Cavalli sul Lago

An evening of horses by the lake

Cavalli sul Lago is the equestrian show that brings Marta to life every summer. This small fishing village overlooks Lake Bolsena in the province of Viterbo, in the heart of the Tuscia region. The event takes place on the multi-purpose fields of the Porto area, just a few meters from the shore—a natural open-air amphitheater where the audience sits on benches and stands set up for the occasion as the sun sets behind the lake's volcanic hills.

What to expect in the arena

The evening is structured as a seamless succession of acts, designed to keep the audience engaged, even those not typically familiar with the equestrian world. Over the years, a wide variety of disciplines have been showcased, featuring professional riders from across Italy alongside local riders from Marta and the Maremma:

• High school and dressage, with precision movements;
• Vaulting and acrobatic stunts in the saddle;
• Liberty work, the most spectacular moment, where the horse performs without tack;
• Spanish riding and Western riding;
• Carriage and driving demonstrations;
• The tradition of the butteri, the legendary cowboys of the Lazio and Tuscan Maremma, showcasing their herd-management skills.

In recent years, the event has embraced a more theatrical dimension: the 2025 edition featured Il Sogno (The Dream), a visual narrative centered on the relationship between a young buttero and a master rider, directed by Umberto Scotti. It was not just a simple gala, but a story that wove the various acts together.

The setting: Marta and Lake Bolsena

Marta is one of the most picturesque villages on the southern shore of Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Europe. The town thrives on fishing and agriculture and is famous for the Barabbata (or Festa delle Passate), an ancient May festival dedicated to the Madonna del Monte, and for Cannaiola, the light red wine produced on the surrounding hills. Cavalli sul Lago is part of the Marta Estate calendar, alongside the Fisherman's Festival, the White Night, and the musical events that fill the lakeside from July to the end of August.

A family-friendly event

The show is designed for all ages: its reasonable duration, the variety of acts, and the evening timing make it suitable for children, who are always eager to stay until the end. Before the show begins, food stalls open in the event area, allowing guests to dine on-site with local and lakeside cuisine.

Organizers

The event is curated by ASD Passione Cavallo, an association that brings together local enthusiasts and riders, in collaboration with the Municipality of Marta and with the support of public and private entities in Lazio, including the Lazio Region and the Province of Viterbo. Proceeds from the evening help support the association's activities and equestrian initiatives in the Tuscia area.