The stars of the Salon du Cheval

The Salon du Cheval de Paris plays its full part in this strong trend. The essential get-together for professionals and amateurs of the equestrian world, the show in 2005 offers an unique area, in the heart of Paris, for meeting for all those who love horses or are interested in finding out about them.

This year, more than 55 000 m² of exhibition area, spread over four Halls, are at the visitors disposal. This large area makes it possible to welcome 1,500 horses, ponies and donkeys, from 25 breeds.

Come and discover them in their loose boxes on in the six rings that present non-stop attractions, competitions and shows. Exceptional events also punctuate the 9 days of the Show, such as the Parade through Paris, the Paris International Show-Jumping Event, the Night of the Horse Spectacular, and of course, the World Arabian Horse Championship. Thirteen nations are represented to make this show the front ranking international equestrian event of the end of the year. A true hymn to the horse!

• Sport
Horse-riding in France comes 5th in sports practised. There are more than 4,300 equestrian centres in France, with some 130,000 horses. About 1. 5 million riders, 487,760 of them club members.
The French Equestrian Federation is the 4th sporting federation in France. With an increase in membership of 12.1% between 2001 and 2004.

The FFE is the 2nd largest federation to have a majority of female members: 3/4 of members are women. Children love this sport too: one member out of four is under 10 years of age.

There are 1,200 pony clubs in France and 216,735 pony club members.