Normandy Horse Show 3-12 August 2018
Visitors from Europe and America come to enjoy the Normandie Horse Show which takes place over ten days in August, giving you plenty of chances to catch your favourite event.
5,000 competitors from 15 countries will compete and show, with special evening festivities and trade stands for visitors to explore on the 35 hectare site. Take a look at last year’s trailer for a flavour (but ignore 2017 dates!)
In its 30th anniversary year the show celebrates everything about the horse: breeding, sport and spectacle, interlinked as they are in Normandy’s economy. New for 2018 is a show area with demonstrations of different riding disciplines, interesting for all the family. See the NHS Facebook page for more information.
Visit the St Lo stud farm
The Normandy Horse Show takes place at the famous haras (stud farm) of Saint-Lô, just 45 minutes’ drive from our holiday farmhouse. Built in 1806 on the orders of Napoleon to support his campaigns, this leading national stud farm is now dedicated to breeding Selle Francais, Percheron and the Norman Cob, but has 40 breeders of over 7 different pedigrees. Many of France’s finest racehorses start their journey here.
Family Day out
If you’ve a horse lover in the family you can visit “Les Jeudis du Haras,” equestrian shows performed during each summer in the main courtyard of the National Stud. These Haras Thursdays will take place on Thursdays 2, 9, 16 and 23 August 2018 at 3pm in the Cour d’Honneur, and last about 1h 30. The haras is also open to view at other times.
Horse Riding trips
There are equestrian centres throughout Normandy, so if you fancy a hack or a longer riding experience take your pick. Many have English-speaking instructors and helpers so you are sure to enjoy your ride. Check out Normandie-Tourisme’s guide to horseriding in Normandy.
There is also lots of information on riding schools, short and long-distance trails at Manche-Tourisme.
Horsey Holiday
So come on over, book dates to suit you at our Normandy farmhouse and you can enjoy a wonderful equestrian break visiting horse shows, riding with the family or even just enjoying the company of Limonade and his donkey friend Chauffe-eau, often kept in the field behind La Dencrerie.