Finnderby Festival: Uniting Equestrian Sports Across Levels and Disciplines at Ypäjä Equine College

Published: 17.5.2024

The Finnderby Festival, a premier equestrian event, spans over three weeks and showcases the best in the sport on all levels. It gathers riders, trainers, and fans to celebrate equestrian excellence and community.

The first week (June 5th-9th) features competitions in show jumping, dressage, and para-dressage. The week culminates on Sunday, June 9th, with Derby Day, when the country’s top riders compete in the legendary XXXXVIII Finnderby Presented by Helsinki International Horse Show. The Finnderby course includes unique derby-style obstacles. In addition to the main event, there are derby classes for ponies, Finnish horses, and “Pikkuderby” at the 110 cm level.

The second week (June 13th-16th) promises elite equestrian events. The dressage arenas will be the stage for international competitions in dressage and para-dressage, generously supported by the Dressage Support Association (KorK). Meanwhile, the derby arena will focus on the season’s main series competition, Pohjola – Road to Helsinki. The second leg of this series brings the country’s top riders, future stars, and charming Finnish horses to Ypäjä. The Ypäjä Equine College, awarded the 2023 Event Organizer of the Year by the Finnish Equestrian Federation’s Eventing Committee, will host this year’s traditional and esteemed Mannerheim Eventing Competition. This event will determine the senior Finnish champions and include a Big Tour competition. Additionally, young riders will compete for the Finnish Eventing Championship over the weekend.

All Pohjola classes at the Derby Arena will be filmed by Clip My Horse and will be accessible to the public for free. Other events are live-streamed via Haven Live.

The third week (June 18th-19th) continues with eventing, featuring rounds of the Medium Tour and Small Tour. These eventing competitions will conclude the Finnderby Festival, creating unforgettable moments and bringing this diverse and magnificent equestrian event to a close.

Join us for three weeks of thrilling competition, camaraderie, and equestrian excitement at the renowned Ypäjä Equine College. The Finnderby Festival isn’t just about elite competitions; it’s also a celebration of the equestrian community, where riders of all levels come together to share their passion for the sport.

Tickets for the week two: https://events.liveto.io/events/finnderby-festival-viikko-2
Free access on week 1 and 3.