March 6–12, 2025 | Exhibition Centre Essen, Germany
Source: EQUITANA Official Final Report
🔍 Editorial Overview
EQUITANA 2025 concluded with over 109,000 visitors from 56 countries and 600 exhibiting companies, reaffirming its status as the world’s leading equestrian trade fair. But beyond numbers, this edition served as a catalyst for industry-wide reflection—on sustainability, economic resilience, and the evolving social license of equestrian sport.
🌐 Strategic Themes
- Industry Under Pressure: Rising energy costs, inflation, and labor challenges are reshaping stable operations across Europe. EQUITANA positioned itself as a forum for navigating these shifts.
- Political Recognition: Calls for greater acknowledgment of equestrian sport’s €6.7 billion economic impact in Germany were echoed by industry leaders and the German Equestrian Federation (FN).
- Animal Welfare & Innovation: The expanded Agria Health World offered digital insights into equine anatomy and training impact—underscoring EQUITANA’s commitment to ethical care.
🎓 New Formats & Legacy Moves
- Vocational Training Day: 600+ participants engaged with 25 employers, spotlighting career pathways in equestrian professions.
- Visionable Campaign: A joint initiative with ekor magazine gave emerging brands a dignified platform to debut.
- Webstar Convention: Influencers like @anja_fee and @jessedrent connected with younger audiences, blending tradition with digital reach.
🎭 Cultural & Competitive Highlights
- HOP TOP Show “Volaris”: A theatrical fusion of horses, aerial artistry, and even a live wedding between stars Kenzie Dysli and Laury Tisseur.
- Olympic Presence: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, Isabell Werth, Frederic Wandres, and Katharina Hemmer led dressage showcases, joined by Ingrid Klimke and Sandra Auffarth in eventing.
- Knowledge Exchange: From Pat Parelli’s Western Day to Anja Beran’s matinée, EQUITANA’s arenas became classrooms for global excellence.
🧭 TWW NEWS Commentary
EQUITANA 2025 was not just a celebration—it was a strategic inflection point. As equestrian sport grapples with public perception, economic headwinds, and ethical imperatives, events like EQUITANA offer a blueprint for dignified evolution. TWW NEWS will continue to spotlight such forums where tradition meets transformation.