Ranch events calendar: competitions, clinics and the festival
Ranch sorting competitions in spring and autumn, taster clinics at weekends and a three-day festival in June: these are the events that set the rhythm of the year at the ranch. The 2027 festival takes place on 25, 26 and 27 June; the other 2027 dates will be announced here and on our social media.
Which events come round every year?
All year round, life at the ranch follows a calendar of friendly events open to everyone: riders from every discipline are welcome.
Ranch sorting competitions, in spring and autumn
Ranch sorting: two riders, a herd of numbered cattle and a time limit. The aim is to sort the right numbers, in order, as fast as possible.
The ranch held competitions at the end of March in 2025 and 2026, and in October 2025. At the March competitions, entry was free for spectators, with an evening event on the Saturday, booking required.
Taster clinics at weekends
On Saturday, an introduction to western riding; on Sunday, an introduction to ranch sorting on horseback. Each clinic runs either in the morning, from 9am, or in the afternoon, from 3pm, in groups of no more than 8 riders, on your own horse or on a horse hired from the ranch.
The clinics are open to all levels and to everyone: individual riders, riding centres and the simply curious. In 2026, they took place on 11 and 12 April and on 16 and 17 May.
All year round, the ranch also offers lessons, open cattle practice sessions and, in winter, lessons and clinics in the indoor arena, whatever the weather.
When is the festival?
Three days in June, from Friday to Sunday, on the last weekend of the month in 2025 and 2026: country and rock concerts, country dancing on the dance floor, ranch sorting, horse shows, American vehicles and motorcycle rides.
The 16th edition takes place on 25, 26 and 27 June 2027 in Contigné; the 15th was held from 26 to 28 June 2026. The programme and the opening of ticket sales will be announced on the festival’s social media.
The 2024 festival on video
When did these events take place in recent years?
Dates from past years, to give you an idea of the calendar.
2026
- 28 and 29 MarchRanch sorting competition, free entry for spectators, concert evening on the Saturday, booking required
- 11 and 12 April, 16 and 17 MayTaster clinics: western riding on Saturday, ranch sorting on horseback on Sunday
- 26, 27 and 28 JuneFestival, 15th edition
2025
- 29 and 30 MarchRanch sorting competition, the first of the year, free entry and a dinner evening on the Saturday in the indoor arena
- 27, 28 and 29 JuneFestival
- OctoberRanch sorting competition
- 8 to 11 NovemberThe ranch’s stand at the Angers Horse Show (Salon du Cheval d’Angers): meeting the horses, horse training and western riding demonstrations, and a presentation of the foals and stallions
2024
- 27 and 28 April, 8 and 9 May, 11 and 12 May, 25 and 26 May, 6 and 7 JulyCattle clinics: an introduction to working cattle, followed by a friendly ranch sorting challenge
- 14, 15 and 16 JuneFestival
- 14 and 15 September, 19 and 20 October, 2 and 3 November, 23 and 24 NovemberCattle clinics, for beginners and improvers
- 21 and 22 SeptemberRanch roping clinic (working cattle with a lasso), led by Joshua Mini
- 6 OctoberHorse fair
2022
- 24, 25 and 26 JuneFestival
Frequently asked questions
When are the ranch sorting competitions?
In spring and autumn: at the end of March in 2025 and 2026, and in October 2025. The 2027 dates will be announced on this page and on our social media.
Do I have to pay to watch a competition?
No. At the March 2025 and 2026 competitions, entry was free for spectators all weekend. Only the Saturday evening had to be booked in advance, on HelloAsso.
Do I need to bring my own horse to the taster clinics?
No. You can bring your own horse or hire one of the ranch’s horses (€30 in 2026). Groups have no more than 8 riders per session.
How do I sign up for a clinic?
By phone with Valentin Rey, on +33 6 47 62 92 51, or by writing to us from the contact page.
When will the 2027 festival take place?
On 25, 26 and 27 June 2027, from Friday to Sunday, for the 16th edition. The programme and the opening of ticket sales will be announced on the festival’s social media.
A competition, a clinic, the festival?
Tell us what interests you and we will reply with the next dates as soon as they are set.
