Fête du Cheval de Moutiers-les-Mauxfaits

The Fête du Cheval: over 60 years of equestrian passion in Vendée

Since 1962, the Château du Bois Lambert in Moutiers-les-Mauxfaits has hosted the Fête du Cheval every summer, one of the oldest and most popular equestrian events in Vendée. Created by horse enthusiasts eager to keep the equestrian heritage of southern Vendée alive, this festival has endured through the decades by constantly renewing itself while retaining its soul: the celebration of the horse in all its forms, from sporting competitions to artistic shows, in the majestic setting of a Vendée bocage castle.

Organized by the Le Bois Lambert association with the support of the L'Été en Fête association and a hundred volunteers, the Fête du Cheval has, over the years, gained a reputation that extends far beyond the commune. Riders, families, horse lovers, and the curious gather every year on the Sunday before August 15th to share a full day of equestrian emotions, conviviality, and popular celebration.

The Eventing Competition: the sporting heart of the festival

From the morning, the regional level eventing competition (CCE), organized in partnership with the Société Hippique de Vendée, forms the sporting heart of the day. Around 100 riders from all over the region compete in the three disciplines of eventing: dressage in the arena, show jumping, and cross-country in the forest. Spectators can follow the events from the edge of the arena in the morning, then take the pedestrian paths to watch the riders galloping through the natural obstacles of the cross-country course in the domain's undergrowth.

The Saint-Hubert Mass and Hunting Horns

At 11 a.m., the Saint-Hubert mass celebrated at the foot of the castle is one of the most moving moments of the day. Accompanied by the hunting horns of Les Échos du Lay, this traditional ceremony pays homage to the patron saint of hunters and riders in a solemn and bucolic setting. The sound of the horns echoing through the castle grounds creates a unique atmosphere, at the crossroads of the sacred and the rustic.

Equestrian Shows: the art of the horse on stage

In the afternoon, the arena transforms into an open-air theater to host exceptional equestrian shows. Over the years, the festival has welcomed renowned companies such as the Caballicare company with its chivalry scenes, the Ponycorn troupe with its humorous shows, and the Arvak company with its demonstrations of vaulting and jousting. Equestrian artists like Élodie Mandler have presented dressage acts showcasing the bond between horses, dogs, and riders. Pony rides, a treasure hunt, and a drawing contest complete the activities for the younger ones.

The Country Dinner and Evening Show

In the evening, a country dinner at the foot of the castle allows visitors to extend the celebration with a convivial meal accompanied by live music. For several years, the evening has concluded with a magical evening show created and performed by about forty volunteer actors from the association. These musical tales, such as "Le conte musical de bois" or "Regard d'Enfants," blend theater, music, and lights in the enchanting setting of the illuminated castle, offering a memorable finale to this festive day.