The world's most famous equestrian events

Due to its long tradition, the demanding course and the generous prize money, the CHIO in Aachen is regarded as the "Wimbledon of Equestrian Sports." The Grand Prix of Show Jumping closes the week-long tournament, but The Nations Cup events, held under floodlights, is also among the highlights.

The Deutsches Spring and Dressur-Derby, held in Hamburg-Klein Flottbek, bills itself as the oldest horse show in Germany – and the hardest course in the world. The 1,230-meter (4,035 feet) course, which remains unchanged since 1920, requires a high degree of stamina and strength, while challenging the courage and mutual trust of both horse and rider.

When the Melbourne Cup is run every November, Australia comes to a virtual standstill – except at Flemington Racecourse and the pubs – all of which are packed. With total prize money of 7.3 million Australian dollars (€4.5 million, $5.1 million), the Melbourne Cup is the world's most expensive endurance canter race.

The Kentucky Derby, also called "The Run for the Roses," is the first leg of American horse racing’s Triple Crown. It features three-year-old thoroughbreds and is always held on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. "The most exciting two minutes in sports," is regularly attended by a capacity 150,000 spectators and is often sold out a year in advance.

Whether Kentucky or Hamburg – the word Derby is part of the names of many well – known equestrian events. The original Derby was held in Epsom in 1780. It took its name from the original organizer of the race, the Earl of Derby. To this day it is a canter race for three-year-old horses and is run over 2,423 meters (one English mile, four furlongs and one yard).

Even older than the Derby is the race week in Ascot. It has been under the patronage of the British Royal Family since it was first held in 1768. The most prestigious event is the Ascot Gold Cup for horses four years and older. Even more important than the races themselves is the dress code: From skirt length, to strap width, everything is meticulously regulated. And hats are a must.

The Grand National is a handicap steeplechase over a distance of four miles and two-and-a-half furlongs (7.2 kilometers) at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool. Accidents occur often and many horses have died there or sustained such serious injuries that they had to be put down after the race. Animal rights have campaigned to have the race abolished.

Since the Prix d'Amerique, one of the most famous harness races in the world, is held on the last Sunday in January in Paris, the weather often isn’t great and the drivers get soaked from top to bottom. Still, with prize money of €900,000, it’s worth their while. Only horses that have career winnings of at least €160,000 are allowed to enter – making for a very competitive field ideed.

The Badminton Horse Trials are one of the six most important eventing tournaments. The five-day event is held annually in April or May in the part of Badminton House, the residence of the Duke of Beaufort in South Gloucester. With a quarter of a million spectators annually, the Trials are the best-attended paid sporting event in the UK.

The Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo is the world’s most prestigious international polo tournament. Since 1893 it has been held at the Campo Argentino de Polo in Buenos Aires, known to the locals and polo fans as La Catedral del Polo (Polo Cathedral). Argentine star Adolfo Cambiaso (photo) has won the tournament 18 times.

On July 2 and August 16 of every year, 10 riders race around the Piazza del Campo in the heart of Siena's old town. Riding bareback and dressed in vintage jockey outfits, each rider represents one of Siena's city wards and the prize is a colorful silk banner on a shaft. The races, which are often rough affairs, are two of the cultural highlights in the Tuscan city's calendar.

The Calgary Stampede is an annual rodeo and festival held every July. Apart from the rodeo, one of the highlights of the 10-day event, which attracts more than a million visitors annually, are the chuckwagon races. However, some animal welfare groups have called for them to be banned as it is not uncommon for horses to die during the races – with the latest coming during this year’s Stampede.