Watch incredible equestrian events!

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With horse trials in a heavenly setting, a performance that brings together the world's best show jumpers, a major equine festival and more, the Atlantic Loire Valley region, which showcases horses like no other, invites the general public to discover a fabulous world.

Le Mondial du Lion d’Angers (49) - Equestrian feats in a truly natural setting

Pay attention, as this is one of the country's most impressive equestrian competitions! In October, this world championship horse trials, which represents the most complex discipline, brings together the best young horses on the planet with the greatest international riders in the saddle. This takes place across a very green course tucked away in the magnificent park of the Isle Briand, a setting with Natura 2000 classification. The site is spread over 44.5 acres and hosts the Haras National du Lion d'Angers. Visitors can expect a beautiful walk, especially seeing as during the competition, spaces that are usually inaccessible are opened up to the public...

The added bonus? Here, the jumps are actual works of art! The virtuoso carpenter Jacques Languier has been in charge of sculpting these wooden marvels for thirty years.

Jumping de La Baule (44) - Wild horses

You've heard of Roland Garros for tennis, well, the Jumping International de La Baule is a similar thing, but for riding. A celebration of show jumping, the event hosts the discipline's global elite, with a competition format similar to that of the Olympic Games. Don't miss the team competition, which is one of the 17 world stages of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup, the Derby de la Région des Pays de la Loire and the Grand Prix Longines de la Ville de La Baule, which is reminiscent of Formula 1!

The added bonus? During the four days of the competition, which features a large number of trials, access to the bleachers inside the equestrian stadium is free.

Les 3 Glorieuses de Craon (53) - A real equine festival!

The first weekend in September every year brings a celebration of horses at the Hippodrome de la Touche in Craon. In total, three days of racing bring together numerous disciplines in front of over 15,000 spectators massed together in the stands. Don't miss the final of the Trophée Vert, during which the best horse's trot on grass is awarded, as well as the incredible Grand Cross-Country, a 6,000-metre competition, or even the Quinté + race whose sole purpose is to make gamblers tremble!

The added bonus? A host of activities are on offer during the event, with a horse village, first-time pony rides for little ones and even a country dancing show.

 

SAUMUR: THE EQUINE CAPITAL!

The region offers other highly-anticipated equestrian events, especially in Saumur, the ultimate equine town. Under no circumstances should you miss the Printemps des Écuyers, during which the prestigious Cadre Noir riding academy invites another equestrian arts institution to create a two-hour show that never fails to amaze the audience. The public can also watch the prowess of skilled riders during the Masters de Dressage or the Concours Complet International horse trials, which brings together specialists in the discipline on the world's best horses, a highlight of which is the village constructed for the occasion. The Concours International d'Attelage, a horse and carriage competition, invites drivers to lead two or four horses as they show off their talent at an incredible pace on one of the finest courses in existence.