The Buftea area near Bucharest is set to host the fifth stage of the Emirates Global Endurance Village Series, with a 160km main race split into five phases. Scheduled for September 19, 2026, the event brings top endurance riders and major sponsors to Romania, as listed by MDMAr and the Romanian Equestrian Federation's official calendar.
The competition is organized by EIEV PULSE and the Romanian Equestrian Federation, under the supervision of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), and takes place at Shagia Sports Club, about 20 kilometers northwest of Bucharest. The main race is divided into five segments: 39km, 33km, 39km, 28km, and a final 21km stretch, challenging both riders and horses across varied ground. Organizers have completed veterinary checks and finalized the list of participants, confirming that all horses and riders meet the required health and fitness standards, according to TWASL News and MDMAr.
The Romanian Equestrian Federation's 2026 calendar officially includes the Balkan Endurance Championship in Buftea on September 18-19, alongside international CEI1*, CEI2*, CEIYJ1*, and CEIYJ2* races with distances up to 160km.
MDMAr
Beyond the main event, the schedule includes seven more races over two days. These feature the Balkan Endurance Championship (120km), the Balkan Youth and Juniors Endurance (100km), and several international contests ranging from 103km to 140km, with categories for both senior and youth riders. This packed program draws a wide field of competitors and fits into the broader Balkan endurance calendar, as confirmed by multiple sources.
The Emirates Global Endurance Village Series has already visited several continents. Emirati riders led the opening stage in Compiegne, France. The second round in Bragado, Argentina, included nine races and received strong reviews for its organization. South Africa's Michael Close won the third stage over 207km in Free State, and Chile's Alisa Rios Garcia Gaed took the fourth stage in La Ilai, riding Heli Fasina Rosa to victory over 160km.
Following the Romanian stage, the next European leg of the Emirates International Endurance Village Series is already scheduled for Slovakia on September 25-27, 2026, reflecting the ongoing expansion of the series across Europe.
MDMAr
The event is backed by major sponsors, including Emirates Airline, Ford Premier Motors, Al Masaood Equipment Rental, MBANK, AE Coin, Changer.ae, Mcoin, EVIIQ Dubai, Sarkis Jewellery, Worldwide K9 Academy, Camellia Flowers, Motopro, Juan Valdez, Derwandi Restaurants, Marie Claire Arabia, and Yas Channel as media partner. Their support has helped the series grow internationally and manage events on a large scale.
For UAE sports fans, the series highlights the country's growing presence in equestrian sport. Its format and level of competition are similar to other UAE-backed events, such as the Liwa Team's performance in the World Baja Cup. The Emirates Global Endurance Village Series brings together top riders and organizers from around the world, reinforcing the UAE's influence in international equestrian competition.
