The Korea Racing Authority (KRA) will host the 2026 KRA Cup Asian Junior Equestrian Championship for four days from April 30 to May 3 at the KRA 86·88 Equestrian Park, aimed at advancing equestrian sports in Asia and promoting cultural exchange between nations.
The event serves as an international stage where promising young equestrian athletes from across Asia gather to compete, functioning as a platform for cultural exchange that connects Asia through horses.
A record 28 junior athletes from 15 Asian countries will participate in this edition, with all competitions conducted using horses bred and raised domestically in Korea. The championship is expected to once again demonstrate to the world the superior bloodlines and training expertise of Korean-bred horses, which represent the core competitiveness of Korea's equestrian industry.
The competition schedule begins with a welcome reception on day one, followed by the individual show jumping event (105 cm) on day two, the Ride & Drive event on day three, and the individual show jumping event (110 cm) on day four.
A variety of programs will be prepared for visitors as well. Food trucks, traditional culture experiences, interactive programs, and prize drawings will offer diverse events that entire families can enjoy, providing a special experience for local residents.
"We hope this will be a meaningful time for young athletes from across Asia to build friendships and showcase their passion," KRA Chairman Woo Hee-jong said. "We expect this event to introduce the superior craftsmanship and quality of Korean-bred horses to the world and serve as a catalyst for strengthening export competitiveness going forward."
The 5th KRA Junior Equestrian Championship will also be held during the same period, providing practical experience for promising domestic equestrian talent and laying the foundation for nurturing the talent that will lead the future equestrian industry.
The international competitiveness of Korean-bred sport horses is regarded as the result of production and training infrastructure and policies to expand the youth equestrian population, which the government and KRA have consistently pursued since the establishment of the Comprehensive Horse Industry Development Plan in 2012. Based on this foundation, Korea's sport horses and equestrian standards have met the criteria of the Asian Equestrian Federation, and annual international competitions have been possible since 2023. In addition, 10 Korean-bred horses recognized for their excellence through the previous championship were exported to Malaysia and Japan, while Korean athletes won the championship twice, raising the country's international standing.
