Published on: 2026-09-01
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
From September 2 to 6, the Mayor of Moscow’s Cup in equestrian sports will take place at VDNKh. For the first time, trick riding has been included in the tournament program. Admission is free for visitors.
The trick riding competitions will take place on September 4 and 5 in the large equestrian arena of the Center for National Equestrian Traditions. The decision to establish the tournament was made on December 30, 2025, during the opening of this facility.
Jigitovka is one of the most spectacular equestrian sports disciplines. The rider performs complex maneuvers at high speed, demonstrating strength, coordination, and courage. The absolute winner will be determined based on the results of two days of competition.
On September 4, competitions in special trick riding will take place. Athletes will have to demonstrate their skills in handling a pike, sabre, knife, and pistol. Fourteen different targets will be set up in the arena. To win, it is necessary to show accuracy, speed, and flawless technique in performing the exercises.
On September 5, participants will compete in freestyle trick riding. Each athlete will present their own program consisting of six elements of seven different levels of difficulty. The trick exercises are performed on a moving horse. They require virtuoso technique, as well as absolute trust between the rider and the horse.
Athletes will compete on a clay court measuring 25 by 70 meters with a modern irrigation system. The venue has stands for 500 spectators, professional sound and lighting equipment, as well as advanced infrastructure. On the screens, guests will be able to closely observe every pull, turn, and jump.
The visual concept of the tournament will combine recognizable silhouettes of Moscow and images of riders. It will help create a unified image of the capital as a city that preserves its cultural heritage. The main visual symbol will be the rider — a guardian of traditions who preserves the legacy of the past and carries it into the future.
During the tournament days, visitors to the large equestrian arena will be offered a rich show program. It will present trick riding not only as a sport discipline but also as a living national art. Special attention will be given to performances by riders from the Kremlin Riding School, as well as special musical and theatrical numbers.
The final part of the program will be the awarding of the winners. The ceremony will take place in the format of a sports show.
Additionally, on September 6 from 12:00 to 13:00 in the square in front of the main entrance arch at VDNH, a mounted ceremony will take place — a ceremonial inspection of riders from the Kremlin Equestrian School. It demonstrates the grandeur of Russian military glory and the continuity of the country’s equestrian traditions. Riders in historical costumes will showcase the most vivid and spectacular elements of Russian equestrian rituals, including a march in both mounted and foot formations to music.
A festival of equestrian art and sport has opened at VDNHFrom horsemanship to a journey through the Urals: how the “Equestrian Heritage” festival will take place
Hosting events for VDNH guests aligns with the goals of the national project “Sport of Russia”. More details about Russia’s national projects and the capital’s contribution can be found at special page.
To find out how the capital has changed over the past years, what initiatives aimed at making city life even more comfortable are currently being implemented, and what awaits Moscow and its residents in the near future, one can see in the large-scale special project on the mos.ru portal, dedicated to the development of key sectors of Moscow. Among them are transport, industry, healthcare, education, sports, and construction sector.
On the project page “Sport” Information is presented about the reconstruction of dozens of historic sports facilities, including the Luzhniki Olympic Complex, the Vorobyovy Gory ski complex, and the Bitza equestrian complex, as well as about sports infrastructure accessible to every city resident.
Get the main news promptly through the official Moscow city channels on messengers “Max” and Telegram.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.