The first Festival of the Horse was first organised four years ago by the Go Riding Group. At the time the aim was to introduce the relatively new sport of Horseball to the North East of England, by combining competitions in many of the other equestrian disciplines with the North East Horseball Championships. Competitors from as far away as Bristol and Kent travelled to the festival, and it was a great success.

The show continued with the same format for the next two years, growing each year. Now, at the start of a new Millennium, our goals for the Festival of the Horse changed. For the first time the Festival of the Horse was held in the Events Arena in Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

Equestrian pursuits have long been seen as the preserve of the wealthy. As anyone involved in equestrian sports at grass roots level can tell you this isn't a true reflection. We hope to change this perception by demonstrating how accessible horse riding can be, and to show the benefits that can be enjoyed through contact with horses.

The festival was backed by the British Horse Society, the British Show Jumping Association and the British Horseball Association, and will include Dressage, Show Jumping and Horseball competitions and demonstrations. Exhibitions by Farriers, Vet's, Saddler's and many other professions associated with the equestrian industry are amongst the attractions on offer. Animal behavioural expert Richard Maxwell gave a demonstration of horse handling.

Click here for festival pictures

any comments about the festival? Please email us at

click here