Murcia hosts first international dressage competition

For the first time, the Region of Murcia will be hosting an international dressage competition, featuring 120 pairs of competitors from 16 different countries. The event, which forms part of the region’s Sports Tourism Plan, aims to consolidate Murcia as a leading destination for high-level and prestigious competitions that drive up the visitor numbers.

An equestrian event to attract international visitors to Murcia

The event, which will take place at the Aros – Rios Equestrian Club in Murcia City from April 10 to April 12, is organised by the Pony Sports Club. It is expected to place the Region of Murcia in the spotlight of the European equestrian calendar for those three days, combining sport, international appeal and strong tourist activity.

It will include national category tests, turning the Region of Murcia into an essential meeting point for riders and horses of a high competitive level. The competition has already built a prestigious reputation, scoring in the international ranking and forming part of the official calendar of the International Equestrian Federation.

The 2026 circuit includes events like the World Cup Final, scheduled in April in Texas, United States; and the World Championships, to be held in Aachen, Germany, in August.

The competition will, among other things, assess the harmony between rider and horse. It will score riders based on the execution of the exercise and the technical quality of each movement. 

The international dressage competition is expected to boost the local economy as interested tourists flock to the area to take part or spectate the competition.

In addition to this event, the Aros – Rios Equestrian Club in Murcia City is scheduled to host the Spanish Dressage Championship for Young Horses, which will take place from October 1 to October 4, 2026.

These events consolidate the Region of Murcia as a top sports tourism destination, representing a commitment to hosting international sporting events that boost the economy, foment tourism in the area, and give rise to the reputation of the Costa Calida as a whole.

International athletes flock to Murcia in April

This equestrian competition is not the only major sports event taking place in Murcia in April; the Mar Menor will also be hosting an international dinghy sailing competition, the main event of which will take place from April 11 to April 18 and which will feature nearly 1,000 sailing athletes from all over the world.