Mediterranean Horse Fair
Three days dedicated to the equestrian world at the Tenuta Ambelia in Militello in Val di Catania
About Mediterranean Horse Fair
A showcase for the equestrian world in the heart of Sicily
The Mediterranean Horse Fair has quickly become one of Southern Italy's most important equestrian gatherings. The event takes place at Tenuta Ambelia, the historic estate of the Istituto Incremento Ippico per la Sicilia, located in the territory of Militello in Val di Catania, a municipality in the Metropolitan City of Catania, Sicily. For three days, the estate opens its doors to a wide audience, transforming into a large equestrian village featuring competition arenas, exhibition areas, and performance spaces.
Sport, competitions, and native breeds
The heart of the fair is equestrian sport, showcased through numerous disciplines. A highlight is the "128x128" Show Jumping Competition by Fieracavalli Verona, the only selection stage for Southern Italy that awards wild cards for the prestigious Verona event. Significant space is also dedicated to western riding, with competitions, clinics led by champions, carriage driving, and dressage trials.
A fundamental chapter is the protection and promotion of native Sicilian breeds: the Oriental Purebred Sicilian, the Sicilian Horse, the Sanfratellano, and the Ragusano and Pantesco donkeys. The Ministry of Agriculture hosts morphological competitions and free-jumping trials that highlight the qualities of these animals, which represent the island's genetic and cultural heritage.
Shows, conferences, and family activities
Evenings are brought to life by the Equestrian Gala and the Ambelia Talent Show, performances that blend sport, art, and tradition. There are also conferences and in-depth discussions on the role of the horse in health, tradition, and memory, alongside projects for animal-assisted therapy (hippotherapy).
The fair is family-friendly, with workshops, "saddle baptisms" for children, donkey games, and dedicated play areas, making the event accessible and engaging for everyone.
Food, wine, and local territory
The Ambelia Food & Drink area brings together dozens of Sicilian culinary producers, offering tastings of local products and regional wines. The fair thus becomes an opportunity to celebrate the food and wine excellence and the rural identity of the Militello in Val di Catania district and all of Sicily.
Useful Information
- Location: Tenuta Ambelia, Militello in Val di Catania (CT)
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Available on-site for a fee
- Organization: Istituto Incremento Ippico per la Sicilia
Mediterranean Horse Fair — edition 2026
The 7th Mediterranean Horse Fair was held from May 15 to 17, 2026, at Tenuta Ambelia in Militello in Val di Catania, organized by the Istituto Incremento Ippico per la Sicilia. Among the central events was the "128x128" Show Jumping Competition by Fieracavalli Verona at the Trinacria Arena, which awarded three wild cards for the Verona event to riders Gabriele Carrabotta (Catania), Manfredi Testaverde (Palermo), and Rosario De Leo (Messina).
The program was rich with the final of the Masaf free-jumping circuit, western riding trials with 75 specialists, a parade of historic carriages, the Equestrian Gala, and the Ambelia Talent Show. There was also space for native breeds (Oriental Purebred Sicilian, Sicilian Horse, Sanfratellano, and Ragusano and Pantesco donkeys) and the Ambelia Food & Drink area featuring fifty Sicilian culinary producers.
Programme Mediterranean Horse Fair 2026
- "128x128" Show Jumping Competition by Fieracavalli Verona (Trinacria Arena)
- Masaf free-jumping circuit final
- Western riding trials with clinics and demonstrations
- Parade of historic carriages
- Exhibition of native Sicilian breeds
- Equestrian Gala and Ambelia Talent Show (May 16-17)
- Conference "Equitation, health, tradition, and memory"
- Activities for families and children: workshops, saddle baptisms, donkey games
- Ambelia Food & Drink area with Sicilian products and wines
Highlights Mediterranean Horse Fair 2026
Prices Mediterranean Horse Fair 2026
Practical information — Mediterranean Horse Fair
How to get there
Tenuta Ambelia is located in the territory of Militello in Val di Catania, along the road connecting Militello to Scordia. By car, it can be reached via the SS417 Catania-Gela highway, taking the exit toward Militello; the nearest airport is Catania-Fontanarossa, approximately 50 km away.
Admission and parking
Admission to the fair is free for all visitors. On-site parking is available for a fee of approximately 5 euros.
Tips
We recommend wearing comfortable footwear for the estate's unpaved paths and checking the official website of the Istituto Incremento Ippico per la Sicilia for the updated schedule of competitions and evening shows.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Mediterranean Horse Fair
Tenuta Ambelia
Contrada Ambelia, 95043 Militello in Val di Catania