Photo Satu Pirinen
Visitors and Competitors Enjoy – Interest in Moving to Messukeskus
The final Helsinki Horse Show held at the Helsinki Ice Hall was a resounding success. The warm autumn weather graced visitors and competitors throughout the event week.
The international top riders once again included the Helsinki World Cup competition in their busy schedules, and the Ice Hall’s tribunes were well filled throughout the weekend. Alongside the vibrant atmosphere, there was a hint of nostalgia, as the Ice Hall has been the main venue for the Horse Show since 2014. Next season will mark the event’s transition to a new location at Helsinki’s Messukeskus.
A freshly released visitor survey (Sponsor Insight, November 2024; summary attached) reaffirms the strong popularity of the Horse Show. Visitor satisfaction scores are outstanding: over 95 % rate the event as high-level sport, entertaining, and filled with a great atmosphere. First-time attendees gave an impressive 99 % satisfaction rating for their Horse Show experience.
A Versatile Event Program Resonates with Visitors
The Helsinki Horse Show is a popular annual event that visitors typically attend with family and friends. The primary attraction is international show jumping, which brings some of the world’s best riders to Helsinki through its Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ segment. This year, the audience was treated to a world-class lineup led by top-ranked riders and medalists such as Steve Guerdat, Peder Fredricson, Kevin Staut, and Max Kühner. Dressage competitions at a slightly lower international level also attracted significant interest.
Special highlights of the event are the Mini Clinics hosted by top riders. This year’s sessions included Olympic rider Henri Ruoste, Ville Vaurio, and Sweden’s Jens Fredricson. On Saturday, Finland’s equestrian team, successful at the Paris Olympics, delighted the audience in various ways. Finland’s exceptionally young show jumping team also performed impressively on the international stage. Their success and strong performances bring momentum to the future of both the Horse Show and the entire sport.
Helsinki Jumps Green – Environmental Initiatives Gain Attention
In 2017, the Horse Show launched an extensive environmental program, which has been continuously developed since. The event organizer has collaborated closely with international equestrian federations FEI and EEF, both of which recognize Helsinki as a pioneer in sustainable equestrian events. Visitors increasingly notice and appreciate the organizers’ ambitious environmental efforts.
For the third year in a row, the custom-developed carbon footprint calculator has been utilized. This tool provides valuable data on the event’s environmental impact and the effectiveness of measures aimed at reducing it.
Photo Satu Pirinen
Visitors Consumed Over €11 Million in Helsinki!
A comparison with other events reveals that Horse Show visitors contributed €11.1 million to the Helsinki metropolitan area during the event week. Of this, a significant €9.4 million came from visitors outside Helsinki. An impressive 85% of attendees traveled from outside the Helsinki region, highlighting the event’s broad national appeal.
Top Scores from the International Equestrian Federation and Elite Riders
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has rated events in recent years using its Event Classification System (ECS). Helsinki has consistently scored well, and this year was no exception. The show jumping courses and equipment received an exceptional score of 98/100, while the arena’s special footing earned 86/100. Temporary stabling also scored an impressive 89/100, reflecting the emphasis on the welfare of competing horses.
Moving to Messukeskus Generates Interest
The news of the event’s new schedule and venue has reached Horse Show attendees effectively. These changes are expected to bring desired diversification and renewal to the Horse Show. The next event will take place in just over a year, from late February to early March, at Messukeskus in Helsinki. The Horse Show will serve as the final leg of the European World Cup series. Preparations are in full swing, and an expanded and highly anticipated program will be announced in early spring 2025.
Helsinki Horse Show & World Cup: February 25 – March 1, 2026, at Messukeskus Helsinki
For more information:
CEO Valtteri Gundersby
Phone: +358 40 57 989 61
Email: valtteri.gundersby@helsinkihorseshow.fi
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