| Where: | Sidmouth, Devon at Connaught Gardens (formerly Port Royal by the Ham on the Esplanade, near RNLI) |
| When: | A Sunday in late July/early August |
| Time: | 1 pm |
The event at Sidmouth is part of the annual Folk Festival (perhaps best described as a Fringe event!), and is a far cry from the usual equestrian rivalry in which horse and rider demonstrate their skill and speed at cross-country, show-jumping and dressage. Instead, it is a contest for Hobby Horses and other related Morris Beasts, in which the animals have to jump an obstacle and perform some dressage moves, and its alternative name is the Hobby Horse of the Year Show. Animals vary from one year to another but may include camels, dragons, dinosaurs and birds as well as equines of all sorts, and spectators can expect much hilarity as the beasts are put through their paces. The judges decision is final and the winner receives the prestigious Aardman Trophy, donated by the founder of Aardman Animations Peter Lord. Expect unruly shenanigans from the beasts, who love nothing better than creeping up on unsuspecting spectators, perhaps stealing a hat if they have snapping jaws…
Helpful Hints
In 2025 it was on Sunday 3rd August at a new venue, Connaught Gardens. 2026 date is yet to be confirmed but likely to be Sunday 2nd- it’s usually on the Sunday preceding the first Monday in August. There are lots of other events in the festival including music sessions and many visiting morris sides , and it lasts over a whole week including the two weekends.
Click here for the whole Festival: https://sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk
Click here for the event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SidmouthHorseTrials
and website: http://sidmouthhorsetrials.org.uk
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