Out and about round Cormatin

Showjumping at Cluny

For the last four days Cluny has been taken over by horses. Over 700 of them aged 4,5 and 6 years are taking part in the inter regional competition which will qualify them to enter the National Finals for young horses in Fontainebleau. The event also includes tests and training to prepare them for their future careers.

I still cannot believe that we live a just a few km away from one of the most exciting venues for horses in Europe. This afternoon two jumping competitions were in full swing at the Equivallée.  You can wander round or sit and watch wherever you like. I am always interested to watch the horses in the practice rings and mingle with the owners and riders.

The Haras promises many events for this special year of the Cluny 2010 celebrations. On Tuesdays evenings of 3^rd, 10^th and 17^th August there is the Cavalcade des Peuples, staged in the courtyard of the magnificent Haras stables. This is a procession of carriages and costumes depicting the life of the horse in different countries which promises to circumnavigate the world in 90 minutes. The stunt riders will do their utmost to impress with their daring acts, perhaps in the roles of cowboys, picadors and cossacks.

There are plenty of horse shows at the Equivallée in Cluny during the summer, not forgetting the horse racing at the Hippodrome on the 7^th and 22^nd August.

By the way, have you noticed those black clouds in the photo? The last few days have been a welcome relief from hot sunshine and temperatures in the 30s. The garden has greatly appreciated the downpours and the melons and courgettes are growing like Topsy.