Where Olympic Legacy Meets Community

At the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, the Sydney Eventing Spring Classic brings grassroots combinations, emerging talent and leading riders together on Olympic ground – supported by the volunteers, partners and community organisations that keep the sport moving forward.

Following in Olympic Footsteps

There is something unmistakably special about riding onto a venue shaped by Olympic history. From 4-6 September 2026, the Sydney Eventing Spring Classic returns to the Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC), where riders will compete across the same ground that hosted equestrian sport at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

More than two decades on, that legacy remains tangible. At SIEC, a rider tackling a first EvA65 can share the venue with developing combinations, ambitious young riders and some of Australia’s leading professionals. It is a rare meeting point between the sport’s history and its future – and one that places opportunity at the heart of the weekend.

The Sydney Eventing at SIEC Committee has staged national-level competition at the venue since its formation in 2002. Its purpose is straightforward but important: to provide quality events where combinations at every stage can learn, progress and feel that they belong.

A pathway for every rider

The Spring Classic program reflects that inclusive ambition. Competition runs from EvA65 through to four-star, creating a genuine pathway within a single event. For spectators, it offers the chance to see horses and riders at very different stages of their journey; for competitors, it creates an atmosphere in which experience is visible, aspiration feels close and every completed course matters.

The weekend begins on Friday 4 September with arena hire and dressage protocol sessions with Carolyn James (FEI Level 3 Eventing Judge) and Peter Shaw (FEI Level 4/5 Eventing Judge). Eventing competition follows on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, alongside a growing Trade Village and community activities.

The people behind the sport

For all the action in the arenas and out on cross-country, the Spring Classic is powered by people whose work is often less visible. Cross-country jump judges, dressage pencillers, crossing stewards, score collectors and horse ambulance drivers are among the volunteers who give their time to help keep riders safe and the program running.

Mounties Group joins the event as Official Volunteer Sponsor, helping Sydney Eventing recognise this essential team. The partnership reinforces a message at the centre of the Spring Classic: strong equestrian sport depends on a strong community around it.

A first EvA65 and a four-star campaign can begin from the same place: opportunity, encouragement and a community that makes room for both.

Community Beyond the Course

Partners with purpose

That community extends well beyond the organising committee. The 2026 Spring Classic is proudly presented by Equine Centre Camden, the event’s Naming Rights Partner. The newly named centre will be present throughout the weekend, giving riders and spectators an opportunity to learn more about its equine veterinary services while supporting an event built around horse welfare, education and participation.

NZB Airfreight is also joining the Spring Classic as a significant new partner, while Horseland Dural will support every EvA80 class. Together with the event’s broader sponsor family, these partnerships help sustain competition across the levels and create opportunities for riders to keep progressing.

Come and be part of it

Whether the goal is to contest a first event, step up through the grades, volunteer behind the scenes or simply watch some of Australia’s accomplished combinations in action, the Spring Classic offers a way in.

The invitation is deliberately broad: come to compete, come to watch, come to volunteer – and come to be part of Sydney Eventing. Against the backdrop of an Olympic venue, the weekend celebrates not only how far Australian eventing has come, but the community effort required to carry it forward.

SPRING CLASSIC AT A GLANCE

FRIDAY 4- SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2026
SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

FRIDAY 4, SEPTEMBER

• Arena Hire
• Dressage Protocol with highly respected FEI judges Carolyn James (FEI Level 3 Eventing Judge) and Peter Shaw (FEI Level 4/5 Eventing Judge)
• Eventing competition from EvA65 through to 4★
• Trade Village
• Greyhounds As Pets meet-and-greet

SATURDAY 5 & SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER

• Eventing competition from EvA65 through to 4★
• Trade Village
• Greyhounds As Pets meet-and-greet