What is SICAB?

SICAB, the International PRE Trade Fair is a single-theme event dedicated to Purebred Spanish Horses (PRE). It stems from the previous National PRE Championships that were held at Club Pineda in Sevilla. The first edition of the aforementioned Championship was held there in 1980, until 1986, when the industry faced commercial and sports hardship due to the first cased of African Horse Sickness. This disease led Spain to close its borders, with which all foreign trade with equines was suspended, as well as the concentration of equines throughout the country.

Foreign trade was impossible until 1992, although the ban on certain equine concentrations was lifted in 1990. That was a turning point for ANCCE, the National PRE Breeders’ Association to summons a small number of PRE horses at the FIBES Convention Center and Fair Grounds in Sevilla. Designated as EXPOGAN—although it shared the facilities with other farm breeds, that was the seed for today’s SICAB.

1991 was a decisive year for both ANCCE and FIBES. Both organizations signed a collaboration agreement. This guaranteed the future of SICAB as it moved away from EXPOGAN, to create a new venue—SICAB—with international projection. That first SICAB used only two of the three possible pavilions on the FIBES grounds. There were about five hundred horses, and twenty-some stands. Based on the success of that initial experience, the next edition was expanded to incorporate several innovations. In 1992, the venue occupied all possible space on the FIBES grounds. The Show became a key aspect of the event. From that point onwards, SICAB has continued to break its own record in terms of the audience size, the number of horses and participating stud farms from all over the world.

SICAB is home of the best national and international stud farms and the world’s best Purebred Spanish Horses. They all met at SICAB, which activates the sales of Purebred Spanish Horses.

SICAB is a unique event, with something for all ages. During the 6-day event, there are competitions, Social activities, training courses, and ample commercial activity. What is the end result? It is an powerful, varied and complete recreational option with activities for everyone thanks to the continual program of events in the arena and the all-embracing food courts.

Undoubtedly, SICAB’s hallmark is the Equestrian Show. Year after year, this alone brings together thousands of equestrian enthusiasts to enjoy the various exhibitions staring the world’s best riders.

SICAB is well aware of the international focus of the event. Therefore, is has its own digital communication channels. In this regard, SICAB.TV, its web site and competition apps have turned the venue into a meeting place for enthusiasts the world over who follow the competitions and results live.

Moreover, SICAB may be followed online from any hand-held device as well as social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

From the very beginning, ANCCE, as the organizers of SICAB, has enjoyed the backing of Spain’s Royal Household. Since its inception, and until 2013, Infanta Elena de Borbon, held the post as Honorary President. Currently, her brother, King Felipe VI of Spain holds that honor. Every year, many institutional representatives, whether officially or privately, have participated in various activities held during the Trade Fair. A number of well-known personalities have also attended, including familiar faces from the theatre world, bullfighters, experts in economy, athletes, and socialites. Since 2014, SICAB honors distinguished personalities whose work resembles the many recognized virtues of PRE horse. These awards are presented as the Purebred Spanish Horse Awards.

SICAB has been recognized publicly and institutionally twice. The first was in 2011, when the Trade Fair was granted the City of Sevilla Gold Medal, This is the maximum recognition granted by the City of Sevilla for being the city’s most important social-economic event, right behind Easter Week and the April Fair. The second honor was in 2020 with the Medal of Andalusia. This honorary distinction is awarded to SICAB by the Regional Government of Andalusia in the category of international projection. This coincided with a very special year, when SICAB celebrated thirty years of history.