September 02, 2025
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.