In a collision of historical opulence and equestrian excellence, Kryal Castle's Baroque Horse Festival is set to transform Ballarat into a 16th-century spectacular this February.
The two-day Baroque Horse Festival, running on Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16, will showcase rare breeds including Andalusian, Friesian and Lipizzan horses in a series of choreographed performances that would make Louis XIV weak at the knees.
The festival brings together Australia’s finest baroque horse trainers, with breeds once exclusively reserved for nobility now performing in the medieval arena.
Baroque Horse Festival
- Kryal Castle, 121 Forbes Rd, Leigh Creek VIC 3352
- February 15 & 16
- Tickets are on sale now
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For those who aren’t familiar with such creatures, Baroque horses are a distinct group of breeds that emerged during Europe’s Baroque period, descended from medieval war horses like the destrier.
These horses are known for their powerful build, featuring strong hindquarters, muscular arched necks, and typically full manes and tails. Originally bred for warfare, these horses later became prized for their ability to perform complex dressage movements, a legacy that continues today at institutions like the Spanish Riding School.
The festival’s crown jewel is Saturday night’s Baroque Feast, where punters can dust off their powdered wigs and corsets for a banquet accompanied by live strings. The entertainment lineup features high-octane jousting, horse archery,and medieval mayhem.
The program mixes historical authenticity with modern spectacle, from classical dressage to potion brewing and mounted archery demonstrations. Horse enthusiasts can witness Pura Raza Española and Warlander breeds performing the classical movements that once graced Europe’s royal courts.
The family-friendly activities include interactive animal encounters and medieval crafts, making history accessible for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Children can experience everything from Friesian encounters to sword fighting lessons.
Tickets start from $23, with the Saturday night feast requiring separate booking. Given the unique nature of the event and limited capacity, early bookings are recommended.
The festival runs from 10am to 5pm both days at Kryal Castle, located an hour from Melbourne. It’s medieval meets Versailles, with a distinctly Australian twist.
Get your tickets to the Kryal Castle Baroque Horse Festival here.