Posted: 24th February 2014 | Back to news feed
August will see the eyes of the equestrian world focus on the beautiful city of Caen, Northern France when the city plays host to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
Set within the picturesque countryside of the lower region of Normandy, Caen is a deeply historic city, boasting stunning architecture.
Caen is the cultural capital of the Basse-Normandie region and has a young, lively feel thanks to the local University.
The city itself is dominated by its Castle and two Abbeys built by Caen’s most famous son, William the Conqueror, hero of the Battle of Hastings.
Rich in history spanning centuries, Caen also played an important role in the D-Day and Normandy landings of World War Two.
The region of Normandy has close thinks to all things equestrian, being France’s leading region for horse breeding and the birthplace of the Selle Francais (French Warmblood).
Home to two French national studs, Le Haras du Pin, which will hold the Cross Country phase of the Eventing competition and Le Haras de Saint-Lô, which is dedicated to the breeding of Selle Francais, the Norman Cob and Percheron.
Seven of the eight disciplines being contested at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are taking place at venues within the city of Caen making the most of existing venues.
The D’Ornano Staduim is just a short two and a half kilometre walk from Caen’s bustling city centre and will host the opening and closing ceremonies and be the venue for the show-jumping and dressage competitions.
In the heart of Caen, The Exhibition Centre will be the venue for the Reining competition as well as hosting the Equestrian village and being the nerve centre of the Games.
Located next door to The Exhibition Centre, is The Zenith Indoor Arena that will be home to the Vaulting competition.
The Para Dressage and the Carriage Driving competitions will be located at
La Prairie racecourse, situated just on the outskirts of the town.
The 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games brings an equestrian spectacle close to the UK shores, coming not long after increased enthusiasm of equestrian sports following the huge success of the London Olympics.
The city of Caen itself is just a six hour journey from London and just a two hour journey from Paris, making this enormous worldwide equestrian event so accessible to horse lovers in the UK.
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games takes place from the 24th August – 7th September.
For further information about holiday packages to the games and to purchase tickets go to www.equestrian-escapes.com.
Alltech®, the title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy, France has developed the LIFEFORCE Range of all-natural daily digestive aid supplements. These products are designed to benefit horses at every stage of life, from breeding stock to pleasure and performance animals.
For further information please visit www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk or telephone 01780 764512
The Equestrian Index newsfeed is compiled from articles submitted by advertising members and expresses the opinions of those members. Watsons Directories Ltd shall not be held liable for any inaccuracies or mis-statements therein.