It’s off to the races at each of these equestrian events that are jam-packed with excitement and activities galore.  From taking part in an old English sport to anjoying hours of galloping fun, there’s no doubt that the horse is the main attraction. So if you’re looking for some top-notch equestrian performances then take a trip to the wild side and get ready to cowboy up.

Louisiana: Angola Prison Rodeo

Originally this race was only attended by inmates of the Louisiana State Penitentiary and their officers. But the excitement of the festivities couldn’t keep Louisiana’s locals from wanting front row access to this exciting competition.

Now the Angola Prison Rodeo widely opens its doors to the public, inviting them to eat, drink and watch as shows like the bareback riding, wild horse race and convict poker swing into full gear. The rodeo, which is also the longest inmate-inspired event of its kind in the U.S., takes place every Sunday in October and during a specific weekend in April.  

Along with horses, bulls also make an appearance, snorting and kicking up their hooves to excite the crowd.  If you’re looking for a wild party in the dirty south, the Angola Prison Rodeo is a great place to yell, “giddy up horsey!”

London: Chestertons Polo in the Park

When the folks of Europe want to be entertained, they turn to Chestertons Polo in the Park.  This equestrian extravaganza is a world-class polo event where jockeys come to play and spectators come to watch the game, mingle and nosh on delicious foods and drinks.

A cosmopolitan atmosphere encompasses the entire competition, which is held in the month of June in London’s Hurlingham Park. The elegance surrounding the event is just as graceful as the great stallions themselves. And once Polo in the Park is in full effect, it is easy to see why this beloved British sport is such a great part of English tradition.

Mongolia: Naadam Festival

If you are in Mongolia in July and wondering want to do, make your way to the Naadam Festival to become immersed in the Mongolian culture. This celebration is a two-day event that features horse racing, archery and wrestling all-in-one.

Once music begins to ring in the air, the magic of the Naadam Festival begins to unfold as monks and athletes take their positions before their fans. When the games begin, the crowd goes wild for the blazing fast horseback competition. The Naadam Festival is two days of excitement and guarantees to be a memorable experience that will follow you all the way home.

South Africa: Fauresmith Endurance Ride

It takes a lot of guts to compete in the Fauresmith Endurance Ride, which seems to be the motivation the competitors thrive off of.  During this three-day competition that occurs on South Africa’s rugged terrain in July, riders brave harsh obstacles like avoiding holes and crossing bodies of water in order to successfully reach the finish line.

The challenges that are presented here are something we typically don’t see in other equestrian sporting events, but to both the spectators and the audience the more challenges the better. And not to worry; the horses are carefully looked after while competing in the Fauresmith Endurance Ride. This galloping adventure is definitely not for amateurs, which is why victors of this race deserve all bragging rights.

Australia: Melbourne Cup

Some come for the fashion, some come to see the stallions and others come for a bit of both. The Melbourne Cup may very well be the most stylish event that involves horses in the country and probably the planet.

After all, it is dubbed “the race that stops a nation,” and once you’re in full view of the thoroughbreds and high-end style showcased here, it is easy to see why. Melbourne Cup is the show everyone waits for every year, which is evident by the thousands of people gracing the festival every first Tuesday in the month of November. This vibrant spectacle occurs during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, and it is a showstopper in its own right.

Read on: Like your equestrian events with a little more hootin' and hollerin'? Check out The Top 10 Rodeos in The U.S. If you're a little more on the refined side, you'll find unbridled excitement at 5 U.S. Polo Clubs Where You Can Experience Polo Like the Royals.