Adelaide Equestrian Festival Announces Exciting Course Design Team for 2026 Oceania Championships

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival has announced the appointment of Australia’s two Level 4 FEI Course Designers, Clayton Fredericks and Ewan Kellett, as part of the Festival’s elite course design team for 2026.

After two successful years serving as Assistant Course Designer for the CCI5* class, Clayton Fredericks will now take the reins as Course Designer for the CCI4*-S and Senior Teams Oceania Championship class in 2026.

“It’s a real honour to step into the lead Course Designer role for the CCI4*-S class in 2026,” said Clayton Fredericks. “Designing at Adelaide is a special opportunity — Adelaide is not just Australia’s premier equestrian event, but the leading event in the Southern Hemisphere. I’m excited to create a course that is truly worthy of the occasion for the Oceania Championship senior teams competition”

In addition, the Festival confirms that Ewan Kellett will join the team as Assistant Course Designer under the continued leadership of Mike Etherington-Smith for the prestigious CCI5* – the only 5-star event in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival is committed to nurturing Australian talent in course design, ensuring a sustainable legacy of homegrown expertise. This commitment extends across all levels of the event, with Mick Pineo continuing in his vital role as Cross Country Lead and Chief Course Builder, as well as Course Designer for the CCI3*-L and Young Rider Oceania Teams Competition

“It’s been a pleasure working with Clayton and Ewan and seeing them develop into top-level course designers. Adelaide is a unique event, and having them involved brings fresh perspective while building depth and continuity. I’m looking forward to supporting them in their expanded roles in 2026,” says Mike Etherington-Smith.

As the equestrian community looks ahead to a home Olympic Games, the Adelaide Equestrian Festival continues to strengthen not just its competitive offerings, but also its readiness across officials, volunteers, and event operations. The appointment of both Clayton and Ewan to key course design roles reflects a meaningful step towards long-term Olympic preparation for all involved in the sport.

The 2026 Adelaide Equestrian Festival (16-19 April), will also mark a significant milestone, the 40-year anniversary of the Gawler World Championship Three Day Event, held in South Australia in 1986. This landmark event placed Australia firmly on the international equestrian map and laid the foundation for the world-class competition we now see at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival. Celebrating this anniversary alongside the Oceania Championships is a fitting tribute to four decades of excellence, passion, and progress in equestrian sport across the region.

Tickets for the 2026 Adelaide Equestrian Festival will go on sale in mid-November. For more information click HERE.