September 02, 2025
- More than 500 live demonstrations across four riding arenas, along with health forum presentations and seminars covering all facets of equine care and well-being
- High-stakes competitions in roughly 50 classes, final rounds featured during evening shows, and the launch of the new Extreme Trail
- New Yellowstone Saloon, an extended music lineup, and expanded experience areas devoted to the western lifestyle
Friedrichshafen – Visitors will be able to experience the western lifestyle up close and personal when the Americana opens its gates from September 3 to 7, 2025, with show jumpers crossing paths with country music performers and the exhibition halls transformed into many different western-themed “states.” Europe’s largest event for western and leisure riding spans 77,000 square meters and features approximately 300 exhibitors from 16 countries showcasing their products and services. The event is organized as a partnership between Messe Friedrichshafen and Americana GmbH, with Americana GmbH handling the sports and show management and the trade fair organizers based on Lake Constance in charge of the supporting program and exhibition offerings. “Since its premiere, the Americana has established itself as a flagship event on the trade fair calendar. The fact that we can offer even more space and variety with the second edition highlights the event’s potential – not only for the western community but also for the Friedrichshafen location,” explains Messe Friedrichshafen CEO Klaus Wellmann.
Experience the western lifestyle anew
“The technical excellence of our supporting program, which features more than 500 presentations and demonstrations alongside a wealth of innovations and a broad entertainment lineup, makes the Americana a trade fair experience that is unparalleled in this form,” says Project Manager Roland Bosch. The new Yellowstone Saloon in Outdoor Area West invites visitors to linger into the night, and a stunt show offering thrilling action and spectacular visuals will be another exciting addition to the same location. The Handmade Area will celebrate its premiere in Hall A4, where skilled craftspeople will carry out artisanal work live in front of visitors. Young enterprises will be presenting themselves for the first time in the Start-up Area in Hall B2. At demonstrations in the riding arenas, the expert audience will delve deeper into topics such as breeds and riding styles, horsemanship, working equitation, Extreme Trail riding, and horse health.
World-class sports and showmanship
The Americana has long stood as a key tournament on the European show circuit and has contributed significantly to the rising popularity of western riding sports. Once again, some 460 horses and leading riders from 16 countries will compete in 50 classes in the show arena of Zeppelin CAT Hall A1 for guaranteed prize money of 212,000 euros. The grandstands can accommodate more than 5,300 spectators, who can also follow the action up close on four large LED screens.
“I am delighted that the Ranch classes are once again proving to be highly popular, even surpassing the impressive attendance figures from 2023,” says Show Manager Sandra Quade. “However, our other disciplines are also well represented, ensuring that visitors can once again look forward to enjoying a wide variety of elite sporting events. I am thrilled with our new ‘Performance Horse Team Challenge’ class on Thursday evening, where all disciplines are ridden by one team. This versatility inherent in western riding is what the Americana ultimately stands for.
As usual, the grand finals will take place during the Friday and Saturday evening shows, and the show management has once again come up with some great new ideas for this. “Visitors to the evening shows will not only experience fast-paced reining, cutting, and cowhorse events, along with the hugely popular Ranch Horse disciplines, but also outstanding show acts,” promises Show Manager Joachim Bochmann.
NRHA Million Dollar Rider Grischa Ludwig summarizes what the Americana means for the riders: “The Americana is the tournament every reining rider aspires to win at least once in their lifetime. That’s why this event makes everyone’s ‘bucket list’ every two years, whether you’re a non-pro or an open rider. I’ve won the Open Trophy before, but I’m doing everything I can to win it again.”
Country music featuring international stars and a European debut
The program will be complemented by international country acts throughout the day and exclusive evening concerts at the new Bluebird Café Lake Constance (Foyer West). A glance at the lineup of country music stars set to perform at the Americana highlights the event’s strong international reputation, which now extends well beyond the equestrian sphere. For example, Texas singer Amanda Kate Ferris, recognized internationally, not only in the United States, chose the Americana for her first appearance on the European continent: “For me, this event embodies the country and western lifestyle like no other in Europe,” says Amanda Kate Ferris. “I’ve sung the national anthem at many rodeos in Texas and given concerts after the shows for years, and I’m also an avid western rider. That’s why I’m really looking forward to the days ahead in Friedrichshafen!“
New: Riding arena focusing on Extreme Trail
For the first time at the Americana, a large “Extreme Trail” featuring around 15 natural obstacles will be showcased, with Kerstin Rester and her team presenting this highly popular discipline. The Extreme Trail course involves overcoming unusual obstacles such as tree trunks, seesaws, and suspension bridges with your horse, offering a challenging experience that fosters mutual trust between horse and rider while providing an exciting change of pace. “Extreme Trail is an incredible sporting discipline where anyone can find their place,” says Kerstin Rester, who is also familiar to many viewers of Germany’s VOX series “Die Pferdeprofis” (“The Horse Professionals”). “Extreme Trail is accessible to all, regardless of horse breed, age, or whether you’re riding or working from the ground. It fosters balance, encourages conscientiousness, and builds self-confidence in the horse, making it fantastic for team building.” The 1st European Extreme Trail Association e.V. (EETA) will showcase itself at the new Extreme Trail course in Hall A2, giving beginners and professionals alike the chance to enhance their skills with expert guidance.
Opening hours and prices
The fair is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, except on Sunday, September 7, when it closes at 5 pm. Day tickets for the trade fair, combined tickets for public transport (ferry and catamaran), and parking tickets can be purchased online at https://tickets.messe-friedrichshafen.de/webshop/220/tickets. Tickets for evening events, season tickets, and combined tickets (trade fair admission plus evening events) are available at www.ticketmaster.de and at all advance booking offices, cooperation partners, and sales partners associated with the TM System.
Press contact:
Mona Dimitrow, Manager of Media Relations
Tel.: +49 7541 708-328
E-mail: mona.dimitrow@messe-fn.de
About the Americana
The Americana, Europe’s largest western riding fair, transforms the exhibition grounds in Friedrichshafen into a dream destination for horse enthusiasts every two years. With more than 500 horses, 600 head of cattle, and nearly 1,000 competition starts in approximately 50 classes, it stands out as the highlight event of the western riding competitive season. Fans of equestrian sports and the western lifestyle will find everything from clothing and accessories to stable construction among the many international exhibitors. After the trade fair ends for the day, the Americana’s western atmosphere invites visitors to stay and enjoy the excitement, whether by attending evening shows or visiting the saloon.
About Messe Friedrichshafen
Messe Friedrichshafen GmbH is one of Germany’s leading trade fair companies and is located at the scenic meeting point of four countries along the shores of Lake Constance. Founded in 1950 to bolster the region’s economy, it has made a name for itself worldwide as an organizer and marketer of leisure and trade exhibitions. Its extensive portfolio includes congresses, corporate and sporting events, television productions, and live concerts. Each year, Messe Friedrichshafen attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and thousands of exhibiting companies from more than 100 countries to Lake Constance. With a total of 87,500 m² of exhibition space, the venue features twelve exhibition halls, two multifunctional foyers, and two outdoor areas in the inner courtyard measuring 15,500 m². Additionally, the Static Display area spans 20,000 m² and provides exceptional opportunities for engaging and dynamic trade fair experiences. The exhibition grounds, which are compact in design and include the Fair Lake adjacent to the airport as well as halls equipped with hangar doors, can accommodate a wide range of possible uses.
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