June 5 was ‘festa’ day at the Marsa Racecourse.

Attractively adorned for the occasion and with flags fluttering in a rather hot breeze, the racecourse provided the location for the second Equestrian Festival – a variety of horse-related activities spread over the entire day.

For some it was the first occasion to watch equestrian sport and many were surprised at the number of disciplines that are practised in Malta.

If some people expected the racecourse to be empty at the start of the Festival at 7 a.m., they must have been quite surprised by the number of enthusiasts in the stands.

Indeed, pony racing was the first discipline on show and the enthusiasm and shouts of encouragement are not normally associated with a lazy start to a Sunday morning.

The traditional horse blessing ceremony was, as always, impressive and colourful as tradition then gave way to the grace and art associated with dressage and quadrilles, including a Spanish dance performed on a horse.

Team play is another feature of equestrian sport and this was showcased through a hard-fought polo match for the Cawnpore Cup, an historic trophy which is over 100 years old.

The afternoon was dominated by horse racing, featuring trotting and flat racing disciplines. Strong challenges in the final straight and some dramatic finishes were accompanied by enthusiastic shouts from the stands, with the crowd on its feet on many occasions.

But it was not just the sports activities which attracted the spectators. A number of spectacular displays were also on offer, such as the In Guardia historical show and the colourful parade featuring horses, riders and flags. These contributed to the variety offered to spectators throughout the day.

At the end of 11 hours of spectacular horse-related activities, the organisers (Kunsill Malti għall-iSport in conjunction with the Malta Racing Club, the Malta Equestrian Federation and the Malta Polo Club) had good reason to be satisfied with the large number of smiling faces – young and old – leaving the racecourse after enjoying a great day outdoors with their families, appreciating horses’ and riders’ skills and the various equestrian sports practised in Malta.