In a few figures, the Angers Horse Show is: 515 horses, 1,200 tons of sand, 16 tons of straw, 7 tons of hay, 240 boxes including more than 50 accessible to the public and finally more than 150 hours of animations. Visitors responded to the initiation arena, taking real pleasure in trying new disciplines and discovering new approaches to horses via masterclasses. The first Cosplay parade brought together 8 cosplayers of all ages accompanied by their horses. They all represented different worlds of pop culture, including: Harry Potter, Beauty and the Beast, Sakura, Zorro… The audience, won over, did not fail to encourage the participants who were visibly delighted to present their costumes. Furthermore, Nicolas Touzaint, multiple Olympic medalist in eventing, and Vladimir Vinchon, Paralympic dressage rider, were present at the FFE stand for a signing session. Many visitors went to meet them to greet them and leave with a nice souvenir! Also note the presence of rider Gireg Le Coz, reservist of the French CCE Paris 2024 team. The latter spoke in the We Horse Green conference space on the subject of infrastructures promoting the well-being of horses. high level. This show was also the scene of three days of show jumping competition. A real plebiscite since there were more than 530 participants over the weekend! Many events were offered – with obstacles ranging from 30 to 120 cm – including the trophy for retired racing horses.
The Angers Horse Show obtains its EquuRES EVENT label at the “commitment” level
This label is the first environmental quality mark adapted to equestrian events. The specifications include around a hundred varied criteria (animal welfare, waste management, communication, infrastructure, catering, etc.). The Show mainly stood out on the following points: rigorous health management of equines, generously mulched boxes and free access to hay, presence of outdoor spaces for horses to walk, solicitation of mostly local service providers and producers, presence of sorting bins and large skips to store the manure which is recovered and composted, installation of digital terminals to avoid printing out programs, absence of carpet in the aisles, communication on good practices with exhibitors and visitors, etc. is a first step for the Show which intends to continue its progress in the service of the environment and animal welfare.
Artificial intelligence at the heart of the Show
The Angers Horse Show was the first to take up the subject. A conference led by an expert and a professional in the equestrian industry made it possible to describe the possible uses of the tool. Practical workshops were also offered every day with simulations on concrete cases. The opportunity in particular to discover how artificial intelligence can help professionals in the management of their stables. It was the big surprise of the year, the new host of the We Horse Green TV show, Philippia, was herself created using artificial intelligence.
Full house for the Equestrian Stars evening
Hosted by the illustrious Calixte de Nigremont, the 5th season of Étoiles Equestres brought together no less than 2,500 spectators this Sunday, November 10, the evening once again sold out. It was Tonnellerie et Cie, the winning troupe of the 2023 edition, which opened the ball with a number that looked like an electro festival. At the end of an evening full of magic (and suspense!), it was finally Julien Lecourt who won the 2024 Equestrian Stars with a score of 17.3/20! The teaching artist transported the audience by offering a real dance with his two horses. Valse Equine climbs to the second step of the podium (16.8/20) and Auriane and Granola reach third place (16.6/20). A nice surprise for this duo who had until then been reservists and who took part in the competition following the abandonment of Héloïse and Cantua. Remember that the six candidates were evaluated by the jury, but also by the public! The jury particularly praised, with very high marks, the harmony of the candidates with their horses, a new criterion in the rating this year. To end the evening in style, Guillaume Mauvais and Les Comtois en Folie delivered a 45-minute show during which young and old alike marveled. A real convivial moment suspended in time for all spectators.
Please note: the 9th edition of the Angers Horse Show will be held from November 8 to 11, 2025!
