The equestrian event won over the audience a decade after its debut
Karpatia Horse Show had a spectacular tenth edition, celebrated at the Cantacuzino Estate in Florești Prahova! It was three memorable days, with a unique program including equestrian competitions, shows, demonstrations, parades, and concerts, a true festival that is making history and setting new standards in Romania!
The event began on Friday with the debut of the National and International Eventing Competition, organised in collaboration with the Romanian Equestrian Federation and the International Equestrian Federation, in front of a jury that brought together referees from all corners of the world, from Belgium to Japan. Bulgaria, represented by the rider-horse pair Elena Kasakova and Alegra, was this year’s big winner in the CC2* category, followed by Alexandru Mălușel from Romania with his horse Jolion Rose, both riders brilliantly completing all three classic events: dressage, cross country, and show jumping. Bulgaria also took two gold and silver medals in CC1* category with Sofia Petrova and her horse Donna, and Anna Angelova and Pikaso, respectively.
Over 60 athletes with 40 horses from 13 clubs in Romania participated in the Working Equitation discipline, with the youngest participant in the Mini Workers category being only 3 years old!
Another notable record was set in the show jumping demonstration, Fly High, where Romanian athlete Cătălina Sfetea and her horse Fortuna managed to jump over a 1.90 m high obstacle, under the guidance of 5* rider Spencer Sturmey from Great Britain, who has been the event’s commentator since its first edition.
The audience also enjoyed incredible dressage demonstrations, performed by Cristina Călin, with over 20 years of experience, as well as the Great Masters Driving competitions with the cone and marathon disciplines, offered by great masters who came especially to Karpatia Horse Show from Transylvania.
A great moment full of adrenaline, synchronization, and strength was the Driving parade, culminating with the performance of the four-in-hand driving show, handled with great elegance by the champion Eduard Bartha.
Voltige Shows— performed by representatives of the Equus Art club in Oradea—delighted and inspired the audience. And the Romanian Gendarmerie, which celebrated its 175th anniversary, electrified the audience with special moments, from demonstration exercises performed by riders and horses from the Cavalry Detachment of Bucharest General Directorate, to weapon handling demonstrations by the Honor Guard, musical moments performed by the Fanfare, and service dog training.
The vintage uniforms of the Romanian Gendarmerie (the oldest dating back to 1850) told stories about our history on the legendary Cantacuzino Estate, where the audience could learn about the Cantacuzino family and enjoy walks on the estate and near the ruins of the Petit Trianon, which is currently undergoing restoration.
Every year, the elegance parade featuring retro cars from the Morgan Club and the eventing competition award ceremonies brought moments of pure delight to the main arena!
“Thousands of spectators enjoyed the equestrian sports beauty and the estate magnificence during this three-day event and participated in interactive activities: from creative workshops to horse riding, enjoying the adventure park, a relaxation and exploration area for creators inspired by the equestrian world, as well as concerts by the bands Byron,Om la Lună, Claro Que No, and Nidal at Karpatia Sunset.
“September 26-28, 2025 will go down in Romanian equestrian history as the anniversary edition of the Karpatia Horse Show, but also as a weekend when we celebrated the sport, bringing the entertainment, elegance, and the high level competitions of to an exceptional historical setting.
Together, we open our eyes to a unique universe, where the connection between man and horse creates a new language, at the intersection of sport, art, and emotion. We look forward to seeing you at the 11th edition,” say the event organizers.
Photo: Ștefan Stoica și Diana Grigoriu
Organisers and Partners
Organisers: Club Sportiv Asociația Domeniul Cantacuzino, Rumor Consult în parteneriat cu Federaţia Ecvestră Internaţională şi Federaţia Ecvestră Română.
Partner for Innovation: Pluriva
Sponsors: Procema, Gonzales Group, Michelin, Glamour Floors, Bucovina, Zetea, Serve, Lavazza, Aveuro International, Aeta
Petit Trianon Stage Partners: 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