Celebrate horses through history

English Heritage’s “Festival of History” at Stoneleigh Park, Warks, this weekend (9-10 August) will celebrate the rich variety of England’s social and military history, with horses playing a starring role.

From carrying Roundheads and Cavaliers into combat in an English Civil War battle to running in a race as the finale to a gladiatorial show, horses and ponies will demonstrate the crucial importance they have acquired in Britain over the centuries.

One of the highlights is set to be a display of genuine medieval jousting, as brightly-clad knights come face-to-face in a once-deadly pursuit.

The events are all part of a festival, which is intended to let families and friends to witness the recreation of important moments in English history, and to give them a flavour of what life would have been like.

As well as the equestrian events, there will also be a medieval falconry display, Georgian cricket, swordfighting and Stuart cookery demonstrations. Visitors will also be able to visit a township featuring 10 historic horses ranging from medieval to more moden times.

Admission to the event will cost £12 for adults, £9 for concessions and £6 for children, with a family ticket costing £30.

To buy tickets for this event, or for more information (tel: 0870 333 1183) or log on to: www.english-heritage.org.uk.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now