I am super excited for you guys to read this one! Over the last few days, I have been gathering info on some of the world's most unique equestrian facilities and show grounds that are not as well known. I looked beyond the united states and found facilities in Slovakia, Qatar, Shanghai, and the United Kingdom. These facilities are definitely on my bucket list of places to visit!!
The X-Bionic Sphere
Location: Šamorín, Slovakia
This facility is one of the most diverse and luxurious equestrian venues in the world. The X-Bionic Shere was in the bidding to host the 2022 World Equestrian Games, but they recently dropped out of the process. This facility has the training facilities to host a total of 26 Olympic sports, has a hotel, resort, restaurants, 3 gyms, and a complete wellness center.
The Equestrian facility has:
3 grass and 3 sand arenas with a total area of 52,929 m2
2 indoor riding halls
683 permanent stables
3300 seats
For a virtual tour of the facility, click here
The Resort has:
Training facilities for 26 different Olympic sports
282 hotel rooms
12 luxury rooftop suites
4 restaurants
2 bars
Capacity to accommodate over 1000 guests
Modern gym on three floors
One of the largest and most modern riding centers in Europe
Pools, wellness, massage and beauty salon
Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre
Location: Doha, Qatar
Located in Qatar, Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre is one of the most diverse facilities in the world. They are a breeding facility as well as a world-class show center. The Longines Global Champions Tour Qatar is hosted there as well as world-renowned endurance races and dressage shows. Along with being a top-notch show facility, Al Shaqab is also a year-round training facility for a variety of disciplines.
The Equestrian amenities include:
Breeding and show center (142 A/C stalls, Hydrotherapy, and Exercise Machines.)
Dressage stable (20 A/C stalls; hacking trails)
Show Jumping stable (20 A/C stalls; shaded arenas; hacking trails)
Endurance stable (60 A/C stalls; 2 training tracks; shaded arenas; hacking trails)
Equine exercise center (swimming pool, equine jacuzzi, dry treadmill, and horse-walker)
Indoor arena (100m x 60m; 6,000 A/C seats)
Outdoor arena (120m x 80m; semi roofed)
Equine education (riding academy; has facilities for beginners to national competitors)
Vet Center (full-service equine hospital, clinic, and lab)
Other amenities include:
Hotel (70 rooms; fitness area, swimming pool, kids zone, steam and sauna room)
Marwan Club (gym, restaurant, pool)
Chef's Garden (state of the art restaurant)
Visitor's center
Oldencraig Equestrian Centre
Location: Lingfield, UK
The Oldencraig Equestrian Centre is one of the best dressage and show jumping training facilities in the world. The facility has a large range of advanced instructors that include 3 dressage instructors and one showjumping instructor. Oldencraig Equestrian Centre hosts clinics and was voted as the best show center by the British Dressage magazine. Along with competitions and teaching, the facility has a tack shop on the property and a large range of sale horses.
The stables include:
1 mile Gallop Track
Indoor arena (sits 800)
3 Olympic sized outdoor arenas
2-acre show jump arena
Indoor lunge arena
Trot up area for vet checks
Feed store
Other amenities include:
Bistro overlooking indoor arena (fits 70 guests)
Rider's Bar
Rider's rest area and lounge
On-site Bed and Breakfast
Conference Suite (sits 25)
Tack shop
Coming in 2022: Shanghai Juss International Equestrian Center
Location: Shanghai, China
This facility will be China's first permanent professional equestrian competition venue and will host one of the series of the Longines Global Champions Tour once it is built. The facility will be both a training center and a competition center.
The facility will include:
Competition arena (90m x 60m; 5,000 seats)
Schooling and training areas
State of the art stables
Underground area (connected with the metro)
I hope you guys enjoyed today's post! These places are definitely on my bucket list now! If you read all the way to here, feel free to DM me @TheJuniorEquestrian your favorite facility and I'll give your account a 24-hour story shoutout!
Best wishes!
-Alison