It was throughout the Baroque period from about 1600 to 1750 that horse riding became an art form and various breeds of heavy horses became popular for various tasks.
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The horses of that period - breeds such as Friesian, Andalusian, Warlander and Lusitano - will be celebrated this weekend at Kryal Castle's sixth annual Baroque Horse Festival.
Sixteen horses and riders will take part in this year's display, showcasing the different uses the breeds were put to at the time.
Kryal Castle's Phillip Leitch, the current world jousting champion, said horses and riders would show their talents in horse archery, garrocha, vaquero riding, barrel racing, skill at arms/working equitation, a liberty display, jousting and would take part in a daily grand parade.
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"The horse owners and riders who put together their show and costumes during the year. The number of participants increases each year and it's becoming a bit of a community," he said.
The Baroque Horse Festival is on Saturday and Sunday from 10am.
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