What’s On
Welcome to the Defender Horse of the Year event—an unforgettable experience celebrating the best of equestrian sports, shopping, and hospitality!
Over six action-packed days, we’re bringing you top-tier competition across a variety of disciplines, including eventing, dressage, mounted games, showing, and showjumping.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the equestrian world, there’s something for everyone!
But it’s not just about the horses—prepare to be amazed by our fantastic shopping, featuring both equestrian gear and lifestyle brands.
Take a break from the action and enjoy exceptional hospitality, with live entertainment, wine tastings, and more to make every moment memorable.
With your general admission ticket, you’ll have access to all the events and experiences (excluding exclusive or ticketed activations), ensuring a full, immersive experience in the world of equestrian excellence.
Entertainment & Upgrades
Enjoy a weeklong experience filled with live entertainment, wine tastings, and the chance to explore fantastic shopping, all while soaking in the excitement of top-tier equestrian competition.
| Time | What’s Happening | Days | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Show Jumping Prime Viewing Catch all the action from raised seating overlooking the Premier Show Jumping Arena. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE | Tue – Sun Sat SOLD OUT | Premier Arena | |
| 6pm – late | Live Music – Tuckers Lane FREE ENTRY | Fri | The Stables Public Bar |
| 7pm – late | Raise the Bar celebration Come celebrate the Olympic Cup Dress code – summer chic Live music – Groove Nation GET TICKETS HERE | Sat | The Stables Public Bar |
| 12pm – 5pm | Defender Cross Country Experience Upgrade your Defender Cross Country day with the exclusive Tailgate Experience – the ultimate way to enjoy the action in style. GET TICKETS HERE | Sun | Waikoko Gardens |
Hospitality
Enjoy delicious daily food offerings at one of our public spaces, from a dedicated wine bar on the oval to split-level public bar ringside of the show jumping premier arena. We have something for everyone.
| Time | What’s Happening | Days | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11am – 5pm | Great Wine Capital Cellar Door Discover exceptional wines and unforgettable experiences at the heart of the Great Wine Capital’s cellar door. | Tue – Sat | Edge of the Dressage Oval |
| 11am – 5pm | G.H. Mumm Rosé on the Rise Wine Bar Soak in the beauty of Dressage at the edge of the Oval. Enjoy a lite refreshment while sipping away on bubbles or two. | Tue – Sat | Dressage Oval |
| 12pm – 5pm | Waikoko Gardens – Defender Cross Country Soak in the excitement of the Cross Country with the perfect lakeside setting. Enjoy the action with eats from the food trucks, and make an afternoon of it. | Sun | Waikoko Gardens |
| 9am – 4pm | The Stables – Cafe Rest your feet and refuel in comfort. while witnessing the countries best jump for the titles in the Show Jumping Premier Arena. | Tue – Sun | Show Jumping Premier Arena |
| 11am – 12am | The Stables – Public Bar Split level raised viewing rind-side of the Premier Show Jumping arena The Stables Bar will be the hot spot of the event. | Tue – Sun | Show Jumping Premier Arena |
| 8am – 6pm | Food Court Lots of variety and goodness | Tue – Sun | Food Court |
| 9am – 6pm | Defender Horse of the Year Lounge (exclusive access) | Tue – Sun | Show Jumping Premier Arena |
Equestrian Daily Breakdown
Experience six thrilling days of world-class equestrian competition, from eventing and dressage to showjumping and mounted games.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the sport, there’s non-stop action for everyone!
