The 2018 Mitsubishi Australian International 3 Day Event (Aus3DE) gallops into the Adelaide Parklands from today, boasting an action-packed competition schedule, equestrian-focused demonstrations and masterclasses.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, David Ridgway, said 25,000 people attended the 2017 Aus3DE with more than half travelling from interstate, injecting an estimated $5.5 million into the State's economy.
"We look forward to welcoming thousands of people into the Parklands over the next three days for what promises to be an action-packed program to build upon last year's success,'' said Minister Ridgway.
"This year's event is also extra special as we celebrate the extraordinary life of the late Gillian Rolton AM, an equestrian great and dual Olympic gold medallist, who gave so much to the sport she loved over many years.
"Her outstanding contribution to the Aus3DE and the international equestrian community will be remembered at significant times during the event program.
"Events like the Aus3DE encourage interstate visitors to come to South Australia and experience our world-class event-hosting capabilities and facilities, our spectacular food and wine and our inimitable lifestyle courtesy of our close proximity to the city and regions."
The 2018 Aus3DE will feature a new layout with a purpose-built grandstand on the southern end of the Main Arena to provide more seating. The event will host several international officials from across the world with representatives from the USA, Germany, NZ, France, UK, and Switzerland
South Australian Tourism Commission Chief Executive, Rodney Harrex, said it was expected that up to 11 horses from NZ will compete at the 2018 event.
"The Aus3DE is Australia's premier equestrian competition and the only 4 Star status event in the Southern Hemisphere, one that has a successful 21-year history in South Australia," said Mr Harrex.
"We are proud to be a major sponsor of the event, which attracts significant visitation and profile from interstate and overseas."
New initiatives for the 2018 Aus3DE include a Kids Corral area set up in Victoria Park on the Qantas Cross Country Day, live entertainment after the completion of the Cross-Country competition, followed by show jumping and a Cross Country Masterclass. Australian's eventing legends, Olympians Heath Ryan and Stuart Tinney, will be conducting masterclasses.
The 2018 Aus3DE will be held from 15-18 November in Victoria Park.
