Equestrian perfomances in Brittany
Every period of the year at the Haras National d'Hennebont is a special time when you can visit the site, attend events or take part in original equestrian shows under a big top or outdoors.
LAUNCH OF "L'écrin",
show "prélude"
october 17 to 19, 2025
During this launch show for the new equestrian hall at the Haras National d'Hennebont, attend an exceptional performance featuring 7 equestrian companies and around thirty horses.
Visit + show “ouh la la”
from october 22 to 31, 2025
In the fall, the Volti Subito company will be taking over the new "Écrin" with "Cirque Ouh la la", an original, joyfully absurd creation, a quirky homage to the equestrian circus of yesteryear. You can also attend a lively presentation of the different horse breeds and enjoy all the visiting areas: "Imperial" trail, stable 2, Saddlery of Honor, forge courtyard, etc.
show "don quichotte"
FROM december 20 to 31, 2025
During the Christmas period, the Diego n’Co company takes over L'Écrin with its creation "Don Quixote, folie équestre." It offers a joyfully offbeat and deeply poetic reinterpretation of Cervantes' famous novel. This show for all audiences, carried by 7 artists, 12 horses and 1 donkey, combines the wonder of the circus, the depth of theater and the lightness of an equestrian cabaret, in a warm and intergenerational format.
Visit + show “la mÉthode bolino”
from february 16 to 27, 2026
During the winter holidays, from Monday to Friday, enjoy a show in the heart of L'Écrin du Haras d'Hennebont! The Andjaï company presents "La méthode Bolino", a burlesque theater show halfway between a one-man show, an acrobatic act, and a clown comedy. You can also attend a lively presentation of the different horse breeds and enjoy the visiting areas: "Imperial" course, stable 2, Saddlery of Honor, etc.
visit + show
"reconnecte-moi"
FROM april 13 to 24, 2026
This spring, the Nagaïka Tribes, Atao Horse Show, and Willow Horse Show companies will be presenting their creation, "Reconnect Me," an equestrian show where the horse takes us away from the virtual world and brings us back to the present moment. On this occasion, the entire Stud Farm tour is open to you: an animated presentation of the different horse breeds, the "Imperial" trail, Stable 2, the Saddlery of Honor, the Equi'curious Garden, and more.
Visit + show “les 4 Éléments”
from july 13 to august 21, 2026
During the summer period, the Hasta Luego company takes over L'Écrin with its show "The 4 Elements", a sensory and visual journey through the 4 fundamental forces of nature: water, earth, air and fire. In addition, you will attend a lively presentation of the different horse breeds and enjoy all the visiting areas: "Imperial" course, stable 2, Saddlery of Honor, equi'curious garden...
The magic of equestrian shows: an unforgettable experience
The equestrian show is an art that has been seduced for centuries by the beauty and strength of horses. These events are rich in emotions and surprises, with talented riders and their mounts performing breathtaking performances.
THE DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES IN EQUESTRIAN SHOWS AT THE HARAS NATIONAL D'HENNEBONT
Although equestrian shows all share the same love for horses and horse riding, there is a great diversity of disciplines. Some examples are:
• High school dressage : this classic discipline highlights the most spectacular dressage figures, performed by exceptional horses and riders who master their art perfectly.
• Voltige cosage et jockey : here, it is a question of joining acrobatics and gymnasia figures on the back of a horse in motion, for a performance that combines balance, strength and elegance.
• Hungarian post : this equestrian practice consists for a rider to ride standing on a pair of horses.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES OF A SUCCESSFUL EQUESTRIAN SHOW
Behind the wonder of an equestrian show lies a colossal amount of work, involving many people and flawless logistics. Here are a few key factors to guarantee success:
THE CHOICE OF HORSES AND RIDERS
To offer a quality performance, it is essential to select horses adapted to the type of show, both for their physique and their temperament. Some will be more comfortable in high school dressage while others will be better at stunts. Riders must also have the required skills, both in terms of riding and communicating with their mount.
TRAINING AND REPETITION
The preparation of an equestrian show requires hours of work and rehearsal for riders, horses and technical staff. Each movement, each figure is repeated tirelessly in order to be perfectly mastered on the day of representation.
CREATIVITY AND ORIGINALITY
Spectators appreciate equestrian shows that are off the beaten track, offering an innovative concept or a compelling story. The staging must therefore be worked with care, to surprise and seduce the public while enhancing equestrian prowess.
TEAMWORK AND COORDINATION
Beyond the rider-horse duo, a whole team contributes to the success of an equestrian show: stage managers, sound and light technicians, decorators, costume designers... Their collaboration is essential to ensure fluidity and harmony during performances.
