ADVERTISEMENT: Three weeks of international equestrian sports, competitions ranging from 1.10 m to 1.55 m, and first-class conditions for horses and riders: From November 24 to December 13, 2026, the Phoenix Riders Winter Tour celebrates its premiere and adds a new high-caliber indoor tournament series in Eastern Europe to the international tournament calendar. In addition to top-level sports, participants can expect a varied program of entertainment with concerts, exclusive parties, a Christmas market, and special excursions, including visits to Dracula Castle and the Romanian capital Bucharest.
Not far from the Romanian capital Bucharest, the Phoenix Riders Equestrian Center in Băicoi is a newly developed equestrian facility that sets new standards in the region in terms of its size and equipment. Phoenix Riders pursues a clear goal: to bring international top-level sport to Romania, to give Eastern European equestrian sport new impetus, and at the same time to establish an attractive new tournament venue for riders from Western and Central Europe.
Extensive preparations were made in advance of the first Winter Tour to provide horses, riders and teams with conditions that meet the demands of top international sports. Together with EN GARDE Marketing, an internationally experienced organizer in equestrian sports, the new series of tournaments is being launched with the long-term goal of establishing itself as a fixture on the international equestrian calendar.
At the end of the year, the Phoenix Riders Equestrian Center will host three consecutive tournament weeks, offering riders an attractive opportunity to make optimal use of the indoor season under professional conditions. From junior horses to amateur sports to international top-level competition, the program offers competitions for a wide range of performance levels.
The first tournament week will take place from November 24 to 29, 2026, with competitions at the CSI3*, CSI1*, and CSIYH-N levels. The second week, from December 1 to 6, 2026, will include competitions at the CSI4*, CSI2*, CSIYH, and CSIAm-A-levels. The third and final week, from December 8 to 13, 2026, will also feature competitions at the CSI4*, CSI2*, CSIYH, and CSIAm-A-levels.
With a testing range from 1.10 m to 1.55 m, the Winter Tour is aimed at a wide international field of participants. Over the three tournament weeks, a total of 850,000 euros in prize money and 15 competitions with Longines ranking points are up for grabs.
Optimal conditions for horses and riders
A special focus of the Winter Tour is on the sporting conditions. The Phoenix Riders Equestrian Center in Băicoi has extensive infrastructure designed specifically to meet the requirements of international equestrian events.
The centerpiece of the facility is the spacious equestrian arena, which is complemented by several outdoor and training areas. High-quality equestrian surfaces ensure optimal competition conditions throughout the tournament series. Additionally, 622 fixed horse boxes and ample parking for trucks and horse trailers are available.
The facilities include:
- a spacious riding arena with dimensions of 80 × 45 meters
- an outdoor field with dimensions of 90 × 50 meters
- a training field with 80 × 20 meters
- another spacious outdoor area measuring 100 × 80 meters
- 622 fixed horse boxes
With this initiative, Phoenix Riders wants to offer international riders the opportunity to prepare their horses under constant conditions during the indoor season and to compete at different levels of sport.
The new Winter Tour creates a significant international tournament series in Eastern Europe and thus an attractive new offering in a region where comparable multi-week indoor tournament formats have so far been hardly represented.
More than three weeks of skiing: A special experience even off the course
The Phoenix Riders Winter Tour aims not only to deliver sporting excitement, but also to create unforgettable experiences away from the tournament itself. A diverse program awaits riders, teams, accompanying parties, and spectators, making the three tournament weeks a special end to the year.
Among other things, a festive Christmas market, an equestrian fair, live concerts and various entertainment offerings in collaboration with the UNTOLD Festival are planned. Exclusive parties and convivial evening events also offer numerous opportunities to conclude the tournament days together and to exchange ideas outside of sports as well.
Another highlight are the planned excursions to some of Romania’s most famous attractions. This includes, in particular, a visit to the famous Dracula Castle, which is one of the country’s most famous tourist attractions. Excursions to the vibrant capital, Bucharest, and other activities are also intended to give participants the opportunity to get to know Romania beyond equestrian sports.
A diverse gastronomic offering and various hospitality options complete the overall experience. With this, the Phoenix Riders Winter Tour combines international top-level sports with entertainment, culture, and special shared experiences.
The geographical location also offers advantages to international participants. The Phoenix Riders Equestrian Center is located in Băicoi in the Prahova region, about 45 minutes from the Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest.
With the new Winter Tour, Phoenix Riders is pursuing an ambition that goes far beyond just hosting three weeks of international equestrian sports. The goal is to create a comprehensive tournament experience for horses, riders, teams, and spectators and to establish a new, attractive venue in the international equestrian calendar at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Phoenix Riders Winter Tour 2026
November 24 to December 13, 2026
Phoenix Riders Equestrian Center
Băicoi, Prahova, Romania
Further information and tournament details: Phoenix Riders Winter Tour 2026