This year’s Feria will have two official equestrian components, one being a daily procession of horse riders and the other being a carousel with musical accompaniment and various prizes.
The horses and carriages will be circulating between 12:00 and 19:00 each day on the following route: calles Frigiliana, Huertos, Arropieros, Angustias, San Miguel, avenida de Pescia, Ruperto Andúes, Torrox, Los Huertos, Frigiliana, prolongación Rodríguez Acosta and Mirador del Bendito.
The carousel, the I Carrusel Ecuestre Villa de Nerja, will be with the accompaniment of the drummers of the Hermandad de Nuestra Señora del Rocío de Málaga-La Caleta. There will be prizes for best costume and livery.
The route of the carousel will be: Parque Verano Azul, calle Antonio Ferrandis “Chanquete”, Mérida, Chaparil, avenida Castilla Pérez, Diputación, plaza Cavana, Carmen, Balcón de Europa, Puerta del Mar, Pintada, Angustias, San Miguel, plaza de Cantarero, Alejandro Bueno, Herrera Oria, Ruperto Andúes, Torrox, Los Huertos, Frigiliana, prolongación de Carabeo and to the feria ground.
For those wishing to participate, with either horse or carriage, there are quite a few rules and regulations. These include:
- Riders must circulate in the direction of the scheduled route.
- No cantering or galloping.
- No ‘exhibitions’ of horsemanship.
- Regulation dress is strictly ‘traditional’ – no jeans, shorts, trainers, bare torso etc.
- Riders/coachmen are responsible for the proper care and treatment of the animals, provision of water and the correct use of spurs, whips and other items. Whips may not be used laterally.
- Riders/coachmen must have the required insurances – public liability and damage – and present these, along with DNI and equine health certificate, at the Town Hall where a registration number will be issued. This number must be prominently displayed at all times when participating in the processions.
- Minors must be accompanied by an adult and have the permission of the parents or guardians who must assume responsibility for their participation.
- The animals may not be tethered at any time to any fixed or mobile element – lamppost, tree, building etc – but must be held by an adult.
Infringements will, reportedly, be dealt with in a punitive manner.