Ferya des Hensons

The Ferya des Hensons: celebration of a unique horse in the world

The Ferya des Hensons is much more than just an equestrian festival: it is the annual celebration of a unique horse breed in the world, born in the Baie de Somme in the 1970s. The Henson horse, with its characteristic golden dun coat, is the result of a cross between the robust Norwegian Fjord and the Selle Français. Perfectly adapted to marine and wetland environments, this hardy and elegant horse has become one of the living symbols of maritime Picardy.

The Haras Henson: cradle of the breed

The Ferya is held at the Haras Henson - Ferme de Saint-Jean, in the hamlet of Larronville in Rue, in the heart of maritime Picardy. This site is the historic cradle of the Henson breed, where the horses that roam the foreshores, dunes, and marshes of the Baie de Somme are bred and trained. The stud farm today houses nearly 200 Henson horses on the entire Marquenterre site, making this place the epicenter of Henson breeding in France.

A rich and spectacular program

The Ferya day unfolds in two main events. The morning is dedicated to the breeding competition, a key moment of the year for Henson breeders. The foals of the year are presented to the public and the jury, and the election of the foal of the year (colt and filly) is a highly anticipated moment. Broodmares, stallions, and young three-year-old horses are also presented during this competition, which assesses the quality of Henson production.

The afternoon is dedicated to equestrian shows. From 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., non-stop equestrian games animate the site: polocrosse, push-ball (ball pushed by horses), vaulting, carousel, and cattle herding demonstrations (cutting) with the "Cavaliers Bergers du Marquenterre". These demonstrations highlight the exceptional qualities of the Henson: its maneuverability, courage, calmness, and versatility.

Animations and discoveries

Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a local producers' market, carriage rides, stud farm tours to discover the living conditions of the Hensons, and artisan shops. Rustic partner breeds—Scottish sheep, Shetland sheep, Highland cattle—are presented in their paddocks, offering a complete overview of breeds adapted to natural environments.

A living heritage of the Baie de Somme

The Ferya des Hensons is supported by the Association du Cheval Henson and the Espaces Équestres Henson, with the support of the Association des Cavaliers de la Baie de Somme. It is part of a broader initiative to promote the natural and cultural heritage of the Baie de Somme, a site classified as a Grand Site de France. The Henson horse, which contributes to the maintenance of natural environments through grazing, is a full participant in the preservation of this exceptional ecosystem.