Three days of thrilling equestrian displays, live concerts, and vibrant outdoor experiences
Karpatia Horse Show, an event already celebrating a decade, brings together in a special anniversary edition the passion for horse riding, the architectural elegance of the Cantacuzino Estate, and the lively atmosphere of an outdoor festival. It offers the audience three days of spectacular shows, sports, and emotions in a fairy-tale setting.
Between 26 and 28 September 2025, the Cantacuzino Estate in Florești, Prahova, will host Karpatia Horse Show 10th edition, the most important equestrian event in Romania, combining international eventing competitions and equestrian shows with live music, activities for the whole family and the unmistakable atmosphere of an aristocratic estate, in a true style of an ‘equestrian festival’, spiced with experiences for all ages.
Competitional programme and shows
Over the course of three days, the public will witness an equestrian extravaganza to mark the anniversary of the Karpatia Horse Show:
- 4★ International Eventing Competition – an elite event, with spectacular cross-country courses in two length formats, natural obstacles and demonstrations of strength and elegance;
- Grand Masters Driving – an exciting demonstrative two and four-in-hand driving competition;
- Working Equitation– an equestrian discipline with origins in Latin countries that develops the bond between horse and rider through technique, control, and constant progress;
- The Mounted Gendarmerie adrenaline-packed show, in a surprise performance;
- Voltige Show – brings amazing acrobatics on horseback by individuals to complex formations showcasing incredible balance and grace;
- Equestrian demonstrations, parades with retro cars and greyhounds, and elegant parades.
In the evening, Karpatia Sunset will start with live concerts on the “Micul Trianon” stage:
- Friday, September 26 – Claro Que No, followed by Byron, the special guest of the festival’s opening night;
- Saturday, September 27 – Nidal, a young artist with an impressive debut album, and the band on the rise in the alternative rock scene: Om la lună
“The anniversary edition brings an exciting programme for the audience over the course of three days. The surprise of the event will be the presence of the Mounted Gendarmerie, which will participate with eight horses and will present an exhibition of costumes, some from 1850, as well as an equestrian moment accompanied by a fanfare. The main arena will also host a spectacular Voltige Show – acrobatic gymnastics on horseback, and the secondary arena will feature dog training, which is very attractive to the public, especially children. For equestrian sports enthusiasts, Cristina Călin, multiple dressage champion, and Spencer Sturmey, 4★ rider and referee, will show the audience the special connection between the rider and horse.
The Driving Demonstrations are becoming increasingly spectacular, and this year, you will also see the power of the four-in-hand driving demonstrations. This also celebrates the extraordinary results of the Romanian teams at this year’s World Championships. Karpatia Horse Show is gaining special recognition among officials, and it is becoming a destination that this year will welcome international referees from countries such as Germany, China, Japan, Belgium, France, Italy, and Spain,” said Mihnea Virgolici, director of the Karpatia Horse Show event.
Experiences for all ages
Karpatia Horse Show is not just about sports, but also a festival of elegance and an outdoor lifestyle event, enjoyed with enthusiasm by all ages.
The event includes: over 20 activities for children and adults, including a forest activity center dedicated to children; three gastronomic areas with varied menus; Camping area with modern facilities for those who want to enjoy the full festival experience; VIP area with preferential seating and exceptional culinary experiences; walks and exploration of the 150 hectares of the estate to discover the ruins of the “Le Petit Trianon”, the Water Tower, the cross-shaped fountain and the old entrance gates to the estate, the historic park and thelime and chestnut trees trails.
The evolution of Karpatia Horse Show (2014–2024)
- 2014–2015 – The event debuts, with 5,000 spectators (a national record at the time) and the first qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games;
- 2016–2018 – The audience grows to 10,000 spectators, including 2,500 children; the event is consolidated with two arenas dedicated to competitions and shows;
- 2019 – More notoriety and preparation for the next major editions;
- 2022 – Recovery after the pandemic, with 12,000 spectators, 3,000 children, and new activities: concerts on the “Micul Trianon” stage and four food & drink areas;
- 2023 – Landmark edition: 15,000 spectators, three themed days, live show area, and organization of the 4★ Complete Eventing Competition, qualifying for the 2023 Paris Olympics;
- 2024 – Continuing at the same level: 4★ Complete Eventing Competition maintained even without Olympic qualifications, 15,000 spectators, extended stands, VIP & camping facilities, as well as the launch of the Children’s Activity Center.
The “Micul Trianon” Palace – between the past and the future
The 2025 edition, the 10th Karpatia Horse Show, also celebrates a year of special significance for the Cantacuzino Estate: the “Micul Trianon” Palace, a historical monument of national importance, will undergo extensive restoration and consolidation work through a project funded by the National Heritage Institute. Thus, visitors will soon be able to witness the refurbishment of one of the most spectacular buildings in Romania, which will be transformed into a cultural space.
Tickets and passes
Passes for Karpatia Horse Show 2025 are available on karpatiahorse.ro. The public can choose between general admission, VIP with catering and dedicated tables, a covered grandstand for Sunday, or special Karpatia Sunset passes, dedicated exclusively to concerts.
Tickets available HERE
Organisers: Club Sportiv Asociația Domeniul Cantacuzino, Rumor Consult in partnership with the International Equestrian Federation and the Romanian Equestrian Federation.
Partner for innovation: Pluriva
Sponsors: Procema, Gonzales Group, Michelin, Glamour Floors, Bucovina, Zetea, Serve
Parteneri Scena Micul Trianon: CulturAll Inclusive 21, Stage Media Expert
Partners: Pentru Cai, Simar Metrologie, Simar Industrial, MSL Logistic & Distribution
Main media Partner: Magic FM
Media Partners: Adevărul, Historia, Dilema, Newsweek, Biz, Business Review, Nine O’Clock, Wall-Street, PressHUB, Alist Magazine, Haute Culture Magazine, Kudika, Garbo, IQads, Smark, TukTuk Magazine
Local Media Partners: Transilvania Business, Grupul Observatorul Prahovean, Columna TV, Dada TV, Generatia lui John, Prahova, Prahova News, Ziarul Oglinda de azi, Universul Argeșean
Foto: Ștefan Stoica