At the end of November 2025, Vinpearl Equestrian Cup will take place at the Vinpearl Vu Yen Equestrian Academy (Hai Phong), marking the first time Vietnam hosts a professional equestrian tournament of international scale. The use of competition and scoring systems according to the standards of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) reflects a thorough investment in facilities and operational processes. The event is seen as the beginning of developing specialized sports infrastructure for equestrian sports in the country, laying the foundation for the riding community to access a more structured and stable training and competition model.
Standardized infrastructure and orthodox operating model
Vinpearl Equestrian Cup 2025 is held at the Vinpearl Vu Yen Equestrian Academy, part of the Vinhomes Royal Island complex. This venue brings together training arenas, competition areas, and an obstacle system arranged according to FEI standards, ensuring the necessary conditions for athletes to perform at a high professional level.
The two competition categories, Show Jumping and Gymkhana, require smooth coordination between rider and horse. In Show Jumping, athletes must clear obstacles 70–80 cm high, where each landing and speed adjustment directly affects the results. Gymkhana tests the ability to navigate slalom, zigzag, gait transitions, and circular patterns, demanding continuous focus on the field.
The involvement of an international judging panel ensures that evaluations follow transparent criteria, contributing to a standardized competitive environment right in Vietnam.
A tiered competition system aiming towards long-term development
The tournament is divided into three groups based on skill level and training objectives:
- Children’s Group (Basic Gymkhana): trains steering skills, following patterns, and maintaining a steady rhythm when passing ground-level poles.
- Amateur Group (Advanced Gymkhana): adds requirements such as slalom, zigzag, gait transitions, and speed control within tight circles.
- Professional Group (70–80 cm Show Jumping): for athletes with formal training, demonstrating obstacle-jumping techniques according to international competition standards.
Total prizes worth hundreds of millions of dong are awarded across the groups. This tiered structure creates a continuous development pathway, rather than a fragmented approach, helping participants set goals for each stage and progress toward more advanced competitions. Many experts note that organizing the tournament by levels provides a framework for sustainable talent development in equestrian sports, especially for young athletes.
Integration of competition and experiencing activities
In addition to the official competitions, Vinpearl Equestrian Cup 2025 is set to host a series of spectator-focused activities. A parade featuring various horse breeds from domestic and international farms, along with equestrian artistry performances, serves as a key highlight, allowing the public to observe riding techniques up close.
The interaction zone, including photo sessions with the horses, visits to the fair, and outdoor spaces, is designed to provide a complete family experience. Combining competitions with community activities helps make equestrian sports more visually accessible to the public while encouraging children to engage with this skill-intensive sport.
Many observers note that incorporating these activities into the event framework helps shift the perception of equestrian sports—from a niche activity to a model of sport and culture with broader appeal.
Coordinating organizations and partnership system
Vinpearl Equestrian Cup 2025 is organized by the Vinpearl Vu Yen Equestrian Academy in coordination with On Connect Holdings JSC. The Hai Phong City Youth Union and the Vietnam Youth Federation (Hai Phong City) support recruitment and information dissemination.
The list of sponsors includes Vinpearl Horse Academy Vu Yen (Main Sponsor), On Global Holdings (Platinum Sponsor), On Beauty Global and On Edu Global (Gold Sponsors), along with other partner brands and media supporters across various sectors. The participation of multiple organizations provides a stable organizational foundation and helps the event reach a wider audience.
Vinpearl Equestrian Cup 2025 marks an important milestone for Vietnamese equestrian sports, as an internationally standardized competition model is implemented comprehensively in the country for the first time. The event is expected to offer spectators direct opportunities to watch Show Jumping and Gymkhana competitions in Hai Phong, while also broadening public access to the sport.
