| Where: | Sidmouth, Devon at Port Royal by the Ham on the Esplanade |
| When: | A Sunday in late July/early August |
| Time: | 1.30 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.
Helpful Hints
In 2025 it should be on Sunday 3rd August (to be confirmed-the event is usually on the Sunday preceding the first Monday in August).
Click here for the event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SidmouthHorseTrials
and website: http://sidmouthhorsetrials.org.uk/
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