Processional animals are mane attraction at fun new feature
The inaugural Sidmouth Horse Trials is coming to town and - with not an equine in sight - it promises to be an event like no other.
There will be no long faces in the crowd at this fun new feature for FolkWeek, which takes place on Sunday, July 31, from 6.30pm at The Hub at the Ham, to celebrate an ancient tradition involving elaborately costumed processional animals.
Organiser Stephen Rowley said: “Hobby horses are all about fun, they interact with the audience and get up to comic capers. Each one has its own character and special features.
“The Sidmouth Horse Trials is designed to be a focal point for the beasts attending the festival and give the public an insight to this ancient tradition. It is a precursor to the forthcoming 2017 Sidmouth Hobby Horse of the Year Show.”
The idea derives from a tradition dating back to the 11th century. There will be hobby horse workshops on Monday, August 1.
Following Sunday’s event, there will be two workshops on Monday, August 1.
From 9.30am to 12.30pm, people can make a hobby horse of their own at Sidmouth Church of England Primary School and from 2pm, a ‘Horsing Around’ workshop will teach participants how to use their horse to best effect.
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