April 30–May 3 at KRA 86 & 88 Equestrian Grounds
28 junior riders from 15 Asian countries to compete
The Korea Racing Authority (KRA) will host the 2026 KRA Cup Asia Junior Equestrian Competition from April 30 to May 3 at its 86 & 88 Equestrian Grounds in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. With 28 junior riders from 15 Asian countries entered, this year’s event is the largest in the competition’s history.
All events will be contested on horses bred and trained in Korea. Organizers say the meet will showcase the bloodlines and training standards of Korean-bred riding horses on an international stage and help build a platform for expanding future export opportunities.
The KRA said it is staging the four-day tournament to support the development of equestrian sport across Asia and to promote cultural exchange among participating countries.
The competition brings together young riders from across Asia to test their skills and foster cross-border sporting and cultural exchange built around the horse industry.
Twenty-eight junior competitors from 15 Asian nations will take part, marking the largest field to date. All classes will feature domestically produced and trained horses, giving Korean equestrian breeders and trainers a chance to demonstrate their strengths to an international audience.
The schedule opens with a welcome reception on Day 1, followed by the 105 cm individual show-jumping on Day 2, the event “Ride & Drive” on Day 3, and the 110 cm individual show-jumping on Day 4. The 110 cm individual class on the final day will serve as the centerpiece of the competition.
Visitors will find a range of on-site activities, including food trucks, traditional cultural experiences, interactive programs, and prize drawings. The KRA designed the lineup to appeal to families and local residents.
Coinciding with the international event, the KRA will also hold the 5th Korea Racing Authority Youth Riding Competition. The domestic contest aims to give promising young riders real competition experience and strengthen the pipeline of talent for the country’s horse industry.
Experts attribute the rising international competitiveness of Korea’s riding horses to investments in breeding and training infrastructure under the government’s 2012 Comprehensive Plan for the Horse Industry, together with KRA initiatives to expand youth participation. Based on that foundation, Korea’s sport horses and equestrian standards now meet the Asian Equestrian Federation’s requirements, enabling the country to host international events annually since 2023.
Woo Hee-jong, chairman of the Korea Racing Authority, said, “We hope this competition gives young people from across Asia a meaningful opportunity to build friendships and showcase their passion. We also expect it to highlight the quality and expertise behind Korean-bred horses and to help strengthen our export competitiveness going forward.”
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