Three Unmissable Highlights at the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show 2026
Hong Kong is set to come alive with one of the most anticipated sporting and lifestyle events of the year. From 30 January to 1 February 2026, the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show returns to the AsiaWorld-Expo with a top-tier programme that seamlessly blends elite sport, world-class entertainment and immersive experiences designed for audiences of all ages.
The final countdown has officially begun: the world’s finest equine athletes have already landed in Hong Kong aboard a dedicated Cathay Cargo flight, the Show’s airline partner. Upon arrival, the horses were transferred to the state-of-the-art stabling facilities at AsiaWorld-Expo, where they will rest and acclimatise in preparation for competition.
Here are three absolute must-see experiences at the 2026 edition.
A stellar show jumping line-up and the debut of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Asian Youth Challenge
Over three thrilling days, the arena will host five five-star classes, welcoming elite riders from 11 regions ready to deliver performances of exceptional technical precision and sporting excellence. Leading the field is Denmark’s Zascha Nygaard, reigning Longines Grand Prix champion 2025, returning to Hong Kong to defend her title.
She will be joined by some of the most celebrated names in international show jumping, including Simon Delestre, Roger-Yves Bost, Kevin Staut, Yuri Mansur, John Whitaker, Richard Vogel and Barbara Schnieper. Flying the flag for the home crowd will be Jacqueline Lai and Clarissa Lyra, members of the Hong Kong Jockey Club equestrian team.
A major highlight of the 2026 programme is the inaugural Hong Kong Jockey Club Asian Youth Challenge, a competition dedicated to emerging young talents from seven Asian jurisdictions, including China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. This new class underscores the Show’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of equestrian athletes on the international stage.
Arena entertainment at its best: from Dog Agility to Ian Chan live
The excitement extends far beyond show jumping. Making its debut this year is Hong Kong Dog Agility, a fast-paced and adrenaline-fuelled competition featuring seven outstanding canine athletes tackling demanding obstacle courses with speed, precision and teamwork.
Also returning by popular demand is the much-loved Shetland Pony Grand National, a firm favourite with families. Eight Shetland ponies and their determined young jockeys, aged 8 to 14, will race around a purpose-built track in a heart-warming and exhilarating spectacle. During the Friday evening and Saturday afternoon sessions, the young riders will be mentored by star jockeys from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, including Zac Purton and Vincent Ho.
The event reaches its crescendo on Sunday, 1 February, when, ahead of the Longines Grand Prix, the main arena will host a live performance by Ian Chan, one of Hong Kong’s most recognisable pop stars and a member of MIRROR. This rare crossover between elite equestrian sport and live pop music promises to be an unforgettable moment for spectators.
Beyond the arena: shopping, gastronomy and family fun
The Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show is far more than a sporting competition. The Lifestyle Shopping Village, free to enter with prior registration, offers a full-day destination for shopping, leisure and discovery.
From the moment visitors arrive, they will be immersed in the interactive installation “Ride the Future: Wishes for the Year of the Horse”, where guests can design a personalised digital horse as a New Year wish. The food and beverage zone will showcase a refined culinary selection curated by six Marriott Bonvoy hotels across Hong Kong, delivering a true feast for the senses.
Younger visitors can enjoy the dedicated Kids Zone, featuring Hong Kong’s first LeMieux Hobby Horse Competition, while adults can elevate their experience at the Champagne Taittinger Bar, overlooking the Warm-Up Ring and offering a privileged view of the world’s top riders and horses as they prepare to compete.
Tickets are now extremely limited and available via Klook, Trip.com and China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited. Officially recognised as an “M” Mark Event, the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show further reinforces Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s premier hub for major international sporting events.
With world-class sport, cross-disciplinary entertainment and a vibrant lifestyle offering, the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show 2026 stands out as a must-attend event not only for equestrian enthusiasts, but for anyone seeking an unforgettable weekend of international-level spectacle in the heart of Asia.
Ph (c) Lukasz Kowalski
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