Nebrodi Horses

Nebrodi Horses: the horse takes center stage in Rocca di Capri Leone

Nebrodi Horses is the equestrian event that brings the Piazzale delle Scuole in Rocca di Capri Leone to life every summer. Located in the coastal district of the municipality of Capri Leone, in the province of Messina, the event brings the great tradition of the Nebrodi Mountains horse to the Tyrrhenian coast, where herds of Sanfratellano horses—one of the iconic breeds of this Sicilian mountain territory—have grazed in the wild for centuries.

Rooted in the tradition of Nebrodi Cavalli

The event is deeply rooted in the experience of Nebrodi Cavalli and the Gran Galà Equestre, an initiative launched around 2016 by local enthusiasts of high-school equestrianism and traditional European horse shows. Following interruptions due to the pandemic and administrative changes, the event has returned to growth thanks to the collaboration between the Municipality of Capri Leone and the Ippo Nebros association, which manages the equestrian aspects of the festival as part of the Nebrodi hospitality project.

A program of riding, music, and celebration

The schedule alternates between participatory moments and major evening shows. It kicks off with the Battesimo della Sella (first-ride experience), an opportunity for adults and children to get up close with horses, accompanied by country dancing to warm up the first evening. The heart of the festival is the equestrian theater show, featuring high-school performances, carriages, games, and demonstrations that showcase the elegance and bond between horse and rider. The event concludes with an open-air evening concert, turning the square into a grand village festival.

Who it is for

• Horse lovers and equestrian show enthusiasts
• Families with children, thanks to the always-active funfair area
• Visitors looking to discover the Nebrodi mountains and the Tyrrhenian coast of Messina in summer

Nebrodi Horses is a showcase of the Nebrodi equestrian culture and, at the same time, a summer social gathering for the entire community of Capri Leone and surrounding towns.