Popular equestrian day on August 15th in the City of Horses
The Pompadour Horse Festival is a popular equestrian celebration held annually on August 15th in Arnac-Pompadour since the 1950s. This festive day brings together all local equestrian stakeholders for several events: mass at the racecourse at 9:30 AM, equestrian demonstration at the Puy-Marmont stadium at 11:00 AM, traditional horse races at the racecourse in the afternoon (including the Grand Cross), and show jumping competition (CSO up to 1.45m). An essential summer tradition, the Horse Festival celebrates Pompadour's equestrian identity and attracts locals, breeders, and horse enthusiasts.
The Pompadour Horse Festival takes place every year on August 15th in Arnac-Pompadour, the French capital of horses. This popular celebration, organized since the 1950s, brings together all local equestrian stakeholders: breeders, riders, horse owners, stud farm staff, grooms, and enthusiasts. It is a highlight of local life and demonstrates the region's deep attachment to equestrian culture.
The day begins with a mass celebrated at the racecourse at 9:30 AM, gathering the equestrian community in a moment of reflection and tradition. At 11:00 AM, an equestrian demonstration is held at the Puy-Marmont equestrian stadium, allowing the public to appreciate the talents of the riders and the beauty of the horses. In the afternoon, starting at 2:00 PM, the racecourse hosts traditional horse races, including the famous Grand Cross, the day's main event attracting the region's best trotters and riders.
Alongside the horse races, a show jumping competition (CSO) takes place at the Puy-Marmont equestrian stadium. This competition features events of various levels, with a 1.45m event in the early afternoon, allowing high-level riders to compete in a demanding competition. These CSO events attract regional and national competitors, confirming Pompadour's status as a center of equestrian excellence.
Arnac-Pompadour has been intimately linked to the equestrian world since the creation of the National Stud in 1872. The town boasts exceptional facilities: a racecourse, an equestrian stadium, stables, and training centers. This concentration of resources and expertise makes it a reference hub for breeding, equestrian sports, and horse racing. The August 15th Horse Festival celebrates this unique identity and contributes to the tourist appeal of Corrèze.
2026 edition of the Pompadour Horse Festival, a popular equestrian day on August 15th. Mass at the racecourse, equestrian demonstration, horse races (Grand Cross), and show jumping competition. Festive tradition in the capital of horses.
The 2026 edition of the Pompadour Horse Festival will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Puy-Marmont racecourse and equestrian stadium in Arnac-Pompadour. This new edition will perpetuate the tradition of this popular equestrian celebration, bringing together local equestrian stakeholders, residents, and visitors.
The day will begin with the mass at the racecourse at 9:30 AM, followed by the equestrian demonstration at 11:00 AM. The afternoon will be dedicated to traditional horse races, featuring the highlight event, the Grand Cross, and the show jumping competition at the Puy-Marmont stadium. The 2026 Horse Festival will once again affirm Pompadour's equestrian identity and its deep commitment to horse culture.
Events take place at the racecourse and the Puy-Marmont equestrian stadium in Arnac-Pompadour.
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Hippodrome et Stade équestre du Puy-Marmont
Allée des Marronniers, 19230 Arnac-Pompadour