The annual Baroque Horse Festival will be taking the reins at Kryal Castle in Ballarat from Saturday 18th of February to Sunday 19th February.
Showcasing Baroque horse breeds that date back to the late 16th and early 18th century, visitors will journey back in time as they see stunning Andalusians, Lusitanos, Warlanders and Friesians in action!
The perfect day out for horse lovers of all ages, there will be spectacular performances in the Championship Arena running non-stop all weekend. Hitting the mark from the start, every morning talented equestrians will show off their bow and arrow skills while atop their hooved friends with Horse Archery.
This impressive display will then be followed by a Baroque Horsemanship Challenge where the horse and rider will perform a beautiful display of tricky patterns and maneuvers, working together to maintain elegance and ease. To admire all the Spanish-hooved beauties, a Grand Parade will take place in the middle of the day showcasing all of the horses and riders representing a variety of Baroque breeds and traditional costumes.
After meeting these lovely creatures up close, attendees will be given a taste of Spain with a traditional Garrocha Display where the rider skillfully uses a long pole to guide their horse during the performance.
In a more fast-paced performance, equestrians will battle for speed in the bracing maneuvers of the Barrel Race. Followed by an impressive Fresian In Hand Display and Cavaliero Display, take in the beauty of the elegant movements and stunning traditional costumes of these performances.
For a horse-powered afternoon, be enthralled by the splendor of these Spanish mounts as they perform the beautiful dance of the Pas De Deux. All will be entranced as they gracefully weave across their outdoor ballroom!
For the Last Ride of the Day, meet the talented festival riders and their loyal steeds as they trot their stuff for the final time across the arena. Have a pat and a scratch while asking the riders a question or two!
To spur on the fun, there will also be an exciting range of family-friendly activities across the castle ground that all will enjoy! Explore the Baroque Market Stalls and get your jig on to the Spanish Flamenco Band.
Older ones will love testing their medieval skills with Archery and Axe Throwing, while young ones can head to Maypole Dancing, Rock Painting and Face Painting. Kryal Castle’s well-loved Knights and Wizards Schools will also be running, as well as photo opportunities with the quirky characters roaming the castle grounds.
A tasty trip back to the time of medieval lardars, the Baroque Feast running on the Saturday evening inside the picturesque Abbey Tavern will include a delicious three-course meal and a variety of medieval and Baroque-style entertainment. With limited tickets still available, those interested in this delightful night would best be quick!
When: Saturday 18th of February to Sunday 19th February 2023
Where: 121 Forbes Rd, Leigh Creek VIC 3352
Info: Baroque Horse Festival – Kryal Castle
