Jerez, Spain holds world-class equestrian event, bring
boots and castanets!
By Rod Lopez-Fabrega
Jerez
in southern Spain, the home of the world’s finest sherries, is also world
renown for its magnificent equestrian traditions. On May 13-20, Jerez holds
its annual Horse Fair, the Feria de San Fermin. Accompanied by the brilliant
costumes and mesmerizing sounds of gypsy guitars and castanets, the
magnificent horseflesh of Spain struts its stuff. One of the most vibrant
and colorful events in Europe, the Horse Fair combines the best of Andalusia
and the ancient traditions of Jerez. The origins of the equestrian tradition
of Jerez are lost in time, going back at least to Alfonso the Wise,
thirteenth century king of Castile and Leon, but nowadays the tradition is
very deep-rooted among the people of Jerez and in The Royal Andalusian
School of Equestrian Arts based there.
One
of the notable daily events is the parade, a magnificent procession of
riders and carriages, full of color and elegance. Hundreds of riders, both
men and women, together with unique carriages of all styles pass through the
promenades of the Fair every day. Some of the events preceding and during
the eight days of the Fair are: Spanish cross-country riding championships;
Spanish championship of pursuit and knocking down of bulls; Country-style
dressage competition; Morphological competition of selected horses (a
horseflesh beauty contest); Carriage competition and show; Presentation of
the “Caballo de Oro” award to the finest horse; and the “Champion of
Champions” awards.
The
Feria de San Fermin is actually the lead event to the quadrennial Jerez
World Equestrian Games (WEG). Held every four years, this event consists of
competitions of the six most important equestrian disciplines as regulated
by the International Equestrian Federation. Past events have been held in
Stockholm, The Hague and Rome. Jerez will host the games in September 2002,
offering its wonderful climate, its historic region, its hospitality and its
centuries-old equestrian traditions.
TM
Jerez
in southern Spain, the home of the world’s finest sherries, is also world
renown for its magnificent equestrian traditions. On May 13-20, Jerez holds
its annual Horse Fair, the Feria de San Fermin. Accompanied by the brilliant
costumes and mesmerizing sounds of gypsy guitars and castanets, the
magnificent horseflesh of Spain struts its stuff. One of the most vibrant
and colorful events in Europe, the Horse Fair combines the best of Andalusia
and the ancient traditions of Jerez. The origins of the equestrian tradition
of Jerez are lost in time, going back at least to Alfonso the Wise,
thirteenth century king of Castile and Leon, but nowadays the tradition is
very deep-rooted among the people of Jerez and in The Royal Andalusian
School of Equestrian Arts based there.
One
of the notable daily events is the parade, a magnificent procession of
riders and carriages, full of color and elegance. Hundreds of riders, both
men and women, together with unique carriages of all styles pass through the
promenades of the Fair every day. Some of the events preceding and during
the eight days of the Fair are: Spanish cross-country riding championships;
Spanish championship of pursuit and knocking down of bulls; Country-style
dressage competition; Morphological competition of selected horses (a
horseflesh beauty contest); Carriage competition and show; Presentation of
the “Caballo de Oro” award to the finest horse; and the “Champion of
Champions” awards.
The
Feria de San Fermin is actually the lead event to the quadrennial Jerez
World Equestrian Games (WEG). Held every four years, this event consists of
competitions of the six most important equestrian disciplines as regulated
by the International Equestrian Federation. Past events have been held in
Stockholm, The Hague and Rome. Jerez will host the games in September 2002,
offering its wonderful climate, its historic region, its hospitality and its
centuries-old equestrian traditions.