Cittareale Horse Festival

The Cittareale Horse Festival

In the heart of the Rieti mountains, on the border between Lazio, Umbria, and Abruzzo, the small town of Cittareale (Rieti province) hosts the Horse Festival every year during a weekend in September. It is one of the most popular equestrian gatherings in Upper Lazio. The event takes place in the Ricci area, a site spanning over three hectares entirely dedicated to horses, folk traditions, and live performances.

The Italian Heavy Draft Horse (TPR) in the spotlight

The heart of the festival is the Italian Heavy Draft Horse (TPR - Tiro Pesante Rapido), a working breed that symbolizes the Apennine rural culture. During the event, ANACAITPR, the National Association of Italian Heavy Draft Horse Breeders, conducts official morphological and genealogical evaluations for the Studbook, featuring a showcase of the best stallions, mares, and foals. This technical aspect attracts breeders from across Central Italy, giving the festival its status as a significant zootechnical event alongside its popular appeal.

Shows, butteri, and carriages

The program alternates between competitive and spectacular moments: equestrian performances by internationally renowned artists, demonstrations by butteri, parades and exhibitions of vintage carriages, and the presence of the Carabinieri Forestali horses. The event also features a parade of vintage tractors, an exhibition area for equestrian equipment and accessories, and musical entertainment to liven up the evenings.

The Village of Traditions

Next to the ring and the arena, the Village of Traditions comes to life, featuring stalls with local products, artisanal crafts, and gastronomic specialties from the Rieti territory. The famous Dinner under the stars brings visitors and breeders together to enjoy mountain cuisine in a convivial atmosphere that is an integral part of the festival's identity.

From Nitriti d'Autunno to the Horse Festival

The event has its roots in the historic Nitriti d'Autunno exhibition, which was dedicated to working horses and hosted in Cittareale for many years. Renamed the Horse Festival in recent years, it has maintained its original spirit: to promote a breed and a craft tied to the land while keeping alive a tradition that unites the entire community of this small Apennine village.

An event for the whole family

With completely free admission, the Horse Festival is designed for a wide audience: riding enthusiasts, families, curious visitors, and nature lovers. Between walks, shows, good food, and the fresh air of the Rieti mountains, it is an opportunity to discover an authentic corner of inland Lazio and the horse culture that defines it.