A must-see event for horse and nature lovers, Equirando invites everyone to set off on horseback, pony, or even mule or donkey, ridden or harnessed, wherever and whenever they want, before converging on a rallying point for three days of festivities.
This tradition has continued since 1961 with the “first equestrian tourism gathering” organized in Polignac, which became international with the participation of trail riders from beyond our borders at the event held in Nancy in 1965.
More than 850 participants, 700 horses, 40 drivers, and around 30 riders from Germany, England, Australia, Belgium, India, Luxembourg, Sweden, and Switzerland gathered in Bagnoles de l'Orne from July 25 to 27 for the 2025 edition.
On Friday afternoon, the first Equirandins arrived at Les Bruyères airfield, the site of Equirando 2025, followed throughout the afternoon by their fellow adventurers.
After passing the veterinary check to ensure that all horses are in good physical condition after the minimum 100-kilometer approach trek, it's off to the paddocks to set up camp for the three days.
Everyone was happy to arrive, to meet up, and to share their experiences and stories!
“Each year, Equirando provides an opportunity to create and maintain horse riding trails around the host site. This is the result of the voluntary work of all the members of the regional and departmental equestrian tourism committees to develop horse riding tourism. A big thank you to them!”, recalls Valérie DALODIER, president of the National Equestrian Tourism Committee.
Resolutely focused on conviviality, Equirando lived up to its reputation: a warm welcome from a team of enthusiastic volunteers, equestrian discoveries around the central arena or with the specialist trail riding equipment suppliers present for the event, workshops and round tables, discussions over drinks featuring local cider and apple juice, a toast organized by the International Federation of Equestrian Tourism with Equirandins from around the world, festive moments, and more.
While Equirando is the flagship event for equestrian hikers, it is also a big celebration for the general public, who are invited to discover the world of horseback touring and riding over the course of a weekend.
Equestrian shows, demonstrations, and introductions to different careers, souvenirs from Equirando, food trucks in the exhibitors' village, and, above all, the Equirandins parade through town... Throughout these three days, horses took center stage!
“Le Cheval nous relie à nous-mêmes, mais aussi aux autres. Nous sommes 850 Equirandins, représentant autant d’itinéraires, autant d’histoires, que nous partageons tous ensemble, unis par l’amour du cheval“, shares José CASTAÑEDA, President of the Equirando 2025 Organizing Committee.
The charming spa resort of Bagnoles de l'Orne Normandie, the only one in western France, was greatly appreciated by riders and the public, who turned out in large numbers on Saturday afternoon to applaud the procession of 850 Equirandins.
The 9km route took the riders and carriage drivers from the lake to the Belle-Epoque district, with a stop in front of the Château Hôtel de Ville, where the inimitable Calixte de Nigremont introduced the teams to the spectators and elected officials in attendance.
Alongside José CASTAÑEDA, President of the Organizing Committee, Valérie DALODIER, President of the CNTE, and Olivier PETITJEAN, Mayor of Bagnoles de l'Orne, Frédéric BOUIX, President of the French Equestrian Federation and President of the International Federation of Equestrian Tourism, welcomed Hervé MORIN, President of the Normandy Region, Malika CHERRIERE, Normandy Regional Councilor in charge of the equine sector, Sophia HABIBI-NOORI, Normandy Regional Councilor, and Catherine MEUNIER, Regional Councilor and Departmental Councilor for Orne.
The gala evening was punctuated by an awards ceremony, honoring certain Equirandins, as well as the Organizing Committee.
The awards, combining loyal adventurers and the new generation, celebrated the youngest and oldest riders, the largest team, the longest journey, the Equirandin with the most participations in Equirando, the most beautiful carriage, and a “Jury's Favorite” award.
Budding hikers aged 6 to 10 were also honored; with their ponies or in horse-drawn carriages, they are already driven by a passion for travel and discovery! So, if one thing is certain, it's that the next generation is well and truly on board!
In the second half of the evening, the Organizing Committee presented a nighttime artistic interlude on the quarry, featuring free-form performances by Elisa LAVILLE, Julie RASCLE, and the Osmose dance company dancing with fire, as well as acrobatics by ITA.
After that, the band Elektrik Monday set the dance floor on fire for a wild night!
Through Equirando, the French Equestrian Federation highlights the benefits of equestrian tourism for local areas: promoting natural and cultural heritage, generating revenue for local businesses and artisans, providing entertainment and social connections through horses, and working in partnership with the network of equestrian trails to promote France as a horse riding destination. This expertise, inherited from 60 years of French equestrian tourism and making France a great equestrian nation, shines throughout the world.", emphasizes Frédéric BOUIX, President of the FFE.
