what 2026 will deliver for athletes, fans and the sport more broadly.”
Oceania Championships
In December last year it was announced that the next two Australian-hosted instalments of the prestigious Oceania Championships will take place at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival in 2026 and 2029.
The move marks a significant opportunity for Australian and New Zealand competitors to showcase their talents in front of the largest equestrian audience in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Oceania Championships will be contested across two divisions: the CCI3*-L for Young Riders and the CCI4*-S for Senior competitors. This will be the first time the Young Rider division will be hosted at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival. At the same time, the Senior teams have not competed here since 2009, when an all-female Australian team won the coveted Championship honours.
Flashback to 2024
Few can forget the excitement of the 2025 Adelaide Equestrian Festival, where Hazel Shannon and then-19-year-old WillingaPark Clifford secured their fourth Adelaide CCI5*L victory – adding to their wins in 2016, 2018 and 2019.
The pair laid down a solid dressage score of 30.3 to place second after the first phase and were third following their performance on RB Sellars Cross Country Day, where they were clear but accrued 11.6 time penalties. A podium finish was already looking like a truly incredible result for the duo.
In the show jumping, they had just one rail down – the best result of any. When leaders Shane Rose and The Bandit unfortunately dropped three rails, and second-placed Sophia Hill devastatingly missed a jump with Humble Glory, Hazel and Clifford rose to the top of the podium.
“It’s amazing how much you and your horse can keep changing and getting better if you want to,” said Hazel following their historic victory. “I think no one will ever know the true secret to [Clifford’s] longevity. It’s probably just a Clifford thing.”
Read more: THE MAGIC BEHIND HAZEL & CLIFFORD’S FAIRYTALE (Equestrian Life, May 2025)
Secure your ticket
Tickets for the 2026 Adelaide Equestrian Festival, 16-19 April, are on sale now. Early purchase is strongly recommended to avoid missing out on the most popular experiences.
Source: Adelaide Equestrian Festival press release, edited by Equestrian Life
