Mediterranean Equestrian Tour: A premier event for equestrian enthusiasts and horse racing fans alike
If you love horses, you’re not going to want to miss the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour (MET). Scratch that, even if you don’t love horses, you may want to check it out. It’s a series of international showjumping competitions at the Centro Ecuestre Oliva Nova in Valencia, and it always attracts some of the best in the business.
The great thing is, you don’t need to know about showjumping to get involved with the event. That’s because it also appeals to horse racing fans and animal lovers alike. If you’ve never been to an equestrian festival before, this is a great opportunity to try one out.
Appeal to horse racing fans
The MET primarily focuses on showjumping, meaning that traditional horse racing fans may think it’s not for them. There are quite a few differences, with horse racing involving a lot more betting action than showjumping. Horse racing attracts more engagement due to betting options such as placepots, which allow people to select which horses will finish in the first six races of a meeting. This gives bettors some skin in the game, and a reason to watch the races keenly.
Placepot pools are an attractive option for casual bettors, as they only have to buy a ticket and make their selections to be in with a chance of winning. The total prize pool is divided by the number of winning tickets at the end. Showjumping events don’t offer the same betting opportunities, but they can provide similar levels of intensity that horse racing fans enjoy.
Indeed, it’s interesting to observe the similarities and differences between the two equestrian activities. The horses have a slightly different appearance in each activity, as they require different skill sets. However, both sports require seamless coordination between the horse and rider, and both need the horses to be at the height of athleticism.
A global sporting attraction
For anyone seeking a gateway to the wonderful world of equestrian sport, the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour is an excellent place to start. It’s solidified its status as a global hub for showjumping, with some of the world’s best horses and riders in attendance. You don’t have to worry about a lack of excitement either, as each jump and round is a high stakes affair to see who can get the most points.
Aside from appealing to spectators who want to see horses in all their glory, the MET is seen as a prime networking event for people in the equestrian community. It’s a hotspot for some of the world’s top breeders, trainers, and riders, with the likes of Sergio Álvarez Moya in attendance at the last edition. The great thing about the setting is that it allows spectators to rub shoulders with the elites of the sport and can even offer business opportunities for people who want to get more deeply involved.
If you thought the MET was only for equestrian specialists, you were mistaken. It’s open to everyone, from experts to people who know nothing about the sport. It’s also a great option for horse racing enthusiasts to see horses doing something different.
